The Best Movie Theaters in Lansing, Michigan

Many Michigan residents know that there is nothing better to do in the wintertime than batten down the hatches and stay warm. While the summer months in the Lansing area offer many outdoor activities such as golf, swimming, or jogging through the city's parks or the Michigan State University campus, these opportunities are nonexistent from late fall through early spring. Perhaps this is why there are so many movie theaters in Lansing, and why each weekend they are packed with people of all ages looking for something to do. Here are some of the major theaters in the area.

NCG Eastwood Cinemas
2500 Showtime Drive, Lansing, MI
(517) 316-9100
Located off of Lake Lansing Road north of the MSU campus, NCG is the newest addition to the major Lansing area movie theaters, and it shows. With state-of-the-art screen quality; comfortable, rocking stadium seats; and Dolby Surround Sound, this theater offers Lansing residents the best movie experience in the area as it shows the latest releases. A 360-degree concessions stand helps keeps lines short and allows patrons to fill their own soft drinks; for families with time to kill before the show, an upstairs arcade with games and a snack bar will help keep kids occupied. Ticket prices: $5.50 for matinee and seniors and children, $6.50 for students with ID, and $7.50 for adults.

Celebration! Cinemas
200 East Edgewood Boulevard, Lansing, MI
(517) 393-7469
Celebration is located off I-96 at Cedar and Pennsylvania Avenues, south of the city. The first theater in the area to be built with stadium seating, Celebration presents a quality, standard movie experience with a few twists. The first is an IMAX theater, which at four stories high redefines the term "big screen." Both standard IMAX documentaries as well as big-budget feature films are shown on the screen. Also, while Celebration shows many of the latest (and biggest) releases, the theater also shows popular independent films from time to time and collaborates with local filmmakers to show some of their work on weekdays. A large arcade is available here; the concessions stand is nice but lines tend to run long. IMAX ticket prices: $9.00 for adults, $7.00 for students and seniors and children. Regular ticket prices: $5.50 for matinee and seniors and children, $6.50 for students with ID, and $7.50 for adults.

Goodrich Lansing Mall 6
921 West Mall Drive, Lansing, MI
(517) 886-3456
Located on the grounds of the Lansing Mall off of West Saginaw Hwy., this theater provides quality showings of major films on six screens. The atmosphere is smaller and cozier than the larger theaters. Late show ticket prices are offered, and expect to pay a little less than you otherwise would for your food at the concessions stand. Ticket prices: $5.75 for matinee and seniors, and children, $6.75 for late shows, $7.75 for adults.

AMC Meridian Mall 6
1999 Central Park Dr., Okemos, MI
(517) 349-4104
AMC is located in Okemos, about a mile east of East Lansing. Built in the mid-90's, this theater is not as high-tech or aesthetically pleasing as its state-of-the-art neighbors but it will still provide a good movie-viewing experience and good customer service in a traditional seating environment. Offering big-budget films on six screens, this theater is a favorite of college students who want to get away from the action. Concessions stand is typical; watch out for long lines on the weekends. Ticket prices: $5.50 for matinee and seniors, $4.50 for children, $7.50 for adults.