Top 5 Movie Theaters in Wayne County, Michigan

As an avid movie goer, I have experienced many different theaters in the Wayne County, Michigan, area. Over the years, the theater experience and choices have definitely changed. Since I know some people are still going to the same old boring theaters, here's a list of the 5 best places to see a movie in Wayne County... at least the ones I've been to!

5. AMC Livonia 20

Where; 19500 Haggerty Rd., Livonia, MI, 48152

Price: $5 before 6 PM, $5-7 on weeknights, $10 on weekend nights

When to choose this option: Located near many great restaurants, the Livonia 20 used to be my #1 choice. Now it falls as 5th on the list but I would still visit this theater whenever I plan to do other things in the local area as well. With the variety of movies they show, there is bound to be a good time to see something I want to see and I almost never have to worry about not getting into my movie. Popular movies are usually shown in multiple rooms giving you even more times to choose from.

When NOT to choose this option: That 10$ price tag is outrageous considering how low the prices are at many other theaters, so I would never again go here on a weekend night.

Click here for showtimes at the AMC Livonia 20.

4. Goodrich Canton 7

Where: 43555 Ford Road, Canton Township, MI, 48187

Price: $4.75 before 6 PM, $7.74 after. Discounts available for senrios, children and students at all times of day

When to choose this option: I choose this option mostly when the time is right! The theater suddenly changed to stadium seats one day without anyone knowing it. Back then I'd go see a movie and no one would be there, however now the word is clearly out as this place is packed on a Friday night! They have a nice concession stand with some specials and good prices on things like refills. I'd see any movie there, but it's not my first choice.

When NOT to choose this option: When you drive by and see a ton of teens hanging out and parking their cars, you might want to go to the Emagine Canton (next on my list) which is larger and seems to have more seating. It's a good option since the movies are cheaper, but since there are less movies showing you are more likely to find one sold out on a busy evening.

Click here for showtimes at the Goodrich Canton 7.

3. Emagine Canton

Where: 39535 Ford Road, Canton, MI 48187

Price: $5 before 6 PM, $9.50 after. Discounts available for seniors and children in the evenings only

When to choose this option: The Emagine is actually one of my top choices lately whenever I want to go to a movie. It's just a hop, skip and a jump down Ford road and near many restaurants making it a great choice for dinner and a movie. The large, comfortable stadium seats make it so everyone can see the screen clearly. They also have a few rooms that have even larger and more comfortable seat, but that comes at a price of $6 a ticket more! The Emagine also offers a nice large concession stand with a variety of candy, snacks, popcorn and drinks. The best time to go is during the matinee's, before 6 PM.

When NOT to choose this option: The later it gets into the evening, the more crowded this theater gets. I have never had to wait in a long long line, but traffic getting there, especially on a weekend night, can be a big hassle. Besides, it's cheaper to go to a matinee so that is what we do most of the time now.

Click here for showtimes at the Emagine Canton.

2. Emagine Novi

Where: 44425 West 12 Mile Road, Novi, MI 48377

Price: $5 before 6 PM, $9.50 after. Discounts available for seniors and children in the evenings only

When to choose this option: With it's location in the Fountain Walk in Novi, across from Twelve Oaks Mall, the Emagine Novi is a great choice for when you are planning a whole day out in Novi. You can eat lunch at one of the restaurants, see a movie, do some shopping, get some ice cream at Cold Stone, and then even enjoy some games at Lucky's arcade! The theater itself is the same as the Emagine Canton - large with comfy stadium seats, a great screen and great sound. You can movies of all kind at the Emagine.

When NOT to choose this option: If you live closer to the Canton theaters, and you don't plan to spend the whole day out of the house, the Novi theater may be too far a trip just for a movie. It's better to visit when you make a day of it!

Click here for Showtimes at the Emagine Novi.

1. Henry Ford Imax

Where: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124-5029

Price: $10 for members, $11.75 for nonmembers. Prices are slightly lower for seniors and children

When to choose this option: When you look at that large price tag, you may think there is no way you'd ever spend that much for a movie. HOWEVER, the Imax is a larger than life experience that brings movies to life. Action movies like The Dark Knight are amazing on the Imax screen, while animated flicks like Happy Feet bring you so close to the animation that you feel it is real. The Imax also makes some of their movies in 3D, such as the hilarious animated flick Open Season. Every Christmas, the Imax brings back Polar Express in 3D which enchants children and adults. The 84 feet x 62 feet screen and six-channel, multi-speaker sound can not be beat for films that have these great visual effects. AND, did I mention that it is stadium seating???

When NOT to choose this option: I gotta admit, the Imax normally only shows movies that are going to be great in the Imax, but here's what you want to look out for. If a movie is just a comedy, or a romance, or something that won't have a lot of graphics or effects, I wouldn't waste my money seeing it in the Imax.

Click here for Showtimes at the Henry Ford Imax.

On the other end of the spectrum: The following theaters just don't cut it for me anymore and I'm amazed to find they are still in business.

AMC Laurel Park 10 might get a lot of business because it's located inside Laurel Park Mall, but with it's lack of stadium seating I don't go there anymore. The ticket prices seem to be $5 no matter what time you go, but for that price I'd rather go to a matinee with stadium seating than an evening show with regular seats.

Showcase Cinemas Westland actually DID close down in March of 2008, and I never even noticed! The fact was, they also had no stadium seating yet their ticket prices were always MORE than other, better theaters. If you are driving by and wonder why they are so dead - it's because they are no longer open.

AMC Star Fairlane 21 isn't even on my list of options anymore since the last dozen times I went there I encountered loud obnoxious people, annoying phone calls during the movies, and police outside to "keep the crowd moving". I also don't feel like this is a very safe theater, so I stay away.

Visit one of the Top 5 Today!