Where to Catch a Movie in Syracuse

Whether you're a film buff, or you just like to retreat to the cool darkness of a theater to pass the time, the Syracuse area offers both big-time chain theaters and hidden independent gems so you can have the best of both worlds. Here's a quick introduction to five theaters in the Syracuse area and what they have to offer.

Regal Cinemas: Stadium 17
9586 Carousel Center, Syracuse, NY - (315) 466-5678

At the top of Carousel Mall, the future site of tourist attraction/Brave New World "Destiny USA," you'll find one of the most popular movie theaters in Syracuse. It's here that people gather for midnight openings of sensations like Hannah Montana and The Dark Knight, and it's not hard to see why: with comfy chairs, stadium seating, and a fully stocked concessions stand, this theater has it all. Sadly, the movies run much later than the mall is open, so if you plan to do any shopping, make sure you get it done before going into a movie that starts at 7pm or later. Ticket prices run in the usual $7-9 range.

Regal Cinemas: Stadium 10
3649 Erie Boulevard E, Dewitt, NY - (315) 449-2210

Typically less crowded than its Carousel cousin, this theater, located in the half-abandoned Shoppingtown Mall, was recently renovated to the same cushy style. Its concession stand even sells personal pizzas! It's a smart choice if you want to avoid the crowds, although its summer showings of second-run kid's movies in the morning assure that it's packed with small kids until afternoon. Since so many of the stores in Shoppingtown have emptied out, there's not as much to do before and after your movie as you'll find at Stadium 17. However, for many people, that's a decent trade-off for the occasional empty theater. Ticket prices run in the usual $7-9 range.

The Palace Theater
2384 James St, Syracuse, NY 13206 - (315) 463-9240

Situated near the heart of Downtown in East Syracuse, the Palace Theater is much more than just a second-run movie house: it's a part of Syracuse's history. Though Syracuse residents still catch the latest blockbusters at Carousel or Shoppingtown, they love the unique atmosphere of the Palace Theater. Generally, it shows one second-run film and one special engagement: currently, the latter is a three-film festival of family-friendly favorites The Princess Bride, Labyrinth, and The Dark Crystal. For these events, attendees are often encouraged to dress in costume for a reduced ticket price. Alcohol is sold on premises, and fundraisers are often held. Also, for a fee, they will put up a "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Anniversary" message on their marquee sign.

Hollywood Theater
2221 Brewerton Rd, Mattydale, NY - (315) 454-0321

Another second-run gem, this theater still charges just $1-$1.50 for tickets, making it a favorite amongst teenagers and families. It's located in Mattydale, a short drive from Syracuse proper. $1 day is on Tuesdays, and its single screen ensures that showings are few and far between. Its owner, Conrad Zurich, owns several first-run theaters as well, which allows him to see all the potential second-run films in advance. He then picks the cream of the crop to take to Hollywood Theater. If you're looking for some cheap entertainment, or maybe to see something you missed the first time around, Hollywood Theater is the perfect choice for you.

Manlius Art Cinema
135 East Seneca Street, Manlius, NY - (315) 682-9817

If you're looking for independent movies in the Syracuse area, your options are limited: luckily, Manlius Art Cinema is here for you. Showing only one engagement at a time, they pick their fare carefully. Their current feature is Lymelife, with Goodbye Solo and Is Anybody There? coming soon. It's another piece of CNY history, residing in the same building as a silent movie theater back in the pre-1920s. Their ticket prices are a reasonable $7.50, and they accept cash only to keep costs low.