A trip to the movies. Back in the day, it was a special treat, when you would get dressed up, load the whole family in the station wagon and all sit together to watch the action unfold on the silver screen. These days, theaters are seeing a decline, as venues make way for Netflix, Hulu, and flat screens, when teens switch on their headphones and watch on their laptops. Despite this change in tastes, some amazing venues throughout the state have maintained their splendor and still show the classic films that were famous back in the heyday of cinema. Here are a few such venues.
- Redford Theatre, Detroit
“RedfordTheatreMarquee” by Dave Parker - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons Opened in 1928, this historic theater on the city’s west side is now owned and operated by the Motor City Theatre Organ Society, which regularly screens cult classics like Jurassic Park, The Goonies, and Willy Wonka and Chocolate Factory.
- State Theatre, Ann Arbor
“StateTheatreAnnArborMarquee” by Parkerdr - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons This Art Deco venue built in 1942 is now a favorite for fans of indie and classic movies.
- Ford Wyoming Drive-In, Dearborn
- Emagine Theatre, Royal Oak
Emagine We threw this otherwise non-classical venue onto the list just because of all the awesome things it has to offer. Want to grab a bite or cocktail before the movie? They’ve got that. Maybe a late-night bowling game? They have that, too. It’s a one-stop entertainment shop.
- Ionia Theatre
Facebook Watch first-run films in this amazingly maintained theater.
- Landmark Main Art Theatre, Royal Oak
Facebook On the same corner as the fancy Emagine is this spot, where you can catch indie flicks that are hard to come by in other area theaters.
- 23 Highway Theatre, Flint
Facebook If you grew up in the Flint area, this drive-in was proabably part of your family’s upbringing.
- Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor
Once a hub for vaudeville silent movies, this venue, just around the corner from the State Theatre, is another great alternative for independent cinema.
- Rialto Theater, Grayling
Facebook This beautifully-maintained small town movie house has been a Grayling staple since 1915.
- Capri Drive-In, Coldwater
- Riviera Theatre, Three Rivers
Facebook Surrounded by Victorian architecture, this venue offers classic films, live performances, and is available for rent.
- State Theatre, Traverse City
Facebook This non-profit space provides Traverse City with a fully-restored, historic theater that plays classic cinema.
- Vogue Theatre, Manistee
Facebook Don’t let the old-school facade fool you. You can catch first-run blockbusters in this classic venue.
There are obviously many more venues like these across the state. Tell us, what are your favorites?
“RedfordTheatreMarquee” by Dave Parker - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Opened in 1928, this historic theater on the city’s west side is now owned and operated by the Motor City Theatre Organ Society, which regularly screens cult classics like Jurassic Park, The Goonies, and Willy Wonka and Chocolate Factory.
“StateTheatreAnnArborMarquee” by Parkerdr - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This Art Deco venue built in 1942 is now a favorite for fans of indie and classic movies.
Emagine
We threw this otherwise non-classical venue onto the list just because of all the awesome things it has to offer. Want to grab a bite or cocktail before the movie? They’ve got that. Maybe a late-night bowling game? They have that, too. It’s a one-stop entertainment shop.
Watch first-run films in this amazingly maintained theater.
On the same corner as the fancy Emagine is this spot, where you can catch indie flicks that are hard to come by in other area theaters.
If you grew up in the Flint area, this drive-in was proabably part of your family’s upbringing.
Once a hub for vaudeville silent movies, this venue, just around the corner from the State Theatre, is another great alternative for independent cinema.
This beautifully-maintained small town movie house has been a Grayling staple since 1915.
Surrounded by Victorian architecture, this venue offers classic films, live performances, and is available for rent.
This non-profit space provides Traverse City with a fully-restored, historic theater that plays classic cinema.
Don’t let the old-school facade fool you. You can catch first-run blockbusters in this classic venue.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
