1. Regal Mountlake 9 Theatres

Great parking, big screens, good popcorn, and good movie selection put this at the top of my list. I probably see 90% of my movies at this theater, and it's not even by my house. There's nothing extraordinary about this place, just consistency. Because this is a chain, be prepared to endure pathetic up sell drivel on the screen before the movie. And don't be afraid to say "no" to the candy combo. Just don't be mad at the poor concession stand workers; they'll probably get fired if they don't ask you.

6009 S.W. 244th, Mount Lake Terrace, WA 98043 (800) 326-3264

2. AMC Cinerama

The best movie theater in the state, by far. It was resurrected from the dead by Paul Allen, Microsoft co-founder, because he had a lot of good childhood memories there. The reasons it's number 2 on my list are: Limited parking and a bad second tier of seats (if you sit in this area near the bottom, the screen can be obstructed by handicap seats). If I go to the Cinerama, I usually just pay for parking and make sure I sit in the front section. The screen is one of the largest in the state, and they can project digital movies. The best things about this theater: You get to put your own butter on your popcorn (there's a reason they don't put on five squirts!), and when you go to the bathroom in the middle of the film, you can hear the film on speakers. In an era of multiplexes, the Cinerama stands alone as a one-screen wonder. 

4th and Lenora, Seattle, WA 98121 (206) 441-3080

3.  The Rose Theater

Besides being an historical landmark, this theater has a special feel that starts the moment you walk in the door. The people working there are friendly and courteous. They make good popcorn. And before the movie starts, one of the workers walks to the front of the theater and tells you a little about the movie you're about to watch. The one and only movie I've seen at this theater was Erin Brokovitch, and that was enough to catapult the theater to the top of my list. Also, they sell great T-shirts. I've had more people ask my about my "Rose Theater" T-shirt than any other. When you're in Port Townsend, stop by this theater to see a film. You won't be disappointed.

235 Taylor Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368
Email: movies@rosetheatre.com
Movie Information: 360/385-1089
Office: 360/385-1039

3. Regal East Valley 13

This is the biggest movie theater I go to (13 screens!). Owned by the same people who run Mountlake Terrace, it has the same consistent feel and even more parking. I'd probably go to this one all the time, but it's 20 miles from my house.

Highway 167 at East Valley Road, Renton, WA 98055 | (800)326-3264

4. Landmark Neptune

Like "The Rose Theater," the Neptune feels like no other theater I've ever been in. The ornate walls make you feel like you're sitting in a theater for royalty. There's also a house organ, although I've never seen a movie when they play it. Last time I was at the Neptune, I thought the seats were incredibly uncomfortable. And because it's located right in the heart of the University District, there's a chance in hell you're going to get parking.

1303 N.E. 45th, Seattle, WA 98105 | (206) 781-5755 |

5. Landmark Egyptian

The Egyptian is an ancient theater with tons of character. I don't really go to movies here anymore, but it's definitely worth a visit. I did attend a Seattle International Film Festival screening of "The Myth of Fingerprints" and got to see Julianne Moore in person after the film (she was just becoming a huge star at the time). My other great movie memory at this theater was seeing "The Piano" there with a sold-out audience.

805 East Pine, Seattle, WA 98122 | (206) 781-5755 |

6. Boeing IMAX Theater - Pacific Science Center

There's nothing like an IMAX screen, especially the one at this theater. Sometimes they show movies like "The Matrix" and "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones," but I usually see the 30-40 minute special interest movies, like "Space Station 3-D" and "Bugs!"

200 Second Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109 | (206) 443-4629

Virtual tour link - Lobby

Virtual tour link - Theater

7. Lake Chelan Ruby Theater

In many ways, this is a cousin to the Neptune theater in Seattle. It's just as uncomfortable, too, although the ambiance makes up for it. Whenever I'm in town for one of my wife's conferences, I try to take in a movie.

135 E. Woodin Ave. PO Box 1351 Chelan, WA 98816 509-682-5016

History of Ruby Theater

8. Carmike 12 - Kennewick

My parents live in the Tri-Cities (Richland, Pasco, Kennewick), and when I visit, this is my theater of choice. I like the consistency and the plush seats.

1331 North Central Parkway, Kennewick, WA 99336 (509) 374-0356 |

9. Landmark Guild 45th II

Due to parking, I rarely see a movie at this theater. But theater number 2 (upstairs) is one of the best places to sit back and watch a film. It seems that every film I've ever seen at night at this theater has sold out.

The 2115 N. 45th, Seattle, WA 98103 | (206) 781-5755

10. Landmark Metro Cinemas

This one made the list because I used to always walk there from my house in the University District. It was a long walk, maybe a mile, but I loved that walk back, thinking about the movie. The other great thing is it's close to Half Price Books and Cinema Bookstore. The theaters are small (some of them not much bigger than a large living room), and the concession stand workers have major attitude. But for some reason, it's still a fun place to go.

4500 9th NE, Seattle, WA 98105 | (206) 781-5755