Each year, we ask Orange County Register readers to choose their favorite places to shop, dine, play and do business in OC.
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Here are the top picks for Best movie theater:
1. Regal Irvine Spectrum
500 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine; 844-462-7342; regmovies.com
How about a Ferris wheel ride with your movie? The Regal Irvine Spectrum, located at Irvine Spectrum Center off I-5 and the 405, is a fun and luxurious place to see a movie and have dinner — and enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel.
Inside the theater, the luxury wing at Regal Irvine Spectrum ScreenX, 4DX, IMAX + RPX features eight auditoriums with Regal king-sized adjustable recliners, reserved seating, a full snack and goodies menu, and a lounge. IMAX movies are viewed on an eight-story-tall screen. The luxury wing offers reserved seating for select movies and showtimes. Guests can pick and reserve their seats when buying tickets in advance either online from Fandango or directly at the theater box office.
If you are a regular at this theater, joining the Regal Crown Club loyalty program will help you earn credits to buy merchandise, movie tickets and theater upgrades. It’s free to join. The theater also is available for private screenings and business events.
“I enjoy coming to this theater. With all the different theater experiences and plenty of concession options, I’m willing to drive out to this location for blockbuster-type movies. I usually watch movies here during the week, either in the morning or early in the afternoon, when crowds are light, and parking is easy,” a customer named Phil C. from Buena Park wrote about the theater on Yelp.
2. The Frida Cinema
305 E. 4th Street, Suite 100, Santa Ana; 714-285-9422; thefridacinema.org
The Frida Cinema — named for Mexican painter and revolutionary Frida Kahlo — offers diverse film and event programming focusing on classic, cult, international, independent, documentary and repertory cinema. The Frida Cinema also hosts art shows, discussion panels and post-screening Q&A’s, student film showcases, live events, film festivals, high school and college internship programs, and the monthly DTSA First Saturday ArtWalk.
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“Thanks so much, O.C.!” said Executive Director Logan Crow. “We’re honored, thrilled and deeply grateful to know you appreciate our work at The Frida, Orange County’s only nonprofit art house cinema.”
Crow continued, “Since 2014, we’ve been proud to bring you dozens of films each month from around the world, across genres, cultures, and over 100 years of cinematic history. Whether you’re looking for something classic or contemporary, thought-provoking or wildly escapist, romantic or terrifying, and all those wonderful films that blend genres together, there’s always something waiting for you at The Frida. Thank you for celebrating and supporting independent cinemas!”
3. Cinemark Century Huntington Beach and XD
7777 Edinger Ave. #170, Huntington Beach; 714-373-4573; cinemark.com
The Cinemark Century Huntington Beach and XD theater offers the luxury and ultimate movie experience moviegoers want these days, and the theater, located in the Bella Terra shopping mall, is a repeat Best of O.C. winner.
“Cinemark is proud to be selected once again as a place where the Orange County community can come together to unwind, connect and escape into great stories on the big screen. The Century Huntington Beach and XD theater is designed to be more than just a movie theater. It is a welcoming space where guests can relax, recharge and be transported to new worlds for a few hours,” a Cinemark representative said.
“From premium amenities like the Cinemark XD auditorium, Luxury Lounger recliners, and D-BOX motion seats to a wide variety of food and beverage options and convenient mobile ordering, every detail is focused on creating a comfortable and memorable experience. Together, these offerings ensure that every visit feels easy, enjoyable, and worth coming back to again and again.”
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