With the current COVID-19 pandemic, the future of movie theatres is uncertain. AMC has publicly stated they are not sure if they can stay in business. That being said, let’s dive into the theatre options here in Wichita.
Currently the main two movie theatres players in town are AMC and Regal. There is a good chance you are more familiar by their former owner names Northrock Theatres and Warren Theaters.
AMC Theaters – Northrock Wichita
Several years ago Northrock Theatres closed and was shut down for a good amount of time before theatre chain AMC swooped in and renovated it a couple years ago.
https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/wichita/amc-northrock-14
Regal Cinema – Warren Theatres Wichita
Bill Warren started the Warren Theatres chain which consisted of the East 13th St Warren, the West 21st St Warren (with IMAX), and the Old Town Warren. Most people would agree that these are some of the nicest theatres that they have been to. I know this is the case for me. A few years ago Bill Warren sold several of his theatres to Regal. I mainly go to the east Warren. Although it is still one of the nicest theatres, there was a noticeable drop in quality under the new Regal ownership. It’s the small things like cleanliness, buckets of popcorn vs bags of popcorn, real tickets vs paper tickets. Under Bill Warren’s ownership, it was the cream of the crop.
The best part about the Warren is the Warren 21 option. There is for 21 years of age and older, but you can order food, alcohol and have heated recliner seats. It is also nice to pick your seat ahead of time!
https://www.regmovies.com/theatres/regal-warren-west-imax/1443
AMC vs Regal
Last year, we went to Instagram to get people’s opinion on which theatre chain they prefer. Below is some of the feedback we received:
“I lovvvve AMC. I stopped going to Regal because AMC is cleaner, the popcorn is tastier, and their app is so convenient! ?” – @ronbon89
“AMC! I love that all seats are reclining and that I can butter my own popcorn !” – @reganlumpkins
“AMC just seems so much cleaner compared to Warren now” @mooseman563
“AMC has such a beautiful intimate atmosphere, BUT THEIR prices went UP!! The Warren it has been for me..!! Good ole $10 tickets, while AMC is 13.99 sheeeeesh!!” – @sha.sha0119
“This is tough. 1. I prefer the menu at AMC & I like the fact that there are far fewer people at AMC. 2. Service at AMC isn’t even 50% as good as that at Warren. We usually go to AMC because we prefer to “fight” customer service than the crowds.” – @michellelbase
“Can we put a third option? The Drive in? If we had a more comfortable car and I wasn’t pregnant, I’d spend every weekend there.” – @style_by_staci
Other Movie Options in Wichita
Starlite Drive-in Movie Wichita
Another option in town is the Star-lite Drive-in. It almost closed in recent years, but due to the overwhelming support, it was able to stay in business! Starlite Drive-in gives you more, call 524-2424!
