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    Bow Tie Cinema

    3.1 (210 reviews)

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    Haley Alyssa J.

    Bow Tie Movieland, the main theater, and Criterion, the smaller venue across the parking lot that shows limited release films, are my go-to theaters in Richmond. Both accept MoviePass and have a free rewards program that I can use on top of it, so I visit at least 2-4 times per month. They have a decent selection of blockbuster and film festival movies, seating is comfortable and in tiers so that your view isn't blocked by the people in front of you, and there's a variety of concessions available, including hot food and alcohol. A ticket usually costs around $11.50 and a small popcorn is $6.25, but they do have discounts for students, seniors, and specials on Tuesdays. Sometimes the screens behind the ticket desk are blank, so make sure you research the movies and times before you arrive. The line is often long, but it moves quickly, and there are several self service kiosks. The ticket has your theater number printed on it, with theaters 1-10 to the left of the concessions and the rest to the right. There are two bathrooms on each side, one at the front of the hall and another towards the back. My main gripe is some movies will stop playing after only a week or two, but the website only shows the schedule for a few days at a time. It's frustrating to make plans to see something the following week only then to find out it's already gone.

    Wallpaper in bathroom near 5
    Lisa G.

    So, Bow Tie has been around what... 9-10 years now? I used to LOVE this theater, but the last several times I've come, it has been one bad experience after another. First, the concession line is always super slow regardless of whether there's one in line or 20. And the last couple times, there was a person at the register who WASN'T taking orders. Just standing there. Why fake me out like that? And what the heck are you doing there if you're not there to help? Second, twice in one week two DIFFERENT screening rooms were without heat. The first time, we just braved our way through it and froze to death (this was when we had temperatures in the single digits to teens). Instead of not running the film, or telling customers there was no heat and allowing them to make their choice whether or not they wanted to suffer, they did nothing. Third, the screening rooms are filthy! Sure, they get the trash off the floor after each screening, but the seats are dirty and in terrible condition--ripped, cracking, etc. Fourth, the bathrooms are often without toilet paper, and in the one next to screening room 5, the wallpaper is peeling off the walls. We reported it two weeks ago, and it hasn't been fixed. This is my neighborhood theater. I want to keep coming here, but it is really a disappointment how much it has gone down, and seemingly so quickly! Management, get it together!

    Deluxe Nachos! Sorry for the fuzzy picture (taken July 29th, 2011 BlackBerry 9630)
    Tony A.

    I've been going to Bow-Tie Cinemas ever since it opened. It may very well be my preferred theater of choice. I live in Mechanicsville so my choices are the ghetto Regal Cinema at Virginia Center Commons or make the journey to Short Pump. I would usually just head to short pump but the massive amounts of people make the movie going experience unpleasant. If I wanted to deal with large crowds of a-holes I'd move back to California. The screens are NOT the same size at this place. If you're watching a movie that has been out for a few weeks you might find yourself in one of their tiny rooms. If you're lucky enough to see your movie on one of their large screens it's a pretty decent picture. I recently saw X-Men Days of Future past in Theater 6 and the screen was nice and large. The seats rock back a few inches which are nice but the arm rests don't fold up. My son and I sat in the upper front row with the guard rail in front. The guard rail is nice because you can put your feet up and relax. It was absolutely glorious! My son and I practically had the theater to ourselves. The sound was dreadful but its Richmond after all. These people don't know anything about calibrating sound or at the very least turning it up so we can experience the movie. I think the projectionists are just young kids who don't care. Back in my days in Fullerton I used to go to an AMC movie theater that had Sony Dynamic Digital Sound (SDDS) that blew us out of the seat. I remember True Lies almost shattering my ear drums. The craziest thing I ever felt in a movie theater was back in 1999. This terrible movie called 'The Haunting'. There was a scene with so much low-end bass I thought the whole theater was going to shake apart. I remember watching another movie during that same week and from a different theater FELT THE BASS of that movie. I laughed "they must be watching The Haunting next door" I get more audio thrills from my wimpy home theater than this place. It's a real shame they don't crank up the sound in this place. Despite the weak sound (maybe I just got unlucky today?) I like this theater a lot. They offer some decent food too. The have some killer nachos (get the deluxe!) and also serve up little cheeseburger sliders. I think this is pretty cool for a movie theater to serve up good food. They also serve beer in a weird closed off section. I've been going here a lot and haven't ever seen anyone drink a beer in the DMZ. In closing Bow-Tie is my #1 choice when I want to see a movie. It will always hold a special place in my heart because I bumped into David Strathairn there. David Strathairn was filming Lincoln in Richmond and there he was. Right there in the men's room. He was so incognito it took me several minutes to recognize him. Pretty cool stuff.

    The fate of the fast and furious! Nothing like a good matinee.
    Jahnay M.

    I loved my experience at Bow Tie Cinema to be completely honest. The location is right in Scott's Addition and right up the street from the Diamond. Yes, it is a smaller theatre, but sometimes that makes for a much better movie experience! When we went there was barely a line to purchase movie tickets (major pro), they have a bar with beer and wine. The eating area is a good size. The bathrooms were clean when I went. Given that this is a smaller movie theatre I love that they have plenty of parking and decent size theatre rooms. Tuesdays are for discounted tickets! (Yes that's a great deal). Only thing I wish is that they had cinnamon pretzels. If you're like me and don't like crowds much especially when you're trying to enjoy a movie I recommend checking out Bow Tie. Can't wait to check out this mimosas on Saturday deal I keep hearing about. Also their popcorn is delicious btw.

    Wonderfully displayed prices and products
    Lauri W.

    Well, when I can't get to CineBistro, I go here! And, you can't beat the $6 Tuesday deals and $5 popcorn?! Yes. Sign me up. I love this theatre because it's so clean, quaint, visually appealing, and you can't get a better location right in Scott's Addition. I've been here plenty of times in the past, but yesterday my mom and I went on a date to see Cinderella (which was incredible by the way) and I was reminded of why I love Bow Tie so much. They have plenty of events going on and I have got to get out to Movies and Mimosas one Saturday! The theaters themselves are on the smaller side, but the screens and sound are on point. The popcorn is delish and they have a self-serve spout that spits butter. How cool is that? Feel free to as much butter as you want. I want all of it. Other things you'll find in Bow Tie Cinemas are clean bathrooms, cute birthday party rooms, and a section where you can buy alcohol. When choosing a movie theater, keep this one top of mind!

    A slider and a lemon drop martini

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    Great customer service, comfortable auditorium, special prices on certain days. Easy parking. Overall a very good experience.

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    Review Highlights - Bow Tie Cinema

    Its close to my house, the building is an old train station, and they play movies.

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    Movieland at Boulevard Square - Dolby

    Movieland at Boulevard Square

    2.6(79 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    My partner and I have been here several times now. Our latest visit was for the rescreening of One…read moreBattle After Another. I ordered the tickets online, which was a seamless experience. We sat in the middle and the reclining seats were fantastic. The sound wasn't too loud or too quiet, and the moviegoers were on their best behavior. The popcorn and drinks are highway robbery. Show me a theater where that's not the case nowadays, and I'll gladly go there instead. The ticket checker was the same older gentleman we have seen on our multiple trips. He is always kind and helpful, providing accurate directions to the theater entrance. He deserves a raise in wages. It's hard to find good help nowadays. I've only been to Byrd Theater outside of this place because Movieland has everything we need in a movie experience. I definitely recommend it.

    I'm surprised I haven't left a review at this theater yet since I've been here multiple times! They…read morehave upgraded the seats to this amazingly comfortable reclining chairs with a swing table and cup holder! Heavenly! So comfy! The theaters are smaller than many other movies theaters, so we really enjoyed watching out movie in a smaller more intimate space. The concession counter was empty (we went to a matinee) so we breezed Ruth through! The popcorn was overly salty but still good and fresh. Our server was friendly and sweet. The arcade was huge, but no Photo Booth, boo! And they still have a bar but it's off to the side now. I miss the Criterion but this movie experience was top notch! The Oscar's goes to....

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    Movieland at Boulevard Square
    Movieland at Boulevard Square - Play land at Movieland!

    Play land at Movieland!

    Movieland at Boulevard Square

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    Regal Short Pump

    Regal Short Pump

    2.7(117 reviews)
    10.0 mi

    This was my first time seeing a movie at this theater. I met some friends on a Saturday evening was…read moresurprised at how empty the lobby and theaters were. You either have to purchase your tickets online or at a kiosk and they do have assigned seats. Being in Short Pump, I was surprised by the decor and concession options. The theater needs a major remodel as you are instantly transported back to the 80's when you enter the lobby. With so many theaters now offering reclining seats, it was disappointing that they weren't offered here. The concessions are ridiculously priced, a small drink was almost as expensive as my ticket, and they only offer Pepsi products, which I'm not a big fan of. It's conveniently located, but I'd probably opt for another movie theater next time I want to see a movie.

    This Regal feels like a blast from the past, it has a mix of modern and retro vibes which gives it…read morea nostalgic feel. The seats aren't the most comfortable, but they're perfectly fine for a movie outing. I am an unlimited member so I often frequent multiple regals. The real draw here is the selection of limited releases and early access screenings that they offer. Which is what draws me over to this regal from time to time. The concessions are on the basic side, don't expect a huge menu, but they cover all the essentials, mainly popcorn, drinks and some hot items. You won't find many of the unique concession offerings that Regal typically advertises and they are usually out of a lot of those items. It is a little pricier than your average theater and if I wasn't an unlimited member this would not be my top theater. However if you're into smaller releases, it's absolutely worth the extra few bucks.

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    Regal Short Pump
    Regal Short Pump
    Regal Short Pump

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    Bow Tie Cinema - movietheaters - Updated May 2026

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