Great local cinema. Friendly staff. Popcorn with real butter! We go to the mystery movie every Wednesday and look forward each week.

I likely had my first moviegoing experience here and can recall seeing additional films here when in the early single digit ages. So it was exciting to have a recent and currently rare chance to return to the venue for the first time in at least 10 years, if not more. I do follow their social media programming in the interim and am pleased that the cinema has managed to soldier on through the more challenging recent years. The triplex layout was exactly the same as I remember, though it was a surprise that the bathrooms did not seem to have been updated. The more personal, less chain-like touch is evident throughout the space with handwritten film titles and a general welcome to linger vibe. The film I saw featured in the "screening room" which I had not visited before. Seating was OK with the look up at a slightly sharper angle than I would have liked. Sound and picture quality was excellent. The trailers before the film were individually cultivated (a welcome additional more "personal" touch) and highlighted upcoming one-off programming the cinema will be offering. Keep going strong, Cinema Salem! read more

This is a smaller operation that is less expensive than the big theaters and offers many more options of a classic movie theater.

Within less than a year I have seen 3 movies (2 of which were classics) and 1 performance here. I love Cinema Salem because of the movies they show (horror and Halloween-y), the performers they book, the fact that their popcorn has real butter, etc. Cinema Salem has been there since 2001, but that space has been home to multiple movie theaters. read more

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I was so happy to see Cinema Salem was back open and not a casualty of the pandemic. They offer current movies and have a special movie late night every Friday. I went to see They Live and was surprised at how popular the event was. There was a fun trivia game before (which may have gone on a bit long - I got the feeling the crowd were regulars and everyone knew each other which added to the trivia game) and they previewed some really wacky looking upcoming movies. Not sure any appealed to me but in September it looks like they start with the Halloween cult classics (Candyman is advertised) so we shall see. The theater is okay but don't expect great seats. Basic, not even padded, seats that were not exactly comfortable. They offer a variety of food and good prices for anything you do buy which is nice. I got a popcorn and it was very tasty. Masks are now mandatory except when eating which I appreciated. The bathroom could use some love but that's nit picking. I had a good time, prices were fair on tickets and food and it's a fun event to have every Friday. read more

It's crazy how cheap and cool this place is! We spent $32 on a large drink, large popcorn and two tickets for Free Guy! We're visiting Salem for a few days and we wanted to see a movie and saw this little cinema at the witch city mall and decided to hop in! The staff is friendly, seats and theatre is clean, same with the bathroom! I'm so amazed that it's not a more popular place, especially considering the amazing prices! I wish there were more little places like this everywhere! Make sure you come here if you wanna see a movie, they're only open weekends but totally worth it! read more

It's great that there are still independent movie theaters out there. Come here occasionally and always enjoy myself. They play movies early enough and it has a much more low-key vibe than the chains. I also love how they have the chalkboard signs with handmade signs for each film--they're very well done! The seats could use some updating and workers could clean just a little better, but overall it's still a great place to see a movie. read more

I really love this movie theater. It's adorable and sweet and yes a little antiquated but that's part of its charm. The small screening room is super cute and the chalk boards with the movie titles really make it small town home....the month of October it is even better. Do check it out when you are in the city read more

Independent movie theater, what's nice is they will have unusual or off the beaten path films like 'The Cabot' in Beverly. Often times they will have movies that are most popular, but are otherwise limited in selection. It's nice that it's in the India Square Mall because there are shops, a pizza joint, a tavern, and an Asian restaurant available. The theater is usually clean, seats are comfy, and the staff are always pleasant. We look here first for date night before we look elsewhere for going out to the movies. read more

A great community theatre. In a world of multiplexes, this place rocks. It's cozy and run by friendly folks. They run excellent, independent films and the snack bar even has PB&J! Keep supporting your local theaters! read more

Everyone should patronize and support this excellent, locally owned cinema. The difference here is plain. They are not as expensive as the megaplexes and the snacks are better. How about a free refill on your soda!? Amazing. Also, the place is exceptionally clean. Give them a chance and you will be back. read more

I LOVE this place!! Being a townie (I live and work in Salem), I love keeping things local as much as possible. The fact that this place is local as well as independent is even better! My husband and I live walking distance from Cinema Salem/Museum Place, but even if we wanted to drive there, there is plenty of affordable parking throughout downtown. Most people nowadays like stadium style seating with the surround sound that gives you a heart attack....not me. I like how when I go into this theater, its busy but not over crowded. The place is quiet in comparison to other theaters that hold hundreds. I don't have to deal with crowds of annoying and rude kids, long lines everywhere and a dirty venue. This place is clean and a much more relaxed atmosphere. Tickets and concessions are very reasonable...much cheaper in comparison to other places. There is also a good selection of your average movie theater food as well not your average choices at their cafe. Any seat you take in the theater is a great seat and the sound is more than perfect. Being 5 feet tall I usually have huge issues with tall people sitting in front of me and ruining the whole movie, at Cinema Salem that is not the case. I have also found that the fellow movie go-ers here are much more respectful as well. Once the movie starts, everyone is quiet which can often be a problem at bigger places. The only "downside" to Cinema Salem is that they don't tend to get every single movie here. They always have a good selection, something for everyone, and often get a new movie right when it is released. Sometimes it takes a few months longer to get a movie and sometimes not at all. That hasn't been a huge issue for my husband and I since the movies they do have playing are ones we would decide to see. Everyone who works here has always been nice and respectful...not one of them seemed to hate their life or job. If you have to opportunity to go see a movie at Cinema Salem, GO!! Not only can you go see a movie and not break the bank, but you can walk around downtown Salem, shop or eat at one of the great places all around you! read more

I felt it's time to reaffirm my love for Cinema Salem. I love how the staff comes in to tell you where the emergency exits are...I love the women's bathroom with the awesome mosiac...I love the trivia before the movie...I love the fact that the cafe is opening soon with hot chocolate... read more

Our absolute favorite area movie theater...staff is friendly, movies are a great mix of blockbuster, indie and foreign/arthouse films. Prices are reasonable and theaters are comfy. Screens and sound are great. They do weekly TV show screenings (like Glee) and midnight premieres (Harry Potter), too. One thing I particularly like is their committment to community, from giving a portion of every purchase to a charitable cause in the community to showing local art to hosting the Salem Film Festival. This theater is genuinely interested in doing good things for their patrons and beyond. If you have not been to CinemaSalem, check it out. Grab lunch or dinner at the Thai Place next door - if you tell them you're going to a movie, they'll have your meal out almost before you can order it. Parking can be tricky since the meters are 2 hours. Best bet is to park in the garage unless you're there on Sundays when parking is free. read more

My wife and I love Cinema Salem. It's local, has comfortable seating, and in addition to first run major movies hosts film festivals we're interested in seeing. Parking is great (the Salem parking garage is literally above the theater). Also very reasonably priced. We'd be really sorry if we lost this local theater and were forced to the sterile (not in a biological sense) mall theaters. read more

I like this place! It's fairly small, but has a very cozy feel to it. It's a bit loungey-feeling, with chairs, couches, and places to hang out. Doesn't feel like fast-food movie theater. The popcorn was good, drinks were cold, prices were typical for the movies, and they had other stuff that looked interesting as well. While you stand in line, they play one of the movies on a tiny screen. The theaters and screens were relatively small, but it wasn't an issue for nice movie-viewing. Nice place with personality read more

I recall going here as a youngin to see Return of the Jedi when it was just a three screen chain theater. Over the years as multiple googleplexes opened up around the NoSho I opted for the stadium seating and deafening surround sound, but recently I've noticed how CinemaSalem has started making moviegoing a better experience. Like a lot of smaller, independently owned theaters they will show a lot of independent/foreign movies, but also grab some of the more popular first-run flicks. With the Avengers having a line to from Danvers to Rhode Island for the local supermultiplex, I decided to stay local and see it at CinemaSalem. I figured I'd miss the seating, the huge screen, the sound...but I didn't. I was in quickly without waiting for a massive line, parking was a cinch and didn't require a depressing walk through the Liberty Tree Dirt Mall, and the cost of two tickets, two drinks, and a large popcorn was more than reasonable for me and the ladyfriend. When Batman came out weeks later, there was no debate, we went right back. One of the things I like best is the interaction between CinemaSalem and their followers via FaceBook. Recently they polled FB to ask which smallscreen show they would like to see weekly on the big screen (something they did with great success a few years back with LOST, which I don't like, but loved the idea) and once the voices were heard, the Walking Dead was chosen (much to my delight). It is a small touch like that which will keep me looking there first when choosing a night out at the movies. - Uncle Juggsy gives it two snaps up with a twist and a kiss in a z formation read more

This is my place to go see a movie! Whenever I can avoid going to the megaplexes or large chain theaters, this is where I want to go. Cinema Salem is awesome at not only getting some major big title movies but showing lesser known, indie films. There is always a great selection of movies to the point where I keep checking their website to see what is coming soon! But let's talk about what is really important: the ticket prices are cheap! They are at least $1 cheaper than the big theaters but the matinee prices are where you see the savings. $8 a ticket before 6 p.m. and if you get a soda or popcorn to share with someone its the same price as two tickets at the larger megaplexes WITHOUT snacks! The staff is always great and friendly and you can tell they enjoy working there. They have screening specials such as Baby & Me Mondays, Senior Tuesdays and Student Thursdays. If you have the Foursquare app there are always deals to be had on concessions. This is an establishment that LOVES films and it shows. They house the Salem Film Festival as well as the Student Film Contest to promote film making among high school students among other things. They have a cafe which I've never been to but have seen birthday parties hosted there and work done by local artists hung on the walls there. If you ever get a chance to see a movie here, DO IT!!! Great theater that has rarely ever been crowded. read more

more of a small nook/ quirky movie theater. staff are attentive and the atmosphere has nice vibes.

a great alternative to the multiplexes... and less expensive and with friendlier staff. My only complaint is the selection isn't quite as eclectic as I'd like (have to go in town for that) but if you want to see more of a mainstream movie, this place is preferable to the mall. *bumping this up to five stars... my favorite theater on the North Shore! read more

I remember coming here for the $1 movies when I was younger. That time is long past, but I still come here. It's not big and showy like the close AMC, and they don't have the comfortable rocking stadium seats, but it's still worth the price of admission. Speaking of price, the "matinee" runs until like 6:00pm, which is awesome. I've been here a few times and either had a theater to myself, or close to it (score!). Check out the wall in the women's room, it's pretty cool and makes me want to smash colored glass and create my own mosaic. read more

This was a truly mixed-bag experience. On the one hand, the staff were very friendly and personable, the food was tasty and they had cool topping choices for the popcorn, but on the other hand, the facility...Well, it's just bad. The first thing that struck me was that it's a weird location for me. I went up there to meet friends staying in Salem who wanted to catch The Hobbit. That's cool; 45 minutes in the car and a strange parking garage later, I found this place tucked into a glorified strip mall. It looks, feels and smells old in there, and what's more, they only had the film in 3D. The screen was no way set up for that experience, and it really showed throughout the viewing. Also, for a new film, there was no reason for all the black spots and jerks in the picture. You would have thought you were watching a reel that had been tossed in storage for a couple of decades with no climate control to protect it. I like that they let you make your own coffee, but really, why such small pots? I missed the first 5 minutes of the film because I was standing at the concession counter waiting for the girls running the register to remember they were brewing me a batch. I wish they had mentioned it wasn't ready before they sold me a cup, or would have let me swap it for a soda, but I guess they have a policy against that. There's not a lot of seating, the chairs are vinyl instead of plush and most of the room is flat, so you get a lot of back-of-the-head along the bottom of the screen. I wouldn't go back here, but I like mom-and-pop places, so I'm giving them three stars. read more

What a nice little comfy and cozy theater. No crowds, no long lines and the staff is friendly. I love it when I can bring my daughter to see the latest children's film during the day and we have the whole theater to ourselves, because she just loves to talk, so, this is a fantastic time for the two of us to enjoy some quality time together. I've been coming here for decades and it's always been great and nothing but positive. My wife and I had our very first date there 14yrs ago and I can recall seeing several dozens of movies there over the years. Since this theater is inside a small shopping center I go into sometimes for other reasons, it's very difficult to pass up going in just to buy some popcorn, because it's so good, and one can smell it from outside the theater, making it very tempting to load up on a large bucket of sweet buttery goodness... nom nom. read more

"Cinema Salem" offers the same kind of charm you'd expect from the City of Salem. It's small, independently operated, unassuming and extremely welcoming. Even with only three big screens (one smaller screen for smaller, limited releases), they have a pretty healthy rotation of films. I'm an avid movie fan, so at times I prefer the "IMAX" and "AMC Loews" for the bigger, louder Blockbuster's for the experience, but when it comes to the more intimate pictures and comedies, "Cinema Salem" makes for the perfect date. Admission is cheaper and more reasonable than any of the other theaters and their practice of personally welcoming and making announcements by staff is highly appreciated. I have yet to attend any of their special events, but there is often musical acts and other arts and entertainment being promoted. They also raffle off a monthly $1,000 grant to non-profits. It's nice to see the arts and community being supported by such a great establishment. My favorite date nights are the ones that match a dinner at "Passage to India" or "Bangkok Paradise" with a flick at "Cinema Salem." Before heading over to the Liberty Tree Mall, check out the listings and see a movie at one of Salem's best offers. read more

Cute and cozy little theatre inside the Salem mall! Has a lot of character and charm! Also a heads up: there is a bathroom inside the theatre that you can use if and only if you are seeing a movie here. There's always a massive line across from the theatre for the bathrooms in the mall, and those bathrooms are disgusting! read more

I went to the Salem Cinema this past weekend for the first time. It was lovely! It has an adorable cafe with coffee, pastries, ample seating, etc. As you go down their hallway you reach the main desk and concessions area. Their matinee price is $7.50 (I think evenings are $9). Concessions were average priced - not as high as your regular theatre, but not cheap either. What makes this place great, is the small touches and community vibe. For instance, they have myriad popcorn salt toppings to choose from - awesome! They are involved with the Salem community and support local non-profits with some of their proceeds. It is the perfect place to catch an independent film, or in my case, catching up on the Oscar nominees. They will even be playing the Oscar nominees for short film, which are almost impossible to find. They have a film festival, host fun events and provide a great atmosphere. I will definitely be back. Please show your support for our locally owned theatre. read more

Came here to see Magic Dick and Shun Ng. My experience here was fantastic!!! Great sound quality, intimate venue, and the staff want you to enjoy their venue....which you will! There's ample parking in front of the cinema, which is free after 6. My only suggestion would be to have real tickets! I collect them from my shows I see. They should offer an option for people like me! read more

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I really like this place...first off, I love Salem to begin with, but this little gem of a cinema is cool. It's got an old school flair and it's just neat...I have been on 2 separate locations and I look forward to returning! Make a night of it, grab a coffee at Jaho, dinner at one of the many great restaurants (like Tavern) and catch a movie. read more

Convenient because it's close to my house, but other than that, I avoid this place if given other options. Chairs suck and employees are rude. My most recent visit was with my boyfriend and he walked up to the counter to ask a question, and before he could even open his mouth, the guy working whipped around and shouted, "TICKETS ARE OVER THERE!" and pointed to the other side of the counter. My boyfriend then stated he just had a question and the guy proceeded to act like my boyfriend was an inconvenience and taking up sooo much of his time. The place is always dead. What are you doing that makes you so busy that you can't answer a single question without having a stank attitude? AMC in Danvers is more expensive, but honestly I don't go to the theatres that often and would rather give my money to them. read more

4 stars because its just a movie theater. But, choose this place over any of that stuff in the mall. Why? 1. its local, support local business 2. free tv shows (i watched the final season of lost there) 3. REAL butter on the popcorn!! 4. Staff is nice read more

Cinema Salem is a great little neighborhood movie theater. They have a great variety of films considering they only 4 theaters. Ticket prices and concessions are cheaper then the corporate theaters. Every year they play Oscar films and host the Salem Film Festival...which is awesome! They also support and partner with local non-profits. Highly recommend seeing a film at Cinema Salem. read more

LOVE THIS PLACE! Such a cozy little theater. It's close to everything in downtown Salem but has a unique vibe all its own. There's never any huge lines and the staff is really great. Great snacks and cafe area too. I planned an event at Cinema Salem a few months back, a student filmmakers short film showcase. They couldn't have made the process any easier for us and their staff was extremely easy to work with. They made our movies look better than any of us expected!! I would highly recommend this theater to anybody not looking to go to a huge theater. read more

There's no imax and no stadium stadium seating. What is, is there is a great local theater that has the same movies as the mega plex with the same popcorn and candy. What it doesn't have are the high prices and long walk down dimly lit corridors that put you in different city then the one you started in. Now they won't have 20 movies at time, but then again I'm only going to see one at a time anyway. If my movie is playing here I just wait till its in the Redbox. read more

Love this Cinema. It reminds me of the now defunct Nickelodeon by BU in Boston. Nicely independent. Not a lot of frills. Is not commercial at all. In fact it doesn't have one of my major pet peeves when going to the movies these days, commercials. They showed some trivia before the previews. Another thing I liked was on the way in there were some photographs hanging in the lobby. They were nudes. Thats great that they dont care if somebody might be offended by them. Not that anybody should, but that speaks to how independent they are I think. Other plusses is White Castle burgers and real butter on the popcorn. read more

There is nothing I DON'T love about this place. Walking distance from house, cheaper than the mall, not as many teenagers checking cell phones.... great little cafe, good popcorn, local art work, showing TV shows on the big screen.... The only thing I could ask of my little theatre is more cozy seating or a few more options of movies. Nothing that makes me more sad than knowing that I want to see a movie... and the husband says, "is it playing in Salem?" And I have to say no. But I love you just the way you are. Thanks for having the best movie place around! read more

Thank you Cinema Salem for having LOST for free! Its really great to watch it on a theatre screen. And your new cafe is nice too, I had the "Dark Knight" coffee....mmmmmmmmmm. Cute place read more

This a great place, local business Should be supported much as possible Frederick P read more

I love going to Cinema Salem! The staff is so friendly and its great to be able to walk to movie! If you are a local I would sign up for their newsletter, I get one every week which lets me know what movies are coming as well as any upcoming events. They show a lot of independent films and sometimes even show TV shows (like Lost last year). It is great fun and they have a nice cafe and chairs to wait if you show up a little early. read more

I live in Salem. I love this cinema. It is conveniently located, they even validate your parking if you use the garage above them. Here you will always be able to see more than the usual movies that shows at other cinemas. They take great care in selection independent movies and documentaries as well, and they always have the latest blockbuster movies at the same time as the big theaters. The price for a ticket here is the biggest bargain in MA. You can actually afford to go to the movies often with their prices. The staff is always friendly. They also host The Rocky Horror Picture Show ever so often, with live actors. This is a hoot, and always starts at midnight. I had a great time at the last performance. I will definitely attend their next show October 12th. I highly recommend it. All in all a five start experience, and I have been going there for many years. read more

I went to cinema Salem today for the first time. I recently learned of the baby and me matinee Monday's at 10am. My 3 month old and I went and saw the Shape of Water with some other local Mums. Some tips I learned - park at the top of garage by the mall, from here you can take the elevator with your stroller right to the mall/theatre. You can bring your stroller right in and park it in the outer isle or back of theatre. They are so accommodating they even offer a changing table in the back of the theatre. The popcorn was amazing! The place is a little dated but I loved my morning out with my little man! A hidden gem for local moms!! We can't wait to come back. read more