Not quite the overwhelmingly huge installation as are some, and it feels a bit dated... but the prices are good, the popcorn is good, you can get beer and wine, and you really shouldn't see The Odyssey anyplace other than an IMAX. Other nearby IMAX theaters pale in comparison. read more

Went to see a showing of Mesmerica. Pretty cool 3D show! We got the VIP pass which was open seating in rows D-H. Seats were comfy. The theater had a good selection of concessions including alcohol. I had a cider and popcorn! They have the spout where you can add your own butter - yum! read more

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Free parking on a Saturday, no concessions line, clean theater. Sit in the back if you want the whole view! Lots of fun

Parking costs are ridiculous should you choose to park near the entrance - $25 on a Sunday? Absurd. read more

Marbles IMAX - Cinema Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Just took family to see The Odyssey...limited staff and NO AC. Super hot in there...What is going on? Very disappointed!

Seating that causes clear views even for short people, and the sound can rattle your bones.

My family and I had the best time at this IMAX! You really can't beat $5 per ticket for their documentaries. After glasses fees and taxes it was under $20 for the three of us to go to the movies. The concession stand is small, but has everything you may want. They even have beer and wine. I found the prices to be reasonable and they have a great $5 kid option for popcorn and a juice. You really can't beat an IMAX for the enormity of the screen. We saw Flight of the Butterfly and my five year old loved it and I was surprised at how much I loved it as well. We are heading in again soon to see Journey to Space. So nice to have this option here for an inexpensive and educational trip to the movies. If you've never been, the IMAX shares a building with the Marbles cafe. read more

Marbles IMAX - Cinema Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I don't know why I waited so long to check this place out - this is absolutely the best place to watch a big blockbuster projected on a real IMAX screen with fantastic sound (not LieMAX, which is what all the other theaters in the Triangle, such as the AMC at Southpoint, seem to offer). And my ticket was only $13, which is a deal for a "premium" format in 2025. Going forward, I will always try to see big event movies at Marbles IMAX. I'm docking it one star because: 1. the seats themselves are not great by modern "stadium seating" standards and 2. they stopped showing One Battle After Another after one weekend? Even Tron: Ares gets a week and a half! One Battle After Another is very much NOT a kids' movie, but it is the movie of the year for adults, and true IMAX is the way to see it as it was intended (in a 1.43 aspect ratio). I was planning to see the movie at least two more times with friends at Marbles, but now I guess I will have to settle for a Dolby Cinema screening at AMC. read more

Quite possibly my favorite overall theater experience. That is primarily driven by this location's walkability to the rest of downtown. The other, is that it's a true IMAX theater with a big screen and excellent sound system. I personally would take that over reclining seats, and food service any day. This IMAX is truly just about the movie. read more

Love a lot about this theater, great staff, solid pricing all around, nice seats and a huge screen with great sound system to boot. Feels a little cramped in the lobby area, but really only annoying in the first 5 or 10 minutes directly after a movie. This has become one of my favorite theaters in the area, have had awesome experiences every time-plus, R-rated movies now show, something they used to not do! I would recommend though using the parking garage next to the theater, most weekends it is free or cheaper than the parking at the theater and is a very short distance away. read more

This was my first movie at the Marbles IMAX. We chose to go here specifically because we thought the latest Mission Impossible movie with all the action (car chase, cliff jump, and train derailment) would be really epic in an IMAX setting. Not so, mi amigo. The theater feels small and the seats are in dire need of replacement. They both felt like they had bottomed out. No recliners here which I can understand being attached to a children's museum, but for an almost 3 hr movie I came real close to just standing since we were on the back row. Really uncomfortable. The only other IMAX I've been to had a surround screen. This one does not. I guess the only thing that makes this an IMAX is if it happens to be a 3-D movie. M/I is not that, so do your bum and back a huge favor and go see this epic movie at any one of the much more comfortable recliner theaters. read more

We love this place. My son is older now and he still loves to go here and hang out. On our recent trip we attended one of the short documentary movies about amazing canines. We purchased our tickets early and got our snacks. I love how the theatre is so clean and well maintained. The staff are friendly and always talk to my son on the way into the theatre. read more

If you haven't been to the IMAX in Raleigh, you're missing out. Just caught Dark Knight at the IMAX last week and it will blow you away! While the Raleigh IMAX is smaller than what I'm used to, it's still a super-sized screen with some serious sound. Every pixel on the screen is crystal clear and you can pick up all the detail in the sound effects and soundtrack. It's not as if you're watching a movie, you feel like you're IN the movie. There isn't a huge choice of snacks and drinks but not a big deal, you're here for the ultimate in movie-watching! But the snacks they do have are reasonably priced between $2.50 and $4. Tickets can be bought online for hot flicks. And watch out for 3-D movies, they had U2 3D earlier this year and it was something else. A big thumbs up for IMAX if you're tired of watching movies at home! read more

Parking cost us $20 to watch a movie !!!!! No reclining seats packed in like sardines. I can deal with the theatre but not paying $20 to park literally the price of two tickets ! IMAX needs to work something out with the city !!!!! read more

Movie was fine. Had debilitating food poisoning that put me out of commission for 2+ days. Vomiting,Diarrhea,Fever. Immense pain had to sleep feverishly by the bathroom door. Still very uncomfortable after 3+ days. BOUGHT AND ATE POPCORN. DO NOT BUY FOOD FROM HERE. You will gamble your safety and sanity. read more

The IMAX theater was clean and big. I really enjoyed the movie and was very comfortable. The lil food place was kids food related. So eat before or after. read more

When I think of a movie theatre with the biggest and best sound and screen in the area, I think of the Marbles IMAX. According to their website, they are NC's only 3D capable giant screen certified theatre at 70 feet wide by 52 feet high. The good thing about the IMAX is that when you are watching a Hollywood film here in 3D, the price does not increase just because it is in 3D. That means, the ticket price is always $11.95 for adults. If you go to the Regal the price will be $15, and Southpoint will set you back $14, so your best bet is to see it here at the Marbles IMAX. And with all of that money you saved on movie ticket prices, you can use $1 of that ($0.45 for kids) to go and explore the Marbles museum. So if you think about it, for less than you would pay in admission to a different IMAX, you can get admission to the movie, admission to the museum, and a larger screen experience. One thing I forgot to mention is that the 3D glasses here are higher quality than the other 3D glasses that you can get at Crossroads, or Southpoint. This IMAX shows plenty of documentary and nature films also. They charge $3 less for those movies. Some of those films are pretty good. The space lover I am enjoyed the Hubble 3D film. The concession stand is not that big, but it only has one screen, so that is understandable. If you don't want popcorn, then they have a healthy alternative choice at the Roly Poly Deli. More about them can be found here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/roly-poly-rolled-sandwiches-raleigh In terms of parking, they do not have their own parking lot, or parking deck, but since it is downtown, there is plenty of on street parking, and a couple of parking garages close by. If you are at the other side of downtown, and do not feel like moving your car, or walking, then you can hop on the R-Line and ride the bus for free right past the IMAX. I think I covered it all. If I missed anything, then go by the IMAX and see what I missed. You will enjoy the experience. I was reminded that this was a purpose built IMAX and not like the other theatres where they just put in a new projector and call it an IMAX. read more

Both times I've been to this IMAX, it's been to see a Harry Potter movie. (Would you unfriend me if I told you I also own all the books and DVDs?) There's something just all American about the big screen -- I mean the reeeally big screen. Perfect projection, and picture as far as the peripheral eye can see. That's a thing o'beauty. Along with the incredible sound, it leaves you feeling completely enveloped in a film; seriously transported into that world. At the rather high price of $14 though. If you've got a cool action-packed effects movie, or a 3D flick, or a fistful of money, I'd definitely recommend it. read more

I worked at Marbles for a little bit, so I may be biased, but: IMAX at Marbles is awesome! First off you have not been to a real IMAX showing if you haven't been to this theater. I know some other theaters in town carry the IMAX name, but the experience can not be compared to that at Marbles. There is only one theater so showings are limited. However, I LOVE whenever they host throwback film events like the showing of the Harry Potter film series one weekend, or showings of Nightmare Before Christmas on Halloween weekend. They do have a small snackbar with beer and wine options, and a small private parking lot (pay) which makes IMAX at Marbles easier to get to despite being located off Moore Square. read more

I expected the screen to be larger. We saw Dead Reckoning, Part 1. Found the theatre smelled, a bit of urine, like maybe in the seats. Needs a serious cleaning. The price is great however. read more

While it's pricey, I have to admit that this theater is the best in the Triangle! Their shows are limited and you have to get in line early if you're going on the weekend and extra early for opening night, but it's worth it! Comfortable seats with lots of leg room & sign up on their e-mail list for one free (TINY!) popcorn (NOTE: You MUST print the coupon, they will not let you show it to them on your smartphone). Also, the powerpass option is worth checking out if you live in the area--pay a large chunk in advance but $5 for all Hollywood movies, free documentaries and more! read more

Very convenient to have a movie theater within walking distance, especially an IMAX. The only wish I have is that they could play more movies at a time! This theater is very well kept and the staff seems to actually enjoy their jobs. We went tonight for the last screening of Star Wars and it was like a big party. I am definitely going to look into doing their membership type deal for all the great movies coming out in 2016. read more

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Oh boy, people in the triangle love this theatre. I had a pretty fun time getting Avatar 3D tickets, since the weekends would sell out almost a full week in advance. Of course, after I managed to finally score my weekend tickets a snowstorm rolled in and canceled my show. They successfully managed to not tell anyone how to reschedule or get refunded. I had to call their phone number until I finally reached a voice message that said all I have to do is reply to the original email to reschedule. I wonder why they didn't just say that on their website, jeez. Anyway, if you can get tickets, it's great. There are 267 seats, but you want to ignore about half of them (the lower section) since they're too close and you may get sick. Seriously, I had some co-workers that arrived late and sat in the front row. They had to leave early and their tickets were refunded. They said that the IMAX employees said it's very common and they refund tickets a lot. If you're seeing a feature film, get there 30 minutes before. If it's a new release and you're going on a weekend, then you might want to stretch that into a full hour. If you're seeing an educational film I have no idea, but pat yourself on the back for seeing something educational! Most new release feature films will sell out easily. Don't treat this like a regular movie theatre where you leave a seat between you and strangers. Move all the way in to the center if you can, because it will be annoying to others when the IMAX employees come out to tell you to do so. Parking is a breeze since there's a couple parking garages nearby. Prices are on the steep side ($12 for matinee and $14 for evenings), but I guess it's not too bad since IMAX is a bit of a monopoly and could probably charge $20 if they wanted to. Maybe I shouldn't have said that. A side note: Morehead Planetarium at UNC is going to be replaced with a new fulldome digital theatre. It's not going to be IMAX-branded, but it will probably provide some competition on the educational film front. I'm a big fan of the OMNI IMAX theatre in Boston. read more

I'm quickly going to explain why you need to chose this IMAX over the one in Cary. In this is my review and I think it just sums it up. 1. The screen is much larger... about twice the size. 2. The sound system is tremendously better. 3. It's cheaper (and they often offer $3 off coupons). 4. The Marbles Museum is a non-profit. 5. Promote downtown. read more

Picture was good but sound very lacking. Saw top gun here and at raleigh grand. Sound at raleigh grand made much better cinema experience despite much smaller screen. Seats at marbles imax very poor support and comfort. read more

Ever since "The Dark Knight," the very first feature film that was shot partially with IMAX 70mm film (I'm too much of a tech geek to know this,) I have been in love with IMAX standard theater. From "Avatar" to "Tron: Legacy" to "Harry Potter" and "Cars 2 3D" even, every experience just led me more in love with this place. The facility is always clean, and even though they sold out every single screening there is always an order when it comes to the queue. Or, you can be like me, get the annual Power Pass membership, skip the long line and get the advance seating. Not only that, you can reserve ANY Hollywood feature film for just measly $5, as opposed to the standard $12 (or $15 and up if you order online.) Besides Hollywood, I am also a documentary buff, and with my pass I get to watch any and every documentary film for FREE! How do you beat that?! Two downside to this theater: the stadium is a little smaller than regular theater, but on the plus side the seat is not cramming; the major disadvantage of setting your theater right in the middle of downtown Raleigh, is the lack of easily accessible parking. There is only so many free parking (after sundown) around Moore Square. Give me an I~ Give me a M~ Give me an A~ Give me a X~ IMAX! **pondering for a long time which place I should have starred for my #250 review. Figure in the occasion of The Hunger Game I will let IMAX at Marbles get the glory. read more

At this point I've seen a half dozen or so movies at the IMAX downtown, and I can honestly say that I have yet to see a movie there that I didn't like. Most recently, I saw Avatar in 3-D *drool* For $11.95 a ticket, it is well worth the price for what you get. Another real positive for this place is that there is not a single bad seat in the house. Parking is a bit of a bitch, but not awful. Parking anywhere downtown is a pain. My popcorn was hot, my soda was cold, the movie started on time, and my ass didn't hurt after having sat there for over 2 hours. What more can I ask for in a theater? Online ticket purchase - they've got that too! Bravo. read more

What's not to love about an über huge movie screen, a booming sound system, and a location right in the heart of downtown Raleigh?! They have an extremely convenient website where you can buy tickets in advance and see if shows are already sold out. I highly recommend this when seeing mainstream movies. I saw The Dark Knight Rises recently and did just that. I also recommend getting there early (as expected for an IMAX) because watching a movie from the front row is pointless. Seat location is law here! Just like any IMAX. I fell prey to this once and every time a character walked, I felt like I was getting stepped on, lol! There is a parking garage right next to Marbles, so parking is pretty easy actually. I personally think this IMAX beats the one in Cary Crossroads. Seems like a larger screen, BETTER sound system, and better seat arrangement. It doesn't hurt too that Marbles is WAY closer to my house. They have a pretty decent snack stand inside. Not as much options as a normal theatre, but it does the trick. The Power Pass is awesome for hardcore movie goers. I didn't get it this year for some odd reason, but will next year. It's best when they play a number of the big mainstream movies throughout the year. It actually can pay for itself in the long run. So enjoy!!! read more

The IMAX Theatre At Marbles in Raleigh is a really great movie theater. Technically, it's the best cinema in the triangle area. With its true IMAX screen (70' wide by 52' tall) and crystal clear surround sound, it's the best theater you're going find around here. 3D movies look incredible here. Conveniently located in the center of downtown Raleigh, its close proximity to the areas best bars and restaurants make it ideal for dinner and a movie. I saw a few movies here last year and was so blown away that I decided to get the Power Pass this year. The Power Pass allows you $5 admission to any Hollywood movie throughout the year as well as free admission to documentaries, five free small bags of popcorn and priority place in line (great for those Hollywood blockbusters). The pass goes on sale, in limited quantities, at the beginning of the year for $60. So, if you want one, it's best to buy one quickly. It's a great value if you know you're going to go see a lot of movies. Check out the IMAX Theatre at Marbles, you won't be disappointed! read more

Aww, the Imax Theater at Marbles. This place is literally one of my favorite things about Raleigh. I mean, what's not to love about a huge movie screen, booming sound and stadium seating? I've been to this theater countless times (my first screening in 2004 for the Polar Express) and I honestly have nothing negative to say about it. It's super clean, the seats are comfortable, and the 3D is outstanding! I definitely recommend getting the annual Power Pass membership. With this membership you are able to skip the long line and get the advance seating. This IMAX gets crowded EXTREMELY fast. Before I purchased the Power Pass, there where several times I had to sit in the front row.... And nobody wants to sit in the front row at an IMAX theater! With the Power Pass you can order tickets to ANY Hollywood feature film for just $5, as opposed to the standard price of $12 and up. read more

We were foiled by bad weather this spring break so we had to find a lot of indoor things to do since going to a NC beach was a no go. We decided to check out an Imax movie about surfing in Tahiti with Kelly Slater. Both the facilities are the movie were great. The theater is very nice and modern with clean 3D glasses, comfortable seats, great view and sound system. The movie itself was interesting enough for varying ages from school age to adult and the 3D action was phenomenal to feel like you were riding under a wave. It was entertaining but also educational presenting information about surfing, Polynesian customs and beliefs and sea life in the area. Also playing was a Hubble movie but we go to the planetarium so much that the kids were kind of burned out on space. They also play first run movies such as Mars Needs Moms. Concessions are available. Would recommend and not just for those with kids but it is something has a wide appeal and you can actually enjoy with or without kids. Maybe I'll try Tahiti next year for spring break instead. read more

Now THIS is the way to truly experience a movie. We went here to see Dr. Strange and I am so glad that we chose this action packed move for our first time. The huge screen and 3D made the special effects of this movie even more incredible and completely worth it. Like any movie, if you want to guarantee yourself good seats, get there early! They didn't let us in the theater until about 10 minutes before it started, but we waited in line for about 20 minutes before then and we managed to get some good seats a little off from the middle. As for parking, we went during the day on a Saturday and we were able to park in the deck for free. But the deck does start charging after 5PM if I remember correctly. We didn't get any concessions this time, but we did notice that IMAX Theatre at Marbles is on the Stealz app! Basically you can build up points to get free snacks and tickets when you check-in, leave feedback or share a photo on the app. Do it if you like getting things for free! read more

IMAX is an awesome way to see a movie. Any movie. The screen is huge and the sound is amazing. I recently saw my only 3D movie ever (Avatar) and it was really, really cool. The only drawback was that I was extremely aware that I was wearing these big uncomfortable 3D glasses the entire time. Maybe not always worth the drive to Raleigh or the $14 ticket price, but for certain movies, Hell Yeah. Downside: concessions are inferior with Coke products in a bottle (no cups, no ice!) and mediocre popcorn freshly popped but no extra butter available. read more

IMAX really has incredible sound and the picture is great. I actually thought the purpose of going to see IMAX was only for 3D movies until I saw "I Am Number Four." This movie was perfect for the big screen because the sound needed to be big and the explosions needed to have their magnitude really projected. The bigger picture really comes through on the IMAX screen. Depending on the picture, it can be worthwhile to pay extra to see a movie there. I've only been there a couple times, but had good experiences for each of them. Alice in Wonderland was wonderful in 3D that's for sure. The staff is great, there are concessions, and it's a fun atmosphere. My beef with IMAX lies in a few factors: the size, price, and that they allow babies in. It's a small theater but all the seats give a great view with good sound so that's not too bad. I've definitely been to smaller AND bigger IMAX theaters. The prices are pretty steep coming in at $11.95 for adults. Finally, they allow children of all ages into the theater. I LOVE children, but I'm sorry toddlers should not be allowed in to movies. It's disruptive and rude like the couple who brought their baby in tonight. They specifically state that children under 1 are allowed in the theater and I don't think that's their to their other patrons who are there to enjoy the experience, but are distracted by a fussy baby instead. read more

The Imax theater is cool because, well it's Imax, but a few things about the one at Marbles you should know: - Seats are a notch above standard and are NOT high backs (meaning, there's no place to put your head when you lean back. - Theater is on the smaller side. Not sure what capacity is, but it can't be much more than 200. 300 max. - As a result of the size, many of the seats are therefore on the side, giving you less than optical viewing angle for the monster size screen. So a few things to take away: Get there early. Don't expect a 'modern' comfortable movie experience w/ comfy seats. Pricing is pretty good and concessions are reasonably priced. read more

I think the IMAX at marbles is one of Raleigh's best and most under-recognized venues. I purchased the museums Power Pass ($40 per year) and it includes unlimited documentaries and $5 major films. They show first runs of the most popular films. Concessions are not over priced. Staff is always helpful. Bathrooms are always very clean. When seeing a film on a weekday morning, there a usually school groups. The staff is always considerate to individuals not associated with the group and makes sure that they are seated first, etc. read more

We love the IMAX in downtown Raleigh. We have been patrons and members for many years. The theater is well maintained and they know how to handle the big crowds for blockbuster shows like "Endgame" or the the many Star Wars films. We were also big fans of the IMAX museum when our son was growing up. It's a great way to spend some time with kids! This comment reflects the most recent experience (today) which is NOT the result of the IMAX. I'm posting it here b/c this happened while at a midnight showing of "Endgame" at the Marbles IMAX. This is a general statement about the parking situations and related issues in downtown Raleigh. As I recall, the city increased parking fees in DT Raleigh about a year or so ago. One of the reasons I recall was to provide increased security. Well guys, that's big fail. During the time my son was watching the midnight showing of Endgame, thieves broke into his and quite a few other cars in the well-lit lot directly behind the IMAX. They were an easy target b/c the thieves knew the showtimes were 11:45PM to 2:45AM. Police were called, reports were filed, cars were damaged. Beware. Sadly, I don't think he will be attending anymore "midnight" showings. Later. read more

I don't go to blockbusters at "normal" theaters anymore. I don't see that many to begin with, so I might as well have the best experience possible. If I'm going somewhere, it will be the IMAX. Crystal clear projection and excellent 3D. When it first opened, they didn't allow concessions in the theater. So glad that has changed. Now, you can get a good selection of basic 20 oz. Coke products and popcorn. We've always chosen the matinee here, and have never been disappointed. The sound here is excellent. When I showed up to see the last of The LoTR films, it was a little too excellent, and almost blew my ears out. I haven't had that issue since. Highlights recently were Gravity and the IMAX 3D reissue of Jurassic Park. Both were great, and worth the premium price of admission. Enjoy a movie here. It brings back the thrill of going to the movies. read more

To reserve tickets in advance, you have to deal with a very frustrating website. Be prepared to do everything twice (and pay a service fee for your trouble). Or take your chances and buy tickets at the box office. read more

Yes people it's an IMAX screen. Unfortunately the seating area is pretty small compared to many other larger metropolitan area IMAX's. The staff is great, the place is almost always spotless, and the movies are good. The one drawback with this IMAX is since it's not "owned" by IMAX, but is instead an IMAX theater in a museum, some of the movies have skipped this theater. The management has worked to rectify that and for the last year they've had a good contingent of movies come through here, while supplementing them with the other graphical eye candy movies. These movies are the bread and butter of this format-Nature shows, exploration and just pure immersion into any display. I'll always go see a movie in IMAX if it's offered in both the standard and IMAX viewing options. The sound is incredible and the picture quality is HD to the nth. read more