The Music Box is the place that my husband and I go for "date nights" more than any other place in the area, even though we don't live in the city. And they have just expanded the historic building to include a third theater, not to mention the garden behind the Lounge where we have seen a couple of films. It's always a treat when a show in Theater 1is preceded by organ music by Dennis Scott; he generally themes the music to the movie (ex: when we saw "Contempt" this weekend he said all the songs he played were from the year the film came out). They show everything: action, romance, foreign films, cult classics like "Rocky Horror," thrillers and suspense, indie films, documentaries, animation. Every Valentine's Day they show "The Princess Bride," and they do series like "Metal Movie Night," "Cat Video Fest," and "Sapphopalooza." The building itself is reason to go, particularly since it has been restored and new chairs were put into Theater 1 a couple of years ago. We have been in both Theaters 2&3 now since that more recent renovation and they also look beautiful and are very comfortable. Check out a movie and a piece of Chicago history at the same time! read more

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Thank goodness Music Box Thester is alive & ever thriving! Fabulous array of old to new films of every genre to appease the varied tastes of dedicated movie lovers. For example the screening of the classic "The Magnificent Ambersons" attracted a near full house. LOVE the brand new expanded bathrooms! Always friendly accommodating staff ensures a great experience. read more

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The whole reason behind our Chicago trip was a visit to the inaugural Beyond Fest, with all the screenings being held at The Music Box. I didn't get a chance to watch anything in the big theater, but I was nevertheless impressed by the theater's old-school vibe. The ornate atmosphere really heightened the appealing vibe, and the friendly, helpful staff was also very much appreciated. I did wind up ordering popcorn, and while it was pretty expensive for such a small bag, the popcorn tasted fresh and it wasn't too salty, either. The Music Box is definitely a pretty cool place. I'm sure I'd be a regular if I lived in the area. read more

Music Box Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I LOVE the music box. In fact, I'm a member !! My fiance and I catch all our favorite movies here. From special early screenings to rereleases of long lost films, we find ourselves in the seats of Music Box basically every other week. There is no charm quite like an old school theatre. Concessions rock. Love the simplicity and the popcorn always is perfect. Newly renovated bathrooms are super great too! read more

Music Box Theatre - Marquee - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A classic. A favorite. A tradition. The Music Box is more than a movie theater; it's a keeper of memories. This is where I met the lamp from Pixar, back when it was still just a clever little light at the animation festival, before becoming someone. This is where I watched obscure foreign films, timeless classics, and beautifully strange cult favorites that linger in your mind long after the credits roll. And this is where, for many years now, we've spent Christmas Eve, warm, communal, cheering, surrounded by strangers who somehow feel like neighbors for a night. There's something deeply comforting about this place. The creak of history, the glow of the screen, the feeling that art still matters and community still gathers in the dark to feel something together. I love it. May it stay with us for many more decades. read more

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I have been here once before as a guest of Product of Culture for the premiere of the movie Queen of my Dreams as a woman of color (Side note: 10/10 movie, highly recommend!), but this visit I was here for something completely different--the D23 On The Road 35th Anniversary Party for Home Alone. Disney knows how to throw a detail oriented party, but I am not reviewing them, I am reviewing the theater. The theater has a wonderful vintage yet modernly functional feel to it. The seating area was extremely large to accommodate the amount of families in attendance. The screen area also having a stage area was helpful for the hosts to utilize throughout the event. The seats were comfortable even though we live in an age of recliners at movies. The bathrooms were clean and there were enough to have a long line move pretty quickly! The popcorn utilizes real butter so as a mom, I was happy to purchase it for my teenaged daughter. I bought a bag for every person in my party and it was enjoyed by everyone! The drink selection was also unique, again in a time of Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, and my 15 year old daughter was pleased to discover Pibb Extra. The prices weren't bad. I'm happy to pay a little more for real ingredients. What else? Oh yes...the screen and sound quality was also great! I was reading some of the fellow Yelp reviews here and I look forward to putting the White Christmas/It's A Wonderful Life double feature on my holiday bucket list in 2026! The only thing I wish there was was more parking, but I used a Spot Hero/official Cubs parking combo which wasn't bad because the weather was so nice for December in Chicago! read more

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Over the past couple of years, I have looked for a reason to go to the Music Box, but whenever there was a movie I was interested in, it was either sold out or on a night I couldn't plan around. I knew they hosted quite the raucous Rocky Horror viewing, so I was hit with a bit of trepidation after being invited to join my girlfriend and her family for a similar audience partici........ pation affair, but for The Sound of Music, a film my three-brother household had never featured. And. It. Was. A. Blast. While it was a cold winter night, getting in and through ticketing was quick, even with MANY people at the show. The lines for food/drink/women's restroom are where the crowd showed its size. There were still plenty of seats open when we arrived at 6:45, and our group of six was able to sit together with no issue. Trivia played on the screen preshow, while a live organist filled the auditorium with songs from the movie. Just prior to the show there were some announcements about upcoming holiday movies, there was a costume parade for those who chose to dress up, and we were given a brief tour of our bag of goodies (streamer, fan, confetti popper) and were told moments to use them or how to otherwise interact with the film (boo, hiss, swoon, etc.). Then the film began. Words are clear on screen during songs. This isn't a review of the movie or the music, so I'll just say I loved it. That said, some of the hissing got to be a bit much and was close to drowning out the dialogue (which would matter less if I'd seen it before). Other moments, people would shine their phone flashlights at the screen, which had the effect of washing out the picture. And I know this particular film features N@zis, and I know it's an interactive show, but I didn't feel it was the right time or place for a few members of the audience to curse out the current administration and its practices. I agree with their sentiments, but it breaks the magic of escaping into the movies when heavy reality gets brought into the room. So I guess if you're at an interactive show, just know that the content of the film might elicit different sorts of interaction from your audience. The theatre itself is gorgeous. I'd love to look around more than I was able to in all the hubbub. But the history is evident, the seats were comfortable, and everything seemed clean (until confetti streamers covered the floor). I parked on the street a block east with no issues, I imagine you'd have similar luck if you're driving in. read more

Music Box Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Music Box is a Chicago gem. the experience of seeing a movie here is unparalleled in Chicago.

Went here to see both the Animated & the Live Oscar Nominated Short films for 2026. I love this old theater and appreciate that they still have the organ and organ player--at least he was there before the 2pm showing. Great bit of nostalgia here. read more

Great spot for movies, drinks, and special events. Metal Movie Night is my favorite. Beautiful theater and friendly employees. I have been here many times over the years. Would return, would recommend. read more

Went to see "It's a Wonderful Life" and it was such a wonderful experience. I'm not even really a fan of the movie but it was so magical; it might have to become a new Christmas tradition. The regular hot chocolate was nice and my sister really liked her boozy hot chocolate. Will have to see what other movies I can see in this interesting theater. read more

We loved attending The Sound of Music sing-a-long at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago. It was a fun and family friendly event filled with song, celebration, laughter and even tears. S.O.M. was my mom's favorite so it was bittersweet attending this show and remembering her. The chairs are a tight fit, for a nearly 3 hour movie, and expect to pay high Chicago prices for a small cocktail. But the popcorn was delicious and the experience alone is definitely unlike a normal trip to the movies. I hope to attend more events here. The theatre has a classic look and nostalgic feel to it. read more

Music Box Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Unbelievably special experience at the 'Home Alone' showing last night. The organizers did an A+ job of welcoming the audience and providing a festive and beautiful family experience. The 'Kenosha Kickers' entertained us in line and treats and special surprises throughout. Little Nero's pizza car in front of the theater was so cute. No detail was missed. The hosts were wonderful and full of Holiday energy and joy. I swear I was transported back to the '90's to simpler times. This was the highlight of our trip to Chicago and am thrilled we got to enjoy it. read more

This is a classic old school theater and they play a ton of both new and classic shows. If you're looking for an IMAX experience, this isn't for you. If you're looking for a friendly, comfy movie experience with a little quirkiness and a lot of fun, this is definitely the place for you! They have a nice bar with reasonably priced drinks. They also have a standard set of popcorn, candy and soft drinks, also at better than big theater prices. Most importantly are the shows. I most recently went to see the Oscar-nominated animated shorts. Yes, all of them. There was an awesome organist playing before the show, and the movies and sound were great. Actually, so were all the customers! And while the building is older, it's very well maintained and very comfortable. If you want a small, classic theater experience, this is your place! read more

Great service and the environment creates a special experience for moving going. It was my first time and kind of reminded me of what it was like to go to the movies as a kid. Cannot wait to go back and I'm looking into a membership read more

Music Box Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Happened upon this while in Chicago for something completely different and decided to go for the day for the 40th Annual Christmas Show. Couldn't stay for the showing of It's A Wonderful Life, but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing White Christmas on the big screen surrounded by hundreds of other fans decked out in festive Christmas attire! The pre-show included several organ numbers, a showing of the black and white short "Suzy Snowflake", a quartet of Santa's Yelpers, and a sing-a-long hosted by the big man in red himself. I recall thinking to myself as I was watching the movie that this is what cinema is supposed to be like, and those truly were some of the golden years. The audience sung together, applauded the showstoppers, poked fun at the "racy" parts, and just had a generally good time together. The buttered popcorn was among some of the finest theatre fare I have tasted. I understand this location does a lot of these types of events through the year. If I were a native Chicagoan, I'd be going all the time. But as an visitor, this was a real unexpected treat! read more

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Main screen or ancillary room, MB staff always provide courteous service and keep the space clean & ambience-controlled. MB annual membership is a must for any East Lakeview resident. read more

My favorite theatre. There's two old, auditorium style theatre one larger one small. Its vintage charm along with its incredible and unique film choices ranging from niche indie films, documentaries, reruns of old movies, holiday classics (think rocky horror events), and even new blockbuster releases read more

I went to music box on 4/3/26 with my friends. We had a showing at 7pm. There was a tall man with long hair white a Jean jacket that said something about a pig wearing a face mask. This gentleman was so rude and aggressive and was harassing me and my friends plus other people that were waiting around. He was demanding that people listen to him. Eventually I saw him yelling at a few people outside who wanted to get an autograph from an actress. The actress way very kind and took photos and wanted to sign but this man with long hair started screaming and saying that she couldn't sign autographs for anyone but she really wanted to. I saw her walk into the building and the man with long hair kept calling the people outside losers and freaks. I went up to the access after the showing to say my "thank yous" and this man comes out of nowhere and pushes me from my breast and tells me to leave. I went home very upset. I will never be returning to this horrific place. read more

An absolutely beautiful venue that I highly recommend all of those who live in Chicago to visit at some point in their lifetime. I came here for the showing of "The Crow" during their Halloween movie showings era in October and the crowd was animated and passionate which I really enjoyed. I had no idea this theater was this large (just looking at it from the outside!). My only complaint is that if you get stuck behind someone relatively tall in front of you, you might have a hard time viewing the movie. read more

Love that this nostalgic theater is still in operation . We even witnessed the famous organ during a meet-the-director session! So awesome! Was this organ used way back in silent movie times?? Perhaps.... It's great that the consession prices were reasonable, they use real butter, and they offer a fine selection of beers, wines & cocktails. read more

Music Box Theatre - Candy selections - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Love the Xmas fest and always pick "It's a Wonderful Life". Such a fun evening! Definitely recommend. Love the sing along! Bring your jingle bells for Clarence, and get ready to boo Potter! read more

We go to the Music Box every year for multiple events and showings -- last night we attended their showing of It's a Wonderful Life and it's always so much fun. It makes for such a fun and festive atmosphere and the theatre itself is beautiful. I've attended other events, like the Sound of Music singalong and regular movie showings and the Music Box is really a spectacular place to have here in Chicago. This is a great holiday tradition read more

Music Box Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Gotta update this review because even though it's a beautiful theater with beautiful architecture and great popcorn and snacks and if you are lucky a great organ player to boot buuuuut the seats and sound and lack of restrooms is terrible and the sight lines stink as well and these things are super important to enjoying a film. Case in point...Seeing a wonderful film like The Brutalist was waaay more of a chore than it needed to be...Sold out show meant cramped seating since every seat is too close together and made for folks 4 feet tall at best...lol The 15 minute intermission was a bust since there are like 4 tiny washrooms for the entire place...I was in line for the bathroom (like many others) while film started and the sound was terrible...The main theater while beautiful is awful for sound representation...Sound bounces all over the room turning vocals hollow and many times unintelligible and makes for loud bombastic music and effects. The floor is pretty even level in parts making heads in your sight line a thing...ugh! And one more important thing...Put numbers or alphabets on these tiny seats and switch to assigned seating like just about every theater in existence...lol Long story short I love this theater on paper but honestly a place like say Alamo drafthouse blows this theater clear out of the ballpark. Until these problems are fixed I won't ever be back. Well unless something plays at Music Box that you can't see anywhere else in town....lol read more

An absolute staple in the Southport Corridor neighborhood that adds so much charm to our little corner of Chicago. The Music Box opened in the late 1920s and much of its allure still stands today: the twinkling ceiling, red velvet curtains, and old timey architecture. Nowadays, its Chicagoans go-to spot for independent, foreign, cult, and classic films. I visited the Music Box this past weekend for a holiday showing of It's A Wonderful Life. Let me tell you, if you aren't in the holiday spirit yet and want to be, seeing a movie here will give you all the warm fuzzies you're looking for! Upon walking in, we were greeted by carolers singing all your favorite Christmas tunes. Before the show started, the carolers (and SANTA!) came on the stage and sang Christmas Carols with the words on the screen so we could all swing along. It was a jolly ol time and got everyone really excited to prior to the film. During It's A Wonderful Life, the audience hissed whenever Mr. Potter was on screen, and jingled bells whenever an angel got their wings :) it was very heartwarming. Popcorn was good and sodas were nice & bubbly. Next door is the Music Box Lounge where you can meet friends for cocktails and play board games. Oh, they check vaccine cards upon entering and you must be fully vaccinated to visit! I will never stop loving the Music Box. It's a classic that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so! read more

Music Box Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Two Ninja vs Unicorn IPA and a large popcorn during Sorry, Baby at Chicago Critics Film Festival. I was in heaven.

I love this theater, I really do. I was going here when you could see two different movies every day. I love the twinkle lights in the ceiling. It is a crazy treat to hear the organ being played on a Sunday. I love that they get in those movies that I love to see but are not playing at main theaters. Being able to drink while I watch a movie is always amazing. No comment on the popcorn as I don't eat it. Decent wine list in the theater and the lounge (Bisol Jeio Prosecco for $9). This year they are teaming up with Chi-Town Movies Drive-In for 31 Nights of Drive-In Terror. I am totally on board with that! The theater is very beautiful, ornate bordering on baroque and I love it. So why only three stars? Went there to see Tenet in 70 mm (loved it BTW) and was looking very forward to see it in all that 70 mm glory. But the sound was not the best. Also the very things I love about this theater are the things I don't love about it. The seats are the not the most comfortable and they were built before the inception (see what I did there Chris Nolan?) so there are no cup holders. That is not a deal breaker for me as I don't eat popcorn, but for those of you that do, it means your drink is sitting on the floor or between your legs. I will give them props on their handling of the COVID-19 situation. I personally was never a movie goer unless it was something that demanded the big screen. Now I don't mind it so much as they have the seats spaced really well apart. Every other row is blocked off, so there is no one sitting in front or behind you. Seats are in twos and fours as far as I could see, so the joy of not having anyone sitting next to me was wonderful. They do clean all of the seats after each show and actually ask that when you leave, you need to leave the seat down so they are aware it was used. Masks are required at all times except when you are eating and they do have hand sanitizer. Tickets for Tenet clocked in at $18. Higher than I what usually would have paid, but really wanted to see this movie in 70 mm, so we did it. The staff is very pleasant and helpful and seem genuinely concerned about everyone observing COVID-19 protocols. I definitely will come back here but not for anything longer than 2.5 hours as my butt can't take it. Maybe next time I will take a seat cushion. read more

Music Box Theatre - 10th anniversary of Inception! - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I was so surprised to see I hadn't left a review for Music Box yet. I've been here many times and absolutely love it. They play such a great variety of movies, with an emphasis on older, artistic, and/or scary movies. The ambience is wonderful in this historic venue, and the tickets are a steal! They have lots of refreshments available, and they also have a cocktail lounge if you arrive early. The cocktails change with the movies of the month and are usually themed. Parking can be a little tricky, since there are no dedicated lots and only street parking. Absolutely recommend this place and already know I'll be back in a few weeks! read more

This place is a total vibe. Old school theater. One main room and one smaller side room. I've seen films in both. They always have some nice artsy films that kinda make you think. Concessions are very simple. read more

I've had some amazing adventures at the music box! Midnight screenings, shadow cast shows and many more!

For valentines day we went to the princess bride showing it was so fun. This theater is beautiful. It's like stepping back in time with the organ playing. Actually fresh popcorn with lots of butter. We all got bags of items for the audience participation part of the showing it was so creative and the audience really got into it. Awesome date night read more

Music Box Theatre - Theater area - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I love you, Music Box Theatre. Cozy bar, good drink and concessions offerings, awesome events with a wide variety of films and new releases too. The theaters are gorgeous. Nothing beats listening to the live organ music under the ceiling of stars while waiting for the film to start. This is a must visit for Chicago!! read more

Music Box Theatre - marquee - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One of Chicago's historical relics, music box has held onto its beautiful, 1930s design. With gold walls, a giant red curtain, a dark stary sky of a ceiling, and an organ player who serenades you every so often before the movie starts, this place makes you feel like you teleported back in time. It also holds hundreds of people, so when you're watching movies, you can almost feel the energy from the crowd around you. The bar is excellent, and there's a lounge inside to hangout with people before or after the show. They also are constantly running special events, so if you're a film junkie, this is the spot for you read more

Music Box Theatre - Theater #1 - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Music Box Theatre has long been an iconic Chicago movie theater showing a unique mix of films and hosting events. I've been coming here for their Christmas double feature of Its a Wonderful Life and White Christmas since I was a kid and it's one of my favorite holiday traditions. Throughout the year Music Box shows a wide range of movies (big studio and indie films), documentaries, and foreign films. The staff is always very friendly and welcoming. Music Box is a must if you're a movie lover. read more

Charming theatre with old time charm. Great selection of unique flicks. All prices are reasonable. Staff are great.

This movie theater blows chunks. The Third Man was playing at 430PM today and the screening was super echoey and several people around me including my gf seemed confused because the dialogue was very difficult to understand. It was unintelligble to me. Almost like listening to a foreign language with bits of English in there. My gf is a long time visitor of this theater...and she agreed. We walked out after 15 minutes of it starting and informed a female manager about the issue. Needless to say, her attitude was crappy and apathetic. She claimed "its just an old movie thats why it sounds like that." My girlfriend is a NOIR buff and has seen old movies at your theater before. She disagrees with this crappy assesment. The female manager said "do you want me to go in there an check?" To which my gf said yes. How DUMB can a manager be? Apparently a lot! After the female manager went in "to check" - came out 30 seconds later and claimed "thats how they screened it during testing." No apology or anything and just slunked away. Here's some advice for your location. If you have to resort to screening showings of old films to stay relevant - at least make sure they are intelligible. The excuse of "well its an old movie...thats why it sounds like crap" (I'm paraphrasing) is not suitable and in additon - is an insult to classical films and your entire business model. Get a grip. This experience was exceptionally poor...and regardless of Music Boxs' "no exceptions refund" this was highly justified and warranted. There is a thing that applies under Federal Consumer Rights that prevents such nonsense. You all FAILED to deliver on your end of the ticket agreement by showing a screening with audio that is actually understandable and not that which sounds like it is playing at the distance of a tin can radio.  Absolutely ridiculous. My bank will get us our money back and you all can kick rocks. read more

Such a little historical gem. It's wonderful to travel back in time yet be in the present and this is exactly what happens when you go here. They have a range of art that they bring to the theater which is incredibly great for the community. One of my favorite things that they do is they have many fever productions. (Candlelight performances) check it out if you ever are in Lakeview! read more

I've heard so much about the Music Box Theatre and am a proud supporter of the Chicago Film Society, so when I found out I was going to Chicago it was on the top of my list. Lucky for me they were screening The Crowd (1928) which is not available on DVD or streaming. There was a good sized crowd (ha) for the movie, the line even being out the door, but it didn't take too long to be admitted in. I purchased my ticket online so I was able to walk right into the theater. Folks talk about vibes, but *this* theater is my vibe. Old 1920s theater plus a lounge next door for movie lovers like myself. Anyway, I highly recommend this theater, especially if it's 35mm they're screening! read more

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Wizard of Oz showing was fantastic! Loved the popcorn , wish they had more hot food . The seats were comfortable .

I sing at Music Box every Christmas in their Christmas shows, so yes I'm biased. But this place is just so happy and cool and retro and Chicago and the whole shebang. Their Christmas show is SO fun and adorable for adults and children, even dates! The staff is always nice, both in the theater and at the concessions. The newer-ish part is the bar attached next door. I recommend coming early to your show to get a delicious cocktail and hang out in the film-themed vintage bar. It's really a perfect night out. Bring your out of town friends here! read more