Given all the hype for the odyssey filmed in IMAX for the big screens we ventured up to Penn Cinemas in Wilmington for the first time. Having read some past reviews we were not sure what to expect. Well, VERY pleasantly surprised! Given the close proximity to the riverfront restaurants, you can walk from any number of riverfront restaurants to the theater, we came up early for a happy hour dinner before the show. Dinner was great and movie on IMAX screen well worth the 40 minute drive up to Wilmington. Despite some previous reviews we found the facility clean and the staff friendly---while there was a long line at concessions, I haven't been to a theater these days where that hasn't been the case. Popcorn and drinks reasonably priced for theaters these days. Popcorn was fresh and better than average. The theater we were in did not have any torn or dirty seats as mentioned in previous reviews--in fact, seats were clean and comfortable. Actually looked new---Perhaps upgrades to the pics of old recliner seats that were worn. Pleasantly surprised again! The IMAX experience was exceptional....the sound and the picture really were unlike anything you would see on a standard screen. So, advice here is that if there is a movie filmed in IMAX......you should see it in IMAX....this theater was a great place to see an IMAX film. read more

You can't beat the prices here, especially with how steep movie tickets are getting as the years go by. Penn Cinema definitely has the better deals compared to other movie theaters in the area however they really really need to redo their seats. I always bring a towel when I come here to cover the seat because there's so much ripped leather. I just can't imagine sitting down where sweaty, dirty people probably sat before me and all of that soaking into the seat. It just doesn't feel very clean there and I wish they would fix that if they could. And I understand probably being on a low hourly paycheck, the staff doesn't seem really enthused to be there. But at the same time, I don't feel like the theater gets very crowded. Not to the point where they would be constantly busy so I just feel bad. It was a wonderful theater when it opened, and still can be, it just needs a revamp of certain things. read more

Came and paid for a movie and the screen isn't working. Very disappointed. Not to mention the children working here. No friendliness and announcements just stading around like fools. I meant what the heck read more

Good movies, comfortable seats, clean theater and bathrooms. Snacks aren't cheap but popcorn was fine. Nice people there.

Im hard of hearing and was disappointed in the audio experience. Wish the movie was louder. This is not a problem I have going to most theaters. I was also disappointed in the low base. There picture projected didn't fit the wide screen. It was like watching an old analog movie on a wide screen tv. The seats are very worn & not very clean. Concession stand is left to be desired. They had only one working flavor slurpee. I had two hotdogs which were reheated several times over and served on stale rolls. read more

Penn Cinema - Wilmington - Cinema Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

See all

The theater was very spacious between seats and the service was great at the concession stand and ticket stand. What a nice place and it's walking distance from the waterfront where there are restaurants and a boardwalk. read more

See all

Went to see Alto Knights as a DiNiro fan. Went 4/3/25 and figured from the comments I should be prepared for the worst. Greated by consession stand. Explained we could use the Click on Deal app to purchase the 2 for $25. But rather than wait we purchased two senior tickets, lg popcorn and 2 sodas for $39. Picked out our seats and we were not dissapointed. Seats were fine; movie was in focus, and snacks were fine. We will go back! Just wish they told you to go straight to concessions when you walk in. Bathroom was clean and neat, no concerns there. Using Judy Johnson Way makes getting there from the south so much easier read more

I wasn't going to go to this theater due to most of the reviews being 3 stars or less but I didn't let that stop me. I went to a showing at noon, I'm guessing this was one of the theaters first showings as the place was spotless... I mean, the floors were shining like they were freshly buffed. The kiosk makes grabbing a ticket easy since they don't have a box office. I will say most of the staff are just on their phones, probably because this place doesn't even get half the traffic that the Cinemark Christiana gets. Oh and one more turn off...very expensive. The theater was clean but my movie had a few subtitles and the position of the screen made it difficult to see at times. It didn't take away from the experience though. If you're looking for a quiet theater experience in the city this is a great choice. Don't let the other reviews steer you away from this place. read more

Movie started 15 minutes too late. Way too many commercials before the movie. I mean way way way too many commercials. Lasted 4

That must be the bare bones size of an IMAX experience. The IMAX in New York City is unbelievable, absolutely huge. This IMAX screen is the smallest I've been too. I could have gone to an old fashion theater with a much larger screen. I won't be going back. read more

I loved the cleanliness and comfortable seats. The ticket and concessions people were smiling and glad to have us. This is a big plus for the Wilmington downtown area. read more

Their IMAX screen still has an OG 2K projector! In the year of Our Lord 2024, the IMAX Corporation should come out and upgrade the dim bulb to a 4K Laser system. Their regular rooms maintain a high level of both projection and sound. There are ticket and food combo deals on the coupon sites fairly often so that alone makes it worth coming out of the house to watch a movie. The non-deal ticket prices are reasonable enough; the concession prices are exorbitantly high. Not a fan of "adult drink" sales in theaters but this place has a decent selection for sociably alcoholic moviegoers. read more

Went to go see Oppenheimer yesterday. My friend walked up to the concession stand to order a pizza and the girl said "yeah we're not doing that right now". He then asked what they recommend and she goes "I don't know what you like" and the other girl behind her says "the menu is right above you". Be decides to order the nachos and as the one girl is making it the other one is walking around smiling at her phone. Pretty poor customer service at this place I won't be returning. read more

Sad to see a good place go bad! When this theater opened around 2011, it was very plush - the most plush in the area in fact. However, after just a few short years, the place has degraded significantly. It feels dirty and oftentimes smells bad too. Cleanliness of a theater is important and this theater just doesn't meet the minimum standard anymore unfortunately. It has not kept up with the local competition. Cinemark XD, Regal Brandywine and AMC dine in are all better options for sure! To be fair, there are no issues with the screens or the sound quality. The theater has recliners, but so do most in the area now. It's still the only IMAX close by so if you need to see something in IMAX, this is it. I will also note that in the evenings it also doesn't feel like the safest place in the local area either for a movie. I've never had this feeling in the afternoon though. read more

This is a very low budget theater. We only came here because of the movie time. There's a weird odor here, kids unattended everywhere, no variety of popcorn flavors, and the parking was horrible. It wraps around the entire building. The staff wasn't the friendliest and I've been too much better movie theaters that are way more comfortable. The only positive is that the movie was good and I got to order my ticket from my phone. read more

It's your normal movie theater but less workers. I went for a 4:30pm movie and I had to go to the consessions to redeem my movie ticket, which afterwards we realized no one was there to check them. I appreciate the comfortable chairs that you can put your feet up. There was literally 10 people at the viewing so the assigned seating doesn't matter. read more

Ok guys... Let's get it together. This is still a very nice newer place to enjoy a movie and you have the IMAX theater to draw in crowds but please management, keep your eye on the ball! I went recently to a late night movie and I noticed very messy floors and facilities. I know it was the end of the night but still... The staff needs to be do a better job of keeping the place clean at all times. Don't let this place get run down... You have too much competition in the area with all the theater options ! read more

Very comfortable seating. Odd though you buy your movie tickets at the food concession encouraging you to spend more money lol. Cleanliness was about 6/10 hallways kinda smelled like bathrooms. We did enjoy the popcorn we ordered but the soda wasn't carbonated appropriately. Most likely will return due to the location. Biggest perk besides the seating was the theater wasn't crowded, surprisingly for a Friday night. read more

So this theater is great... Except for the IMAX. Every film I have seen in IMAX here has been unfocused to a distracting level. If you go here, IMAX is a waste of money. It might be a digital projection, and if that's the case they are ripping people off charging 17 dollars for something I can drive 30 minutes away to actually get. They need to fire whoever thought this was in focus and if they are paying for digital IMAX. Every other theatre is great. The staff is nice, the food isn't that expensive (4 dollar water), and they keep the seats nice and clean. It's just the IMAX theatre... It's a scam. read more

I do like the Riverfront IMAX, but I think they have a TON of work to do. Pro's: Clean, seating is comfy and very easy on your back, Kiosk's work efficiently, and the prices aren't terrible for Delaware, and I do like the fact they limit the previews to 15 min tops unlike Regal who finally passed the 23 min mark. WOW! Con's: Concession stand is a hot mess (argued with the lady on whether they had Diet Decaf Pepsi- they do in a bottle but she argued they did not), Showtimes dont always start on time, they dont offer a rewards membership even though their other location does, and the decor is pretty ugly inside- I mean, I know its a movie theatre, but the lights are so low walking down the corridor, I feel like I'm going to get mugged. Lines are a bit of a mess too, all over the place on a Sat afternoon for an IMAX show. Overall, I'm guessing the first year is a growing experience, but I'm hoping the owner reads these 1, 2 and 3 star ratings and acts on these instead of glossing over them as folks who complain too much. I'll come back to this theatre, but hoping by this fall they have their act together a bit more. PS- Hey, Mr Owner, how about instituting a no smoking policy for your staff? I cant count the number of times I catch your staff blazing up right in front of the theatre. Nothing more attractive then a bunch of employees hitting the Marlboro wagon while I'm walking in. Lovely, just lovely. read more

Yo- these seats are COMFY! And, my hot dog was not ready when I ordered it at concession and they brought it to me in the theater! I joked the whole night about table-side service. I love that there are two sizes for pretzel bites too! I thought this joint was clean and efficient. I was able to quickly print out my tickets and get to my seat. I'm not sure what else I'm supposed to say about theatres but I thought this one was good! Table service!! read more

So upset how this place went downhill. This was our favorite theater to go to because it was clean, spacious and had great movie times. Now it's dirty, bathrooms are gross, floors and seats inside theater are sticky and look like they haven't been cleaned in a while. The workers were always nice and now they act like you are bothering them if you ask them a question. I really hope management will get their act together and turn this theater around to make it a nice place to go to again. I would always recommend going there to people and now I tell them don't bother due to how gross it's become. read more

Three attendances and the experiences have been pleasurable so far. It is new so I expect it to be clean, but it is well maintained beyond that. Bathrooms are well kept and the theaters I have been in are free of trash and stickiness. The seats are very comfortable and accommodating. They recline, have arm and head rests, cup holders, and are well cushioned. I hope I can give the same review six months from now. Are there some challenges at this location? Sure. First, you need to know that you can either buy your tickets from the Fandango machines to the right in the lobby or just purchase everything at once from the concession stand. I opt for the latter and grab my pretzel bites, water and ticket same time. At this time, the staff are somewhat green, but they are courteous, and with more experience, proper management, and time I believe this expected challenge will be resolved to make the theater a well rounded and pleasurable experience. My only other observation is the need for a parking garage. The overflow parking requires crossing the street which could be troublesome especially with kids. A parking garage on the right (towards MLK Blvd) would allow easier access especially for families with children. I am very happy to have a nice theater playing current films in the area. No longer do I need to trek up 202 or down to RT4 or RT40 to see a movie. They have been playing older films sometimes too which is pretty cool. Most recently saw they were playing Top Gun. Would love to see them offer some special movie nights/events like James Bond, Kurosawa, Spielberg, martial art, etc,. marathons. Also dont forget to check your ticket stubs for coupons. I got 20% off my check for Ubon Thai Cuisine and another time for Timothys. I believe there are coupons for all the local restaurants and the chains at the Riverfront which are randomly given. Its a nice incentive to go grab some eats later that day or use for a pre-movie meal next time I catch a film there. read more

Only an "okay" movie theater. I ordered online and walked in, didn't have to talk to a human being and just got to my movie. Not awful but not great. read more

Took my wife here for her birthday to see Django Unchained. Overall we were really happy with our experience. Some factors that may be an issue to my review. Django is an older movie, we caught a matinee at 3:45 on a Monday, it was not the IMAX screen but in theater 12. Pros: Easy to find the location since you can see it right from Rt-95. They really should push the sign up on their roof about 10 more feet to get more visibility from the highway. Plenty of parking close enough to the cinema. I know some people have a perception that it may be a dangerous neighborhood, but there was plenty of lighting and we felt safe. The ticket taker was all automated and I purchased the tickets through the Fandango App for Android ahead of time. The seats were really comfortable and the theater was clean. The picture and the sound quality were very nice. 5/5 Audio 5/5 Video. Cons: You have to get your tickets at an automated kiosk, some people may want to have a person to talk to at the window. We were directed to the end of the hallway on the right for theater 12. Theater 11, 12 and 13? are all next to each other with unmarked doors. The have little screens with the movie playing, but when we came to the end of the hallway with 4 doors all within a 4 ft radius, we were confused and ended up sitting in the wrong theater for 15 minutes. We realized this too late and got into the correct theater after the movie had already started. We didn't miss much, but I can see how it would be a problem to other people. If they would have had the door propped open or the number of the theater ON THE DOOR or even additional signage when you get into the theater, we wouldn't have had this problem. All and all the theater experience was a pleasant one with friendly staff. I would have rated this venue 5/5 if we had not mistakenly entered the wrong theater. read more

This theather was once nice... Especially being located out on the waterfront. Now, it is just right down hill, (I hate to use this term) ghetto. Seemingly, short staffed. Needs more employees to move the efficiency of volume. Which in my opinion is the cause of late show times. Airing was at 8 on the dot and was not able to be seated until half a hour later. Usually you would be able to make yourself comfortable 20 minutes prior. Unfortunately, only 1 member was cleaning the auditorium taking his sweet old time. Ummm hello?!? Time crunch? Chop chop! I understand that it's not their fault for young mindless behavior. However, it's past 10 on a Sunday and there are preteens hanging out in the lobby starting commotion and a fight ready to be happening. Not as clean as it used to be before. Ticket prices are quite ridiculous. The only pro's are the IMAX Experience and comfy seats. Other than that... Horrible. I rather stick to Cinemark Christiana. read more

It is no wonder movie theaters are having problems filling seats. They built this nice theater on the waterfront and the IMAX was cool. The seats were very comfortable. The bathroom and the theater were very clean. But the ticket prices. I nearly fainted. $20 per ticket? I feel like I am getting old. No wonder there were only 10 people in the theater. So these places make their money off of food sales is what I have been told. Then they should keep the concession booth open while the movies are playing so customers can buy food and drinks. I got a large popcorn (for $8) and was told there are free refills. What the employee failed to tell me was that they would be closing at the begining of the movie. So I was told free refills but not able to get one 15 minutes after the movie started. It doesn't seem too complicated to have one employee available to make popcorn and sell food and drinks until the place closes. Actually they had the popcorn popped, but dumped it out so they could get their cleaning done. read more

Brand new facility - one theater so far. Watched Top Gun in 3D and it was great. Reason for 4/5 stars: a manager was clearly "stressed" (at a movie theater?!) because she loudly snapped at a concessions worker right in front of our party of 4 ordering snacks. What happened to "Praise in public, rebuke in private"?? Movie and facilities: excellent Employees: need improvement read more

This one of two fine theaters I have been to. The other being Collegeville's Movie Tavern. The ticket sales are convenient and supplied by vending machines or at the concession stand, no need for additional lines. The Theater is minimalistic in its design and yet effective. It is always clean and never jam packed. They always have a good selection of movies playing, but they could use some more Indie films. The IMAX experience is great and the 3D (even tho unneccesary at times) is a great feature. Btw, Pacific Rim in IMAX 3D was explosive. I didn't have any issues with their 3D glasses being dirty, if anything they had a couple water drops from being cleaned prior. The seating is fantastic! There is plenty of leg room and the chairs recline without interfering with those behind you. The armrests can be moved so you can be a bit more intimate with your significant other or make a stranger uncomfortable. The picture and audio quality is great. Audiophiles and Videophiles will be pleased. The food was pretty good, I was never impressed with movie theater food in the first place. I don't go to movie theaters to eat, thats just too many senses in action. Overall, Im glad Wilmington has a Penn Cinema. I love coming here for movies. read more

Absolutely disgusting - 17$ worth of filth and clutter. So disappointing for the city of Wilmington. Absolutely no one cleaning.....it would take 5 min to sweep the lobby. Food soda all over floor, seats. WILL Never come here again. It would be nice if management would care (it's almost brand new!). Give it 2 years and it will be worst theater in Delaware. read more

Penn Cinema - Wilmington - No idea what this guy is doing here . .? - Cinema Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

See all

Penn Cinema is the latest edition to the Wilmington Riverfront, with convenient, secure and well lit parking. They routinely have security on foot in the lots, and Wilmington Police inside, just in case you were wondering about the safety aspect. As for the theatre itself, I hardly think you'll be disappointed, with black leatherette rocking chairs, stadium seating, more legroom (definitely welcome, I'm 6'5"), helpful staff and great architecture. I've been to the theatre multiple times to see both regular films ($9.50/Matinee, $11.50/Regular) and one in IMAX ($17). A few tips for navigating the new theatre: - Tickets can be purchased at four kiosks directly inside the lobby, or at the Concession stand. - Restrooms are located on either side of the lobby, or in the main hallways - There's additional parking directly across the street, or one of the lots towards the Blue Rocks Stadium. - No previews while the movie is filling and then just about one or two at the start time for your movie. So don't be late! The cons so far are few and far between. You'll get a little noise now and then from another theatre or if you sit in the very top row footsteps from the projection room towards the beginning and end. It's easily accessible from 95 and the city itself, and I look forward to continuing to support Penn Cinema in the coming year. read more

No complaints: Clean lobby Clean movie theater Nice quality screen Polite staff Really comfortable and clean chairs New movie theater (or is cleaned very well to keep that appearance) Next to riverwalk, so you can take a stroll before your movie read more

We really enjoy this new IMAX theater on the Riverfront. The employees are friendly and seem to genuinely want you to be happy, as opposed to most movie theater employees who would rather be anywhere else. The place is clean and well laid out, and the seats are -- am I really about to use this word? -- legit. As at least one other review mentioned, the 3D glasses were kind of dirty. Not gross, but not great. But that isn't enough for me to dock a star. Our new favorite theater. read more

The prices are the only thing holding this place back from 5 stars. Seriously, two tickets, a large popcorn, and two sodas will probably run you to around $40. I am a big fan of cinema, and Penn Cinema is the perfect place to enjoy a film. I've been here three times (This is the End, Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Ex Machina) and I had a great experience at all three (well except for AS2 but that's only because the movie sucked). Trust me, I've worked at a certain movie theater in Newark that is now closed (shocker) and this is a very nice movie theater. They also have a self-serving butter station for your popcorn, so if you want to kick it at 50, marinate your popcorn for 45 seconds. The seats are also the nice and comfiest seats of any theater I've ever been to. Penn Cinema is great for Wilmington. It's right off I-95, and has some nice restaurants surrounding it (Iron Hill Brewery, Harry's Seafood, Joe's Crab Shack). If you're OK with paying for quality, go to Penn Cinema on the Riverfront. read more

Went there for opening day of the Lone Ranger. Ticket prices were reasonable, I was using my Groupon Fandango deal so that was a bonus. The seats were VERY comfortable, alittle rock and recline, nice! Screen was impressive, slightly curved and the sound was awesome. Concession prices were reasonable, we (1Adult, 2Teens) easily finished off the large popcorn bucket and went back for a free refill before the movie even started, ditto for the large drink. Butter your own popcorn was nice touch, we like lots of butter (uh butter flavored oil)... No complaints, except I checked the IMAX 3D price for Pacific Rim and was alittle shocked at the $17 per ticket and $2 conv fee for a matinee, not sure if that's the same price at night. Might splurge anyway, looks like a good movie to see on the IMAX screen. Riverwalk is fine, not much to do there unless you want to walk, eat or see a game, nice place for a movie and dinner or dinner and movie. read more

Positives. Clean. New seats, flip down arm rests. Almost sterile. Reward program. Neutral comment: Does it bother anyone else that despite Penn supposedly being part of the owners name, Delaware is branded with Penn? (Yes more of a question). Negatives... Constantly showing new films in 3D. The 2D option during openings is on a small screen. All purchases are kiosk based. You can't ask a kiosk how many seats are left so you are buying your tickets blind. You can't ask a kiosk what size screen is biggest among duplicate showings. You can't purchase tickets via Costco or BJ's like large chains. read more

This is a really nice theatre and I enjoy going to the movies here. Comfy seats, clean, good movie selection. This review is about the employee Trey my family encountered this evening (Christmas Eve) when entering the theatre. My dad walked ahead trying to determine where to buy tickets (at the concession stand); all of the self-purchase machines were occupied by other clients. My mom was behind him in the lobby and my sister and I were a bit behind her. The employee, Trey, at the bar/liquor stand when you enter theatre (this theatre sells alcohol) immediately began yelling across the lobby at my Mom "Ma'am! Ma'am! You buy tickets at the concession stand! No! The concession stand!" repeating this phrase several times, each shout at a larger volume until she turned around-- surprised, as she wasn't even buying tickets and didn't ask for his help. But who cares if she was and was confused? It doesn't mean someone should shout at you! My sister and I, both bewildered, just sort of stared at him. He shook his head and said in a sarcastic and exasperated tone to us "Wow. That took a lot." Shocked at his rudeness, I realized he must not know that he was talking about my mother. I gave him a confused look and said "That's my mom you were yelling at." (Although I don't think it makes the situation any better that he thought I was a stranger!) Instead of a simple apology he smirked at me and gave me a thumbs up. We were in the lobby for at least 5 more minutes, and he could have come over to apologize and didn't. A little customer service and manners go a long way, and there were none here. read more

Came to watch the Incredibles 2 in 3D and the screen was not calibrated properly so we were not able to enjoy the movie. Even with the glasses on, we kept seeing double... might as well have forgotten to give us the glasses! read more

On the way back from Philadelphia to DC, my wife and I stopped here because it was right off of highway 95 S. The theater is on the riverfront (hence the name) and there is a lot of cool development going on nearby so this place will be even cooler in a few years. The theater itself is clean and offers a lot of different time slots to see your favorite movie. I recommend going here if you're in the area! read more

The theatre is large with comfortable stadium seating. Arm rest with space between chairs to place your popcorn to share. Cup holders are well made and don;t sag under the weight of your drink. Tickets are east to get at the concession stand; This makes it a one stop to get refreshments and your tickets. Staff are friendly and courteous. The place is also kept clean; no sticky floors or seats. Large amount of parking and easy to get there by the waterfront off 95. read more