This theater used to only show movies that had been in theaters for a while. Now they show first-run films and will even premiere films a day early (I saw the last few Marvel and Hunger Games movies at 7PM the night before they were released nationwide). The ticket and snack prices are dirt cheap and the theater has a welcoming, family-owned atmosphere. They usually show the newest blockbuster releases in their main theater which has the same dimensions as most other major movie theater screens. All other films are shown on much smaller screens. If you don't care about the size of the screen then this won't matter to you. However, I wouldn't recommend seeing a big blockbuster-type film on one of their smaller screens if you really want to appreciate the spectacle and effects. The only trade off to the old school atmosphere and cheap prices is having to deal with bratty Park Ridge teenyboppers texting and running up and down the aisles throughout the ENTIRE movie. I swear this happens with ever film I see there. Because of this the Pickwick gets 4 stars instead of 5. read more

Yuk! Don't look down.......the last time I was at this theater I saw no less than 5 roaches. I actually left because I was so disgusted. I did not want to bring anything home with me or leave my purse. No, thank you. read more

Been seeing movies in Pickwick since the mid-90's when we were in high school. Came back here last night because of a foreign movie I wanted to see. Facts about Pickwick: 1) Built in 1928; built to resemble an Aztec or Mayan temple 2) Holds 1,400 seats 3) 1975, this was put in the National Register of Historic Places 4) In 1990, theaters 2, 3, and 4 were added. You get to these theaters by walking through the small alley way connecting both theaters. Don't worry. The connecting alley is well-lit & has stores on both sides (Hallmark & Starbucks) so you'll be safe. Pros + "Old world" feeling once your'e inside. Very charming + Abundance of restaurants surrounding the theater + Nice small town downtown feel when walking the neighborhood + Free parking + Cheaper to watch a movie here than the big cinemas like AMC, Regal, etc. Cons - Washrooms need to be updated - Floors of the 1,400 theater were very sticky. Ick! - In general, the place needs to be updated. Given the competition: AMC, Regal, etc. and their newer facilities, I would only go to Pickwick if it is showing movies that are not available in other big theaters. I do love downtown Park Ridge, though. read more

Does anyone really give a crap about a theater review? I mean has the world gotten that anal were people check the reviews on every single place they are debating on going to before that make the verdict to actually go? The heck if I know, but if you are one the type that appreciates a nice thorough review on anything and everything, well than I am your man :) I felt the need to write a review on Pickwick, because something about it makes you feel as though you traveled back in time. When I went to this place, I felt as though I was transported to a time and place in which I was not born to or familiar with. The main theater leaves you in awe. You are first confronted with the old school ticket booth that shoots out a raffle-like ticket stub. The only thing that reminds you that you are in the 2000's is the fact that the box office clerk asks for $7 instead of .50 cents. After you get your tickets, you are shadowed by old colossal granite decor. The bathrooms are called lounges, and when you walk down to them, you know you are not in a contemporary theater if things were still questionable up until this point. Once you shake you dong off and head on over to the main auditorium (this after washing your hands of course), you are surprised to find that the place seats over 1,400 people (which I'm sure never fills to capacity.) The place has a very high ceiling and is composed of the same granite in the lobby. I do not suggest sitting in the back of the theater even though some people did. The reason why I urge you not to is because the screen does not compliment the amount of seating proportionately. Although, there were still some people that sat all the way in the back. Weird. The only thing I have to bash on is the fact that the speaker system is pretty outdated. There, at least from what I saw, was only two speakers. A left and a right. If you are all into feeling the sound effects of the movies you go to watch, this is not the place to go. However, if you want to go on a romantic date, this place definitely gets my vote. The staff is very kind, and if you join their mailing list, you get a free small popcorn. If you are the type that requires more than a small popcorn and want to go for a large, you can pay $3 to upgrade. In close, guys take your girlfriends here, they'll love it and then the two of you can walk around in downtown Park Ridge. I did notice a lot of sushi places in the area too, so if that is your cup of tea, you can even make it a dinner and a movie. I can't comment on the sushi places though, I'm not a huge fan of sushi to begin with and have not been to any of the restaurants in the surrounding area. Oh, and there is also a starbucks around the corner if you want to do something a little bit simpler. Have fun! read more

A step back in time with all the bells and whistles. Terrific staff and love the vibe.... A must!

The Pickwick Theatre is hands-down the best theatre in the area. The popcorn is delicious, the theaters are always kept clean, and the comfortable seats make going to see a movie at the Pickwick an excellent experience. read more

The Pickwick is still my favorite movie theater in the area. I recently came to see Star Wars on the big screen and it was magnificent. The theater is so beautiful and the movie was great too. The seats were super comfortable and the theater was so big I got an entire row to myself. Tickets were super cheap! I only payed $6 per ticket and got a popcorn with free refills, half of what I would pay at AMC or Muvico. The only hiccup in my trip was almost losing my hat in the theater, but the employees were nice enough to take a flashlight and help me look for it after the show ended. It was a really nice experience overall-- would definitely recommend! read more

The Pickwick theater has been a constant in my family as long as I've been in it! Have been coming for years and this theatre never disappoints: popcorn can't be beat and the staff is always so on point! Great prices, great snacks, and overall a great experience!! Not to mention the iconic architecture of the Mega Theatre- wonderful establishment. read more

This is another one of those hidden gems of a theater in the Chicago area. The theater itself is a landmark and it sits in the middle of down town Park Ridge surrounded by small locally run stores and some chains stores as well. Its a perfect compliment to the charming down town area. I first started going here when I started attending the GFest convention as they have their film festival at the theater after the convention closes everyday and after the theater shows their normal movies. The theater itself is massive and easily holds 500 people. Its a palace to movies with its art deco interior and washrooms. The seats are more comfortable than other old school theaters I have been too as well. The interior is beautiful with high ceilings and sweeping seats that lead up to the very large stage and screen. The snack bar is very cheap compared to the chain theaters and its just a great experience to see a movie here. I highly recommend just seeing it at least once. read more

The Pickwick Theater is the perfect place to see a movie. Unlike the mega mall movie theaters this one is relaxed. There is the main theater in a wonderful old building with many touches of an era gone by. There is also a few small theaters in the back. Concessions are very simple and manned by high school kids. Ticket prices are so much lower than your standard chain theaters. New seating makes this a comfy couple of hours. Check out the ceiling of the main theater! read more

Big fan of this theater. The employees are super nice and helpful. The place has that old school charm to it. If you have never been there make sure to watch the movies in the main theater. The sheer size of it is unlike anything I've seen in this area. We make it a point to frequent this place rather than the AMC. The tickets are cheaper-$8 only during prime time & cheaper during matinee. The popcorn is cheaper too. We don't need all that 3D b.s. to watch a movie. They even have free older movies screenings with donations for charities. It's just a great place. Plenty of parking as well. read more

We were excited to go to pickwick, so we went to the box office and the guy tells me Tangled is showing in their back theater..okay.. back theater is small, like small small. and the theater itself is the old kind, our large drinks didnt even fit in the drink holder! it was cool that an old theater was still around but we were excited to see the main theater that holds over a thousand? next time we'll walk to the box office and see whatevers playing in theater 1! read more

Why would you see a movie here? It's an experience. A very tiny strange smelling pop corny experience but very cheap and very cool. Free popcorn if you sign up for their weekly newsletter. I'm not sure what news they'll have though other than "hey we're still not closed down yet!" It's a bit of a landmark of course which is great and I'd always like to see it open. If you're familiar with the five buck club at Kerasokes you should know that you don't even need to sign up for a card at Pickwick. All shows before 6 are 5 for kids or adults. After that the shows are $7 for adults and $5 for kids and seniors. They've only got limited showtimes and 3 movies at a time, but they're movies that are out at other theaters too currently (always current shows). It's a nice quiet spot and a change of scenery from your normal movie theater. At least worth one visit to make your mind up for yourself wheather you'll be back or not! I will. read more

Now, I've been to movies here, but not since high school (late 80s/early 90s) and oddly I never saw a movie in the main theatre... but we took our kids to see Shrek 3 on it's opening night and my husband and I were pleasantly surprised at the size! Dear Lord, I forgot how big the old theaters were! It's been years since I was in one of these and I was thrilled to have taken my kids there! I did miss the stadium seating that you get at the modern theaters, especially when someone deicded to sit right in front of me just before the movie started... but they moved shortly thereafter and I got over the temporary inconvenience. The sound wasn't the same either, but it wasn't bad. Considering it's still very much what it was when it opened, I think it's an awesome experience! My kids could not believe the size of the theater... or that that's the way all of them were when their parents were growing up on the northside of Chicago. If you're into that nostalgic feel... I so totally recommend heading down to Northwest Hwy and Touhy to catch a flick! read more

They started having this as a concert venues for a few Filipino singers and now Joey Albert (Filipino artist) & David Pomerantz. The sounds were horrible and definitely ruining it for the audience. The sounds would go loud and soft while the artists are singing, then the bass would blast. Watching right now and it's really horrible and felt bad for the artists. The seats are comfortable but could just not save this show with horrible sounds. read more

This is a landmark within the community. I use to come here with my grandparents. This is the only theater that still does Matinée for $5 and regular price is $7 compared to every other theater in the area which is $10+. The concession is also very cheap a large popcorn and soda for $10 you really can't beat that and the best part is it is never packed!! read more

Ok. Here goes- I have been going to the PICK WICK since I was a little girl- saw GREASE there as my first movie. UMm can u say loves Olivia Newton John?? Soo the tikets are cheap, seats are decent, and its not usually very crowded which makes for an easy time in and out. There arent any credit card machines to buy tickets in advance or al that jazz, because it has a more retro feel. The popcorn people are usually teenagers and thats ok by me! read more

Pickwick Theater is a great theater to take your family to! The main theater has beautiful architecture, but also has a new screen to watch movies in the best way possible. The staff is also great and welcoming! I would recommend the Pickwick to all friends and family. read more

"...but its not a bad alley!" Went here today because I had a Groupon. I had never been to Park Ridge, or the Pickwick theater before today and was excited to see it. We got to the theater and we were told the movie we wanted to see was in the back theater, odd. Walked around the back. Was told the theater was upstairs, which would have been nice to know since my brother has severe back problems and doesn't do stairs very well. Once inside the theater, which was small, we discovered the drinks did not fit in the cup holders. The movie itself was fine, the screen is a bit small but not terrible. Bathrooms were clean. When the movie was over we noticed the entrance we came in was now blocked off, and we were supposed to go down a different set of stairs. No signs as to where it led. We went down the stairs and found ourselves in a back alley, not particularly safe, still no signs. We finally found the front of the theater again and I complained to the guy at the box office about the entrance being blocked off, he said well they do that because people are coming in for other movies and it gets too crowded. I said but the door lead to a alley and there weren't any signs saying as much, to which he replied "there was a exit sign above the door" I said so? It led to a alley and we weren't sure where we were. He replied that "its not a bad alley" I said that didn't matter they should have some signs that at least tell you how to get back to the front of the theater. You could tell he didn't care at all, as he offered no apology. I will not be going back to this theater, their service was horrible and the place itself was just passable. I'm glad I had a Groupon because I would have been very upset had I driven all that way, to sit in uncomfortable seats, get led into some back alley, then fronted off by a employee. No thanks! read more

I love it here! I saw my first movie "Wreck it Ralph" there and absolutely fell in love with it! I will definitely be bringing my friends and family here to see future movies. The service was excellent, very friendly employees, and the prices were lower than any other theater around. When we arrived at the theater I bought my son a drink and popcorn. When walking to our seats, my son spilled his drink all over the floor. I went to the front to tell employee working behind the counter, and I have never been treated with such good service. They cleaned it all up for me and offered to refill his drink for free! I love it here and would recommend it to anyone! Great family-friendly environment and would tell anyone to go here! read more

Good popcorn while good drinks This place is a classic. Even thought there theaters are a bit old and "dirty" it is very big and fun. Popcorn is good and seats are comfortable . Will be going again for sure! read more

This place is spectacular. They are not a second-run theater anymore as new releases keep popping up. A note you should make before coming is that they've slightly adjusted the price of admission - a ticket will now cost you $6 instead of the usual $5, but if you come for a matinee it'll be about $4. The main screen is the front which seats 1,000. The other theatres in back are much, much smaller, but they have a very intimate, coffeehouse feel - although they truly are nothing special in terms of decor. I always check with the PIckwick before I go to my regular theatre because it's a great bargain and the location has many other things to offer. read more

This place has been remodeled and the seats are very comfortable now. I remember when it cost a dollar to see a movie here. They now play recent movies and that's cool. Its a bit cheaper than the big theaters but nothing like seeing a movie in an old school movie theater. If you haven't been here in a while come back and enjoy a show. Make sure the movie you want to see is playing in the main theater. The two theaters in back are very small. read more

Keeping the audience waiting outside for over half an hour in 32F without leaving a single note that the movie is being played in another building is not a good practice. I do not like being treated like that just because I go to see a Polish movie. Still trying to warm up... read more

The Pickwick Theatre is a great place to watch a movie. Theatre 1 is simply a masterpiece. Their popcorn is delicious and is available at a very reasonable price compared to other movie theatre's. The candy variety is vast and you are sure to find something you like. Every time I go there the staff looks like they are having fun and always seem to be working hard. Overall, a great place for a low price. You can't beat it! read more

Wow! Umm $20 dollars to see a matinee with just me and my 4 yr old. That's outrageous! I understand the upgrades the seats and a new screen but, come on. Even the Norridge theater is less expensive to get in and better quality , sound and the seats recline. Management , please get put some heat on!!! It was freezing. We couldn't even take our coats off. Lower the prices a little . Geez, it's a neighborhood theater ! read more

Great theather. They don't play the most recent movie, but at least you don't have to pay the high prices of other theathers. read more

Pickwick Theater - Cinema Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

Love the new seats at the Pickwick. Also, much less expensive than going to other local shows. Great management!! Go Pickwick! Marie Nannini read more

Ended up here when my fiancé and I were looking for a last minute movie. It was our first time there and we were immediately blown away by the vintage charm the Pickwick displayed. You really can't go wrong with the place. Like other people wrote, yes, the slew of kids you might run into and the lack of stadium seating/3D and surround sound could be downfalls, but the prices are all worth it. They just got new seats that rock and we were very comfortable. Can't beat getting popcorn, soda, and two tickets to a movie for the price of two tickets to the big Chain theaters. I love this place. I'll be back! :) read more

Got to live the old theater. They do not make them like that anymore. I wish they would put some money back into it. Not just into the seats read more

Great little old-time theater that has one huge screen in front and a handul of smaller screens in the back. If you can wait a little bit after that hot new movie comes out, you can see it here for only $5...(children and seniors are $3 a ticket)!! Located in the quaint little neighborhood - Park Ridge. Plenty of parking and great for dates! Movie selection changes every Friday! read more

So many good memories in this theater. My mom used to us here as kids because they would show movies that had been out for a few months for $1. The prices still can't be beat - $7 for first run shows and cheaper for matinees. There is a huge main theater at the front and 3 smaller theaters at the back. The best part is that all the seats have been replaced with SUPER comfy leather rocker chairs - way more comfortable than the seats in your standard theater. So appreciative of the change. They also participate in the Belly Card program. I always choose this theater over the bigger more commercialized ones. read more

Holy cow is this place humongous. I've driven past Pickwick countless times and always heard about how my mom used to go here when she was younger. We had some type of voucher (I think from Amazon local or Living Social) that was expiring so we needed to go. Pickwick is a historic single screen theater. I'm not sure how many people it can fit but I would guess that the capacity is 500 or maybe 1,000? (I've never been good at guessing how many jelly beans are in the jar). The seats just kept going on and on. We got there a bit late so didn't have time to take in the architecture but I should note that there is an echo due to the size of the room. I didn't notice it too much but my bf did. Unfortunately, the movie was saw was a dud (Cloud Atlas) and we ended up leaving before it ended. read more

This is a tough one to evaluate - It all depends on what you're looking for. If you put a high priority on comfort seating, this is not the place for you. If you're looking for a bargain show, this place is great. $5 on a Saturday night is a great price - the catch being that you're not going to have stadium seating (or even comfortable seating for that matter). The building is vintage, & the concessions are cheap - but the seating is the ultimate equalizer. read more

This is a very nice and affordable theater. Now that Nor ridge theater is gone I wonder if they will see a spike in business? Its about a few dollars less to see a movie then norridge charged and a whole lot less then crown 18 in skokie. Now to the quality of the snacks. The taste of the popcorn is homestyle. Real butter topping and popped fresh and so much more affordable then the competition. I believe they are doing a little remodeling so hopefully there will be more screens. Definitely one of the better theaters. read more

Pickwick is such a classic theatre! I have attended several concerts here, as well as saw a movie or two. As far as the concerts: the theatre is plenty big, but the sound was not perfect, but definitely good quality compared to other places I have gone to. As a movie theatre, it is not very comfortable, as the seats have not been updated, so after a 2 hour movie, your tush hurts. On the plus side, ticket prices are reasonable and the popcorn is great! read more

Seats were a bit uncomfortable, but great value! Concessions were great too. I'll definitely be back.

This movie theater is awesome! Really comfortable chairs {like cushiony recliner chairs}, low prices {$7 for brand new movies, $5 for any older movie or any movie before 5pm}. I really like it! THOR the dark world was really great and they are super nice here. Will be coming back again! Can't believe we never knew about this spectacular movie theater. So happy. :) read more

I love this big old theater. My son and I have been going every chance we can get. The main theater is amazing ! The architecture alone is enough reason to go to this theater. Ticket prices are awesome! Even the popcorn and treats are a lesser price then other places. read more

A few things to note about this place: December 2011, this place became a National Landmark - it had already made the Historical Landmark list back in 1975... and became an icon for many of us, especially in Chicago (and for me, who grew up in Park Ridge). The 100-foot tower that rises above the theater... seen it before? Yeah - probably most notably in "Siskel & Ebert & the Movies". I believe it was one of the pictures that ran through the opening credits. This art-deco theater now houses newer seats, new paint, the old style marquee lighting, and well, an ambiance... I believe everyone has a different experience, depending on your age. I love the history of this place. The prices aren't so blatantly expensive like newer movie theaters, and the popcorn/drinks are very reasonably priced. It's a nice place to enjoy the "old-style" movie watching experience... read more