Seeing a movie at The Clairidge in Montclair is a unique experience. It's an independent six-screen art-house theater that's been operated since 2021 by the non-profit Montclair Film, an organization that champions indie filmmakers and hosts the reknown Montclair Film Festival every October and educational events for both kids and adults throughout the year. In addition to presenting indie films, foreign films, or thought-provoking documentaries that you won't usually find at corporate-owned theaters, the Clairidge's theater auditoriums are smaller and more intimate than you'd find in the big, corporate-owned theaters and only one of the six auditoriums have the fully-reclining seats that have become the industry standard. On the other hand, the concessions go way above and beyond the classic movie theater snacks like popcorn, candy, and sodas which enhances the unique viewing experience. The Clairidge's concessions stand offers beer, wine, and canned cocktails - including the "Director's Cut Blood Orange IPA" created by New Jersey Beer Co. exclusively for Montclair Film. There's nothing better than catching a movie with a drink in hand. It's the perfect blend of a high-brow film experience and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes for a sophisticated night out while supporting a non-profit that gives so much back to the Montclair community. PRO TIP #1: Show up early to get a good seat. The Clairidge doesn't offer reserved seating and its smaller auditoriums fill up quickly. PRO TIP #2: Download the ParkMobile app. You can pay for parking in Montclair via the ParkMobile app whether you park in the town's garages or metered on-street parking. If you can't find a spot on the street, parking in the Montclair Parking Utility's Crescent Deck (located at 13 The Crescent), which is located just a block from the back entrance of The Clairidge, is $2/hour. read more

Great theater to watch a movie. The price is right and the concessions are very reasonable as well. They do have memberships available with extras that come with that as well read more

The movie theatre rooms are actually nice and have the one level old school feel. The check in area is a little chaotic if you arrive anytime before your movie. We arrived 30 mins before and they said the room wasn't ready but they will let us know. There's only one bathroom for all the people whose movie just finished and all those arriving to watch their movie. Lines were way too long. Other than that, I appreciate the comfy and clean theater. read more

The Clairidge Theater is a non-profit theater located in Montclair. It is not big and flashy like a Cinemark or some AMCs, but what it lacks in neon lights it more than makes up for in charm. The theater is located inside a larger structure that also includes stores to the left and right. The box office area and concessions bar are relatively small, but that's fine. They don't need to be huge and the staff is super nice and helpful. The theater can show up to six films at a time, so the individual theaters are not huge, but they are a good size especially if you are looking to see Indie films (which I was). I was there to see a showing of "Love Lies Bleeding" which not many theaters in the area were showing, so I was super happy to see they were showing it. The seats were comfortable but not big seats like you'll find at an AMC. No big deal to me, these felt more like the seats I grew up sitting in when I went to movies as a kid. The Clairidge is a great part of Montclair and even better it is surrounded by shops and restaurants giving you plenty to do before and after your movie! read more

Really liked the theater. Very intimate setting. The place was clean and the sound system was great. All you could ask for in a movie theater. read more

Really nice seats since they remodeled. One of the few places in the area where you can see independent films. Worth supporting this place. read more

The Clairidge - Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Great theater, greatest popcorn and great crew! I highly recommend this theater and suggest donating to the nonprofit!

This has always been a jewel in the area for decades as they focus on indie/less commercial movies. With the renovations , it's even better. Great selection always. Try to come 10 min before show time as the theaters are small so there's always a chance of having only the first row seats left. Always nice to watch movies with fellow cinephiles read more

Thanks to Yelp I scored free tickets and was able to visit this cinema during the Montclair Film Festival to watch the movie "Support the Girls" starring Regina Hall (aka her other role as Ryan in Girls Trip). A few tips about this cinema: - Street parking (bring quarters if you come M-Sat (Sundays no worries) or a parking deck around the corner (about a 5-10 min walk, so give yourself about 20 minutes for parking alone before the movie starts) - Cute restaurants around the area to eat including coffee and ice cream shops to kill time if you get there early - Don't forget shopping, there's Urban Outfitters, Lululemon, Anthropology and more - There's a concession stand - Theaters vary in size and they were pretty clean. No stadium seating So my stars were based on the theater itself, as for the movie, it was just ok for me. I was excited Regina Hall was the main star, but if you want my opinion, it dragged a lot. The plot was based on a general manager managing a sports bar (think of a hooters), and the bar was literally going downhill. She cared a lot about her workers making sure they were treated with respect because of the way they were dressed at work (skimpy top with cleavage and short shorts). I honestly didn't know where the story was going. I didn't like the end of the movie, it made no sense to me. There's parts of the movie I definitely would of cut out. I wish they gave me a survey for the movie. Thank you Yelp for letting me watch a film and experiencing the Montclair Film Festival. I definitely would love to do it again. read more

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Wow! What a make over!! After being in of a fan of the Angelika New York City for the last 20 years it's so refreshing to find a movie house that plays the highest quality independent and foreign films in such a lovely environment. Now currently managed as a nonprofit theater by the Montclair film group, i'm encouraged to become a member to keep this wonderful institution rolling along I think it's actually the finest environment I've seen for film in many years. I only wish they had reclining seats similar to those at AMC, since these type of films don't attract large audiences they certainly have the room to put those type of seats in there. I'd even be happy paying more money for that type of Seating Still this now becomes my default film center Well done!! read more

This theater has the best popcorn ever. They even offer a lid for the bucket if you wanna take your leftovers to go after the movie. Their bathrooms are very clean as well. I love there new lounge seats which are very comfortable. I'm glad they're still open! read more

The Clairidge is my favorite movie theater in Jersey. I've been going here to see indie flicks for the past 15+ years. With all the new development downtown and trendy new shops and eateries popping up, the Clairidge has not changed - and I think that's pretty damn cool. For me, the Clairidge is one of the last bastions of cinematic/artistic integrity and authenticity in the area. With the exception of some cool-looking framed posters hanging inside the theater, it's nothing terribly fancy. The point of this movie theater is to SEE THE MOVIES - not go here for some AMC Dine-In experience with stadium seating and a fancy bar. What sets this theater apart from others in the area is the selection of films it screens, many of which have limited distribution (with NYC being the only other place to see them nearby). So if you are in North Jersey and like independent movies, go here. That's it. read more

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This place has some cuteness to it, and I like that they show a lot of indie movies in case you want some variety. There's no parking since it's on a busy street, but there are lots nearby and metered parking aka free evening street parking. Leave a little time to find parking before a movie in case it's a busy downtown time. The price is pretty consistent with other theaters, but it feels old/outdated. The theaters are on the smaller side (since they aren't screening blockbusters. Our popcorn did taste stale. The theater had a center aisle, which seems like a terrible design. Don't people WANT to sit in the middle of a movie theater, but now they can't? Why not put the aisle on the sides? Even for a small theater, don't count on the movies to be empty, so make sure you get in with enough time because the theaters are still going to fill up. It's a decent theater if there's something you want to see here that you can't see elsewhere. The theater itself is just okay/not great so if there is something you can see elsewhere, you might find something nicer somewhere else. read more

Nice employees But it's a tiny ghetto theater The popcorn we got was stale. The theaters were tiny, and no parking lot. It's got the new movies at full price; but it definitely no luxurious movie experience If you are in the area; like literally across the street it's probably ok But don't take a date here. Booty calls only. Not my place. Felicia Bye read more

The Clairidge - Cinema Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

The Clairidge Theater (aka Bow Tie Clairidge Cinema) has been around since my childhood. The neighborhood is now bustling more than ever with restaurants, ice cream & coffee shops and retail boutiques. So the overall 'night out' at this movie theater is certainly fulfilling. But the theater experience itself could use an upgrade. The positives would definitely be a varied selection of films, ranging from popular new movies to pure indie attractions. This theater does not have the audio/visual upgrades to compete with the big multiplexes, so the Clairidge is not my first choice for modern, special effects-heavy movies. Instead, expect often-filled theaters (six small ones I believe) for general drama, indie, and Oscar-worthy films. Given that, I've still experienced enough volume, ventilation, and temperature inconsistencies to dampen the overall experience. The lobby of the building is nice, but the lobby of the theater itself is small and drab. I like and appreciate the old school nature of The Clairidge; I think a modest upgrade would enhance the experience and raise my review score. read more

This theater is really nice to have seeing as how the movies shown here are indie or just in limited theaters. There are few places like this save for going to NY. The staff are friendly and I'm grateful the ticket window hasn't been replaced by a machine yet. The theaters as one may expect are small - maybe seating 50? but they're clean and simple as a movie theater should be. The bathrooms are also decent. What's cool is the "critic board". After seeing a movie they have a board set up where you can leave a review of movies shown here on post-it like papers and give the movie a grade. Cool idea that lets you share thoughts immediately after seeing a movie or check people's thoughts before going in for one. When the major box office movies are lacking, this is a great place to come for those hidden gems. read more

The Clairidge - Box office window. What will you see? - Cinema Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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I love their selection of movies. I love the fact that they don't deafen their customers with 20-30 minutes of trailers at a dangerous loud volume. Great neighborhood for walking and restaurants. Parking has gone up in price --- too bad! read more

We had to drive pretty far to get here, since it is one of the very few theaters in New Jersey that show independent films. It's small but well-maintained. The screen was pretty big, and there was more than enough seating. The sound was of good quality and it actually started on time, which is a problem that I've been having at many of the larger movie theater chains. It was quite easy to park in the deck around the corner. We arrived maybe an hour early and only paid $4 to park. read more

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Saw Elvis here, it was great other than the AC being broken everyone in the theatre was complaining and we all left extremely sweaty. read more

The Clairidge - Cinema Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

I like this little cinema. Love that they play indie films so you don't have to go into the city. Saw Anomalisa here - it was literally the only place showing it in the area - everything else was in NYC. The theater itself was very small but I'm told they have other theaters that are bigger. Tickets were $12. I liked that they had a movie critic board where patrons posted their reviews of movies. That was fun to read. Parking is problematic because it's Bloomfield Ave. There is a paid parking garage around the corner by Church Street. I parked in the Lackawanna Plaza parking lot (Pig & Prince, Popeyes, etc.) but it's a bit of a walk. read more

This is an old time theater in Montclair. Seats are older and not as comfy as a new multiplex might be. However, they show great movies here and you won't find them at the multiplex. They have show times throughout the day and into the evening. Because its a lot of "artsy" films the people here are interesting and eclectic. Popcorn here is pretty good too. Parking is in one of the nearby lots. Depending on time of day costs can be $0 and up. read more

Small intimate theater. The rooms aren't very big. The seats are pretty comfy even though they don't recline. Some of the rooms are a little off center from the actual movie screen but just choose to sit in the middle area to avoid having neck cramps from your head being turned. Cheaper prices but you have to find parking here which can be a challenge. They let viewers review the movie they saw and post it up in the front! It's a nice touch! read more

Clairidge suits the area of Montclair well. There used to be another theater in Montclair similar to Clairidge in style (Bellevue) but it closed. Thus, Clairidge is the only one left of its kind in the area. It's not like other movie theaters, in that you can't come here expecting to see the big blockbusters of the season. Instead, Clairidge offers mostly indie or art films. Decor inside the theater goes along with the indie/art setting, with old fashioned paintings on the wall and old carpeting. The rooms aren't very big or long. Wherever you sit, you end up being closer to the screen than you might hope for. The seats are jam packed inside to maximize the seating available. Thus, the seats are small and narrow and not very comfortable. I'm not a huge fan of the seating arrangements overall. Service at the "box office" is slow with only two attendants giving out tickets. There are no fast ways to get your tickets, other than purchasing them in advance. On the day we visited, the associate gave us tickets for a different movie than what we asked for. We had to go back and have them fixed, which ended up wasting time and sacrificed us getting a good seat. Overall, I think Clairidge is well-suited for Montclair. While it may not be the biggest, most high-tech theater out there, it offers films that you are unlikely to find in larger multiplex theaters. I hope it stays open in Montclair for years to come. read more

For anyone who wants to see documentaries/indie films and doesn't want to take a trip to NYC to Angelika/IFC/otherwise, there really isn't a better option in the entirety of North New Jersey at least from what I have seen. The films have a proper sized theater otherwise with nice staff and the tickets at 12 dollars isn't bad for the movies they show. Also, if you don't want soda/otherwise from the theater, there is a great tea place connected and I have brought tea in from there no problem. I love this place. Just be warned that it gets quite crowded so you might want to buy some tickets online. read more

This was a last minute decision since this was the only theatre in our area that was playing The Theory of Everything. It has the charm of an old time movie theatre, with a marquee in lights out front. But, it's small, and it only seems to play a few movies that aren't necessarily the latest big block buster shows. Yet, while the experience wasn't premium by any means, it was really fun. The small theatre was packed, and people seemed to be there because they really wanted to be there - not just because they needed something to do on a Sunday night. read more

I love this small yet intimate theater. Went to see "Me before You" and I loved every minute of it. Not so modern but it cute and comfortable. Bowtie also has "Super Tuesday" specials where all tickets cost $6! Perfect for an after work movie or date night. read more

Old theater and old not so comfy seats, however they always show the best films in the area! I like to enjoy my film without waiters walking around serving smelly food aka AMC. read more

Went here last night to watch the "Big Sick". Very interesting movie theatre in that it isn't your normal multiplex. As noted in the other reviews, this theatre is located in the downtown Montclair business district. It isn't located along some major state highway, or connected to some mall... it is just a theatre sitting amongst other stores along the street. There is no huge theatre parking lot, so you need to find a place to park on your own. This theatre - due to its location - has a very old fashioned feeling to it ---- yet, in order to make sure it survives in today's world, it is most definitely a multiplex. The screens are small - but the films shown,which appear to trend toward the art house genre, make it all worthwhile. We definitely need more theaters like this one. Not every movie house needs to show the latest blockbuster. There has to be room for the art house minded to enjoy cinema as well. I'll definitely be back! read more

adorable movie theater. it has access to bareburger, and its more than one floor. employees were helpful. the theaters themselves are small and narrow and seats are decently comfortable. sound is good. parking is terrible. bathroom is clean and theres a small concession stand outside most of the theaters. small, but to the point kinda theater. read more

This is a good little theater. It's connected to a bareburger, and in the middle of a nice strip of downtown Montclair. Near a ton of restaurants and bars, near a lot of parking (street and garage), the seats are comfortable and the theater itself is clean (as are the bathrooms). I wouldn't go here looking for a lot of fancy movie theater accompaniments though - it's just a great little theater but isn't a big cineplex if that's what you are looking for. They do seem to run a great selection of movies. read more

I must say that I am a movie nut! I see 100 movies a year and would see more if I could. That is why a theatre like Bow Tie Cinema is important to me. This is the main theatre in this area for independent and foreign films. This is the place that shows small budget films and art movies that the big theatre will not show. The sound system isn't great, but having an independent film showplace locally where we can see the movies that are small budget but big on talent and stories locally is very important. Could it be improve yes, but It fill a void that would otherwise be unfilled in the Montclair, Bloomfied, Belleville, and Newark area. read more

Greatest selection of indie movies in the area. I've been coming here for over ten years. Park in the Fullerton parking deck across the street which is free on Sundays! Five or six tiny little theaters, so you need to get yr. ticket early, especially for new showings. Old seating, small theaters, but where else can you see the newest Woody Allen or Tim Burton when it is only playing in Manhattan? Why here at the Bow Tie Clairidge! Make sure to stop at one of the cafes or Starbucks on Church St. before or after your show for a latte! read more

This is a good movie theater to see small and independent films. There are some wide releases too. I've been here a few times and its great for a quiet afternoon or evening at the movies. I haven't experienced it ever being crowded except for New Year's Eve. The theater is kept clean. This is the perfect location for a meal on Bloomfield Ave and then a movie. read more

There is a lot of unused space that you notice as soon as you walk into the building, you walk into and through this space and then into what looks more like a theatre. This place by no means is the top of the line movie theatre but what it is is a more intimate (small) theatre that I enjoyed watching a great film festival movie in. Seats were comfortable enough for an hour and a half showing, no weird smells, it may have been a little too warm for some people who prefer the blasts of cold air that you usually find in a larger theatre. read more

The Clairidge - Cinema Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

I love this little theater. It is small but plays some of the best movies that you won't see in big theaters. I highly recommend it for a quiet, peaceful movie experience. I told my hubby if I were a celebrity this would be the movie theater to visit! Lol read more

Have been here a few times. One thing I don't love is parking in the area is kind of tight-there are garages if the street/metered lots are full. The theaters are smallish but everything has always been well kept and on time. I saw The End of the Tour here in August of 2015. It may not have been the location per se but it is an outing I won't forget. "And the conversation was the best I'd ever have." They usually have the non-multiplex fare and prestige, foreign films etc. I have some Bow Tie vouchers I got at Costco in Teterboro (long story) and I may need to make a special trip here to use them. read more

The place is not a modern one. But the sound is awesome. Temperature of the auditorium it's correct for most. And the have the best popcorn called Jack and Harry's. Comes in Carmel and cheese. Beats regular popcorn every time. read more

The Clairidge - Jack and Harry's popcorn. The best - Cinema Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Excellent theater in downtown Montclair, usually screening limited release films that you would otherwise have to go into NYC to see. Has a family like feel to it. One night, Stephen Colbert was in the room just watching a movie like anyone else, and nobody bothered him. Just last week, we saw the critically acclaimed horror film "It Follows." After the film, a complete stranger picked our brains (not in the horror sense). Together we lauded the cinematography, and a moment later three more strangers said, "Thank you." It was the family of the cinematographer! That kind of place. Parking is a simple equation. Be close and pay, or park far and walk for free. Typical movie prices are $12/ticket. Concessions are even more $$ than the suburban multiplexes, but as so much of what they show has limited appeal, I see how they need to make profits somewhere else. No need to subtract a star. But I do subtract a star for no weekday night movies after 7:30pm. As Montclair is not just a weekend destination anymore, why not add some 9pm showings to attract those who would like to see a film after dinner and shopping on a Tuesday night? You might just see someone who is or is soon to be famous. TIPS: -Sign up at the theatre for a Bow Tie Membership -- good perks -All Tuesday showings are 1/2 price - Leave a review of your movie and post it to the corkboard on your way out read more

Has great movies. Cutting edge. But am sitting in theater two and there is a terrible smell. The place needs to work on upkeep. read more

Smaller screens. Older seats. Steep prices. Basically the venue to see art house/ independent films. I truly like the fact that they're still popping their own popcorn. That's like a forgotten art these days. The addition of the church street lot has made a world of difference for parking. read more