1. The State Theatre

    1. The State Theatre

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    Ann Arbor, MI

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    The State Theatre

    3.8 (60 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    The State Theatre Photos

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    Concession stand
    Donna C.

    What a fun place. Located right next to campus it shows current movies, multiple of them. An old building but a modern enough theater. We had a great experience. Buy your tickets online and scan when you get there.

    Sitting area in the upstairs lobby. The theatre serves alcohol so this is a place to chill before or after a show.
    Joyce W.

    I don't have too much to say, as I've only seen one film here, but the theatre itself is gorgeous. Despite the many stairs and escalator, it's still ADA friendly with multiple elevators. Please make sure if you are ADA, you come early because you'll have to change elevators after you go to the box office for your ticket.

    Ellie B.

    Cute, smaller theater great for movie nights! They do great monthly ticket bundles where for a set price you get a certain number of tickets per month and can use them to see any movie.

    I think I prefer the STT Theater to the STAE Theater
    Kevin J.

    The State Theatre isn't as ornate but also not as stuffy looking as it's gorgeous sister showing the silver screen down the block, The Michigan Theater. It'd be nice if they could get all the neon letters burning brightly on its marquee as it sure gives the place a fun and funky look. Also funky, but in not a good way, is the Target store taking up most of the ground floor that patrons enter right under said marquee. Kinda seems like a sacrilege to me. The entrance to the State Theatre itself is off to the side with the "box office" sharing space with the concessions and all 4 auditoriums up a flight of stairs. The great C. Howard Crane must be rolling in his grave. Concessions have the same reasonable rates as the Michigan and they sell beer, wine and mixed drinks, too. Forgot to mention that in my review of the Michigan as it's an afterthought to me as a non-drinker but if a little buzz helps you through a moving picture they got you covered in downtown Ann Arbor's movie theaters. Decor is a combo of classic art deco and retro modern movieplex that reminds me of the old Cinemark at Universal Mall - a lot of purples and muted versions of the bright 80s colors they used to have there. Not my favorite but it is kind of fun. I love the Michigan Theater but it's decor is very top hat and monocle wearing looking stuff. Much more unpretentious vibes at the State. The smaller auditoriums are way less epic but give the place more versatility, too. The last couple films I've seen here have been animated- an anime version of the silent film classic Metropolis and a 90s anime called Ocean Waves. Can't see either playing in the main theater at the Michigan and the little theater at the way back kind of makes stuff seem like an also ran. Here movies like that are right up in the mix, maybe even getting extra asses in seats on a day when both Barbie and Oppenheimer sold out - with at least Barbie and I think maybe Oppenheimer also showing at the Michigan! Barbenheimer mania has gripped Ann Arbor in summer 2023! (Should be a fun Remember When for future Yelp readers stumbling across this in 5 years or more.) Seats are super comfy with cup holders that you won't find down the block on Liberty street. Funny how much I can positively contrast the State against the Michigan when that's five stars and this is four. It's the Target effect bringing this place down, but not too much. I'd far prefer seeing a movie here than in a suburban AMC, MJR or Emagine. Even with fighting traffic and having to park in a structure. I'm not sure if I ever made it to this theater before the much ballyhooed renovations a few years back but it doesn't lack in creature comforts. A solid four stars. On a personal note, I'm taking an intermission from Yelp for awhile. I've gone pretty hard this year, enough so I should already have that elite badge for the next annum all sewn up. Gonna focus on other stuff for awhile. I'll see ya when I see ya.

    Nice new seats
    Liz P.

    4 years later and time to update this review! The renovations are beautiful, and I attended a few Cinetopia Film Festival movies there this weekend. Holy smokes, there is now leg room! The old seats were awful - my taller (6'0+) male friends had to drape their legs over the seats because there was no leg room. Although the new seats are not recliners, there is plenty of leg room and they are quite comfortable. I saw 2 or 3 movies here this weekend and there's really not a bad seat in any of the theaters. I liked how the lobby was mostly kept the same, just updated, and they even have some art deco carpet as a throwback. Bathrooms have been much improved as well, and have nice lighting. The layout of the new State is a little confusing - theater 1 is on the first floor, near concessions, but you still have to go up some stairs. Theaters 2, 3, and 4 are on the opposite side. There is an escalator and also an elevator for those that can't do stairs or who don't want to, also. Overall, I'm super pleased with the renovations and would definitely go back again to see a movie.

    The brilliant new marquee
    Dia D.

    The State Theater reopened in December of 2017 after a months-long, multi-million dollar renovation. If you were in the State before the renovation and swore you would never come back because the seats were uncomfortable and the sound quality was bad, then you need to come back to the State. There is now an elevator, stadium seating with comfy chairs, 4 theaters, and beautiful new decor that recreates much of the original Art Deco design. Seating is now reserved seating. The State and Michigan show a great variety of films and this renovation means you can view them in a beautiful space.

    Another beautiful marquee
    Cristina B.

    Beautiful and renovated theatre! Because the weather has been super cold and not as pleasant, my boyfriend and I have been on a mission to go to random movie theatres in the area. It's been a lot of fun finding different (mostly independent) theatres and then finding what we love about them! Ann Arbor is one of our favorite places to explore together so naturally he loved that I decided to plan a date night here! First off ... The marquee is GORGEOUS at night. It is well lit and you definitely see it from blocks away. Something about a marquee just gives off a magical feel to me and I somehow feel like I'm in a whole different city. The new additions to the State Theatre were so refreshing to see! You can now pick your seats and buy your tickets in advance (these are not luxury recliners!) Nonetheless the seats are comfy, you can lift your arm rests, and you can enjoy dinner without worrying about getting a ticket. We saw Star Wars in what the employees told us was the smallest theatre. The theatre had stadium seating. We picked seats closer to the top row, which was also close to the door. It really wasn't an issue, until people showed up late and couldn't find their seats. Foot room was slightly limited, but it wasn't a real issue going forward. The theatre was cozy and comfy! Sound was fantastic and the picture was quite clear. The real shining stars was the customer service. Every employee was completely helpful in directing us where everything was. It was our first time here and we managed to feel right at home with everyone! Medium pops were around $4.25 but refills were free and you could fill up your cup yourself. There was a few candy options and while I didn't try any popcorn, it did smell delicious! Jasper was the concessionist and he was joking around with us. I loved the movie selections at this theatre and I truly cannot wait to come back again soon!

    Cat M.

    When going to see a movie there are two places to choose either the Michigan theater or the State Theatre and I'm talking about on the planet

    The experimenter
    Manal A.

    I like it coz it's in town I like it coz they select the best movies Their chairs are not very comfortable but feels classic and has history

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    What a great space to enjoy a movie or live performance. Even the silent movies have a live organ player. Excellent

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The State Theatre

    Do I need to pay for my 5 year old child? There is no option for that when buying tickets. Do I just buy the student w/ID price?

    Yes! Always assume when your child needs a seat for anything they will have to pay for one!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - The State Theatre

    There is now an elevator, stadium seating with comfy chairs, 4 theaters, and beautiful new decor that recreates much of the original Art Deco design.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Cinemark

    Cinemark

    3.7
    (18 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    Great movie theater! Food is pricey but tickets are a steal. Military discount of $3 for my…read moreboyfriend! Drinks + tickets + popcorn were about $40. We seen Dolly and it was pretty good!! Only downside is people do not know how to turn their phone off. Our scheduled movie was 8:10 and it didn't end up starting until 8:45.

    My husband and I couldn't remember the last time we had been to this Cinemark (all signs point to…read morepre pandemic?) and I was honestly a little apprehensive about how it would be since a lot of theatres have been falling by the wayside but to my pleasant surprise it's actually still in pretty good shape! Typically we go to another theatre that's a bit closer with some better amenities (a fairly robust food, menu, a full bar, etc) but we came here because it was the only theatre in the area showing a movie we wanted to see. Gone are the days of the giant movie releases where multiple concession counters are open, so parts of the building do feel like of deserted, but it was still pretty busy for a Monday night and there was a bit of a line, though it did move pretty quickly. A lot of it is grab and go (including most hot food), so it's convenient and quick, though the quality does suffer a bit not being made to order (compared to their local chain competitor who delivers your food to your seat). I got the chicken fingers and we split some fries and they were ok. Not great but not terrible. It got the job done. We also split some popcorn which was freshly popped. I'd probably just stick to that and a soda next time. The theatres are clean and the seats themselves are recliners and pretty comfy and in good condition. Projection was good, as was the sound. Commercials/trailers were almost a half hour long which felt a bit like overkill, tho. Over all, it was fine. Not impressive enough to get us to change our regular theatre but serviceable for a visit now and again.

    Photos
    Movie posters and arcade/claw games
    Movie posters and arcade/claw games
    Cinemark
    Lots of seating!

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    Lots of seating!

    The State Theatre - movietheaters - Updated July 2026

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