Things to Do

You Can Now Rent Out an Entire Movie Theater for $99

Groups of up to 20 can book private screenings at AMC Theatres locations in Maryland and Virginia.

Photograph via iStock.

If you’ve ever wanted a whole movie theater for your own personal showing of Shrek—we don’t judge—now is your chance. Months after the pandemic shut cinemas across the country, AMC Theatres is trying to bring moviegoers back by letting them rent entire auditoriums in Virginia and Maryland (and nationwide, but not DC) for private groups of 20 people or less. The cost for your entire crew ranges between $99 and $349, depending on the movie and theater location.

There are currently 34 films to choose from, including classics (Jurassic Park, The Empire Strikes Back), kid-friendly animations (Monsters, Inc., Madagascar), and Halloween flicks (Hocus Pocus, The Conjuring 1 and 2). Most of the older releases are $99 (plus tax), while newer pictures like The Broken Hearts Gallery or Unhinged start at $149.

The price doesn’t include buttered popcorn or M&Ms, which can be ordered in advance via snack vouchers. (Cash is no longer accepted at concession stands.) And if you want to bring your own grub, AMC charges a $250 outside catering fee. It also doesn’t allow food that it is already selling, or that requires a “heating element.” There are other extra fees too, depending on what you’re looking to do. Want a mic to welcome your friends? Tack on $100 more.

Among the new Covid-era protocols: masks required during screenings, and cleaning crews armed with electrostatic disinfectant sprayers and HEPA-filter vacuums.

Find a full list of participating theaters and make bookings online here.

Jessica Sidman
Food Editor

Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad.