What to do and see in New England, New England: The Best Movie Theaters

The Strand Theatre, located in downtown Rockland on the coast of Maine, has been entertaining audiences since 1923. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater underwent an extensive renovation in 2005, which included new sound and projection equipment, a fully restored interior and exterior, and a bright new marquee. In 2014, the theater became a non-profit organization and is now owned and operated by the Friends of the Strand Theatre. Today, the Strand Theatre is a multi-use venue offering the best of current first-run and independent films, live musical concerts and comedy, simulcasts, educational programs, conferences, and other special events on our stage and screen.

The Avon Theatre features the best of independent, documentary, foreign films and Hollywood classics, and educational programming that enhances the cultural richness of the Stamford community. The Avon is a non-profit, member-supported organization that has been described as an eclectic and whimsical picture house. The theatre is highlighted by an original exterior facade, framed by a restored vertical "AVON" marquee that lights up the Connecticut sky at night.

The historic Colonial Theatre originally opened in 1915 and is the oldest continuously operating movie theatre in the United States. Now, after a series of renovations and improvements, the 300-seat Colonial offers state-of-the-art digital projection and surround sound for independent and world cinema, hosts Grammy award-winning performing artists, family entertainment, and community events from May through October—all without losing the intimate charm of a vintage summer theater. The Colonial Theatre is on New Hampshire Registry of Historic Places and was named “Best Vintage Movie Theatre” by Yankee Magazine.

This is the home of the Martha's Vineyard Film Society, a non-profit arts organization that presents films, festivals and other performing arts offerings throughout the year. Currently, there are five separate film festivals held from April to September: The SPECTRUM Film Festival in April; The MV Environmental Film Festival in May, The FILMusic Festival in June, Doc(umentary) Week in August and the International Film Festival in September. Special events are truly special, often with post-screening Q&A sessions with the filmmakers. In the off-season, there's Met Opera (live from Lincoln Center), National Theatre Live, Bolshoi Ballet from Moscow as well as a wealth of documentaries, arthouse films and hard-to-find gems from around the world. Known for its comfortable seats, great sound system, eclectic concessions and specialty programming, The MV Film Center is a 5-minute walk from the SSA ferry terminal, so don't be surprise to see people from the Cape Cod visiting!

The Orpheum Theater opened in 1916 as Chatham's first and only movie house. Our Main Street movie theater was a magical place for 72 years - a year-round destination where generations of Chatham families and summer visitors could enjoy gripping dramas, slapstick comedies, joyous musicals or swashbuckling adventure films week after week. In 1938, the building was purchased by Interstate Theaters Corporation and was known as the Chatham Theater until 1987, when it ceased operations. The entire town mourned the loss of this iconic Main Street treasure, but the tradition was never forgotten. Now it's back, better than ever! The return of the Chatham Orpheum Theater began in November 2011, when a grass roots movement formed a non-profit organization to buy the historic building at 637 Main Street in April 2012 and restore it as a state-of-the-art two-screen cinema featuring an attendant cafe in 2013. Led by president Naomi M. Turner and a local team of volunteer professionals, Chatham Orpheum Theater, Inc. has raised more than $3.6 Million in donations from individual citizens and private foundations, plus major grants from the Town of Chatham and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The Chatham Orpheum Theater opened to the public as a non-profit cinema on July 26, 2013 ... bringing movies back to Main Street in the most state-of-the-art movie theater on Cape Cod. Every facet of this jewel box movie house and cultural center is unique, affordable, and community driven. The Orpheum is a quality cinema with two screens with 3-D capability, 6.1 SurroundSound(C) audio, and extremely comfortable seats with widely-spaced aisles. We feature first-run major motion pictures plus art house films, independent productions and documentaries, including locally-produced films. In addition, the Orpheum offers creative alternative programming for children, elders, and families. You'll find all the traditional concessions (including popcorn with real butter!) plus a delightful array of unique treats created by local Chatham confectioners. Movie-goers may also enjoy a glass of wine or beer from Vers at the Orpheum, our lobby cafe boasting a full menu of exceptional offerings with an emphasis on natural, seasonal, local ingredients ... utilizing what is flavorful and familiar to the contemporary palate. The Orpheum's interior is tastefully designed in traditional Cape Cod style, and the vaulted lobby showcases great works of created by notable local artists, including Hans de Castellane's signature mural, The After Party.

O'Neil Cinemas movie theater complex and Backstage Lounge restaurant/bar is located at The Point in Littleton, MA.

Movie theater that feature a mix of independent films, foreign language cinema and Hollywood favorites.

This Art Deco theater dates back to 1930.