Classic cinemas in Snohomish County
Interior shot of the Anderson School Theater in Bothell, Wa.
If you’re looking to catch a movie in Snohomish County, you’re just an ORCA tap away. A local bus can take you to the nearest multiplex, but there are also some theaters that provide unforgettable experiences. Community Transit offers service within steps of these historical and interesting venues. And if you haven’t heard, youth 18 and under ride free.
McMenamins Anderson School Theater
18607 Bothell Way NE, Bothell
Route 105
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It takes imagination to envision how this theater started out as a junior high school gymnasium. The Anderson School was built in 1931 as Bothell Junior High; it was later renamed after the school’s first principal. Following a renovation, it reopened as a hub of entertainment in 2015. The former school gym on the south end of the campus includes a first-run movie theater, offering the latest Hollywood releases along with food and beverages for sale in your seat! The theater is decorated with vintage posters to honor the past. If you catch a matinee, be sure to visit the deck off the back of the building when your movie is over. It faces west, overlooking Pop Keeney Stadium, and offers one of the best sunset views in Bothell. Community Transit conveniently stops at Reder Way & Bothell Way NE.
Edmonds Theater
415 Main Street, Edmonds
Routes 102 & 130
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Edmonds Theater is a historic single-screen theater with two balconies in the heart of downtown Edmonds. Originally called the Princess Theater, it opened in 1924 and is one of the last remaining single-screen theaters in the Pacific Northwest. It has been independently owned and operated by the same family for more than 30 years. It offers first-run Hollywood movies and special events, like travel classes from Rick Steves. It’s also available for private rentals. A little more than a decade ago, the theater was updated with a digital projector to offer movie-goers a modern cinema experience in a classic theater setting.
Stanwood Cinemas at the Pavilion
6996 265th Street NW, Stanwood
Routes 240 & 247
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The nostalgic Cinemas at the Pavilion is a modern multi-screen theater with a step-back-in-time feel. While the design is charming, the theater is a reminder to long-time residents of the days when Stanwood was a modern center for Hollywood entertainment. A century ago, in the 1920s, Stanwood had four movie theaters, in addition to the Stanwood Opera House, which still stands as part of the Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center. Local residents packed the theaters to experience history with the silent movie, “Birth of a Nation,” and the first movies with sound. The theaters closed and were all demolished by 1969. Read how movie theaters returned to Stanwood in 2000 with the opening of the Cinemas at the Pavilion. Movie goers today can choose from up to seven movies running at a time.
Galaxy Theaters
1 Galaxy Way, Monroe
Routes 270 & 271
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Whether you go to the movies for the most advanced screens and surround sound, or because you want awesome concessions, Galaxy Theaters in Monroe is worth a visit. Moviegoers looking to enjoy action films are generally excited by Dbox and DLP projectors, both enhancing the visual experience. Few theaters offer these features which provide a significantly higher screen resolution and/or rumble effects to go along with the action. The theater offers comfortable recliners in certain showrooms. The theater also offers an arcade with nostalgic games like Mario Bros, that take quarters for some post-presentation fun, and a party room for rent. You can also purchase a deliciously large 5-gallon bag of movie theater popcorn to take home with you!
Is there an interesting movie theater you think we should check out?
Snohomish County offers unique attractions and history, and Community Transit can take you there. Plan to take the bus on your next adventure and leave the driving to us. Whether you call this home or you’re just passing through, we’re here to help you get where you want to be.
Route information is accurate as of this article’s publication date. As our communities grow, Community Transit makes changes to stops and routes to best serve riders. For the most updated route information use our Plan My Trip tool.
