The cost to rent a movie theater varies widely depending on the theater chain, location, movie selection, group size, and rental duration. Here is a summary of typical pricing:
- AMC Theatres: Older movies cost about $99 plus tax; new releases range from $149 to $349 plus tax for up to 20 people
- Cinemark: Prices generally range from $99 to $149 plus tax depending on showtime, location, and movie selection, also for up to 20 guests
- Alamo Drafthouse: A flat rate of $163 regardless of movie, with a minimum food and drink purchase of $150 required; group size varies by location, typically 10 to 30 people
- Independent or boutique cinemas (e.g., The Screening Room) charge between $225 and $450 plus tax for about 2 hours and 15 minutes, with extra fees for longer events or technical needs
- Renting through platforms like Peerspace, hourly rates range from about $75 to $395 or more, depending on theater size, amenities, and city. Some high-end or large-capacity theaters charge $250 to $400+ per hour, with minimum rental times
In general, renting a small theater for a private screening can cost roughly $100 to $400 per hour, with group sizes from 10 to 30 people common. Splitting the cost among attendees can make it more affordable, for example, $350 total divided by 20 people is about $17.50 each before tax
. Thus, while prices vary, renting a private movie theater can be surprisingly affordable compared to expectations, especially for smaller groups and older movies. Larger venues or premium experiences naturally cost more.
