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Music Box Theatre

Indie Movie Theater and Theater
Lakeview, Chicago
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9.4/10
581
ratings
  • Stars
    A King in New York: 11:30am
  • Stars
    The People's Joker: 7:00pm
  • Stars
    Stop Making Sense: 11:59pm
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The folks at Time Out Chicago and Explore Chicago like this place. Would you agree?
    • Time Out Chicago
    • Explore Chicago
  • Tips
    Anya P.
    "Don't miss the French film festival this week here :)"(3 Tips)
    Matt D.
    "Quite simply the best movie theater in Chicago."(2 Tips)
    Explore Chicago
    "... the time, as well as silent films. The theater still boasts a working organ..."(2 Tips)
    Ross W. B.
    "Miss a Midnight Movie and be very dissapointed"(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon88 Tips and reviews
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  • Chicagoist
    ChicagoistAugust 1, 2014
    The variety of programming at the Music Box is unmatched in the city, afforded in no small part by the the house's unique ability to project just about every kind of film you want, from 16mm to 70mm. Read more
  • Jake S.heart icon on user image
    Jake SmithJune 1, 2013
    If the movie you're seeing calls for audience participation, participate! The staff sometimes hands out sheets with information about how you can participate better during the film.
    Upvoted Mar 16
  • Matt D.heart icon on user image
    Matt DickerMay 21, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    Quite simply the best movie theater in Chicago. Great programming, even better atmosphere. The best place in Chicago for true movie lovers.
  • ✞CONSTANTINE ✞
    ✞CONSTANTINE ✞March 27, 2014
    The video was clear and stutter free. I hear they have a 4k or ultra-HD setup. Audio, contrary to gripes I've read in a few other reviews, seemed perfectly fine really... I love this place...
  • Redeye Chicago
    Redeye ChicagoAugust 3, 2014
    This historic theater, which first opened in 1929, features an unbeatable lineup of independent and foreign films in addition to frequently hosting one-of-a-kind talks, film festivals and screenings. Read more
  • Dave
    DaveMay 6, 2010
    The MBT accepts Visa and MC, since January 2009. The organist plays most weekend afternoon/evenings. We use real butter on the popcorn if you ask for it, and we have been named the best popcorn in C
  • Tim O.heart icon on user image
    Tim O'BryanOctober 14, 2017
    Great spot for traditional theater vibe with great drinks! Sound system isn’t bad, but acoustics muddle modern surround mixes.
  • Julie F.heart icon on user image
    Julie FeketeJanuary 5, 2013
    You must see White Christmas and It's A Wonderful Life at Music Box in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Classic movies on the big screen with Christmas carols before each show.
  • Explore Chicago
    Explore ChicagoFebruary 2, 2010
    The Music Box Theatre, built in 1929, was designed to accommodate sound films, a new technology at the time, as well as silent films. The theater still boasts a working organ and an orchestra pit. Read more
  • Julian G.
    Julian GrantOctober 23, 2011
    Simply the best repertory showcase in the country. Wide selection of classic, cult and new films here. A not-to-be-missed event in town.
  • Doug V.
    Doug Van DamApril 24, 2014
    Loved the movie and the interior of the Theater is wonderful! Sit upfront the screen isn't that big.
  • Chris A.heart icon on user image
    Chris AlgerJanuary 7, 2016
    lovely comfy old theatre -saw the extremely gory Tarantino film (Hateful 8) at this theatre. Easy to buy tix online and good location
  • Sabrina R.
    Sabrina RecendezSeptember 23, 2014
    Great place to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Check out their website for dates and times
  • Time Out Chicago Kids
    Time Out Chicago KidsJanuary 13, 2012
    This indie theater serves all-natural Lake Champlain chocolate bars straight from the green mountains of Vermont. The sinful flavors include milk, dark and milk chocolate caramel.
  • Bob D.heart icon on user image
    Bob DeGraffMarch 24, 2015
    If you want to experience the classic movie going experience, this is the place you need to go.
  • T C.
    T CallahanSeptember 26, 2014
    Very reasonably priced for a classic movie theatre experience. Cool special events too.
  • Tana B.heart icon on user image
    Tana BabcockSeptember 10, 2015
    Been here 25+ times
    Love this old theater inside and out! The drinks from the lounge are strong but good and themed to the movies. Check it out!
  • Daniel O.
    Daniel OttApril 19, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    My favorite theater in Chicago. A fine blend of new and old with fantastic special events. $5 dollar movie Mondays are a group tradition now.
  • Madeline Carol M.
    Madeline Carol MatzFebruary 16, 2014
    The National Theatre Coriolanus with Tom Hiddleston was captivating. They announced that there will be another showing at the Music Box Theatre 03/09/2014 @ 11:30am. This showing sold out!
  • Maureenheart icon on user image
    MaureenAugust 17, 2011
    Been here 50+ times
    $5 Mondays are tops. If you want to see a movie in their big theater, your best bet is to catch the show the first week it's out.
  • Explore Chicago
    Explore ChicagoFebruary 2, 2010
    The Music Box's retro neon sign, velvet seats, and twinkling stars / rolling clouds on the ceiling give the place a romantic vibe, making it a great venue for date night. Read more
  • PureWow
    PureWowAugust 29, 2018
    Make Monday the new movie night with Music Box’s reduced admission ($7 compared with the usual $10). Best of all, there’s BOGO popcorn and soda. Read more
  • Alison K.heart icon on user image
    Alison K.August 24, 2019
    Been here 25+ times
    The small theater is my favorite place to watch a movie in Chicago - like a private theater practically!
  • Bobby K.heart icon on user image
    Bobby KennedySeptember 5, 2017
    Been here 10+ times
    They have a beautiful beer garden in back of the lounge that nobody knows about.
  • Kellen T.heart icon on user image
    Kellen TerrettAugust 8, 2014
    A gem on the Northside. See a midnight movie before you move away. The staff is friendly, and the films they play always please.
  • Sei Jin L.
    Sei Jin LeeOctober 24, 2009
    Been here 50+ times
    Don't be afraid of sitting near the front. There's a lot of space between the seats and the screen and the screen is not that big for the size of the room.
  • Joseph B.
    Joseph B.January 23, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    Keep an eye out for the rotating list of classic movies here.
  • michelle j.heart icon on user image
    michelle jimenezAugust 17, 2015
    Movies, music. Good for dates
  • Jaclyn K.
    Jaclyn KSeptember 19, 2011
    You can't beat seeing an old movie, in an old theatre, on the big screen. In August I saw Independence Day- it was awesome
  • David C.heart icon on user image
    David CurielNovember 29, 2014
    Surprisingly interesting selection of films to view in a non mainstream theatre.
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoJune 4, 2012
    For old-time charm and movies that aren't the usual blockbusters, no place beats the Music Box.
  • C B.
    C BNovember 12, 2011
    Check to see which theatre your film is in. The small theatre (#2) is super tiny. Theatre #1 is huge.
  • David W.heart icon on user image
    David WeathersbyMarch 8, 2020
    An incredible iconic theater on the northside of Chicago.
  • Kirstjen L.heart icon on user image
    Kirstjen LorenzFebruary 3, 2016
    Cocktails. And really great selection of interesting movies. :)
  • Scott S.
    Scott SachnoffDecember 29, 2022
    Been here 10+ times
    Live organ music. 35mm showings of classic films. Senior discount. 70mm films
  • Jim W.heart icon on user image
    Jim WFebruary 9, 2013
    Been here 50+ times
    Genre nerds take note - amazing weekend midnight films all year long!
  • Dane D.heart icon on user image
    Dane DeasyMarch 11, 2020
    Been here 25+ times
    Best film theater in the city.
  • Diego R.
    Diego RufoMarch 28, 2011
    It's a sad truth, but classy, vintage theaters that show art flicks are pretty damn hard to find in the US these days. Read more
  • Explore Chicago
    Explore ChicagoFebruary 2, 2010
    The Music Box is on Chicago's Southport Avenue corridor, a great place to do some shopping. For more information on Southport's boutiques and designers, visit www.chicagofashionresource.org Read more
  • Stephen
    StephenDecember 18, 2021
    Been here 25+ times
    Fun place to see classic cinema.
  • Brian K.heart icon on user image
    Brian KoppeMay 29, 2015
    Great variety of independent and cult cinema
  • Léo L.
    Léo Le BrunAugust 12, 2014
    Bring some empanadas in! Get them two doors up at El Mercado for $1 a piece
  • Eddy G.heart icon on user image
    Eddy GonzalezNovember 1, 2015
    Architecture, popcorn, independent movies
  • Topshop
    TopshopJune 19, 2012
    You won't find a lovelier place to watch Indie or classic Hollywood films.
  • Nick B.heart icon on user image
    Nick BarellaJuly 12, 2019
    Unique venue
  • Demond D E.
    Demond D EdwardsAugust 2, 2013
    Beautiful Indie movie theater! Wonderful decor
  • Explore Chicago
    Explore ChicagoFebruary 2, 2010
    The Music Box plays a mix of independent and foreign films, as well as classic (black and white) movie matinees, and midnight screenings of cult classics. Read more
  • BigTab R.heart icon on user image
    BigTab R.N.February 19, 2013
    If you want to live out your horror movie fears, use their bathroom. I dare you.
  • steven v.
    steven vargasSeptember 11, 2014
    I love the 72mm film festival. So cool...
  • Heba A.
    Heba AlfarisJanuary 4, 2022
    Come early to get a seat
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