Megaplex vs Cinemark: Why I Pick Megaplex in Lehi

A big group of kids and adults smiling for a selfie in front of a Toy Story display covered in colorful balloons in a theater lobby — Movie night with the crew. This is what I mean when I say it feels like an event.

I love going to the movies. It is literally one of my favorite things to do. When I retire, I want to be the old man who cleans up popcorn from the floor at the movie theater. I am serious. It has always been a great escape for me, and people always just seem happy at the movies.

Let me get this out of the way. This is my opinion. Nobody paid me. Cinemark did nothing to me. I just have feelings about popcorn and subwoofers, and you are about to hear them.

I like Megaplex more. It is not close for me. And the funny thing is, the reason has nothing to do with the thing most people argue about.

And before you say I just go to whatever is closer, nope. I live just as close to a Cinemark as I do to the Megaplex. Same drive either way. Picking Megaplex is a real choice, not a convenience thing.

Let's give Cinemark the seats

Credit where it is due. Cinemark leans hard into comfort. Its Utah pages list Luxury Loungers, which it describes as electric powered reclining seats with extendable footrests, and its theater in American Fork lists D-BOX motion seats. Cinemark University Mall in Orem lists ScreenX and Luxury Loungers too. If your perfect movie night is basically a nap with a plot, Cinemark has a case.

Here is my problem. I do not go to the movies for the chair. I have a couch. A nice chair does not make the night feel bigger. Sound and screen do.

Why Megaplex wins for me

This is the view I go for. Giant screen, big sound, and yes, fine, the chairs are comfy here too.

It feels like an event. Walking into Megaplex feels like I am going somewhere, not just sitting somewhere. That is hard to put a number on, and I am not going to try. It is just how it feels to me.
Massive sound and huge screens. This is the big one. Megaplex has a premium large format called MegaScreen, and its parent company describes it as laser projection with Dolby Atmos sound. Showtime listings for Thanksgiving Point show MegaScreen showings with Dolby Atmos, so check the format when you book. When the sound hits you in the chest, I am all in. That is immersion. That is the whole point.
The refill bucket. Megaplex sells the MegaTub, a refillable popcorn tub that its store says is good for a calendar year and can be renewed with a current tag. There is something about carrying your own bucket in that makes you feel like a regular.
The refill mug. Same idea for drinks. The MegaMug is a 30 ounce stainless steel mug, and Megaplex says it is good for refills at any of its locations for the life of the mug at the posted refill price. Prices change, so I am not quoting one here.

A group of kids and adults squeezed into a selfie next to a Now Playing poster in a theater lobby — Now Playing poster selfie. Mandatory. Nobody gets popcorn until we get the shot.

A family selfie in front of a bright Super Mario movie display in a theater lobby — Some of us were more excited about the display than the movie. I am not saying who.

A family posing in front of a Spider-Man figure surrounded by red and blue balloons — The lobby displays are half the fun. The kids act like they are meeting celebrities.

Kids and adults raising their fists in front of a red and blue balloon wall with a Superman shield — Fists up. Popcorn ready. This is an event, and we dress the part.

The Lehi part

Here is the money part. Both theaters run cheap Tuesday tickets. Cinemark officially calls theirs Discount Tuesdays, and prices vary by location, so I am not going to quote one. In my experience the Tuesday deal is about the same at both places. I just feel like I get way more for my money at Megaplex. Same cheap ticket, bigger night.

Megaplex Theatres at Thanksgiving Point is right here in Lehi. The closest Cinemark is in American Fork, with another in Orem. So honestly, everyone around here wins. Pick your vibe.

This is one of the small things I love about living here. You can grab dinner, catch a big movie on a Friday night, and be home before the babysitter starts texting. It is not a reason to buy a house. It is a reason to like where you live. If you are curious what else makes this place fun, check out my Lehi guide or the rest of the blog.

My verdict

If you want to be cradled, go to Cinemark. If you want to feel the movie, go to Megaplex. Bring the bucket. Refill the mug. Sit where the sound is biggest. Then tell me I am wrong, and I will listen politely while being right.

Want more of what makes living in Lehi fun? Poke around francopreston.com.

Questions people ask

Is Megaplex or Cinemark better?

It depends on what you value. In my opinion Megaplex wins for sound, big screens and the feeling of a night out, while Cinemark leans into comfort with Luxury Loungers at many Utah locations.

Does Megaplex have refillable popcorn?

Yes. Megaplex sells the MegaTub, which its store says is good for a calendar year and can be renewed with a current MegaTub tag. Refill prices are posted at the theatre.

Is there a Megaplex in Lehi?

Yes. Megaplex Theatres at Thanksgiving Point is in Lehi.

Where is the closest Cinemark to Lehi?

Cinemark American Fork is the closest, and Cinemark University Mall in Orem is also nearby.

What is MegaScreen?

MegaScreen is Megaplex's premium large format, which its parent company describes as laser projection with Dolby Atmos sound.

Megaplex vs Cinemark: Why I Pick Megaplex Every Time