Are movies okay? It’s a question many have been asking this year—and the concern has only grown since Netflix, famously dismissive of theaters, announced it would acquire the legendary Warner Bros., which distributed eight films this year that topped the opening-weekend box office. (Several were also critical successes, like Sinners, F1, Weapons, and One Battle After Another.) Many predict this move could deal the final blow to moviegoing as we know it.
That would be a real shame because—cue Nicole Kidman—movies truly shine on a huge screen with immersive sound. In an age of constant multitasking—dozens of tabs open, screens split into panes, phones always within reach—the cinema offers a rare space that demands focus. Laughing, gasping, and crying with fellow viewers heightens the emotional impact. We come for magic—not just to be entertained, but to be transformed, together. Home viewing can’t replicate that.
However, as someone who watches movies for work (I’ve seen 220 films this year, many in theaters), I find the moviegoing experience has become less than ideal. Many people, it seems, no longer know how to behave in theaters—or in public, for that matter. I’ve witnessed some truly egregious behavior: noisily eating a fragrant sandwich during a funeral scene in Till; translating Gladiator 2 line by line for a partner in another language (sweet, but distracting); or the man at the Se7en rerelease who kept telling his family to pay attention before every big twist—while filming each iconic scene for social media.
It’s enough to drive you away from theaters entirely. Add record-high ticket prices, shrinking theatrical windows, increasingly long runtimes, and a summer of releases that failed to capture audience interest, and it’s no wonder box-office revenue and attendance remain far below pre-pandemic levels.
Enter Metro Private Cinema, a new venture aiming to lure audiences back with a more bespoke, sophisticated experience. Founded by Tim League (who started Alamo Drafthouse in 1997), it opened in Chelsea at the end of October with 20 uniquely designed screening rooms seating four to 20 guests. Groups book an entire room to enjoy catered meals, drinks, and snacks while watching whatever they choose. Metro offers a curated selection of new releases and classics, but with enough notice, they can screen almost anything—from the Oscars to sports, and even a wedding video. Each suite features a wall-to-wall screen, impeccable projection, state-of-the-art surround sound, motorized recliners, plush loveseats, a dining table, and personalized service.
Last month, I gathered seven friends at Metro to watch Wicked: For Good shortly after its release. The space has an upscale, retro, golden-age-of-Hollywood vibe, softly lit and evocative. At the well-appointed bar, we toasted with a neon green Wicked-themed cocktail: the Green Elixir, made with gin, Luxardo Bitter Bianco, Midori, and Green Chartreuse. We were then led downstairs through a maze of hallways lined with striking vintage movie posters to our cozy suite, where the Wizard of Oz soundtrack played on a record player and the first course awaited at the dining table.
Each dish nodded to the Oz universe, from green (matcha cheesecake) and pink (pickled beet deviled eggs, beet hummus with crudités) to ingredients with Kansas origins (crispy sunchokes, dandelion green salad with sunflower-seed vinaigrette) and those mentioned in the Oz books (curried pumThe meal began with pumpkin soup, pickled artichokes, and lemon poppy madeleines—all very tasty, though the goat-tongue carpaccio felt like an insensitive nod to Doctor Dillamond. Our enthusiastic servers set the tone, guiding us through the experience and keeping our glasses full, which added to the festive atmosphere. The drink package included a nice variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic options.
After the main course, the table was cleared and pushed back. We settled into four sofa seats, with four recliners behind them on a platform. Once the movie started, we were served dessert, a big bowl of popcorn, and more drinks—refills requested with a subtle hand signal.
I found the film less energetic, spectacular, and charming than the original Wicked, but the sound and projection were terrific. Afterward, we lingered over final drinks to chat; four in our group hadn’t seen the first film last year, so some catching up was needed.
It was a delightful, singular cinema experience I’d gladly repeat with the right film—something that prompts a rousing audience reaction. Many of us had audible reactions during Wicked’s spicy bedroom scene. Last year’s Challengers would be perfect here, or this year’s Marty Supreme or KPop Demon Hunters for kids, or any cherished classic people know by heart (I’d pick Auntie Mame for the holidays).
Our experience came to $200 per person before tip: $100 for the menu, $50 for drinks, and a $50 per-seat fee. Given what you’d pay for a similar restaurant and dine-in movie experience—without the comforts of a private meal and screening—that feels reasonable. Plus, there’s none of that typical bad theater behavior (or if there is, it’s tolerable among friends).
If you’re looking for New Year’s Eve plans, you can gather a group to screen When Harry Met Sally and then stay in the suite to watch the Times Square ball drop with a Champagne toast. For larger groups, the 20-person room looks like a lot of fun, with one long dining table and a massive screen (a celebrity had booked it for a daylong Thanksgiving movie marathon when I visited).
A shake-up is undoubtedly coming to moviegoing, and the theater experience could certainly be improved. Venues like Metro Private Cinema offer a new path forward. A recent Bain & Co. report on filling theater seats suggested that “successful companies will invest in premiumization, personalization, and partnerships to draw people back.” After all, as the report concluded: “Audiences haven’t abandoned theaters; they need a more compelling reason to go.”
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Watching a Movie in a Private Cinema
Beginner General Questions
1 What exactly is a private cinema
A private cinema is a dedicated screening room you can rent for just yourself and your guests Its like having a commercial movie theater all to yourself with premium seating a giant screen and highend sound
2 How is this different from just going to a regular movie theater
The main difference is privacy and control There are no strangers talking or using phones You control the environmentthe volume the lighting and most importantly what you watch and when you start
3 Who is this for Is it only for special occasions
While perfect for celebrations its also great for anyone who loves movies Its for families wanting a hasslefree outing friend groups date nights or even solo viewers who want an immersive experience without distractions
4 What can I watch Is it only new releases
It depends on the venue Most offer a vast library of thousands of films from the latest blockbusters to classic cult favorites indie films and even sports events or playing your favorite TV series Some allow you to bring your own content
Benefits Experience
5 What are the biggest benefits
Total Privacy Be as expressive as you wantlaugh cry or discuss the film without disturbing others
Personalized Selection Choose the exact movie your group wants to see
Superior Comfort Often includes luxury recliners blankets and ample personal space
Immersive Quality Stateoftheart projection and sound systems are standard
Convenience Pause for bathroom breaks or refreshments on your own schedule
6 Is the audio and video quality really that much better
Typically yes These venues invest in professionalgrade equipment that often surpasses even the best premium screens at multiplexes The sound is precisely tuned for the room and the picture is bright sharp and perfectly aligned
7 Can I eat and drink during the movie
Absolutely Most private cinemas have a full concession menu and you can order food and