PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

It’s not just Barbenheimer.

After an existential crisis during the pandemic, the movie theater business recovered considerably in 2023, with everything from in-theater events such as Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” movie to popcorn fare from around the world drawing crowds to Pittsburgh-area cinemas. Repertory and specialty programming is surging; on New Year’s Day, Row House Lawrenceville saw sold-out crowds for silent films that had just entered the public domain.

Pittsburghers, in short, are going back to the movies. Fortunately, there are plenty of good places around here to do it.

Here are our picks for the 10 best places in the region for a night with the silver screen.

(Editor’s note: We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.)

Century Square Luxury Cinemas

2001 Mountain View Drive, West Mifflin, PA 15122 | Website

Why We Love It: It’s really, really cozy. The luxurious recliners at this West Mifflin multiplex, a converted second-run theater, make you feel like you’re lying in bed — if your bed were in front of a crystal-clear movie screen. Add in beer and wine at the concession stand, and the only downside might be getting so comfortable you nod off during the slow parts of your movie.

You’re Here For: Your preferred brand of comfort movies — romcoms, superhero flicks, even animation. Pick something that’ll match your relaxed mindset.

Cinemark Robinson Township and XD

2100 Settlers Ridge Center Drive, Pittsburgh PA 15205 | Website

Why We Love It: The best traditional multiplex in town boasts comfortable seats and great picture and sound quality, especially on its premium-format XD screen. Join the rewards program (also valid at the chain’s North Hills and Monroeville Mall locations) and you’ll more than earn back the monthly fee on deep concession-stand discounts; snacks and tickets are cheaper here than at a certain other national cinema chain.

You’re Here For: The latest blockbuster, especially if you spring for the XD seats. Special effects really pop on these screens.

Dependable Drive-In

549 Moon Clinton Road, Moon Township, PA 15108 | Website

PHOTO COURTESY DEPENDABLE DRIVE-IN

Why We Love It: For more than half a century, this Moon Township drive-in has been welcoming cars for al fresco movies. The price per film can’t be beat (two movies for $9) and, with four screens, there are plenty of options for date night, family outings or a fun evening with a group of friends.

You’re Here For: A double-feature of recent hits, anytime year-round. (Yes: Unlike most northern drive-ins, Dependable stays open through the winter.)

Harris Theater

809 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | Website

PHOTO BY SEAN COLLIER

Why We Love It: Downtown’s century-old single-screen remains the best place in town for lauded movies from around the world, plus special events and revivals of recently restored cult classics.

You’re Here For: Movies that will be getting Oscar nominations — and some that are probably too underground to grab the attention of awards voters, but pop up on year-end “best of” lists.

The Lindsay Theater

418 Walnut St. Sewickley, PA 15143 | Website 

Why We Love It: The nonprofit arts center in Sewickley is a beautiful update on the neighborhood-cinema tradition, showing a mix of popular blockbusters and critically praised gems.

You’re Here For: A crowd-pleasing hit you can enjoy with multiple generations of the family — or a brand-new movie by local filmmakers, as the Lindsay hosts gala-style premieres of regional artists’ work.

Manor Theatre

1729 Murray Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217 | Website

Why We Love It: The Manor is one of the most carefully programmed theaters in town, with a great blend of films you won’t always find at the larger multiplexes. Reasonable prices and a great snack bar — including cocktails, beer and wine — help, too.

You’re Here For: Great movies such as “Poor Things” or “The Boy and the Heron.” The Manor is synonymous with the sort of buzzworthy films your coolest friends rave about.

Phoenix Theaters Chartiers Luxury 14 + PTX

1025 Washington Pike, Bridgeville , PA 15017 | Website

Why We Love It: A survivor of the turn-of-the-century multiplex boom, the former Destinta location in Bridgeville has endured and been updated with luxury recliners and great sound and image quality.

You’re Here For: A see-it-on-the-big-screen hit — or a favorite from yesteryear as part of the theater’s weekly “Flashback Cinema” series, which shows everything from all-time greats such as “Gone With the Wind” to more recent smashes like the “Lord of the Rings” flicks.

Rangos Giant Cinema

1 Allegheny Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | Website

Why We Love It: The only certified giant screen in the region also has the best sound, as one of only two regional movie theaters using the formidable Dolby Atmos system (along with one screen at AMC Waterfront). It’s not just a nice addition to a trip to the Carnegie Science Center; it’s a great theater in its own right.

You’re Here For: The kind of eye-popping nature documentary that deserves to be seen on a marvelous screen or a favorite classic revived in the theater’s Saturday-night throwback series.

Riverside Drive-In

1114 Lees Lake Lane, Vandergrift, PA 15690 | Website

Why We Love It: There’s no more idyllic setting for a movie in the region, as the single-screen outdoor cinema in North Vandergrift sits nestled in the trees. It also boasts a formidable snack bar; get a pizza for the car.

You’re Here For: The twice-annual Drive-In Super Monster Rama events, in which a quartet of spooky throwback flicks fill the screen from dusk ’til dawn. Diehard fans camp on-site to see two nights of mayhem.

Row House Lawrenceville

4115 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201 | Website

PHOTO BY JOHN ALTDORFER

Why We Love It: Each week is dedicated to a theme filled with a unique and delightful lineup of repertory films. These can be as general as a genre or as specific as the upcoming “Snow Week,” which will see frosty flicks such as “Fargo,” “Frozen” and “Doctor Zhivago” take the screen. And we’re looking forward to the re-opening of sister theater Row House Hollywood in Dormont; currently under renovations, the neighborhood theater is scheduled to re-launch in dramatic fashion later this year.

You’re Here For: Anything. The curators at Row House know what they’re doing; if it’s on this screen, it’s worth seeing.