Galaxy Theatres invited us out to check out their movie theater in Monroe, WA. After our visit, we felt it stands out as an interesting alternative to the Regal movie theaters in Everett and Marysville.
Galaxy Theatres is a smaller chain with 15 theaters in the Western U.S., two of which are in Washington State. One in Gig Harbor and one in Monroe.
As you might expect with smaller town theaters, the staff seemed friendlier, and the theater felt more like a part of its community.
They ditched the ticket booth that could have you waiting outdoors if the lines were long. Instead, you walk indoors to a very open space.
Also inside was a little pop-up bookshop called the Enchanted Forest Bookshop. It’s a new, independent, mom-owned bookshop carrying kids books. I expect she ran out of Dog Man books by Monday.
Galaxy carries the latest big movies you’d expect, but also has “Flashback Cinema” specials on Sundays and Wednesdays. The last flashback movie was a comedy-classic, The Princess Bride.
One key differentiator is the ability to enjoy alcohol while you watch your movie. They had six beers on tap, plus wine, mixed drinks, cocktails, plus bottled and canned drinks.
They also hold sensory-friendly screenings, where the lights turned up and the sound turned down. Attendees know it is okay to move around and talk or make a little noise.
A couple of the screens have luxury powered recliners, one has DBOX seats, and screen 7 a has a top-of-the-line DFX Dolby Atmos experience with laser projection on a massive screen.
The theater does allow rentals, has access to nearly any movie, and has a party room. They just added a fancy photo booth that allows you to use movie backgrounds.
If you haven’t been to Galaxy Theatres in Monroe, you might want to give it a try.
Galaxy Theatres is located right off US-2 at 1 Galaxy Way, in Monroe, WA 98272.
February 4, 2025
Beyond Everett