Budget Movie Night: Crest Cinema Center in Ridgecrest

The Crest Cinema glows like a beacon in the night
Photo by Cindy Tien

The Crest Cinema is located in the heart of the Ridgecrest neighborhood, at NE 165th and 5th NE. All films are $3 per ticket.

By Cindy Tien

The Crest Cinema has long been a local favorite destination for inexpensive movie nights. Originally built in 1949 and operated by Landmark since 1989, the Crest has been operating as a neighborhood theatre, located on 5th Ave NE and 165th St (across from 7-11), for three decades.

Unlike many movie theaters in the area, the Crest features independent films and foreign language films, as well as Hollywood favorites, at a discount price of $3.00 per show ticket. Equipped with widescreen capabilities and four screens, “bargain nights” at the Crest began running discount programming on a permanent basis in the late 1980s.

The films change every Friday. This was taken last week.
Photo by Cindy Tien

Compared with other theaters in the area, the Crest offers some great advantages. Besides affordable movie tickets, you can get refills on large popcorn and soda anytime before closing. In addition, it boasts an excellent range of film selection, featured large screens and a decent sound system (Dolby SR – Dolby Stereo), clean bathrooms, and a great group of friendly staff.

On the downside, the concession stand’s prices are comparable to other theaters, and the adjoining parking lot can fill up fast on busy nights - but someone will direct you to the lot next door or street parking. Be aware that the seats are on the older side and squeak, and note that the Crest does not use real butter on the popcorn. Outside noise can sometimes be easily heard inside, and the Crest can oftentimes get full for a lot of showings, so make sure to come a little early to stand in line.

However, for the some, standing in line is part of the attraction. It's a party atmosphere of like-minded friends. Conversations abound, people-watching is good, and the mood is happy and up-beat.

The Crest Cinema is a neighborhood favorite for all ages, with an eclectic mix of films for wide range of audiences.

Shoreline resident and moviegoer Lexie Hinze says “Its convenient, local, and best of all 3 bucks! The chairs are squeaky, but that doesn't bother me. I like how the theaters are stacked like a staircase because you don't have to worry about someone blocking your view. My only complaint about any movie theater is the prices of food - I want popcorn, and candy, but I'm not spending more money on the food then I did on the ticket!”

If looking for a movie night this week, check out the current showings at the Crest for this week until 3/15. New listings are announced every Friday:

• My Week With Marilyn - 7:30 9:35
• Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol - 8:00
• The Adventures of Tintin - 7:15
• Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - 9:25
• Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close - 7:00 9:40

Go and make it a movie night this week! The Crest is about the experience, and its historical attributes, audience, and staff help make it memorable.

Landmark theatres can be found in three Seattle neighborhoods (Capitol Hill, Wallingford, University District). For more information on the Crest, theatres, and show times, visit:

• Landmark Theatres/Crest
• Landmark Theatres