At a time when a family night out can cost as much as a week’s worth of groceries, one Arizona theater is doing something radical: keeping movies affordable. While most area theaters are charging around $16 for a seat and $9 for a soda, Pollack Tempe Cinemas is holding the line at just $3.50 a ticket. No surge pricing. No VIP tiers. Just a cool, comfy theater experience where families can still enjoy the big screen without blowing their budget. 

It’s not a gimmick. It’s a promise. Arizona’s only second-run movie theater hasn’t raised its prices in more than a decade. And this summer, when temps are flirting with 110 and wallets are stretched thin, that’s more than a bargain – it’s a public service.

“This theater was built for the community,” said Michael Pollack, Valley philanthropist, developer and owner of Pollack Tempe Cinemas. “We keep prices low because families deserve a break. People still love the big screen, they just need a way to afford it.”

Open Thursday through Sunday, Pollack Tempe Cinemas screens major Hollywood blockbusters just a few weeks after their original release. That means you still get the superheroes, comedies, and action-packed flicks, just a bit later and at a far more affordable price. 

What really sets Pollack apart? The experience. Step into a lobby packed with life-sized movie memorabilia and a nostalgic ambiance straight out of a Hollywood soundstage. It’s a photo op paradise and a shrine to cinema’s golden age. Inside, the massive screens and immersive sound remind you why theaters still matter. Plus, it’s home to one of the last 300-seat auditoriums in Arizona, perfect for private events, fundraisers, or community get-togethers. 

DEEPER DIVE: Here are the 10 coolest offices in Arizona for 2025

LOCAL NEWS: 10 things you may not know are manufactured in Arizona

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here

Why Movie Lovers Keep Coming Back

$3.50 Tickets (Yes, Really): Unchanged for over 10 years. No catches, no expiration dates—just honest pricing that respects your wallet.

Thursday Through Sunday Showtimes: Perfectly timed for long weekends, family outings, and spontaneous date nights. Fresh-from-theaters titles just a few weeks behind their box office debuts.

Only Second-Run Theater in Arizona: Catch that film you missed (or want to see again) without paying a premium. Pollack gives blockbusters a second life—and audiences a second chance.

Hollywood-Inspired Lobby & Décor: Packed with vintage film memorabilia, life-sized figures, and rotating displays, the lobby alone is worth the visit. It’s part museum, part movie magic.

Full Concessions with Fair Prices: Satisfy your cravings with generously portioned popcorn, candy, and soda—without the sticker shock.

300-Seat Auditorium with Stage: One of the last of its kind in the state. Great for community events, fundraisers, school screenings, or even a private party with friends and family.

Big-Screen Gaming Rentals: Gamers, take note: you can rent the theater to play your favorite console games on the big screen. Whether it’s Mario Kart, Fortnite, or a cinematic RPG, there’s no better way to level up.

Beloved Holiday Displays & Free Events: During the holidays, the entire theater transforms into a winter wonderland—complete with carolers, decorations, and free screenings. A true local tradition.

Friendly Staff, Nostalgic Charm: This isn’t a corporate megaplex—it’s a place where people remember your name. Clean, cozy, and community-focused.

And yes, the fans are loyal. “This place is amazing: Super clean, fun for kids, and you can take the whole family for under $20,” reads one glowing review. “It’s our go-to every weekend. We love it here.”

Whether you’re catching up on a summer blockbuster, planning a video game birthday party, or just trying to beat the Arizona heat, Pollack Tempe Cinemas offers something the industry has all but forgotten: joyful, affordable entertainment for everyone.

For showtimes, event bookings, or more information, visit www.pollacktempecinemas.com. The theater is located at 1825 E. Elliot Road in Tempe.