Editors’ Choice
CinemaSalem Below, Board & Brush
CinemaSalem
Salem
This comfortable independent movie theater is rooted in the community. Films are selected by a staffer deeply invested in what her audience wants to see—a mix of indie films, documentaries, and Hollywood fare—and a quarter of every ticket is donated to local nonprofits. Home of the Salem Film Fest, one of America’s largest all-documentary film festivals, and serving popcorn with real butter, it’s about as far from the megaplex as you can get.
One East India Square, Salem, 978-744-1400, cinemasalem.com
Readers’ Choice
The Cabot Theatre
Beverly
Currently undergoing an extensive renovation ahead of its 100th birthday in 2020, this isn’t a spot for first-run Hollywood films, but you will find anniversary releases of popular classics like Field of Dreams and Spinal Tap alongside documentaries and even a filmmaking class for kids.
286 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-927-3100, thecabot.org