Sensory-Friendly Movies in Westchester
A traditional movie-going experience can be jarring to the senses. The flashing lights, constant movement, and loud sounds can make seeing a beloved movie an uncomfortable experience for those with sensory processing issues, autism, or simply those who find the noise too overwhelming. Sensory-friendly screenings provides a way for families to enjoy beloved movies in a low pressure way. During these screenings, the volume is turned down and the lighting is turned up. Incredibly, movie-goers are encouraged to sing along, talk, dance, cry, walk around, or shout during the movie. This model provides a mode of acceptance for all needs that we are excited to see offered throughout movie houses in Westchester and beyond.
Psst…check out this list of Sensory-Friendly Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Westchester
Alamo Drafthouse
The Yonkers location of Alamo Drafthouse offers sensor-friendly screenings for moviegoers of all ages. Additionally, families will find raised lights, lower sound, and a relaxed talking policy. Additionally, they don’t show paid ads where you will see a preshow video instead. 2548 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10710
Bedford Playhouse
The Bedford Playhouse hosts safe and welcoming sensory-friendly screenings throughout the year. Presented in partnership with the Inclusive Initiative, these screenings are family-friendly and open to all. During these screenings, the sound is turned down and the lights are low. Additionally, people are encouraged to sing along, talk, dance, cry, walk around, or shout. This includes a screening of Wonka on December 16th at 12:00pm. 633 Old Post Rd, Bedford, NY 10506
Jacob Burns Film Center
As part of the recent expansion of the JBFC Kids series, they are now offering sensory-friendly screenings on the first Sunday of every month. For 2024, this includes a Frozen Sing-Along on January 7th at 11:00am and Soul on February 4th at 11:00am. These screenings focus on making everyone feel comfortable with brighter lighting, lower sound, and no trailers. Additionally, these screenings provided a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for families to enjoy movies without feeling anxious or overstimulated. Incredibly, they can move around, talk, and make noise, as needed. Finally, tickets are $11.00 (members and group sales), $9.00 (children under age 14); $13.00 (senior nonmembers); and $16.00 (nonmembers). 364 Manville Road Pleasantville, NY 10570.
AMC Theatres
AMC Theatres offers sensory-friendly movie screenings on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. In partnership with Autism Society, these screenings allow movie-goers to move freely, dance, walk, shout, or sing, as needed as the lights are brighter and the volume is low. AMC Port Chester, 40 Westchester Ave, Port Chester, NY 10573 and AMC Palisades, 4403 Palisades Center Dr, West Nyack, NY 10994.
Regal Cinemas
The ‘My Way Matinee: A Place Where I Can Be’ program at Regal Cinemas offers sensory-friendly screening on select Saturdays. These movie screenings provide a safe and welcoming experience for movie-goers of all abilities. Here, they can sing, cry, dance, walk around, and talk – while enjoying new movies. Currently, this includes a screening of Wonka and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Regal Mall Galleria, 2001 South Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 and Regal Nanuet, 6201 Fashion Dr, Nanuet, NY 10954
