AMC Loews Rio Cinemas 18

Good service, clean theater, good for lots of kids and very good parking and access to the mall

Seeing Star Wars for third time. First time in IMAX. Theater is ok, parking kind of sux. My home AMC theater has way better parking, so I don’t like the that. Then to the lines. Had to wait in one line to exchange my Fandango tickets into paper tickets. Wtf? Never have to do that at my regular AMC. NEVER. Then go upstairs to wait in another line to get glasses. And then To the slowest concession line I’ve ever seen at an AMC. Like the employees were all hired away from a Regal theater where slow is part of their slow-​gan. So slow that people are having to leave the line so they don’t miss their movie. Sold out IMAX show and 3 very slow people working the food counter. That is just poor management. Once I get to the theater I at least hope to be impressed with that aspect, but standing in line for 20 minutes to get some popcorn is kinda turning me sour on this theater after all the other lines just to get to this point. Like trying to get bread in Russia during the Cold War. Too many lines!!!

When you are going to see an epic movie you want the theater to be great! We met early knowing there was going to be long lines. The movie staff was courteous and allowed us to form our own line. I am a short of stature and big of heart, so I always worry about who sits in front of me. Will I be able to see? Luckily, this theatre has stadium seating in which the seats go up on an incline. So, I could see perfectly. The sound blew my mind. It seemed like a surround sound and when explosions went off during the movie, I jumped because the explosions sounded so real. The screen was large and clear. My only complaint would be the 20 minutes of advertising before the previews. But, my friends and I talked right through it! All in all, it was a perfect venue to see the new Star Wars movie. May the force continue to be with you AMC’s Rio Theatre.

From where I live, it would either be here or Regal in Rockville town square. I prefer this movie theatre because the parking is free. Parking here is garage parking. In addition, after you watch your movie here there are plentiful restaurants around to eat dinner. The seats/​comfort here is mediocre, it hasn’t been remodeled for a while but they still do the job. If it isn’t broke then don’t fix it. Another reason why I prefer this movie theater is because it is an AMC theater. By purchasing an AMC stub card (~$ 10) you get free upgrades on you popcorn, soda, etc. For instance if you purchase a small soda then you can get a free upgrade to a medium with your AMC card. In addition, if you spend $ 100 on tickets, then you get a $ 10 gift certificate for future purchase. Overall, this is just another mediocre average theater.

This place is in a great location. Rio has always been a good time and now that the Crown Plaza is finishing up there a numerous places to go prior to or after the movie.
The theater itself is a bit awkward, you may buy your movie tickets downstairs but have to go upstairs for your actual theater… nothing terrible just a bit strange and inconvenient if you’re running late. Theaters are clean, screens nice, and sound is great, in my opinion.
Concessions are what you would expect from any theater, tasty, no gourmet food, therefore I don’t really feel inclined to even talk about it and don’t understand why too many people review movie theater ‘food’ unless you’re at an iPic or something alike.
The reason for only 3 stars, it’s a strange set-​up, a bit out dated, and the seats aren’t that comfortable. Otherwise, with its location and overall standing, I actually love this place.

Disappointed! I drove down to see my granddaughter and took her out of pre-​school to go see Minion’s — looking forward to a great time. Got up and found the show started at 10:45 — so got breakfast and drive the 20 miles over to the Rio. Got there on time (no small feat) and ready to watch the movie. 5 – 10 minutes go by and nothing so I went to find out what the scoop was — and nobody appeared to know (response was they were looking into it), Wait another 15 minutes and decide to check (nobody came in to tell us) — only to eventually find out that they had never obtained the keys for the movie (evidently they stream them digitally but have to unlock them to show them). Recommendation — go back down and stand in line for 10 minutes to get a refund. Now I have 40 minutes of driving in — another hour waiting around with a very disappointed grandchild — and my wife is just as angry as I am. So I ask to talk to a manger to express my disappointment. After waiting another 10 minutes, after he doesn’t show up — I figure that at least writing a bad review will make me feel better. And it did!
I guess my recommendations (or expectations) to RIO — would be 1.) DON’T TAKE TICKETS UNTIL YOU KNOW YOU CAN SHOW THE MOVIE! 2,) Don’t make excuses — this really wasn’t a technical problem — it was a screw up. 3.) Giving someone just their money back — is a loss for the customer when you screwed up! You need to find a better way to compensate the patron (multiple tickets — tickets and the expensive popcorn and soda — that cost you less than a buck to create); 4.) Making the patron’s sit in the theatre when you know what is going on for half an hour is just totally wrong — as someone should be informing the patrons of the status right away.
I know things go wrong but I also know there was near zero effort to correct them.

The young staffers here are rude, and incompetent. Its old, smelly, dirty, and in terrible need of an update. Some of the screens are RIDICULOUSLY small… this place sucks! I suggest the newer cinemas that have opened recently such as, Ipic, or Arclight in Bethesda… much better experiences there!

Very clean movie theater. Easy parking and there’s tons of restaurants and stores nearby. This is definitely my first choice when I want to see movie. I would give it 5 stars but the times I went the ticketing line can be long since there are not many ticket agents… the out. I’ve seen is two. So, if you can. try ordering your tickets online

I’ve been on the hunt for my go-​to movie theater for several months, and I’m happy to report that this might be the one! I’m about to go ring shopping with this theater. It’s not perfect by any means, but I do feel happy when I’m there.
They have free parking. This is key when you’re paying $ 10+ for a movie ticket. There’s also a very nice variety of restaurants in the area if the concessions stand ain’t yo thang. The food is pricey but most places are nowadays.
Lastly, and most importantly, the theaters are fairly well-​maintained. No sticky floors! No itchy weird-​smelling movie theater fabric! No crappy sound system! No broken cup holders (as far as I know)!
The seats could use some updating and wider aisles would be nice but everything is generally still in good condition.
I’m still keeping my eye out for that elusive 5-​star movie theater that can offer all of this including a super convenient location and possibly reclining seats. Until then, I’m happy to pay my $ 10+ to see Trainwreck here!

Theater was clean. Sound system was good and seats were comfortable. The staff we encountered were very courteous. I like the fact that it is not overly crowded.
Would definitely be back.

The theater isn’t as new or as posh (no recliner seats) as several others in the DC area, but the seats are comfortable, the sound system is appropriately loud, and they rarely sell out of tickets for even new releases. The Rio complex is huge, so parking can be a chore, but otherwise it’s a pretty convenient location with a lot of food options near by. I’m not a huge fan of movie theater food, so I can’t speak to the quality at this AMC, but it seems to be pretty standard.
It’s also worth noting that the ticket box office is on the first floor along with theaters 1 – 12, and theaters 13+ are on the second floor. There are concession stands on both floors.

I really like this theater and think it is much better than Rockville or germantown ones. Beware though that there are 2 levels. Theaters 1 – 12 are located downstairs and are small, dated, and crappy. Screens are very small and seating is limited as well. Theaters 13 – 18 are upstairs and are huge! Big screens, great sound systems. The IMAX is amazing and well worth the extra few bucks. The upstairs is so nice! Funny thing is that you pay the same up or down and it is literally night and day.
Prices on snacks are ridiculous. I would recommend just sneaking in some food and drink… it’s not like you get searched or anything. Just wait till the lights go out… lol…unless you want to pay $ 4.00 for a bottle of water or $ 12.99 for popcorn and a soda!
Staff has always been nice to me. Theaters are decently cleaned between showings. Bathrooms… not so much! Crowds up though.
Prices are high but same as everywhere else in this area.

Over the last 20 years, I have seen this theatre evolve from this 3 star place to a spectacle.
Customer service has become a strong suit and every employee I hated for being rude or unreasonable has seemed to find themselves uploading their resume fast, even the managers — which is impressive and respectable.
I come here at least once a week and by far, aside from the sofa cushion theatres in India (why don’t we have any here!!!), the best damn theatre I’ve been to in the USA. Food turnaround time could be better as sometimes lines grow on a skeleton crew, but they never cease to amaze me with their abilities.
The potbellys down the street even sells movie tickets for $ 8 if you buy a sandwich. Take a mushroom melt ($ 4) and a ticket and its the price of regular admission at full price. Practically a free snack!
Also the soda isn’t behind the counters anymore, all you can eat popcorn. Talk about a great movie experience with no pithy costs!

This is my go to multiplex for both Hollywood and Bollywood movies. Conveniently located, and with a decent selection of restaurants around that include California Pizza Kitchen, Nando’s, Uncle Julio’s, Union Jack, etc., it provides a great option for a movie night followed by dinner. Their IMAX screens are definitely the best, with superb sound systems to match. I do wish they would screen more Bollywood and Punjabi movies though.
Overall, great multiplex for watching both Hollywood and Bollywood movies with friends.

I haven’t been to one the of new theaters opening in the area that offer food service and recliners so I can’t compare, but I like this theater a lot. We entered the parking lot and there were signs pointing to the theater and shops. We found a spot on the lower level, so a quick walk across the street and we were in the lobby of the building.
It was before noon on a Saturday so the box office and snack bar were not busy. Planning on lunch after the movie, we settled on a medium popcorn and drink. The portions were generous so the three of us didn’t finish either. The soda machine was one of those where you select your soda – coke? diet coke?, etc. Then you select your flavor – vanilla coke? cherry coke? On the counter with the napkins and straws were two «butter flavoring» dispensers so you could season your popcorn as you like it. Our theater itself was medium size with steps going up to the seats so your view wouldn’t be blocked. The seats reclined slightly and there were drink cups. I noticed a few seats on the entry level for those who can’t do steps. And I would call the theater for those who do need handicapped accommodations and ask about parking and elevators as that seemed a bit confusing. There were a few steps in the lobby going down into the theater area so there must be elevators available.
There are some restaurants in the same building as the theater and more a short walk away. So all in all a nice theater in a nice location.

Nice place. Sitting in the Rio in Gaithersburg. I love this area and what’s not to like? Concession counter was a little slow and the people waiting were getting antsy but overall, popcorn was fresh, can’t screw up M&Ms and the Coke was flowing. Uh… cola of course.
The movie started on time, theater was clean and I could see the screen. Party! It was a lil chilly but I think it’s some kind of unwritten commandment that says that thou shalt never hath a theater above 50 degrees or some ish like that. *shrugs* Anyhoo, go have a good time. I’ll be back, I’m sure.

The past few times I came here, the movie theaters and bathrooms weren’t clean. Last night for the Hunger Games showing at 8pm, there was popcorn bags on the chairs and floors and spilled drinks on the floor in Auditorium 18. The price of movie tickets is about average — $ 11.50 a ticket.

The location of this theater is good and it does have 18 screens. But there are just a few negatives that warrant a lower rating for this AMC.
— Even though there is a Parking garage next door, finding parking is easier said than done since this garage feeds all the retail and restaurants around it.
— Some of the screens are smaller and have very limited seating — does not justify current high ticket prices!
— The restrooms are not maintained well and you have to be careful where you put your foot down!
— The theater is generally always super crowded with both folks waiting to watch a movie or just hanging around
But it is the most convenient theater for us so we generally bite the bullet and come here to catch a movie.

Theater 6 is better than theater 1. Theater 6 is about 24 seats wide, but four of the seats are so close to the wall — you’d have to look sharply to your left the entire time. It is at stadium seating, which is always a plus. Even a taller person in front of you doesn’t block the view. Speaking of taller, I don’t think people of Garrison Keillor’s height (kids ask your Midwestern relatives) would like the middle section seats.
I’ve been to the theater here many times. Restrooms are normally clean and stocked. The staff is friendly. Sometimes the ticket machines don’t work, and sometimes the lines to get tickets from humans are a little long, but that really depends on the show.
Why not five stars? Well, in the end, it’s the screen sizes. None of them here compare favorably to the big screens elsewhere in the DC suburbs. But, if you’re okay with seeing a show in some of the smaller theaters, the sound system is good and you can watch movies in 3-​D.

Goodness, talk about a blast-​from-​the-​past
Haven’t been here since 2002
He wanted to try a different location from our usual spots
Watched despicable me 2 (heart minions)
As long as they have the #icee in white cherry we’re friends
Would’ve been better if they had smaller cups
Regular seemed huge so I’m afraid of picturing the large
His large coke zero was just cray
But I guess it’s a standard large in the cinema community
Stadium seating
Chair easily rocks back
Cupholder fits even the colossal… errr…I mean large cups
2 floors-​o-​flicks
Escalators and stairs (were there elevators??)
We parked at the garage right next to this
I forgot how much I dislike roundabouts