The Best and Worst of New York City's Movie Theaters

Summer is the season for blockbusters -- and blockbuster antidotes. In anticipation of the moviegoing season, we took a look at 10 city theaters - five multiplexes and five indie art houses. We evaluated every aspect of the experience, from cleanliness and comfort to crowds and concessions. Here's how they stacked up:

AMC Empire 25
234 W. 42nd St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues
212-398-3939
Located in the heart of Times Square, the AMC Empire 25 is one of the largest multiplex theaters in Manhattan, and the theater's flashy façade blends in perfectly with the glamorous bright lights of surrounding Broadway theaters. The Empire, with 25 screens, shows the biggest blockbuster films and features Digital Projection (DLP) and closed captioning for select films. The cavernous auditoriums offer a combination of stadium and traditional seating, where even the front row is a good seat.
Why to go: A short walk from the Times Square subway station. And once inside the theater, there's so much leg room that the seats don't even need to fold up.
Why to stay away: A 42nd Street location means you'll have to squeeze past the 42nd Street crowds just to get inside. Combine that with packed screenings and an exit route that forces you through the tourist-jammed waiting areas of Dave and Buster's and Applebee's. Not to mention that getting around the sprawling theater is an irritating experience. Did we mention it's always crowded?