You’re driving down I-30, and you see the sprawling, beige silhouette of Ridgmar Mall. It’s a Fort Worth landmark. Some call it a "dead mall," others call it a nostalgia trip, but if you’re looking for the Ridgmar theater Fort Worth locals actually go to, things get confusing fast.
Is it the one inside the mall? Is it the one across the street? Is it even open?
Honestly, the "Ridgmar theater" doesn't just refer to one place anymore. It’s a tale of two very different cinema experiences. One is a thriving, high-tech Cinemark anchored to a mall that's seen better days, and the other is a ghost of a dinner-theater chain that recently traded its projectors for squat racks.
The Cinema That’s Still Standing: Cinemark Rave Ridgmar 13
If you want to actually watch a movie today, you're headed to the Cinemark Rave Ridgmar 13 and XD. It’s located right at 2300 Green Oaks Road.
People often assume that because the mall has lost big names like Neiman Marcus and Sears, the theater must be a dusty relic. That is a mistake. In fact, while the mall around it has struggled—with the former Macy's space literally becoming a "Free Up Storage" facility—the theater has stayed surprisingly modern.
Why people still go here
- The XD Experience: This is Cinemark’s version of IMAX. It’s got the massive wall-to-wall screen and a custom sound system that makes your popcorn bucket vibrate.
- Luxury Loungers: They didn't stick with those old 90s flip-down chairs. They’ve got the electric recliners that let you kick your feet up.
- The Price Point: Compared to the fancy spots in Clearfork or downtown, Ridgmar often runs cheaper matinees.
- D-BOX Seats: If you like your seat moving and haptic-shaking during action scenes, they have those specific rows too.
It’s a weird contrast. You walk through a mall that feels a bit like a time capsule from 1986, and then you step into this high-end, 13-screen multiplex.
The "Other" Ridgmar Theater: What Happened to Movie Tavern?
This is where the confusion usually starts. For years, there was a second "Ridgmar theater" just a stone's throw away: the Movie Tavern Ridgmar.
It was a local legend. It was actually the original location for the entire Movie Tavern chain, which started the whole "eat a burger while watching a flick" trend in North Texas. It was cheap. It was a little bit grimy. The floors were notoriously sticky, and the screens weren't exactly 4K, but people loved it because you could feed a family of four without taking out a second mortgage.
The end of an era
The Movie Tavern Ridgmar officially pulled the plug back in late 2018. For a long time, the building just sat there, a hollowed-out shell of movie history.
Then, in July 2025, the news finally broke about what was happening to the site. It wasn't becoming another cinema. Structure Commercial confirmed the sale of the former theater to Westwood Fitness.
Basically, instead of watching The Avengers with a side of fries, people are now going there to hit the treadmill. It’s a total shift for that corner of West Fort Worth, but at least the building isn't sitting empty anymore.
Navigating the "Dead Mall" Rumors
Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it—Ridgmar Mall has been on every "dead mall" YouTube list for the last five years. When SeaQuest Fort Worth shut down in late 2024 following some pretty serious animal cruelty allegations and bankruptcy filings, people thought the theater might be next.
But the Cinemark Rave Ridgmar 13 seems to be the exception to the rule.
The mall's owner, GK Real Estate, has been trying to pivot the property toward "mixed-use" for years. While the retail side is thin, the entertainment and services side—like the theater and the Tarrant County health offices—keep the lights on.
What to expect if you visit in 2026
- Plenty of Parking: One "perk" of a quiet mall is that you never have to hunt for a spot.
- Security is Present: Don't let the empty storefronts freak you out; the mall still maintains a security presence, especially near the theater entrance.
- Advanced Tech: Despite the surroundings, they are screening the latest 2026 blockbusters like Avatar: Fire and Ash and Zootopia 2 with full tech specs.
Real Talk: Is it worth the trip?
If you’re a film purist who wants the absolute best screen in the city, you might still lean toward the IMAX at the Omni or the AMC at Clearfork.
However, there’s something comfortable about the Ridgmar theater. It’s easy. It’s rarely sold out, even for big opening weekends. You don't have to deal with the pretension of some of the newer "luxury" spots where a soda costs twelve dollars.
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It’s just a solid, reliable movie-going experience.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're planning to catch a show at the Ridgmar theater, here is how to do it right:
- Check the Location Twice: Make sure you are going to the Cinemark at 2300 Green Oaks Rd, NOT the old Movie Tavern site (which is now a gym).
- Use the App: Use the Cinemark or Atom Tickets app to reserve your Luxury Loungers in advance. Since the mall is quiet, the theater can actually get busy because it's the main draw.
- Enter Through the Theater Exterior: Don't bother wandering through the mall corridors if you're in a rush. Use the dedicated theater entrance on the north side of the mall near the I-30 frontage road.
- Watch for Matinees: They still offer some of the best early-bird pricing in Fort Worth, often significantly cheaper than evening shows.
The Ridgmar theater landscape has changed a lot, but for now, the big screen is still flickering in West Fort Worth. Just don't show up expecting a Movie Tavern pizza—those days are officially over.