Imagine, if you live anywhere near Habersham County and love catching a movie without the big-city hassle, you’ve probably heard of Habersham Hills Cinema. It’s that little 6-screen gem tucked away in Mount Airy where the popcorn smells amazing, and you can actually hear the film without a hundred phones buzzing. I’ve been a few times with my kids, and let me tell you—it feels like the kind of place your parents took you when movies were still special.
This article walks you through everything you need to know: where it is, what’s playing, how much it costs, and even what happened with that fire everyone’s talking about. Let’s get you ready for your next movie night!
Key Things You’ll Learn
- Habersham Hills Cinema is one of the cheapest, friendliest theaters in Northeast Georgia.
- It bounced back fast after a small fire in 2025—safer than ever now.
- Pair your trip with local farms or parks for a full day of fun in Habersham Hills Cinema.
What Is Habersham Hills Cinema?
If you’re driving down a quiet road in Mount Airy, past cornfields and a couple of churches, and suddenly there’s a bright marquee glowing in the dusk. That’s Habersham Hills Cinema—a cozy spot that’s been bringing first-run movies to Habersham County since 2004.
Location and Basic Info
- Address: 2115 Cody Road, Mount Airy, GA 30563
- Screens: 6 (all digital, no 3D or IMAX, but super clean)
- Owner: Georgia Theatre Company (GTC) since fall 2012
- Vibe: Think small-town charm with reliable showtimes
Habersham Hills Cinema started as an independent theater back when gas was $1.80 a gallon. Locals packed the parking lot on opening weekend. GTC took over in 2012 and spruced things up—better sound, comfier seats, and online ticketing.
Why Locals Love It
People give it 4.8 out of 5 stars on average (that’s from Showtimes.com and Yelp combined). One reviewer said, “We drive 30 minutes past two bigger theaters just to come here.” Why?
- No long lines
- Friendly staff who remember your name
- Prices that don’t make you choke on your soda
Current Showtimes & Tickets
Nothing worse than showing up and the movie’s sold out—or worse, already started. Here’s how to avoid that.
How to Check Showtimes
- Easiest way: Visit gtcmovies.com/habershamhills or the GTC app
- Backup: Call (706) 754-5833—they pick up fast
- Pro tip: Check Friday mornings for weekend updates
Matinees usually kick off around 1 PM on weekends. Evening shows start at 4, 7, and sometimes 9:30 PM.
Ticket Prices and Deals
Here’s the part that makes parents smile:
- Adults: $10–$12 (way less than $15+ in Gainesville)
- Kids (3–11) & Seniors (60+): $8
- Tuesday BOGO: Buy one, get one free—perfect for date night
- Summer Kid Series: $2 tickets + $2 small popcorn (runs June–August)
Download the GTC app and you’ll earn double rewards points every visit. I once got a free large popcorn after just three trips!
Theater History and Upgrades
Every building has a story. Habersham Hills Cinema started with a dream and a patch of farmland.
From 2004 to GTC Ownership
Back in spring 2004, a local businessman built Habersham Hills Cinema on what used to be a cow pasture. Opening weekend? The Incredibles and National Treasure—lines out the door.
Fast-forward to 2012: GTC bought it and gave it a glow-up:
- Swapped old projectors for digital
- Added high-back rocking chairs
- Installed better AC (thank goodness for Georgia summers)
2025 Fire and Reopening
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. On May 9, 2025, the outdoor marquee caught fire around 7 PM. About 50 people were inside watching Inside Out 2.
Here’s what happened:
- Staff smelled smoke, hit the alarm, and got everyone out in under 5 minutes
- Fire was outside only—no damage inside the auditoriums
- Cause: Faulty wiring in the sign
They reopened three days later with a brand-new LED marquee and upgraded electrical panels. The fire chief said, “Safer now than before.” No injuries, no drama—just a quick fix.
Amenities and Accessibility
It’s not fancy, but it’s comfortable—and that’s what matters.
Seating and Comfort
- Stadium seating in every theater (no craning your neck)
- High-back rockers that actually rock
- Armrests are wide enough for two drinks
One dad told me, “My 6-year-old falls asleep every time—the seats are that comfy.”
ADA and Family Features
- Wheelchair spots in all 6 auditoriums (call ahead for best rows)
- Booster seats are available at concessions
- Sensory-friendly screenings once a month (lights up, sound down)
- Stroller parking near the restrooms
No closed caption devices yet, but staff will help read subtitles if needed.
Safety and User Concerns
I get it—after hearing about a fire or a parking lot incident, you want to know it’s safe. Let’s clear the air.
Post-Incident Safety Record
- 2023 parking lot shooting: One person, self-inflicted, no threat to patrons
- 2025 fire: Exterior only, fixed in 72 hours
- Now: Monthly fire drills, new extinguishers, and security cameras
The theater posts a “Safety First” sign by the door. Staff wear name tags and radios. You’ll feel watched over—in a good way.
Tips to Feel Secure
- Park near the front after dark
- Arrive 20 minutes early to scope exits
- Sit in the middle if crowds make you nervous
- Ask staff about anything—they’re happy to help
Best Ways to Enjoy the Theater
Movie night isn’t just about the film—it’s the whole experience.
Date Night or Family Outing?
Date Night Hack:
- Tuesday BOGO + 7 PM show
- Split a large popcorn (refills are $1)
- Walk to Dairy Queen across the street after
Family Win:
- Saturday 1 PM matinee
- $2 kid tickets + $4 snack pack
- Let the kids pick the movie (within reason!)
Pair with Local Activities
Make it a full day:
- Morning: Pick strawberries at Jaemor Farms (15 min away)
- Afternoon: Movie at 1 PM
- Evening: Picnic at Cornelia City Park (10 min drive)
Or reverse it—movie first, then ice cream at The Sweet Acre Farms Stand. Your call!
Habersham Hills vs. Nearby Theaters
Not sure if it’s worth the drive? Here’s the breakdown:
| Theater | Price (Adult) | Distance from Clarkesville | Crowds | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habersham Hills | $10–12 | 12 min | Low | BOGO, cozy |
| Hollywood 20 (Gainesville) | $14–16 | 30 min | High | IMAX, food court |
| Regal Mall of Georgia | $15+ | 45 min | Very High | Recliners, bar |
Bottom line: If you want affordable and chill, Habersham Hills Cinema wins. If you need recliners and 20 screens, drive south.
Community Role and Events
This isn’t just a business—it’s part of the community.
Every summer, they run the Summer Kid Show Series:
- 10 weeks, Tuesday & Wednesday at 10 AM
- Classics like Trolls or The Lego Movie
- $2 ticket + $2 snack pack
Local schools hold fundraisers here—buy a ticket, support the band. They even host birthday parties ($150 for 15 kids, includes pizza and a private screen).
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning a weekend date or a fun family outing, Habersham Hills Cinema keeps things local, cozy, and affordable. With upgraded safety features after the 2025 fire, friendly staff, and unbeatable ticket deals, it’s proof that small-town theaters still do movies best.
FAQS about Habersham Hills Cinema
- What movies are playing at Habersham Hills Cinema in 2025? Check gtcmovies.com/habershamhills for the latest showtimes and updates every Friday morning.
- How much are tickets at Habersham Hills Cinema? Adults pay $10–$12, while kids and seniors enjoy $8 tickets. Don’t miss Tuesday BOGO deals and $2 summer matinees!
- Was Habersham Hills Cinema damaged in the 2025 fire? No—the fire was limited to the marquee. The theater reopened three days later with a new LED sign and upgraded safety systems.
- Does the cinema have comfy or reserved seating? Yes, stadium-style rocking seats are available (first-come, first-served). No reserved seating yet.
- What’s nearby for families or couples to do? Pair your visit with strawberry picking at Jaemor Farms or a picnic at Cornelia City Park for a full day of fun.