Where to Watch Sensory Friendly Films in the NYC Area

UPDATED JUNE 2019: For a child with sensory issues, seeing a movie at a theater with high volumes, bright screens, and big crowds can be scary and unpleasant, taking all the fun out of what is supposed to be a great family activity. To make sure more families can enjoy the movies, many theaters across New York show sensory-friendly movies and shows that dim the lights, lower the volume, and sometimes have support staff available to help if kids get anxious. The Autism Society has partnered with AMC Theatres in New York City, Westchester and Rockland counties, and on Long Island to offer Sensory Friendly Films.

These special screenings feature new family movies (rated G, PG or PG13) in a toned-down version of the movie theater experience–and audience members are encouraged to get up, walk around, dance, and make as much noise as they please. Weekend shows are offered on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. 

Sensory-Friendly Films are shown at the following participating theaters in New York City, the NYC suburbs (including Westchester, Rockland, and Bergen counties), and on Long Island.
 

Movie Theaters offering Sensory-Friendly Films in NYC

AMC Bay Plaza Cinema 13
2210 Bartow Ave., Bronx
718-320-1659

AMC Fresh Meadows 7
190-02 Horace Harding Boulevard, Fresh Meadows, Queens
(718) 454-6767

AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9
2309 Frederick Douglas Blvd., West Harlem
212-665-6923

 

Movie Theaters offering Sensory-Friendly Films in the NYC Suburbs 

AMC Crystal Run 16
1 Galleria Drive, Middletown
845-695-1724

AMC Palisades 21
4403 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack
845-348-1876

 

Movie Theaters offering Sensory-Friendly Films on Long Island

AMC Levittown 10
3585 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown
516-731-5422

AMC Shore 8
37 Wall St., Huntington
631-425-2785

AMC Loews Stony Brook 17
2196 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook
631-941-0156

For an up-to-date list of upcoming screenings and information on how to request these screenings at a different theater, visit amctheatres.com/sff.