Tomball has a long, nostalgic history when it comes to the magic of the movies. For decades, the cinematic heart of the city was the classic Winona Theater, built in 1938 at 413 W. Main Street. Named by builder W. Roy Wright in honor of his wife, the theater became a local institution under the management of Roger and Ermine Jane Brown, who ran it for 25 years.

The Browns were famous throughout Tomball for their incredible generosity. In an era before massive megaplexes, the Winona was a true community hub—the Browns would let neighbors watch movies on credit until payday, gave free passes to military men in uniform, and treated every school child in town to a free movie and candy at Christmas. Although the original building tragically burned down in 1984, that deep-rooted love for a great hometown movie experience still exists in Tomball today.

While the theater scene has modernized over the years, the city still offers fantastic options for a night out. Whether you are trying to catch the latest blockbuster in a massive IMAX auditorium or looking for a budget-friendly family matinee, here is your guide to the best movie-going experiences in town.