Cinépolis Cinemas, Parsippany's Movie Theater, Permanently Closes

PARSIPPANY, NJ — If you're looking to catch a movie, you may have to do it outside of Parsippany. Cinépolis Cinemas confirmed its Parsippany location permanently closed.

Cinépolis USA had announced in 2019 that its Parsippany and Mansfield theaters would receive multi-million dollar renovations. The company completed the Mansfield renovations, but it appears Parsippany won't be able to enjoy the benefits.

The building's windows said "WE'RE OPEN but... WE'RE GETTING A FACELIFT." The Township Council even renewed the theater's liquor license in October. But the company's guest services confirmed the permanent closure.

The movie industry, including theaters, has faced complete upheaval during the pandemic. Chains such as ArcLight Cinemas and Pacific Theatres, along with many small, independent facilities, permanently shuttered.

All New Jersey theaters were ordered to temporarily close during the coronavirus lockdown last year. Several chains, including AMC, Cinemark and Regal Cinemas, sued Gov. Phil Murphy last July, claiming the shutdown of theaters was "neither fair nor reasonable."

The lawsuit was dropped in September, with theaters allowed to reopen at 25 percent capacity or up to 150 theatergoers.

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