Imagine Cinemas Market Square — Local services in Toronto

If you've ever had a less than optimal week, you'll know what saving grace feels like. (TLDR at the bottom)

I'd been waiting 1278 days since this movie release date was announced and April 27, 2018 had been marked on my calendar at least a year in advance to ensure, without a doubt, that my evening would be free. I'd seen all 18 preceding movies (my favourites I'd watched 3-4 times). I was caught up on 5 seasons of the side story's TV show. And I'd been checking on their (well-designed and easy to use) website every week before the release to secure a $10 ticket for opening night on April 26. I was excited to see this movie, if I haven’t mentioned that already.

On this particular week, my phone had just taken a swim and was sitting idly in a bag of rice (hoping that it would attract Asians to my house to come fix it.) I wasn't sure my iPotato 5 would survive such trauma and I was looking to Thursday night to save my week, perhaps my life.

I walked over to the theatre an hour early, took a photo with Bucky Barnes and King T'Challa who were chilling in the lobby (cool meet-n-greet arranged by the theatre) and settled in for this highly anticipated film.

One of my favourite things about this particular theatre is the crowd that frequents it. The audience was LIT; there were hella giggles, laughs and snorts during funny scenes and appropriate sniffles, face-wiping and quiet "Nooooo"’s in the movie's (many) gut-wrenching moments. I like this cozy, neighbourly vibe as I often watch movies on my own and I haven't been to a theatre where the movie-goers were this engaged.. (the same can be said of the many other films I've seen here)

Long story short (fake news; I’m only halfway through), this movie's ending completely messed with my soul, and if you've seen it, you'll understand how I could somehow lose most of my mental (not to mention emotional or logical) stability and leave behind a fancy wallet with IDs and cash inside, attached to my car key.

One night is not enough to recover from watching Infinity War (if you haven't put the pieces together yet) and I hadn't realized my losses until THE NEXT MORNING when I tried to get in the car and drive to work. My mind was still on the movie but I managed to pull myself together long enough to make it to the office where I left a message for the theatre. Phone-less, wallet-less and key-less, I was about to plead the remainder of my soul away to the universe in exchange for good karma when I received a call at work. A KIND SOUL FOUND AND RETURNED MY WALLET TO THE THEATRE (Whoever you are, THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME. May the 4th be with you and may your next plate of nachos will be more spectacular than your last).

So on this Friday (one of the best Fridays of my life), I got back my lost wallet from one of the awesome managers, Kalen (he wouldn’t let me pay him and tried to refuse the cupcakes I brought for the staff.. that’s how nice the people who work here are) Side note: I plugged in my phone to find it alive and working again. Hallelujah, the universe works in mysterious ways. Happy Friday friends! And if you haven't seen Infinity War yet, I recommend booking a therapist appointment in advance so you can get some help on how to put your soul back together right away.

The theatre is noticeably a neighbourhood classic so granted it could use some upgrades but unless you prefer to spend your 100 minutes hanging out in the hallways, its appearance isn’t an issue. The seats could be more comfortable but you can’t complain when you’re catching blockbusters here for $5 on a Tuesday (can you even get a Starbucks for that?). This theatre has my eternal gratitude and undying loyalty.

TL;DR I lost my wallet and car keys at this theatre after losing my mind from watching Infinity War and I got it back the next day because good things happen at...

Imagine Cinemas holds a special place in my heart as the very location where I experienced the magic of movies alongside my mother while growing up. It remains an integral part of my fondest childhood memories, symbolizing an enchanting escape into the world of imagination projected onto the grandiose silver screen. As the years have passed, I have witnessed the evolution of Imagine Cinemas, most notably with its recent introduction of luxurious reclining chairs that epitomize comfort and elevate the cinematic experience to new heights.

Nestled in one of Toronto's most beloved areas, Imagine Cinemas continues to captivate me with its nostalgic charm. Its location near the iconic St. Lawrence Market adds an extra layer of allure, as this historic marketplace is steeped in a fascinating tapestry of stories. The St. Lawrence Market, a cornerstone of Toronto's rich history, has welcomed merchants and patrons since its establishment in 1803. Its bustling atmosphere and diverse array of food vendors create an inviting ambiance, enticing visitors to explore its vibrant heritage.

While the passage of time has seen prices rise, I still unequivocally declare Imagine Cinemas as my go-to movie theater whenever the opportunity arises. The intrinsic value it holds for me, intertwined with cherished memories and a sense of familiarity, outweighs any financial considerations. Despite the changes and fluctuations in the industry, Imagine Cinemas remains a beacon of cinematic delight, standing firm as my cherished haven for witnessing the wonders of film unfold.

In conclusion, Imagine Cinemas continues to be the epitome of nostalgia for me—a place where dreams have come true on the silver screen since my earliest days. Paired with its recent upgrade to sumptuous reclining chairs and its enchanting location near the historically significant St. Lawrence Market, this establishment encapsulates both the timeless allure of cinema and the captivating history of Toronto. While the prices may have seen an increase over time, I wholeheartedly maintain my unwavering loyalty to Imagine Cinemas, as it remains my preferred sanctuary for indulging in the magical world of movies whenever...

⭐☆☆☆☆

While the reclining chairs at Imagine Cinemas Market Square are very comfortable, and Tuesday night pricing at \$5 is a great deal, our recent experience left us extremely disappointed.

We had planned to watch Fantastic Four for the last show and booked two special needs seats online. Parking downtown already cost more than the tickets for two, but we were excited for the night out. About 20 minutes into the film, a staff member approached us to inform us that one of the “seats” we booked was not actually a chair at all, but just the space for a wheelchair. This was never made clear when booking online.

Unlike the TTC or other accessible venues, which always give guests the choice of using their wheelchair or a provided chair, here the only option offered to us was an embarrassing refund in the middle of the show. This completely ruined our evening.

To make matters worse, there were empty seats in the theatre, but staff refused to accommodate us, saying they were “sold.” If that is the case, the booking system should make it absolutely clear that when you buy two special needs tickets, one of them is only valid if you bring your own wheelchair.

Accessibility should make life easier, not more complicated. Sadly, our experience was the opposite. Two thumbs down.

Update as of October 17, 2025 - I've written an email on thecsame day as requested in the reply but have no response yet. This adds to poor customer service experience.

Update 2: No response yet on...