A Complete Movie Theater Guide in Stardew Valley

Are you fond of little stories while playing Stardew Valley? How about an excellent complement for befriending villagers? Don’t miss this Movie Theater guide as we talk about everything you should expect inside and how to unlock it.

ConcernedApe – Stardew Valley’s developer – brought spicy concepts that echoed throughout the gaming community during version 1.4. The update remains one of the largest in-game before the rise of Ginger Island.

One of the new features of the same version is the Movie Theater. This new hub for players who want relaxing mini-cutscenes becomes the go-to place. However, getting your hands on the area is challenging – especially if you’re a beginner.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the place and what it can offer. We’ll also include the best tips to unlock it before Year 3 and help you decide which path is better between JojaMart or Community Center.

What is the Movie Theater in Stardew Valley?

Every seven in-game days, you can access the cinema with a ticket costing 1000g. Here’s where players challenge their luck with the arcade machine to get fantastic prizes. And of course, movies play here depending on the year and season.

You can spot the Movie Theater from the Abandoned JojaMart or after converting the Community Center into a Warehouse.

Unlocking the Movie Theater

There are two ways to unlock this new area in Stardew Valley: joining Morris or helping the Junimos. Let’s keep it debate-free as either choice gives you the same benefits – new content and a better chance to discover each of the villagers’ preferences.

Once you’re done with Community Center bundles, a cutscene will trigger before a rainy or stormy night. A lightning bolt will strike the entrance, which will stay there until the Missing Bundle is finished.

For your guidance, here’s everything you’ll need to complete the final bundle:

Alternatively, you can pay 500000g from Morris to convert the Joja Warehouse into a Movie Theater. Regardless of the route, the day after completion will trigger the cutscene where Morris’ people and the Junimos will convert either of the two buildings into a Movie Theater.

Inside the Movie Theater

The entrance ticket costs 1000g. However, you may give one to an NPC and go directly towards the place. You’re wasting money if you fail to show up on the same day because they will forget the ticket afterward.

If it’s your first time entering the theater, the Crane Machine will be occupied on the left of the lobby. On the other side are film-goers gathering and enjoying their visit. You can also find a Concessions Counter in the middle and some random appearances such as the Governor, Famous Painter Lupini, Welwick, and Marcello.

Movies: Likes, Dislikes, and Rotation

Eight films will rotate after unlocking the Movie Theater on a two-year basis. You can either watch it alone or with a guest from Stardew Valley.

While you can purchase tickets during festivals, entry is denied. The same scenario happens if you attempt to treat someone where they give the same response. 

Regardless, each villager has favorites, so check this table for guidance before your first date:

It’s important to note that Linus hates going to the cinemas – so don’t bother inviting him. But it won’t affect your Friendship Points, which we’ll leave the decision to you.

However, Dwarf and Sandy are opposites, so you’ll make good friends with them the fastest. 

Krobus, on the other hand, won’t go on Fridays.

Concessions

Something to munch or slurp while enjoying seasonal films has become a staple routine in Stardew Valley. Thankfully, the Movie Theater offers 24 varieties ranging from sweet and sour to freshly-cooked fruits and veggies to satisfy your guest’s belly. However, you can only choose from five every session, so make sure to pick the best one!

Here’s a complete list of the available items in the Concessions Counter and which is the best one to give to a villager:

Crane Game

At the left corner of the Movie Theater is a Crane Game machine that’s accessible if unoccupied. After the “first-time” curse, you only have a one in four chance of not playing the mini-game before watching a film.

Explaining the Mechanics

By default, your “D” key will move horizontal (to the right) while “S” for vertical (downwards). Upon pressing the horizontal key, the game will commence, where you have three chances to get something within 15 seconds. The crane will lock once you stop moving to the right while dropping at its shadow upon releasing the vertical key.

A session costs 500g, and the prizes you can get are randomized every time you exit the Crane Game. The goal is to pick up anything you want and claim it using the Box on the left side. However, be more wary since the item is more likely to drop the farther away it is from the crane’s initial position.

Prizes

Depending on the season or what film is being played, the rewards pool will change. Here’s a better visualization so you’ll know what items you can expect during your visit at any time

Farming Friendship Points with the Movie Theater

Assuming you have less time before, now’s the best time to rack up hearts to unlock recipes and cutscenes from NPCs.

Giving a gift to someone fills one to three hearts or 400 to 640 points. It doesn’t matter if you give presents on Friday and Saturday since it’ll reset on Sunday. However, the same can’t be said with snacks and movies, as inviting them over for the treat won’t reset the next day, even if it’s Saturday.

On the other hand, you might fill an extra heart with the right movie and concession snack!