Are 4DX movies worth it? - Rave & Review (2024)

We were given complimentary tickets to the screening of The Lion King to facilitate this post. All opinions and thoughts about whether 4DX movies are worth it are 100% ours. As you may remember, we saw our first 4DX movie last month when we got to see Toy Story 4 at Regal Meridian Theater in Seattle. Then, this week, we got to see The Lion King in 4DX at Regal Meridian. As with Toy Story 4, The Lion King was nothing short of amazing. Seeing the cinematography in brilliant detail while enjoying all that 4DX adds to the movie-going experience was incredible, and we were blown away.

Since we’ve been talking about the movies a lot and sharing on social media, I’ve gotten tons of questions about whether or not the 4DX experience is worth it. I get it; the cost of 4DX is higher than a traditional movie, which can already be pricey, especially when you’re buying tickets for a family. I get that you want to know what you’re getting before you commit to purchase.

So, the answer as to whether or not 4DX is worth it is…. it depends.

Are 4DX movies worth it: how to decide

If you are someone who loves rides like Soarin’ Over California at Disneyland and would spend time waiting in line to experience it, a 4DX movie is worth it and then some. Imagine if Soarin’ lasted for 90+ minutes and you never had to wait in line – that is what a 4DX movie is like. For you, the fact that that “ride” essentially lasts the whole movie and you never have to wait in line makes the 4DX an easy choice over other ride experiences that you get to enjoy for 1/120th of the time you spend waiting for them. Plus, you get to see a brand new movie that just arrived in theaters at the same time – triple win!

If you are someone who looks for experiences over “things”, you will understand that going to a 4DX movie is unlike any other movie experience you could possibly find. We’re talking rumble seats, all sorts of motions that correspond to the film, vibrations, actual water sprays, wind, simulated snow, lightning effects, scents, and tons of additions that enhance the visuals on-screen. Each 4DX auditorium has motion-based seating synchronized with more than 20 different effects {all optimized by a team of skilled editors to maximize the feeling of immersion within the movie} and the result is an all-immersive movie that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. For that reason, the 4DX movie is more than worth it. The cost is much less than live theater, but it has the same audience interaction and fun that comes from being part of the action.

If you are someone that typically foregoes the movie theater altogether and waits for titles to come out on DVD, well, then it depends on whether or not the 4DX will be worth it. If you skip the theater only because your home movie room or living room is only a few notches below the theater and that can’t make you justify the cost, then *maybe* it’s worth it. The addition of the 4DX action makes your living room or media room seem like watching a movie on your cellphone while also multitasking at home. The 4DX feels like you are truly *in* the movie. The two experiences aren’t even kind of comparable, and for that, it might be easier to justify the cost and make it feel worth it to splurge on a 4DX movie.

If you are someone who gets motion sickness easily and worry that you might hate the 4DX movie, it might not be worth it. If that’s the case, you might want to see if you can ask your theater to help you decide before you can make the decision to attend a screening. For what it’s worth, I *do* get motion sickness and so does my husband, but we both really enjoyed the 4DX screenings we’ve attended. But, if your motion sickness is severe or you are really worried, the 4DX might not be worth it for you and you should stick with the RPX.

If you are someone who has been waiting for a certain movie forever and it is finally coming out in theaters so you’re looking for a way to celebrate, 4DX was made for you. There’s no other movie screening that you could possibly find that takes you more inside the movie, and there’s no better way to celebrate a new movie finally being released. Whether you are splurging on an entire family pack of tickets or you are taking a special date, 4DX really makes the movie going memorable and that makes it more than worth it.

Want to find out more about 4DX movies?

Watch this video that breaks down how it all works!

Where to find your nearest 4DX theater:

4DX Theaters in North America

What do you think? Are 4DX movies worth it?

As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the 4DX movie experience, let me provide you with a comprehensive analysis of the concepts mentioned in the article.

1. 4DX Movie Experience:

The article discusses the 4DX movie experience, highlighting its immersive nature through rumble seats, motion synchronization, vibrations, water sprays, wind, simulated snow, lightning effects, scents, and other enhancements. The goal is to create an all-immersive movie-watching experience that goes beyond traditional theaters.

2. Comparison to Theme Park Rides:

The author draws parallels between 4DX movies and theme park rides, specifically mentioning the similarity to attractions like "Soarin' Over California" at Disneyland. The article suggests that if someone enjoys theme park rides and the associated waiting experiences, a 4DX movie is a worthwhile and time-efficient alternative.

3. Cost Considerations:

The article acknowledges that the cost of 4DX tickets is higher than traditional movie tickets. It emphasizes that whether 4DX is worth it depends on the individual's preferences and priorities. The cost is justified for those seeking an immersive experience similar to live theater but at a lower price point.

4. Comparison to Home Entertainment:

For individuals who typically prefer watching movies at home, the article suggests that the decision to opt for 4DX depends on whether the home entertainment setup can rival the immersive experience offered by 4DX. The author highlights that the 4DX experience makes you feel truly "in" the movie, making it incomparable to the typical home movie-watching experience.

5. Motion Sickness Concerns:

The article addresses concerns about motion sickness, acknowledging that some individuals may be prone to it. While the author and their husband experienced enjoyment despite motion sickness tendencies, the advice is to assess personal comfort levels and, if necessary, consult with the theater before committing to a 4DX screening.

6. Celebrating Special Occasions:

The article suggests that if someone has been eagerly awaiting the release of a particular movie, 4DX provides a unique and memorable way to celebrate. Whether it's splurging on a family pack of tickets or enjoying a special date, the immersive nature of 4DX enhances the overall movie-going experience.

7. Geographic Availability:

The article provides a list of 4DX theaters in North America, including locations such as Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Toronto, and others. This information is valuable for readers interested in trying out the 4DX experience and wanting to know where it's available.

In summary, the article offers a nuanced perspective on the worthiness of 4DX movies, taking into account individual preferences, cost considerations, and the desire for a unique and immersive movie-watching experience.