AMC Theatres announced it opened more than 100 theaters on Aug. 20, and plans to have two-thirds of theaters open by Sept. 3.
Many of the theaters that opened Thursday, August 20 are in Florida.
Heather Black and her son were first in line when the AMC Veterans 24 opened back up.
“Movies kind of transport us out of our headspace and out of our own lives. And it’s just something that’s nice to get away right now," said Black.
RELATED: AMC to offer 15-cent tickets on first day of reopening
They saw "Sonic The Hedgehog", one of the previously released movies offered by AMC for just 15 cents a ticket.
“We will see how it goes. And see how we feel about it. And then depending on that we will be back," said Black.
AMC is the first chain to open in the Tampa Bay area since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down theaters.
They say they are limiting shows to 30% capacity and requiring masks. They are also promising enhanced cleaning procedures.
“We have millions and millions of dollars to hi-tech solutions to sanitation, disinfection, and cleanliness," said AMC Entertainment CEO Adam Aron.
Regal, another major theater chain, plans to reopen its U.S. theaters on August 21. Read more about their reopening here.
Cobb Theatres has not yet announced its reopening plans.
Some health experts say the precautions movie theaters are taking will help, but indoor gatherings are risky when it comes to spreading the virus.
People are allowed to take masks off while eating and drinking concessions.
“To have the shutdown of the movie for four and a half months, I couldn’t wait until they opened again," said Bruce McMaster.
Some were turned away because there weren’t any tickets left for Thursday's discounted showings which included "Black Panther", "Grease", "Back to the Future" and "The Empire Strikes Back".
Those who made it inside the theater say they felt safe.
“There’s nothing better than just being live in a movie theater. Having the popcorn and the drink and maybe the little candy afterward. That’s perfect. And you can only get that at the movie theater," said Joe DeChiaro.
New releases start coming out Friday at regular prices.
You can see afull list of when your local AMC theater opens HERE.
