B&B Theatres is opening a movie theater at American Dream in East Rutherford in early 2026 — just ahead of the FIFA World Cup Finals at MetLife Stadium. The addition gives one of the most complete entertainment-and-retail complexes in the US a true cinema anchor, and makes American Dream an even stronger destination for an evening out in the New York metro area.
Who Is B&B Theatres?
B&B Theatres is one of the largest independent movie theater chains in the United States, with locations across more than a dozen states. The chain is known for modern, comfortable auditoriums, competitive programming, and a more personal experience than the large national chains. Founded in 1924 and still family-owned, B&B has made a point of expanding into markets where the entertainment experience has historically been underserved.
Additionally, B&B has been one of the more active theater operators in the post-pandemic period — while several chains contracted, B&B continued expanding and investing in its locations. Opening at American Dream fits squarely within that growth strategy.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Connection
The timing of B&B’s opening is no coincidence. The FIFA World Cup Finals 2026 will be held at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026 — directly adjacent to American Dream in East Rutherford. The tournament is expected to bring millions of international visitors to the New York metro area, and American Dream is uniquely positioned as the primary retail and entertainment destination walking distance from the stadium.
Having a movie theater open before the World Cup gives American Dream yet another answer to the question “what do we do after the match?” International soccer fans — many of whom will have full evenings or rest days between matches — will find American Dream offers a complete day-into-night itinerary: shopping, dining, attractions, and now cinema.
What This Adds to American Dream’s Lineup
American Dream already offers an extraordinary range of entertainment. Nickelodeon Universe is the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere. DreamWorks Water Park is the largest indoor water park in North America. Big Snow is a year-round indoor ski slope. And the retail side includes 450+ stores across fashion, luxury, beauty, and dining.
However, despite this lineup, American Dream has lacked a movie theater — one of the most fundamental evening entertainment options. B&B fills that gap. For visitors who’ve finished shopping and eating but want to extend their time at the complex, a movie is an obvious choice. Furthermore, the cinema gives the complex a standalone evening draw that doesn’t require visiting the theme park or water park.
Planning Your Visit
American Dream is accessible via NJ Transit, the Meadowlands Rail Line, and by car from the New Jersey Turnpike (Exit 16E). Parking is free with retail or entertainment validation. The complex is open on Sundays, which makes it a strong option for Bergen County visitors who can’t access Garden State Plaza or Paramus Park on weekends due to blue laws.
Pro tip: We’ve found that American Dream weekday visits are dramatically less crowded than weekend visits. If you’re combining shopping with an entertainment attraction, a Tuesday or Wednesday gives you a fundamentally different (and much easier) experience. See the full American Dream stores and attractions guide.
Source: NJ.com — B&B Theatres American Dream opening, 2026.
