MJR Theatres began in the early 1980s in Metro-Detroit, Michigan. The chain took its name from its original slogan, "Movies Just Right." However, most moviegoer's now know the name from MJR's current slogan, "It's More Fun at MJR," as heard during the beloved advertising jingle appearing before the start of every movie. 

During the 1990s, MJR would begin building more Multiplex cinemas, including the MJR Adrian Cinema in 1990, the MJR Chesterfield Cinema in 1995, and soon after the MJR Waterford Cinema in 1996.

Opening in 1998, the MJR Southgate Cinema 20 was the chain's first megaplex, followed by the MJR Brighton Cinema 20 in 2001, which had originally opened with 16 screens, and the MJR Marketplace Cinema 20 in Sterling Heights, Michigan in 2005.

The MJR expansion continued with the 14-screen MJR Partridge Creek Cinema in Clinton Township, which opened in 2007, and the 16-screen MJR Westland Grand Cinema, in 2011.

In December 2013, MJR announced its first Studio Bar and Lounge, to be built adjacent to the lobby at the MJR Marketplace location in Sterling Heights. As of 2019, the MJR Studio Bar and Lounge is now featured in all of the 10 locations, offering a diverse array of cocktails, beer, and wine.   

The 16-screen MJR Troy Grand Cinema opened on June 20, 2014, along with MJR's first PLF (Premium Large-Screen Format) auditorium, aptly titled the EPIC Experience. The EPIC Experience at the Troy location features one of the largest Cinema screens in Michigan, measuring 43' tall and 80' wide. The EPIC Experience also includes 4K Laser projection and Dolby Atmos sound. Soon after, an EPIC Experience auditorium was added to the MJR Southgate Cinema location as well. 

MJR's newest location, the 16-screen MJR Univeral Grand Cinema opened on April 7, 2017 at 12 Mile & Dequindre in Warren.

In 2022, MJR debuted VIP Seats, an exclusive seating concept designed to bring privacy, convenience, and luxurious comfort to the theatrical experience. Consisting of two-to-three seat pods, VIP Seats feature premium heated reclining chairs, two convenient side tables, storage compartments for personal belongings, coat hooks, and a surrounding privacy enclosure designed to provide additional personal space.

Also in 2022, MJR opened its second PLF experience, titled Laser Ultra, at the MJR Brighton Cinema location. This state-of-the-art auditorium features a Barco 4K Laser projection system, immersive Dolby Atmos sound, and zero gravity heated reclining chairs throughout. When combined, these features provide the ultimate theatrical experience in sight, sound, and comfort.  

Due to the overwhelming positive response, in 2023 MJR expanded Laser Ultra to the MJR Marketplace Cinema, this time with the addition of LUX Loungers, a new seating innovation custom made for the orchestra section. Designed with ultimate comfort in mind, these new Chaise Loungers seat two guests and offer reclining seat backs, adjustable headrests, heat options, and a serving table attached to the cupholder. An additional Laser Ultra location was added to the MJR Westland Cinema in the spring of 2024.  

In fall of 2023, MJR opened its first IMAX auditorium, at the MJR Southgate Cinema. This completely redesigned auditorium is equipped with IMAX Laser projection, IMAX’s most advanced theatre experience to date and a first in Michigan. Immersive by design, IMAX Laser projection has been developed from the ground-up to deliver crystal clear, lifelike images and immersive precision audio for a moviegoing experience unlike anything else. In addtion, the MJR Southgate IMAX is the first in Metro-Detroit to feature premium recliner chairs throughout.

Cinema innovation continued at MJR throughout 2024 with the opening of the first two ScreenX auditoriums in Michigan at the MJR Waterford and MJR Marketplace Cinemas. Delivering the first 270-degree moviegoing experience, ScreenX expands select sequences onto the left and right-side screens of the auditorium, surrounding audiences with extended imagery that naturally fills your peripheral vision and provides a uniquely immersive experience.