Ahhh…there’s nothing quite like the crackle of fresh popcorn, a fizzy beverage and settling in a comfy chair in front of the big screen to be transported into a 90-plus-minute voyage. Even better when it’s in Los Angeles, entertainment capital of the world and home to the film industry. Check out these unique LA movie theaters during your next night out.
New Beverly Cinema
Once a vaudeville house, a nightclub and even a candy factory and bar, New Beverly Cinema transformed into an LA movie theater 1978. The cinema only shows films in 35mm thanks to Oscar-winning filmmaker and New Beverly Cinema owner Quentin Tarantino. Many of the films shown are actually from Tarantino’s personal film library. For more information, visit thenewbev.com.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the largest museum in the United States devoted to the arts, sciences and artists of moviemaking so it only makes sense that it also has a movie theater. Guests can enjoy film screenings and special programming, though seatings are limited. For more information, visit academymuseum.org.
The Egyptian Theatre
The Egyptian Theatre opened its doors in 1922 and is one of only five remaining theaters in the United States capable of projecting nitrate film, the film stock used from 1889 to the 1950’s, in addition to 35mm, 70mm and digital formats. A fixture of cinematic history, The Egyptian Theatre is also home to a Netflix Store with merchandise from “Stranger Things,” “Bridgerton,” “Squid Game” and other current hit shows. For more information, visit egyptiantheatre.com.
The El Capitan Theatre
Immerse yourself in a magical world at The El Capitan Theatre, Disney’s iconic home on Hollywood Boulevard. Enjoy a selection of flicks from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar. Celebrating an event? Book a movie-premiere experience party which includes reserved seats, dedicated party host, celebratory message on the marquee and souvenirs. For more information, visit elcapitantheatre.com.
TCL Chinese Theatre
TCL Chinese Theatre is so glamorous you may as well call it a movie palace. Since 1927, TCL Chinese Theatre has been the home to red-carpet movie premieres, film festivals and special events. Don’t miss the unique Forecourt of the Stars, cement hand and footprints of prominent movie stars who have visited throughout the decades. For more information, visit tclchinesetheatres.com.
Landmark Nuart Theatre
If an indie flick paired with a big-bodied Cabernet are your style, head to Landmark Nuart Theatre, located in the heart of LA’s Westside on Santa Monica Boulevard. The Nuart Theatre features an eclectic mix of programming and is one of the country’s most renowned and prestigious epicenters for independent film, foreign language cinema, documentaries, animation festivals and restored classics. For more information, visit landmarktheatres.com.
Los Feliz Theatre
For a classic Hollywood movie-going experience from the days of the golden age of show business look no further than Los Feliz Theatre. This unique LA movie theater has three screening rooms, from 55 to 150 seats with state-of-the-art presentations. As for the crew, many of the ushers, ticket sellers and concessions attendants have worked here for more than a decade. For more information, visit httpvintagecinemas.com.
The Frida Cinema
The Frida (named after Frida Kahlo) is an Orange County nonprofit art house cinema and year-round film festival serving the community art and culture since 2014. Technically, The Frida is located 30 miles outside of Los Angeles but worth the drive. Enjoy curated programming across a range of genres, with a focus on foreign, avant-garde, cult, horror, LGBTQIA+, revival, documentary and animated films. For more information, visit thefridacinema.org.