
Hollywood is the heart of the movie world, and its theaters are just as legendary. From the star-studded sidewalks outside the TCL Chinese Theatre to the vintage charm of the New Beverly Cinema, these spots aren’t just for watching movies, they’re part of the magic.
According to a new article by Variety, Los Angeles is home to three of the coolest movie theaters in the world, a testament to the city’s deep cinematic roots. With venues that blend history, atmosphere, and top-notch presentation, Los Angeles remains a pilgrimage site for film lovers everywhere.
To determine the world’s coolest theaters, Variety “looked beyond the most beautiful.” Their list only “considered cinemas open to the public, that primarily show movies and are open mostly year-round in one fixed location.” Here are the top 3 coolest movie theaters in Los Angeles.
1. TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood
Opened in 1927 as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, this Hollywood gem dazzled with its dragon-topped, pagoda-inspired design. It’s been the site of legendary premieres like Star Wars, hosted the Oscars, and made history with its famous celebrity handprints. Today, it still shines with an IMAX screen and six cozy side theaters.
📍 Location: 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
2. The Egyptian Theatre, Hollywood
Hollywood’s historic Egyptian Theatre got a glamorous makeover in 2023, thanks to the new owners, Netflix. Restored to its 1922 glory with modern upgrades, it now blends vintage charm with state-of-the-art tech. And the venue is perfect for red carpets. The American Cinematheque fills it with classics and festivals on the weekend, and Netflix hosts big premieres during the week.
📍 Location: 6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
3. New Beverly Cinema, Los Angeles
Owned by Quentin Tarantino, this cozy, no-frills theater is a haven for film lovers. It shows everything on 35mm (or 16mm!)—often from Tarantino’s own collection. Expect double features, cult classics, horror-thons, kids matinees, and a Tarantino flick every Friday. Originally a nightclub, the New Bev became a rep cinema in 1978, and when Tarantino took over, he made it a shrine to film. And you can even buy a mini model of the theater!
📍 Location: 7165 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90036