In Los Angeles, the lines between reality and fiction are always blurred. Most Angelenos will spend a portion of their days competing with A-Listers for a parking spot, rubbing shoulders with the Hollywood elite at Coachella or navigating film locations spread out on every corner. The boulevards of this city, on some level, are the birthplace of American motion pictures. So it’s only reasonable to expect top-tier places to catch a film, and these are some of the best movie theaters in Los Angeles to do that:
1. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
What would the premier, first-of-its-kind motion pictures museum be if it didn’t have one of the best cinemas in town? This new landmark museum, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, has exceeded expectations on every level. And its screening rooms are no exception. The 966-seat David Geffen Theater, covered from floor to ceiling in a red velvety material, makes for one grand and unforgettable experience where members can catch the latest flicks.
Then there’s the elegant green Ted Mann accommodating films including 16mm, 35mm, and 70mm. It also has laser projection supporting Dolby Vision making the schedule of Oscar-winning films and rare historical films really come to life.
📍 Location: 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036
2. New Beverly Cinema
When our television sets took on the form of desktops or hand-held devices, online streaming all but wiped out cinema going—for a while. However, nostalgia will always draw us back to the original format. Being immersed in a darkened room full of people, shuffling in their seats, gently rummaging around a popcorn box and experiencing art together, will never die.
But the theater, owned by Oscar-winning director Quinten Tarantino, goes a step further when it comes to honoring cinematic history by ensuring you’ll only ever watch films in 35mm. Not much has changed since Tarantino took over (including the prices) and to add to that, you may just get to watch something from his private collection.
📍 Location: 7165 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90036
3. Vista Theater
Having recently celebrated its centennial, the Vista Theater, a historic single-screen landmark that first opened in 1923, remains a cherished spot for cinephiles. Briefly closing during the pandemic in 2020, the theater was purchased and reopened in 2023 by, again, the renowned Quentin Tarantino.
The 400-seat theater was upgraded to a state-of-the-art sound system and 70mm projection capability. Offering a diverse lineup this year, Angelenos can enjoy everything from classic comedies like 1974’s Blazing Saddles in 35mm to the latest 2024 releases.
📍 Location: 4473 Sunset Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
⏰ Hours:
4. El Capitan
Speaking of nostalgia, El Capitan is the best cinema Los Angeles has to offer for any cinephile looking to relive Disney’s glory days. This opulent historic theater built in the 1920s is where you can catch the best of classics and first-run flicks from Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm Marvel hits.
📍 Location: 6838 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
5. TCL Chinese Theatre
Stepping into the iconic 932-seater world famous theater may be at the top of any tourist itinerary, but the swarm of hawkers and out-of-towners posing with Hollywood handprints is all part of the charm. To add to that, it boasts one of the world’s largest IMAX auditoriums and truly astounding architecture. It’s the complete Los Angeles cinema experience and in some ways, it’s a gem hiding in plain sight.
📍 Location: 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
6. Alamo Drafthouse
Alamo Drafthouse is a cinema chain that prides itself on being a destination for cinema lovers by cinema lovers—and the passion is evident in the quality of curation and experience. Movies, booze, food and zero-tolerance for texting and chattering? This is cinema heaven.
📍 Location: 700 W 7th St Ste. U240, Los Angeles, CA 90017
7. Nuart Theatre
Nuart Theatre is less of a cinema and more of a thriving entertainment and cultural hub for the film industry and film buffs. If Indie and art house rarities are your things, then welcome to your happy place.
📍 Location: 11272 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025
8. Los Feliz Theatre
Step through its historic Art Deco doors and be transported straight to the Golden Age of show business. Vintage Cinemas brings you the very best of a bygone era combined with the seamless integration of modern innovation. It’s another brilliant project by American Cinematheque that has brought Los Feliz 3 back to life with a brilliant selection of films.
📍 Location: 1822 N Vermont AveLos Angeles, CA 90027
9. Aero Theatre
This single-screen Streamline Moderne-styled theatre, designed by architect R.M. Woolpert, opened doors in 1940 and simply exudes old-world glamor and charm. American Cinematheque programs the films at this movie house and features everything from restorations and historical classics to retrospectives.
📍 Location: 1822 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
10. IPIC Westwood
IPIC is probably the most luxe cinema in Los Angeles. If plush leather recliners, top-shelf alcohol and fine dining in the dark sound like your ideal way to watch a film, this is the spot. It’s what you’d imagine a private cinema in a Beverly Hills mansion to be like.
📍 Location: 10840 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles 90024
11. Paramount Drive-In Theatre
As you might imagine, this isn’t a typical theater with seats, but rather a drive-in movie theater where you can watch films from your car. Although they are on the decline, there are still just under 20 of these establishments left in California, with the Paramount being one of the most iconic.
It first opened in 1947 and operated as a drive-in theater until 1992, when it was transformed into a swap meet. Recently, the area has returned to its original roots, now featuring two new 75-foot screens and digital projection.
📍 Location: 7775 Paramount Blvd, Paramount, CA 90723
12. The Egyptian Theater
Designed by the same architect behind the Chinese Theatre and El Capitan Theatre, the Egyptian Theatre was meticulously restored by the American Cinematheque in 1998. Although Netflix now owns the building and uses it for premieres and special events on weekdays, the American Cinematheque still manages programming on weekends.
The 516-seat auditorium is equipped to showcase films in digital, 35mm, 70mm, and even nitrate formats, making it one of the coolest movie theaters in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
13. The Frida Cinema
This Santa Ana art house, named in tribute to Frida Kahlo, captures the essence of artistic expression by showcasing films that prioritize art over commerce. Its programming features a diverse range of screenings, from vintage classics to festival-circuit shorts.
Additionally, the Frida team organizes outdoor screenings and special events throughout Long Beach and Orange County, solidifying its reputation as one of the best movie theaters in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 305 E 4th St #100, Santa Ana, CA 92701
14. Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood
For films shot in IMAX-friendly formats, it’s worth visiting the seven-story theater inside the AMC at CityWalk.especially if you can snag a seat in the center of the back third of the auditorium. While the rest of the theater is a standard, well-maintained multiplex, it stands out as the best IMAX theater in Los Angeles, located in a hilltop theme park shopping mall. This theater is one of only three selected for the screening of Mauro Borelli’s historical epic The Last Supper on March 14.
📍 Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
15. Regal Cinemas
This 800-seat cinema is one of the largest stadium auditoriums in the country, which makes it a top choice and one of the best movie theaters in L.A. both for movie goers as for studios premiering its films.
The complex boasts 13 additional auditoriums, including one with 4DX. The 4DX theater offers a unique experience that combines the thrill of a movie with the excitement of a theme park ride, enhancing your experience by a thousand!
📍 Location: 1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
16. Brain Dead Studios
Brain Dead Studios is another must-visit for indie film lovers and anyone looking for an offbeat movie experience in LA. Once known as the Silent Movie Theater, this iconic spot has been reimagined to spotlight cult classics, art house favorites, and edgy contemporary films. Each screening is hand-picked by a passionate team dedicated to bringing fresh and experimental cinema to the local scene.
📍 Location: 611 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
17. Melrose Rooftop Theater
The Melrose Rooftop Theatre offers a one-of-a-kind outdoor movie experience, perched above the trendy E.P. & L.P. restaurant in West Hollywood. Perfect for summer nights, this cozy rooftop spot pairs stunning city views with classic and modern film screenings, complete with personal headsets for crystal-clear sound.
📍 Location: 603 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Edited by Sofía Delpueche.