Best movie theaters in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is known for its movie theaters, which is no surprise being the home of the motion picture industry worldwide. But beyond the obvious big corporate chain theaters, there are alternative venues offering different cinema genres and viewing experiences. 

Here are some of the best movie theaters in the Los Angeles area you may not know about:

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in the Wilshire District has a movie theater, the Leo S. Bing Theater, that shows art films from around the world. The museum also offers other events such as film festivals and workshops.

The New Beverly Cinema is a vintage movie theater that specializes in cult classics and independent films, and since 2007 it has been owned by filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. Housed in a building off Beverly in Los Angeles, which dates to the 1920s, it is one of the oldest revival theaters in the area and has been around since 1978. The location has become a favorite among Los Angeles locals.

The Aero Theatre is an art deco movie theater that was opened in 1940. The single-screen theater in Santa Monica shows first-run films, classic films, and special event screenings. They also have a full bar and serve food during the movie. The venue also offers live in-person events.

The LOOK Dine-In Cinema is located in downtown Monrovia and offers a wide array of movies and a unique dine-in option for moviegoers. There are other locations in Glendale, Downey, Redlands and Riverside.

 The Los Angeles Filmforum is the city’s leading organization screening experimental, independent, and avant-garde films. The organization offers a variety of programs throughout the year at different venues around Los Angeles. 

Landmark’s Nuart Theatre is a historic movie theater that specializes in independent, foreign, and cult films. The theater is located on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles and has been in operation since 1975.

Reopening Soon

While the ArcLight Hollywood has been one of the most popular movie theaters in Los Angeles over history, it is working to reopen this year after closing during Covid in 2020. The iconic Hollywood theater on the Sunset Strip has a state-of-the-art theater with stadium seating, 15 screens and a cafe. The reopening date is pending but it is worth keeping an eye out for when they announce it. 

The Los Angeles area offers many theaters, from corporate chains like AMC to the independent venues and off-the-radar venues above.

These are just some of the great Los Angeles movie theaters you may not know about. Whether you’re looking for something different in your cinema experience or want to support local businesses, these theaters are definitely worth checking out for something a little different than the standard movie theater experience, check out one of these great venues next time you’re in Los Angeles.