Whether it’s raining outside or the sun is shining bright, there’s never a bad time to catch the latest movie that everyone’s chatting about! Although some say movie theaters are on their last leg, NYC is proud to stand up against the streaming giants, thanks to the variety of great theaters at our disposal. These are the best movie theaters in NYC to catch a film!
1. Regal Cinemas
With 16 locations across NYC, Regal Movie Theaters are ‘ol reliable. Plus, they’re some of the most affordable! Especially with this discount through Fever, you can snag tickets to a screening good for any theater, at a price as low as $10.99 (30% cheaper than competitors or buying it there). There’s even discounted popcorn, drink, candy, and snack vouchers too!
🎟️ Buy your tickets to a Regal Cinemas theater here!
2. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Multiple Locations
“Good food, good beer, and good film” is the mantra of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, who’s constantly rotating both movie showings and menu items. Making this perfect for any family night or date night, each movie is delightfully served with brews and grub, making it the perfect immersive experience at the theater. Kick back, relax, and bring your appetite!
Where:
Downtown Brooklyn – 445 Albee Square West, Brooklyn
Lower Manhattan – 28 Liberty St, Suite SC301
Staten Island – 2636 Hylan Blvd, Suite 230, Staten Island
3. Paris Theater, Midtown
The Paris Theater is one of the oldest movie theaters in NYC, and after being resurrected by the purchase from Netflix, it’s seen a resurgence in the NYC cinema scene ever since. The 571-seat theater is historic and has held some of the most famous premieres in year’s past. Since they are a one-film theater, be sure to check their website to see what time certain films are playing!
Where: 4 W 58th St
4. IFC Center, West Village
The IFC Center in West Village is unique in its focus on premieres of independent, foreign and documentary features. While you’ll still find typical “mainstream” movies on display here, you can probably count on seeing a theater dedicated to something a little more “underground” here. We also love this spot because of their events. For example, they host DOC NYC every November (largest documentary festival in country), Pure Nonfiction (weekly documentary series), Queer/Art/Film (monthly program of LGBTQ films), and so much more! Follow their socials to see what’s on.
Where: 323 6th Ave
5. AMC, Multiple Locations
AMC’s nationwide theaters are some of the highest-quality in the country, and NYC boasts a bunch of them, scattered throughout Manhattan. Some of our favorite ones include AMC Empire 25 (42nd St), AMC Loews (84th St), and of course AMC Lincoln Square 13 (68th St), thanks to their massive IMAX screen (which is one of the biggest in the world)! Plus we love them so much because of their cheap movie theater tickets starting at just $10.99. We’ll have some popcorn too!
Buy your AMC tickets here!
Where: Find yours here
6. Nitehawk Cinema, Prospect Park & Williamsburg
Another dine-in theater experience is Nitehawk Cinema, who sets up shop in Brooklyn at two locations. Between their 35mm projections and tasty food and drink, how could you not want to snag a ticket here? They often host events like midnight and brunch screenings, Q&As with filmmakers, and so much more! Their cocktails in particular are our favorite thing to sip on here!
Where:
Prospect Park – 188 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn
Williamsburg – 136 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn
7. Museum of the Moving Image, Queens
What’s cooler than learning about the history of movies, and then watching one right after? That’s the experience you’ll get at the Museum of the Moving Image. Their almost space-ship like theater is jaw-dropping thanks to the design, architecture, and overload of colors when you walk in. In terms of the films, you’ll likely find one of their new releases from a recent special event or something that’s timely to what’s going on. Check out their schedule to see what’s on!
Where: 36-01 35th Ave, Queens
8. Film Forum, West Village
You may just find the most diverse selection of titles at Film Forum in West Village. This intimate cinema experience is curated to the tee, particularly with older classic films with an occasional modern day flick. Their focus is on “independent and foreign art films and repertory selections including American classics, genre works, festivals and directors’ retrospectives.” This is a wonderland for cinephiles!
Where: 209 W Houston St
9. Metrograph, Lower East Side
We must say, Metrograph is one of the most aesthetically pleasing movie theaters in NYC. With decor based on LA noir and a little restaurant and bookstore to accompany the theater, this chic spot is perfect for a date night. For those in the industry, this spot has become a meeting point to share ideas, watch each other’s films, collaborate, and so much more. No matter if you’re an aspiring filmmaker or someone who just enjoys movies, this spot is an ultimate destination for film lovers.
Where: 7 Ludlow St
10. Anthology Film Archives, East Village
Anthology Film Archives quite literally lives and breathes cinema, and the not-for-profit theater is dedicated to displaying the best motion pictures to the most dedicated audience possible. You’ll find anything from foreign Soviet Union films to independent horror films here, and that’s the true beauty of a theater with this history. They also have a museum component as well that digs through their archives to show the best of the best.
Where: 32 2nd Ave
11. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Midtown
Similarly to their art exhibits, MoMA takes the model of showcasing certain films for a dedicated period of time (typically 3-4 weeks at a time). They have three different theaters of different sizes, showcasing an indie film with a deeper meaning than you probably expected. And of course you’ll be able to find some creative masterpieces about the art world and different retrospectives too. It’s important to note that film tickets are separate from museum tickets.
Where: 11 W 53rd St
12. IPIC Theaters, Brooklyn
The most luxurious movie-dining combo has to be IPIC Theaters, who offer you recliner chairs, handcrafted cocktails, top-of-the-line cuisines, and more! You will find all of the typical “mainstream” movies on display here so you can finally check out the new movie everyone’s talking about…in style. Choose between their normal “Pod” seats or bring the whole crew and rent a chaise lounge! Every party size is welcomed here and it’s a great spot to have a wine, dine, and movie night!
Where: 11 Fulton St, Brooklyn
13. Angelika Film Center, SoHo
Rounding out our list is Angelika Film Center, an NYC staple that’s been showcasing independent films for over 30 years! Their films are always pretty good and the fact that they have 5 theaters makes it a comfortable space to visit. Plus, their cafe is very good and has a bunch of goodies you can enjoy during the movie.
Where: 18 W Houston St
14. LOOK Cinema, Hell’s Kitchen
Check out a movie at LOOK Dine-in Cinemas, who’s fairly new location in Hell’s Kitchen is offering a premium movie experience. Throwing their name in the hat with the Alamos and Nitehawks, this theater is another movie experience that chef-inspired menus, craft beverage selections, luscious reclining seats, and more. The theater boasts eight screens in total, with theaters ranging in size from 20 to 172 seats. Learn more about it here!
Where: 625 W 57th St