The best movie theaters in Los Angeles

Cinephiles study their ABCs at this beloved grindhouse, backed by no less a student of the medium than Quentin Tarantino, who has a personal hand in booking much of the programming. Tarantino is known for his love of old-school film formats and he has outfitted the New Bev to show as many of them as possible, with four-track mag heads and a 16mm projector among the offerings. On your way into a showing, take a second to glance around at the walls, which have been decorated with a collection of large-scale vintage European movie posters.

Look, the forecourt of this iconic movie theater is a tourist-choked hot mess. But beyond those foot and hand prints, it’s an entirely different story. You can avoid the crowds by catching a flick inside, where the auditorium is as stunning as the IMAX screen’s laser projection quality (perhaps the best in town). Note that the historic theater is attached to a six-screen multiplex; you’ll want to ignore those and splurge on the main theater (listed online as Auditorium 7), which typically shows a single blockbuster at a time.

You’d kind of expect a movie museum to have a movie theater, and the Academy Museum doesn’t disappoint. The 1,000-seat David Geffen Theater (that’s inside of the glassy soap bubble-like structure) typically screens films in the evening, while the 288-seat Ted Mann Theater on the lower floor sticks to the daytime. The programming and image quality in both theaters is spectacular, with a mix of 35mm, 70mm and laser projectors in each (the Geffen is even equipped to show movies on nitrate, while the Mann can handle 16mm).

Enjoy screenings of classic films and contemporary independent cinema, plus special programs and series, director appearances and lectures at this Art Deco–designed landmark. It’s been in operation since the ’40s and is run by American Cinematheque, which handles a couple of other picks in this list, too. Cinephiles, check the American Cinematheque website for special programs—they’re plentiful and impeccably curated.

Exclusive engagements of independent movies, foreign flicks, arthouse curios and restored classics fill the calendar at this longstanding operation, run by the folks behind the Landmark in West L.A. and the Regent in Westwood. There are midnight screenings on Fridays (the ever-changing and always amazing CineInsomnia series) and Saturdays (always dedicated to the Rocky Horror Picture Show). Just nearby stands CineFile Video, a cult rental store that specializes in rare, unusual and hard-to-find films.

If you’ve never been to an Alamo Drafthouse location, here’s the gist: The theater screens first-run flicks along with repertory picks (for example, Terror Tuesday, with deep-cut horror films, and Weird Wednesday, with all sorts of dusted-off oddities) all within plush cinemas with in-theater food and drink service (including booze) and a hardline no talking, no texting policy.

Yearning to relive your childhood and indulge in a Disney flick? El Capitan’s your spot: The lavish 1926-built theater screens old and new classics like Cinderella, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Finding Nemo, as well as first-run movies from the Disney companies, including Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm. Tickets are indeed pricier than your run-of-the-mill cinema, but then again, where else do you get to see a 2,500-pipe organ be played before the show? A kid-friendly performance typically precedes each screening, as well.

This three-screen theater in the heart of Los Feliz first opened its doors in 1934, as the subtle Art Deco touches and notes of old-school glam might suggest, though the projection system has been upgraded to today’s state-of-the-art. The programming is now split into two: American Cinematheque screens wonderfully curated deep cuts in theater one, while Vintage Cinemas handles what’s best dubbed “mainstream indie” fare in theaters two and three.

This Santa Ana art house channels a little bit of the spirit of Frida Kahlo (the name is an intentional homage) by bringing work of filmmakers who value art and expression over commerce. Screenings include everything from vintage classics to festival-circuit shorts. The Frida team also organizes outdoor screenings and special events around Long Beach and Orange County.

This multiplex lands on our list for one sizable reason: its massive IMAX screen. If something comes out that was shot in an IMAX-friendly format, see it at the seven-story theater inside the AMC at CityWalk (but only if you can secure a spot in the center of the back third of the auditorium). The rest of the theater is your standard multiplex, albeit one in a hilltop theme park shopping mall. If you reserve tickets directly through AMC you’ll get a barcode for $5 parking at the garage; otherwise, you can refund the difference at the box office.

Quentin Tarantino purchased the Vista in mid-2021. The theater has yet to reopen.

The historic single-screen Vista Theater plays movies on actual film reels (no digital here) and boasts giant Art Deco light fixtures, kitschy Egyptian-themed wall details and a lovely manager, Victor Martinez, who dresses up for every opening (think: Willy Wonka for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Joker for The Dark Knight, etc.). The theater is by no means luxury (although the leg room is pretty spectacular), but it’s got character and is within walking distance of Silver Lake, Los Feliz and East Hollywood, making it an extra appealing option for Eastsiders.

Though this theater has been shuttered since ArcLight closed its theaters in 2021, planning documents hint at an eventual reopening for the Cinerama Dome.

A Hollywood favorite from 2002 until 2021, the former ArcLight multiplex offered comfortable assigned seating (cushy, reclining leg room for days), state-of-the-art sight and sound, fantastic snack bars and, for some Dionysian indulgence, an in-house café-bar. The programming is an astute mix of first-run flicks, indies, foreign fare and premieres, and alcohol is allowed in some screenings. As an added bonus, there are always fun cinephile treats on display (original costumes, architectural models, etc.). It was the most appealing modern multiplex in L.A., but it’s also a classic due to the Cinerama Dome, a fabulous and unique domed movie theater that opened in 1963. Note that parking is usually pretty rough: There’s a garage that validates but it gets pretty packed, so allow plenty of time to find a space and don’t expect to escape quickly.

The Egyptian began a major renovation in 2021. Reopening plans have yet to be announced.

Built by the same man who erected the Chinese Theatre and El Capitan Theatre, the Egyptian was faithfully restored by American Cinematheque in 1998. Though the building itself is now owned by Netflix, the not-for-profit company continues to program a wide range of excellent themed mini-festivals and one-off Q&As with legendary figures, as well as classic films and contemporary indie cinema.