True to its title of “entertainment capital,” Los Angeles is home to some of the best movie theaters in the world
First published on visitcalifornia.com
The city of Los Angeles is practically synonymous with the entertainment industry, so it should be no surprise that it’s also home to some of the world’s most impressive movie theaters. Across this sprawling city, cinephiles can find historic movie palaces, innovative theaters, and creative cinema experiences.
The Golden Age of Hollywood kicked off with the 1927 release of the first feature-film “talkie,” The Jazz Singer. Nearly a century later, Los Angeles remains the epicenter of American film, with dozens of unique movie theaters showcasing the world’s cinematic talent. We’ve curated a list of the best classic, drive-in, and modern movie theaters for you to explore in and around Los Angeles County.
The Best Classic Movie Theaters in Los Angeles
TCL Chinese Theatre
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Arguably the most famous theater in Los Angeles, the TCL Chinese Theatre opened its doors in 1927 and has since hosted celebrity-studded movie premieres, Academy Awards ceremonies, and countless A-list events. You can literally touch Hollywood history as you walk into the theater past hundreds of celebrity handprints, footprints, and autographs in the Forecourt of the Stars. Reserve a spot on a 30-minute tour of the theatre, or watch the latest blockbuster in the state-of-the-art IMAX auditorium.
Aero Theatre
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
From its humble beginnings as a 24-hour theater for aircraft workers in the 1940s, the Aero Theatre has become a cinema landmark. It’s now run by American Cinematheque, which curates screenings of classic and contemporary films on its silver screens. The Santa Monica–based Aero also hosts special viewing programs, director appearances, and lectures for the cinema-obsessed.
Landmark Nuart Theater
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
The Landmark Nuart Theatre has been at the heart of the art house scene since 1929. Situated on Sawtelle in West L.A., the Nuart shows indie movies, foreign films, documentaries, and classics, as well as hosting midnight showings every weekend—check out Friday’s late-night Cine Insomnia series or Saturday’s long-running tradition of unspooling The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
El Capitan Theatre
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Another one of L.A.’s more famous theaters, The El Capitan offers a movie-going experience worthy of its Hollywood location. Gloriously restored Spanish Colonial architecture meets new technology in this Disney-operated theater, where the sounds of a 1920s Wurlitzer organ with 2,500 pipes will gear you up for screenings of animated classics and first-run films. This lavishly decorated movie house holds an important spot in cinema history: Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane premiered here in 1941.
The New Beverly Cinema
Neighborhood: Fairfax District
This historic building lived many lives (including as a candy factory and a nightclub) before becoming the New Beverly Cinema. Equal parts cool and classic, this cinephile-friendly theater is just a few blocks from The Grove—and it’s now owned by Quentin Tarantino, who keeps a hand in all its programming. The old-school single screen shows Tarantino’s curated choices of rare vintage flicks and contemporary indie films.
The Best Drive-In Movie Theaters in Los Angeles
Electric Dusk Drive-In
Neighborhood: Glendale
Electric Dusk Drive-In, L.A.’s longest-running drive-in establishment, is just a short drive east of Studio City in Glendale. It shows an assortment of films ranging from the thriller Silence of the Lambs to date-night movies like The Notebook in a retro setting that includes double feature and group ticket options. It’s also open year-round, so you can enjoy an authentic drive-in flick any time you’re in town.
Paramount Drive-In Theatres
Neighborhood: Paramount
Paramount Drive-In in southeast Los Angeles County features two 75-foot screens, state-of-the-art sound and projection, and a full snack bar. It shows first-run movies every night, so it’s a great alternative to your standard theater, but make sure you get there on time because tickets are first-come, first-serve.
Vineland Drive-In Theatre
Neighborhood: City of Industry
If you take a drive east of L.A. into the San Gabriel Valley, you’ll find another multiscreen drive-in theater, the Vineland. It has four screens and family-friendly showings (kids under 5 are free), plus all the traditional movie snacks. It’s only open during the spring and summer on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The Best Modern Movie Theaters in Los Angeles
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Neighborhood: Downtown
The Alamo Drafthouse chain is known for its dinner theater-meets-movie theater concept. The Downtown L.A. location screens first-run films and hosts weekly movie parties with interactive props, themed drinks, and sing-alongs featuring fan favorites like Elf, Mean Girls, and Back to the Future. But really, you’re going for the plush seats, creative in-theater food options, and drink service throughout the movie.
Regal L.A. Live
Neighborhood: Downtown
Also located in Downtown L.A. near the Crypto.com Arena, Regal L.A. Live is one of the most unique places to catch new movies thanks to its cutting-edge technology. One screen has 4DX, which involves motion seats, special effects like wind and rain, and even scents that sync to on-screen action. The immersive ICE Theater has LED side panels that enhance films’ visual atmosphere through color and shapes, and 52 sound sources to create surround sound like you’ve never heard before.
Cinespia Cemetery Screenings
Neighborhood: Hollywood
While not technically in a theater, Cinespia screenings at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery are some of the coolest film experiences in Los Angeles County. Every summer, Cinespia shows cult classics like Dazed & Confused and Do the Right Thing on a grassy lawn near the graves of Old Hollywood stars. Purchase tickets in advance, then grab your lawn chairs or blankets, pack a picnic (beer and wine are allowed), and get there early to snag a great spot.
Universal Cinema AMC
Neighborhood: Universal City
If you need a sit-down break while exploring Universal Studios Hollywood, consider an IMAX movie at this multiplex theater just off the Universal CityWalk. The Universal Cinema AMC has a seven-story IMAX theater for epic showings. There’s plenty to do on the CityWalk, but the Director’s Lounge cocktail bar inside the theater is a great place to grab a drink before or after a movie.
Brain Dead Studios
Neighborhood: Fairfax District
Housed in a historic theater building just off the corner of Melrose and Fairfax, Brain Dead Studios offers a fresh take on movie-going. Original midcentury architecture meets contemporary flair in this arthouse cinema, bookstore, and garden patio café run by a collective of artists and designers. Each month’s showings are based on a theme, and the lineups include everything from silent films to cutting-edge documentaries. Concessions at Slammers Cafe include coffee, tea, pastries, and creative versions of classic snacks.
Rooftop Cinema Club
Multiple Locations
The folks at Rooftop Cinema Club have perfected the open-air movie-watching experience. In addition to dazzling city views from rooftops in Downtown L.A., Arts District, and El Segundo, these elevated spaces offer an impressive lineup of contemporary and classic films plus thoughtful amenities. Lawn chairs, blankets, and wireless headphones are provided, so you can lean back with your popcorn and cocktail and enjoy the show. On special “wooftop” evenings, your cinema-loving dog can accompany you.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Neighborhood: Fairfax District
Just across the street from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has two incredible theaters to complement the history in its halls. The film series here are wide-ranging, including thematic explorations, filmmaker spotlights, and family-friendly matinees. The stately David Geffen Theater seats nearly 1,000 people for film premieres and live presentations. The 277-seat Ted Mann Theater hosts daytime screenings of films in a cozy, art-house setting.
If you want to geek out a little more while you’re in the Los Angeles area, stop into one of these restaurants that make cameos in iconic movies, or grab a drink at some of the best bars featured in film. And if you’re especially inspired, hit the road to see some of California’s most famous movie locations or check out more unique places to watch a movie in the Golden State.
