Explore the best movie theaters in LA
Discover the City of Angels’ cinematic destinations that are a movie lover’s paradise.
Movies have the power to entertain, enlighten and inspire generations. The cinematic arts at USC are ingrained in the very DNA of Trojans; it’s a beacon to the world that cinema is the ultimate art, one capable of peeling back the layers of society and impacting culture by building communities through the magic of film creation, conversation and presentation. There is no better place to experience the visual grammar that is cinema other than on the “big” screen — the movie theater.
Here’s a list of the best movie theaters around town that will provide you with the full spectrum of theatrical entertainment and spectacle.
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TCL Chinese Theatre
If you’re seeking the true Hollywood experience, look no further than Hollywood Boulevard itself. After crossing the renowned forecourt of celebrity footprints and handprints and entering the 90-foot-tall pagoda, you’ll find the world-famous TCL Chinese Theatre.
Since 1927, the movie palace, formally known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, has been a cornerstone at the heart of Hollywood and an iconic landmark in the world of cinema. On top of its impressive grandeur and rich history, the theater is most recognizable by its Exotic Revival architecture.
There are only 30 theaters worldwide, including 19 in the U.S., that offer true IMAX 70mm projection capable of expanding images up to a 1.43:1 aspect ratio. TCL is one of the two located in Los Angeles. TCL is so prolific that it was designated an L.A. Historic-Cultural Monument on June 5, 1968.
Egyptian Theatre
The Egyptian is the oldest theater on the list, opening its doors to the public in 1922, and is responsible for presenting repertory cinema to L.A. for the past century. It’s been a haven for premiere film events since the silent era attracting countless Hollywood stars and luminaries.
The American Cinematheque — which operates the Egyptian and two other theaters, the Los Feliz Theatre and Aero Theatre — was born out of the L.A. International Film Exposition in 1985. According to their website, the American Cinematheque’s mission is to foster “a place where both the public and members of the film industry come together as a community with the common language and love of film.”
In 2020, Netflix teamed up with the American Cinematheque to refurbish and restore the historic movie palace to its architecturally magnificent opulence.
The Egyptian Theatre is an ornate relic of Hollywood’s Golden Age and a surefire must-see for those in search of classic and state-of-the-art motion picture vintage entertainment.
New Beverly Cinema
The appeal of the New Beverly Cinema lies within its ties to owner Quentin Tarantino, its competitively low prices and serious devotion to celluloid projection.
After acquiring the New Beverly in 2007, Tarantino said, “I want the New Beverly to be a bastion for 35mm films. I want it to stand for something. When you see a film on the New Beverly calendar, you don’t have to ask whether it’s going to be shown in DCP or in 35mm. You know it’s playing in 35 because it’s the New Beverly.”
The New Beverly is known for its midnight screenings, an iconic mixture of restored classics and forgotten gems across multiple decades, a steady projection of Tarantino’s filmography and the colorful monthly print calendars that showcase each month’s lineup including the infamous slogan: “All programs presented on 35mm film! (unless noted as 16mm).”
Aero Theatre
The Aero Theatre, located in Santa Monica, was built by the Douglas Aircraft Company in 1940 and got its name in tribute to Southern California’s aerospace industry. In addition to being equipped for 35mm, 70mm, as well as crystal clear laser projection, the Aero Theatre hosts some of the most star-studded and immersive in-person discussions across L.A. alongside filmmakers and their films.
The Aero Theatre, under the auspices of the American Cinematheque, offers a diverse array of programming, encompassing advance screenings, retrospectives, revivals, restorations and in-person discussions with filmmakers and the highly anticipated annual All Night Horrorthon. For film buffs seeking a communal and unique moviegoing experience, the Aero Theatreer serves as the perfect bridge between audience and filmmaker that you just may be looking for.
Vidiots
Vidiots is a one-of-a-kind hub for film lovers and filmmakers alike, situated in Northeast L.A. and recently relaunched at the Eagle Theatre. Vidiots is the most unique theater on our list, because it doubles as both a cinema and a video store where you can access their vast DVD, BluRay and rare VHS collections. Vidiots Foundation has a long track record of commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in improving film culture in communities across L.A.
Vidiots is women-owned and founded by Cathy Tauber and Patty Polinger, who have a passion for showcasing the work of emerging and underrepresented artists, and producing unique and affordable experiences for everyone curious about cinema. Make sure to check out one of Vidiots’ many film events or education programs that run year-round — you won’t be disappointed.
Vista Theater
Opened in 1923, the historic single-screen Vista Theater is another excellent destination to catch a screening at a historic L.A. landmark. Vista is the second theater on this list owned by acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino, who recently acquired and renovated the Vista back to its original splendor.
The Vista Theater reopened its doors in November 2023 and probably has the best concessions and ambiance on the list — good luck finding parking, though. This February, Vista held its inaugural I.B. Technicolor festival that included prints from Tarantino’s own personal film reel collection. If you’re ever up near Los Feliz, don’t miss out on this Tinseltown gem.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
The last cinema on the list is actually a museum owned and operated by the very people who gave us the Oscars: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is home to two theaters: The David Geffen Theater and the Tedd Mann Theater. Both theaters offer curated daily screenings and special programs, including Academy Award-winning films, family favorites and rare and historical films, all presented in an intimate, elegant and art house setting.
Not only is there a luxuriant array of global cinema screened every week but you can also explore exhibits which hold some of Hollywood’s most precious artifacts, including authentic Oscar trophies and notable props and memorabilia from some of La La Land’s most cherished films.
