City of stars, it’s shining just for you! Los Angeles is the home of so much cinematic history and facts. With our hot summers, why not experience the movies the way locals do? If you’re like me and mourning the loss of Arclight Theatres, or if your window unit just ain’t cutting it, try the central air of these fabulous dark cool spots and enjoy a summer of stories unfold before your eyes!
Best Big Name Theatres:
AMC Century City – Century City – @amctheatres
For big blockbuster releases that you wanna experience in comfort, AMC Century City is the way to go. The food choices at the Westfield Century City are top notch, including the pinnacle EATALY. From Chipotle to See’s Candies for all your snack needs, this mall makes a perfect one stop shop for your pre-cinema needs. As for the theater at the AMC CC, this muli-level theater is clean, has plenty of bathrooms, and those cozy reclinable seats that are standard in most corporate cinemas today! Parking isn’t too expensive, free for the first hour or so, and if you validate at the cinema the price goes WAY down!
El Capitan Theatre – Hollywood – @elcapitanthtre
With only one main theater, the El Capitan was built in 1926 in the center of Hollywood and originally developed for the stage. Adapted for the screen in 1942, the El Capitan has hosted hundreds of premiers and film festivals over the years. While they primarily use the space to promote their current films, they do monthly classic showings of old school favorites, including double features like The Parent Trap 1961 and 1998! There is something magical about eating a Mickey Mouse shaped pretzel and watching Sword in the Stone. Street parking can be tricky, luckily there is a massive underground lot across the street under the Kodak theater or you can search for street parking in the neighborhood.
Local Theaters with Pizazz:
Los Feliz 3 – Los Feliz – @am_cinematheque
Looking for that picturesque small town theater vibe while surrounded by fantastic dining and shopping options? Well, Los Feliz Cinema will hit a home run with their delightful three screen theater. While you can’t pre-choose your seat, Friday night showings only cost $12.50 a pop! American Cinematheque curates the main theater screen with independent and more obscure titles, but the remaining two screens are dedicated to the week’s current box office releases. Classic movie snacks are available for purchase, though with the likes of Figaro Bistrot and Fred 62, there are plenty of dining options for you to choose from to enjoy before or after your show. Parking is metered the closer you get to Vermont, but if you’re okay walking a block or two, you can usually find free parking on the street.
Aero Theatre – Santa Monica – @am_cinematheque
This single screen movie theater opened its doors all the way back in 1940. The Aero Theatre loves showing advanced screenings, retrospectives, revivals, and in-person discussions with filmmakers. While they only have one theater, with the updates they made back in 2019 and 2021, they’re able to show multiple films that highlight all genres from romantic comedies to horror to classics. Metered street parking is always around, but get there early to secure a close spot!
Alamo Drafthouse – Downtown LA – @drafthousela
My personal favorite movie going experience in Los Angeles is Alamo Drafthouse Cinema located in Downtown LA. For only $30 a month, you can see as many movies as you want (one movie a day!), pre-purchase your tickets and buy companion tickets at a discount. Coming straight from work and forgot to eat? Never fear, they have a fantastic menu with everything from bottomless popcorn, healthy salads, pizzas, and even a high quality selection of wine, beer and cocktails for you to enjoy in the comfort of your very own recliner seat.
New Beverly Cinema – Mid-City – @newbeverly
No new films screened here! New Beverly Cinema only hosts films that have previously been released. From Citizen Kane to Austin Powers to Toy Story 3, it’s a lovely way to see films as they were meant to be seen. They post their monthly schedule well in advance, so if there is something you are passionate about seeing, be sure to snag those tickets quickly. Lovingly restored by Quentin Tarantino, this former adult film theater has become the destination for cinefiles to enjoy films in their original 35mm condition, making this current theater a part of Los Angeles’ film history.
Unique & Worthwhile Experiences:
Cinespia – Hollywood Forever Cemetery – @cinespia
Only meant to be experienced during cool summer nights in Los Angeles, Cinespia never disappoints. Waiting for their summer movie lineup month by month is for the patient at heart; but there really is nothing like watching your favorite films from your childhood projected in the middle of Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Bring all the snacks, wine and beer you like, pack that picnic blanket and prepare to sit under the stars as you enjoy the refreshing night breeze. From films like Poltergeist to Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion, a night at Cinespia is essential for your summertime bucket list.
