Best theaters for classic films

Go back in time at these theaters.

By Aaron Hillis Mon Mar 1 2010

Best movie theaters in New York City

  • Museum of the Moving Image (rendering of main theater to be completed fall 2010)

  • Film Forum

  • Film Society of Lincoln Center

  • MoMA

Museum of the Moving Image (rendering of main theater to be completed fall 2010)



1. Film Forum
The city's richest repertory programming—ranging from freshly minted 35mm prints of French New Wave favorites to pre-Code Hollywood rarities—is not to be missed. 209 W Houston St between Sixth Ave and Varick St (212-727-8110, filmforum.org)

2. The Film Society of Lincoln Center
The Society digs up amazing finds, typically themed to a specific regional culture or undervalued talent. Walter Reade Theater, 70 Lincoln Center Plaza between Broadway and Amsterdam Ave (212-875-5600, filmlinc.com)

3. Museum of the Moving Image
Even if the programming weren't solid (thankfully, it is), the museum atmosphere alone—displays of old projectors, Bill Cosby's sweaters—makes this schlep to Queens worth the effort. Currently, while the museum is undergoing renovations, only a small screening room is in use, but come fall, the main theater and its full range of quality programming will be back. 35th Ave at 36th St, Astoria, Queens (718-784-0077, movingimage.us)

4. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Whether it's Fritz Lang flicks of the '20s or gonzo musicals of the early '80s, MoMA usually has something fascinating on tap, and the experience is enriched when screenings are tied to its exhibits. 11 53rd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-708-9480, moma.org)

 

 

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Best movie theaters in New York City

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  • I wanted to introduce a young friend to the films of Fellini and Truffaut on the screen, and was shocked to discover that none of the so called Classic film theaters list these. It seemed to me there used to be places that listed these and other film greats of the forties, fifties and sixties, French, Italian, etc. any night of the week.. The Thalia, for one. I've been around a long time and time's changed and there are thousands of more recent "classics" but I still feel these Film Giants should be seen by younger generations.

    mary wilson Sat Apr 6
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  • Are there e-mail mailing lists for CLASSIC FILMS OF THE 1930's - 1950's for these and other theaters in New York City? My friends and I like the genre of classic films shown on PBS-TV Channel 13 EVERY Saturday night at 9 PM and would like to view them on the large screens available in movie theaters . . . we'd like to attend viewings together. Our preferences include MUSICALS, DRAMAS, SUSPENSE, and ROMANCE.

    Barry F. Bealick Tue Oct 16 2012
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