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.

A 222-seat movie theater in the heart of Downtown that sells wine and beer to sip on during the show. This very cool indie movie house also offers $5 tickets to DTLA locals and has a variety of interesting film events and 21-plus screenings. In addition to artsy and international films, you might see work by new local filmmakers or catch one of the regular live stand-up comedy nights the venue hosts along with the movies.

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.

The Leo S. Bing Theater at LACMA is large and comfy, and hosts revivals, foreign films, video installations and more. LACMA should be commended for giving film such an important place alongside its art: the museum presents regular screenings, weekend series and retrospectives in conjunction with its exhibits, and hosts matinee screenings of Hollywood classics each Tuesday. The theater also partners with Film Independent, which hosts its series of classics, new releases, documentaries, one-of-a-kind events, guest-curated programs and conversations on film and filmmaking. As a film geek bonus, all films are screened on 35mm, unless noted otherwise.

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 owned by American Cinematheque, which also runs the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood—an equally impressive venue (though you’ll wade through a lot more tourists to get inside). Cinephiles, check the American Cinematheque website for special programs—they’re plentiful and impeccably curated.

In L.A., Laemmle Theaters is one of the most hallowed places to watch the best in independent and foreign films. With eight locations all over the Greater LA region, Laemmle (say “LEM-lee”) is a cornerstone for great film, previews, screenings and events. Established in 1938, the company is still family-run by (you guessed it) the Laemmles. Rent out one of their theaters for a special event, and check their website for an ever-changing list of staff favorites, if you’re torn on which flick to see. And remember to take advantage of their plentiful discounts, including the free Sneak Preview Club, Student Sundays and Free Popcorn Thursdays.

This swanky theater has 12 auditoriums, top-notch digital projection and sound and more than 3,000 parking spaces for you and all your friends… and all their friends. The Landmark also boasts the best theater food in the city. There’s a full-service wine bar—which, in addition to red, white and bubbly, has a pretty great beer list—offering happy hour discounts and cappuccinos. It also has a tasty and reasonably priced menu with fancy eats (like a prosciutto and provolone sandwich and an artisan cheese plate) alongside more traditional theater favorites like the hallowed Hebrew National hot dog (served on a bun from La Brea Bakery). You can rent the entire theater for special events, or get cozy in the venue’s luxury screening room.

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 cinema primarily serves up what might be termed “mainstream indie” fare; if it’s a big awards season fave, it probably played here.

Operated by the non-profit Long Beach Cinematheque, 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.

A Hollywood favorite since 2002, the ArcLight offers 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’s 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 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.