It’s time to go to the movies and enjoy all the latest new movie releases out now in theatres! This week, we’re focusing on Los Angeles movie theaters.
In a city as big and bountiful as Los Angeles, there are so many local movie theaters near you to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. Just searching “movie theaters near me” or “movies near me” is overwhelming AF––what’s the difference between one theater and another? Is it worth the trek across town to go to one local movie theater with reclining seats versus the one around the corner? Do I want to ball out and get drinks served at my seat, or keep it chill at an independent movie theater with drinks and unique food offerings? With over 100 movie theatres within the Los Angeles area, it’s no wonder you don’t know where to start!
Don’t worry, we’re here to help make your decision easier. We’ve narrowed it down to some of our favorite local movie theaters in Los Angeles to help you make the most of your Los Angeles movie theater experience.
Grab some movie theater popcorn and get comfy as we dive into our Los Angeles movie theater guide!
Not in Los Angeles? Check out all of our other local movie theater guides here. Want one for your city? Let us know on Twitter.
Los Angeles Movie Theaters: Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood
In the CityWalk area of the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park, you’ll find an AMC Theatre. What makes this theater so special is that it is actually connected to a film studio! The Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood is on the Universal Studios Lot where movies like Back to the Future were filmed.
While it may seem that most of the fun lies outside of the movie theater, there are plenty of exciting amenities inside, too! The Director’s Lounge offers beer, wine, and cocktails for moviegoers over the age of 21, and you can even order your movie snacks on the AMC Theatres app to have them ready for you upon your arrival! One reviewer on Google said that the mobile ordering process for food on the app was smooth and easy.
The Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood offers a variety of options for you to watch your desired movie, all while relaxing in AMC Signature Recliners. Select movies can be seen in IMAX with Laser or RealD 3D. A wide selection of food offerings is available for guests with a self-service concession stand selling items such as smoothies and coffee drinks. In addition to typical movie theater fare, this AMC has multiple hot food options including loaded hot dogs, gourmet popcorn, mozzarella sticks, flatbread pizzas, and gluten-free items. The theater also has crowd-favorite Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines, giving guests limitless drink options to enjoy.
Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
Los Angeles Movie Theaters: TCL Chinese Theatre
Right on Hollywood Boulevard sits the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre. This historic landmark first opened on May 18, 1927, and has since hosted a multitude of movie premieres, festivals, and imprint ceremonies. What some may not know about this Hollywood icon is that anyone can go see a movie there!
According to the theatre’s website, the TCL Chinese Theatre is home to the world’s largest IMAX auditorium. One reviewer on Google called the IMAX theater is the “best theater in existence.” The Chinese Theatre also has an MX4D Motion EFX movie theatre, which allows audience members to feel the action in the film that they’re watching.
Attending a movie at the TCL Chinese Theatre is a star-studded experience, as you walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and pass hands and footprints of movie stars in the Forecourt of the Stars to reach the entrance. Once inside, you’ll find costumes worn in fan-favorite movies such as The Wizard of Oz. Guests are surrounded by old Hollywood decor and if you look up, you can see the beautiful and ornate ceiling of the theater. Moviegoers can choose from standard concession options such as popcorn, candy, and drinks, and will be happy to find that their seat reclines when sitting down for the film.
TCL Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
Los Angeles Movie Theaters: El Capitan Theatre
Across Hollywood Boulevard is El Capitan Theatre, owned by The Walt Disney Company and home to many Disney movie premieres. Whether you’re going to watch a new or old family favorite, the theater offers a one-of-a-kind experience for guests. You might even find special photo ops and exhibits featuring costumes and props for the theater’s latest release!
After reading reviews, it is clear that one of the elements that make this theater so unique is its exceptional staff. One reviewer on Google wrote, “These guys really offer the best service for you to relax and enjoy while watching some movies,” and even called in the best theater in the area. Guests are also complimentary of the food options that go beyond typical movie theater offerings to have items like chicken strips and pizza.
Aside from the outstanding service, this theater sets itself apart from others with its high-definition video and sound. The theater maintains a vintage feel with grand and glitzy decor inside. When purchasing tickets, guests can choose to sit in orchestra or balcony seating — something else you won’t find many other places!
El Capitan Theatre
6838 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Los Angeles Movie Theaters: New Beverly Cinema
Located on Beverly Boulevard, New Beverly Cinema first opened its doors to LA movie lovers in 1978. After the passing of the theater’s original owner, Sherman Torgan, renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino became the owner and head programmer of New Beverly Cinema making the decision to exclusively show movies on film. Many of the films shown come from Quentin’s personal collection that he has been curating for about 20 years.
The theater is simple inside, with the main draw being the unique experience of going to see movies on film. The concession stand is small, offering typical movie theater snacks and a variety of vegan options including vegan hot dogs, cookies, chocolate bars, and other candy. Unlike most other cinemas nowadays, seat selection is on a first-come, first-served basis as you walk into the movie theater.
In the past, some films have been accompanied by a Q&A session with one of the actors, and merchandise was sold for the movie. Many reviewers said that attending a movie here is an unforgettable experience for film buffs. One reviewer on Google described the theater as a “time capsule” and said it is a must-visit, while another said that “New Beverly is about as authentic as you can get.”
New Beverly Cinema
7165 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Los Angeles Movie Theaters: Regency Village Theatre
Located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles sits the Regency Village Theatre. This theater was built in 1931 and was part of the old Fox Theatres circuit where they would show Fox studios films. The original decoration on the exterior of the building still stands including its tall white tower and illuminated “Fox Westwood Village” sign.
According to the theater’s website, its auditorium has THX Ultimate Cinema with a large format screen, dual-laser projection system, immersive audio, and artfully remastered content. The theater’s Dolby Atmos audio system gives a more natural and realistic sound to the audience. One reviewer on Google wrote, “nothing beats the look, feel, and the experience of watching shows here.”
The theater has one large auditorium with orchestra and balcony levels and red velour seats. Reviewers said that aside from the renovated screen and sound system, the theater remains old giving it a classic Hollywood feel. The theater offers typical food, with a refillable popcorn bucket available for purchase, which is valid for one free refill during your movie— perfect for everyone who can’t get enough of that movie theater popcorn!
Regency Village Theatre
961 Broxton Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Los Angeles Movie Theaters: Cinespia Cemetery Screenings
If you want a truly one-of-a-kind experience, head to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for the Cinespia Cemetery Screenings. Since 2002, Cinespia has been holding outdoor movies at the famous cemetery where celebrities like Judy Garland have been buried. Prior to movie screenings, guests can enjoy music from live DJs and themed photo booths.
Audience members gather on Fairbanks Lawn after sunset and the film is projected onto a mausoleum. Guests can bring their own drinks, pillows, blankets, and low chairs to enjoy their movie under the stars. Reviewers say that they’ve had so much fun being part of this crowd, something that doesn’t usually come with experiences at a typical movie theater. One reviewer on Google said, “There’s so much energy from everyone while watching the movie. Everyone’s engaged and respectful.”
No Cinespia Cemetery Screenings have been announced for this year yet, but check their website for updates.
Cinespia Cemetery Screenings
Hollywood Forever Cemetery,
6000 Santa Monica Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Los Angeles Movie Theaters: CGV Cinemas
The CGV Cinemas Los Angeles is located in the city’s Koreatown neighborhood. This theater stands out from the rest, showing both Korean and English films, with subtitles in the opposite language for each. It also carries a unique variety of Korean snacks, along with traditional American movie theater snacks.
Since this CGV Cinemas is rather small, it only shows major movie releases. The theater has a sleek, modern design, differing from other more traditional theaters in the LA area. The Screen X feature gives audience members a panoramic view of their film to enjoy from their comfortable seats.
This theater offers a unique concession experience with self-checkout kiosks and flavored popcorn options including caramel, cheddar, and sour cream and onion. One reviewer on Google said that they had an awesome experience while at CGV Cinemas and commended the theater for its cleanliness and friendly staff.
CGV Cinemas
621 S Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90005
We hope this rundown of some of our favorite Los Angeles movie theaters inspires you to go out and see all of the latest new movies out now in theaters.
