Best Movie Theaters in NYC 🍿 for Indie Films, Blockbusters + Lots in Between [2025]

There’s nothing quite like the air conditioned quiet of a movie theater. The sticky floors, the smell of butter hanging like a fog around the concession stand, and the moment of camaraderie with your fellow moviegoers as the lights dim and a hush falls over the theater, the moment you settle in to leave the concerns of the larger world behind for a few hours and experience something together. 

That’s why no matter how loudly Netflix’s CEO claims movie theaters are dead or how many at-home streaming options we have, nothing will ever quite take the place of a trip to the movies. And sure, movie theaters are facing their challenges – the pandemic-era phenomenon of hybrid releases are still taking some of the wind out of their sails (and dollars out of their bank accounts), and ticket and concession prices remain an issue for plenty of moviegoers. 

But Hollywood and major US theater chains are in agreement – we can’t let the movie (theater) magic die. After some serious investments, the box office is back and poised to be better than ever. 

Particularly in a city with as long and rich of a history with the silver screen as NYC. It’s the backdrop to iconic films like Taxi Driver and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s got a thriving indie and arthouse theater scene. And there are over 200 movie theaters in the New York City area.

Whether you’re a local looking to explore some of the coolest and most iconic theaters in town or a visitor looking to take a bite out of the Big Apple (and a jumbo bucket of popcorn at the same time), we’ve narrowed it down for you. 

Whether you’re looking for a place to catch the latest blockbuster hit, an independent film from several decades back, or even a great bargain seeing your favorite nostalgic movies on the big screen, NYC has a movie theater for you 🍿

1. Film Forum 

📍 209 West Houston St | Greenwich Village | filmforum.org

From its humble beginnings in 1970 as an alternative screening spot for indie films, Film Forum has grown into one of the best movie theaters in NYC. Once upon a time, the now-iconic theater had 50 folding chairs, one projector, and an annual budget of just $19,000. 

Today, the Film Forum is open 365 days a year and ushers a quarter of a million visitors through its 500 seats annually. It’s the only autonomous nonprofit cinema in New York City and one of the few in the whole US. While dozens of arthouse cinemas have (sadly) closed their doors over the decades since Film Forum presented its first showing, this theater thankfully doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. 

Offering an “international array of films that treat diverse social, political, historical and cultural realities,” there’s something for everyone at Film Forum.

“Simply the BEST film programming, the Film Forum is one of the BEST reasons to live downtown; delicious concession stand offering the BEST unsalted popcorn in the Universe! This beloved theater is hip, cool, current & old school. I've been coming here for years!” – Yelp Review

2. Metrograph 

📍 7 Ludlow St | Lower East Side | metrograph.com

Metrograph opened its doors in 2016 but feels like it’s been a part of NYC’s cinematic soul forever. Founded by filmmaker Alexander Olch, the theater draws inspiration from classic film culture — think vintage typography, curated concessions, and a deep love for celluloid. With two screens and an onsite bookstore, restaurant, and bar, Metrograph is more than just a place to watch movies — it’s a gathering space for cinephiles, creators, and curious newcomers. 

The theater’s programming features bold retrospectives, rare 35mm screenings, and international arthouse titles you won’t catch anywhere else. Somehow both cutting-edge and nostalgic, Metrograph proves that moviegoing can still be magical ✨

“Metrograph thankfully doesn't fall into the highbrow/lowbrow traps that afflict some of our cultural gatekeepers. You might find a 147-minute meditation on how fading oak tree leaves in Vermont symbolize mortality and climate change playing in one theater, Road House in the next.” – Yelp Review

3. The Paris Theater

📍 4 West 58th St | Midtown |  paristheaternyc.com

The Paris Theater is a love letter to old-school cinema elegance. Opened in 1948 and once operated by Loews and later by the French film company Pathé, it’s the longest-running arthouse theater in Manhattan — and the last single-screen movie palace in NYC. 

Nestled just east of Central Park, the Paris is now operated by Netflix, which lovingly restored the space in 2019. Today, the 571-seat auditorium plays host to a thoughtfully curated mix of prestige indie films, international features, and Netflix originals. With its blue velvet seats and grand proscenium, the Paris feels like stepping into a bygone era — but with the kind of programming that keeps modern film lovers coming back.

“As a New Yorker, I'm ashamed at the amount of times I've walked past this legendary Paris Theater without ever checking it out! It turns out the Paris Theater is the longest running arthouse cinema in NYC and is Manhattan's only single-screen cinema with 535 seats. You may notice an "N" logo and that's because as of Nov 2019, Netflix operates the theater.” – Yelp Review

4. IFC Center

📍 323 6th Ave | West Village |  ifccenter.com

Built on the bones of the historic Waverly Theater, the IFC Center opened in 2005 and quickly became a downtown go-to for documentary lovers, indie die-hards, and anyone craving late-night cult classics. The five-screen theater is the flagship venue for IFC Films and DOC NYC, and its calendar is always buzzing with Q&As, festival screenings, and thought-provoking lineups. 

It’s one of the rare places where you can catch a new foreign film, an Oscar contender, and Eraserhead— all in the same week. Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, the IFC Center feels like a vital pulse in the city’s ever-evolving film culture.

“Such a fun and iconic theater, amazing to have seen a classic movie here and have a little talkback with the creators. Staff was welcoming and I love the actual movie theater vibes as opposed to these conglomerate theaters which just seem like fast food restaurants. IFC for the win.” – Yelp Review

5. Film Society of Lincoln Center – Walter Reade Theater

Image courtesy @filmlinc on Instagram.

📍 165 West 65th St | Upper West Side |  filmlinc.org

Tucked into the Lincoln Center complex, the Walter Reade Theater is the crown jewel of Film at Lincoln Center. Since its opening in 1991, it’s hosted thousands of premieres, retrospectives, and filmmaker talks — all in a gorgeous 268-seat auditorium that puts picture and sound quality front and center. 

The theater is a hub for the New York Film Festival, Rendez-Vous with French Cinema, and dozens of other high-profile series throughout the year. With an emphasis on global cinema, historical restorations, and innovative storytelling, the Walter Reade isn’t just a movie theater — it’s a home for serious film appreciation.

“It's a small venue with a single screen. The theater has some of the most comfortable and roomy seats you're going to find. You're never going to catch a Marvel or Batman movie here. Wrong venue. But you will catch great (often unknown) producers or actors from around the world that bring a different vision of storytelling.” – Yelp Review

6. Cinema Village

📍 22 East 12th St | Greenwich Village | cinemavillage.com

Operating since 1963, Cinema Village is Manhattan’s oldest continuously run indie theater. Located in a converted firehouse just south of Union Square, it has that old-New-York charm — creaky floors, tiny lobbies, and posters of obscure classics lining the halls. 

But what really sets it apart is its fearless programming: small-budget indies, micro-distribution titles, international features, and documentaries that rarely get big screens elsewhere. It’s one of the few theaters in NYC where you’ll stumble upon something unexpected and walk away thinking about it for days. No frills, no fluff — just movies that matter.

“I love coming here and supporting an indie theater. It's a fun movie-going experience and I love being a part of keeping this part of New York alive.” – Yelp Review

7. Nitehawk Cinema 

📍 136 Metropolitan Ave | Brooklyn |  nitehawkcinema.com

Nitehawk Cinema redefined the NYC moviegoing experience when it opened in Williamsburg in 2011. Combining first-run and repertory films with restaurant-quality food and creative cocktails, it turned “dinner and a movie” into a seamless experience. You can sip a craft beer and order truffle popcorn while watching a brand-new indie release or a midnight screening of The Craft. 

In 2018, Nitehawk expanded into the former Pavilion Theater in Prospect Park, restoring the space and bringing its signature vibe to even more Brooklynites. It’s fun, funky, and fiercely committed to film culture — everything a neighborhood cinema should be.

“Absolutely the best indie film theater ever! Come well before your movie. They spend considerable time and effort putting together warm-ups to the movie. They also have very good popcorn, just like homemade with real butter.” – Yelp Review

8. United Palace 

📍 4140 Broadway | Washington Heights | unitedpalace.org

If you’re looking for grandeur befitting of Old Hollywood, the United Palace is as cinematic as it gets — even before the movie starts. Originally a vaudeville house opened in 1930, this Washington Heights gem boasts soaring ceilings, gold-leaf details, and a sanctuary-like auditorium that feels part cathedral, part movie palace. 

Though it’s best known as a concert venue and spiritual center, the United Palace also screens classic films on select weekends — often accompanied by live performances or community events. With over 3,000 seats and a deep connection to the neighborhood, it’s one of the most unique and majestic places in NYC to watch a film.

“I love how this historic 1930's theater has been lovingly restored with updated projection and sound. Highly ornate with many interesting architectural styles, it was originally designed by the architect of the legendary Ziegfeld Theatre with interiors by the designer of the Radio City Music Hall and the Waldorf Astoria. A designated New York City Landmark with over 3,000 seats, coming here for a movie or event is an incredible experience.” – Yelp Review

9. Metro Private Cinema 

📍 131 Eighth Avenue | Chelsea | (launching) 

Tucked away in Tribeca, Metro Private Cinema offers an intimate, VIP-style movie experience for private screenings, small events, and curated film nights. With plush seating, top-notch AV equipment, and a chic, modern design, it’s a far cry from your typical movie theater — but that’s the point. 

This is the place to go if you want a bespoke, ultra-personal film night with friends, family, or collaborators. Though it’s not open for public ticketed screenings in the traditional sense, Metro Private fills an important niche in NYC’s cinematic ecosystem: a place where stories can be experienced in privacy, comfort, and style.

10. Regal Essex Crossing & RPX 

📍 129 Delancey St | Lower East Side |  regmovies.com

Part of the new Essex Crossing development on the Lower East Side, this Regal location brings blockbuster power and luxury features to one of Manhattan’s most storied neighborhoods. Opened in 2020, it boasts recliner seating, digital projection, and RPX screens that are built for immersion — whether you’re catching the latest Marvel movie or a Dolby-enhanced drama. 

While it may not have the indie credentials of some of NYC’s smaller venues, Regal Essex Crossing offers a polished, big-screen experience in a part of town that previously lacked a major multiplex. Sometimes, you just want that stadium-seating, popcorn-in-hand, summer-movie energy — and this theater delivers.

“Love coming to this theater!I love the reclining seats and snack tables. Bathrooms are clean. Popcorn is fresh! They also have a bar with beer, wine and spirits! I love the movie theater experience” – Yelp Review

Know someone headed for a matinee or night out at one of the best movie theaters in NYC?

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Main image courtesy @essexcrossing on Instagram.