There are more repertory cinema screenings now than even before, and more venues than you’d think! Many culturally significant film houses from around the world feature below, each with it's own quirky history. We're always updating the list, but if you have one that we've missed, email us at neonmarquee@gmail.com and let us know!
FILM FORUM (New York City)
Situated in lower Manhattan since 1970, Film Forum screens a highly eclectic year round calendar of classics both famous and obscure. As well as premiere’s of new independent cinema, Film Forum screens vastly thorough film maker and genre collections and restorations. One of the true arts institutions of The Big Apple.
PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA (London, UK)
London's legendary repertory film institutions creens a creative and bold calendar of retrospectives, festivals and more in 35mm, 70mm and DCP formats, not to mention their super fun all night genre movie marathons. Its marquee is well known for its quirky messages and slogans.
GOLDEN AGE CINEMA & BAR (Sydney, Australia)
Originally constructed in 1940 and utilized as the home of Paramount Pictures in Sydney until the 1970s, the film house was restored to it’s former glory, with the addition of a David Lynch inspired bar in 2013, and now screens classics and cult movies. It sits within the heritage listed Paramount Pictures Building in Surrey Hills, Sydney.
AUSTRALIAN CENTRE OF THE MOVING IMAGE (Melbourne, Australia)
Starting life in 1946, 'ACMI' became a state of the art facility of exhibitions dedicated to the moving image through a variety of media. It boasts two cinemas that screen a multitude of cinema, including repertory in 35mm and digital formats.
BAM CINEMATEK (Brooklyn, NY)
Originally a music hall, then converted to a playhouse, the venue became BAM Rose Cinemas in 1998, restoring the playhouse's elegant proscenium and preserving the history of the space while providing a state-of-the-art viewing experience. An extensive repertory calendar screens mainly in 35mm.
AFI SILVER (Silver Spring, Maryland)
Designed in art deco style and opened in 1938 and now houses three screens. As well as new releases, The AFI screens a very extensive range of classics in 35mm, 70mm and digital formats.
NORTH PARK THEATRE (Buffalo, NY)
A labor of love, The Buffalo was fully restored from neglect to its original splendor and reopened in 2014. An elegant neo-classical foyer and auditorium feature massive Art Nouveau murals as well as stunning stained glass windows. Opened in 1920, it's iconic art deco marquee was added in 1941. Screens special classic matinees and restorations alongside new releases.
LUNA THEATER AT MILL NO.5 (Lowell, MA)
Found inside the historic Mill No.5 complex an indoor streetscape of salvaged storefronts including a farmer’s market, independent shopping, and events spaces, The Luna is a cozy theatre specializing in independents, classics, and live jazz.Weirdo Wednesday highlights rare movie oddities and obscure gems.
LOFT CINEMA (Tuscon, AZ)
Opened in 1972, The Loft is a non profit cinema that screens independent and art house new releases alongside an ongoing calendar of retrospective and classic cinema. Screens 35mm and DCP formats and is home to one of the coolest retro signs in repertory culture..
PARIS THEATER (New York City)
The last single screen film house in Manhattan, The Paris was opened in 1948 with Marlene Dietrich cutting the opening ribbon. It saw a brief closure, but was acquired by Netflix in 2019 that would use the theater for their film premieres and events. It is now showing movies full time including classics, new art-house releases, and film maker retrospectives.
DRYDEN THEATRE (Rochester, NY)
Found at the Eastman Museum, named for the founder of the Eastman Kodak company, the Dryden is equipped to show all film formats, including incredibly rare nitrate films, as well as DCP. It screens an enviable calendar of film history.
CINERAMA DOME (Hollywood, CA)
The Cinerama Dome opened in 1963 to screen the wide Cinerama movies on it’s curved interior, debuting with ‘It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World’. The dome was declared a California Historical Monument in 1998. Although a first run theatre, it is of vital significance as a monument to classic cinema going, remaining the way it opened in 1963. The dome is equipped for 4K, 35mm, 70mm and the very rare 3 strip Cinerama format via three projectors (one of only three cinemas in the world to do so). **UPDATE: The Dome closed permanently during the Covid 19 pandemic, however a 2025 re-opening is being planned.
KIGGINS THEATRE (Vancouver, WA)
A gem in the U.S's Pacific Northwest, the Higgins opened in 1936 and originally boasted hand painted walls by a painter for Windsor Castle. Surviving closures, a fire, many ups and downs (including a spectacular fight during an 80s screening of The Karate Kid), the Higgins was restored to its original splendor in 2006 by volunteers and donations, showing a regular rotation of indie new releases and classics.
AMBLER THEATRE (Ambler, PA)
Probably the most iconic site in downtown, the Ambler Theater has undergone a decades-long journey back to its roots as a movie palace with it’s glorious marquee now restored to its original 1928 majesty. Screening selected new releases and independent film, it also screens seasonal classics for Summer and ongoing favorites.
EGYPTIAN THEATRE (Hollywood, CA)
First opened in 1922, the Egyptian Theatre is a true survivor. Hosting a range of 35mm, 70mm and DCPs, including double features of classics, scores of film maker Q&A’s, it is a stunningly opulent film going experience in the heart of Hollywood.
CASTRO THEATRE (San Francisco, CA)
The bay area's grand old film palace is a sheer marvel with a stunning Baroque facade. Opened in 1922, it has screened classics, cult double features, sing alongs and more in 35mm, 70mm and DCP. In 2022, The Castro was purchased by AEP in a controversial move, pivoting to majority live music, much to the disdain of locals and movie fans. However a major renovation that will see key elements of the auditorium restored, will see The Castro host film, music, drag and much more for a 2025 reopening.
ROXIE CINEMA (San Francisco, CA)
Opened in 1909, The Roxie it is the cities oldest cinema, harboring the spirit of a true classic film house pushing the aspect of bringing community together through film. Independent films screen alongside classics in 35mm and digital formats
FILM NOIR CINEMA & VIDEO (Brooklyn, NY)
Also listed on our cinema page, Film Noir moved to a larger store front (an old funeral home) to accomodate a screening room in the back. Film Noir is stacked with cult classics and hard to find, out-of-print DVD’s. They also sell VHS and vinyl. A great place to browse.
QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY OF MODERN ART CINEMATHEQUE (Queensland, Australia)
Many rare 35mm prints from influential names in cinema history screen here on Wednesday and Friday nights plus weekend matinees with most screenings free of charge
ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE (Various)
A legendary film house that has now spread to multiple states, Alamo presents new release and independent films alongside cult classics, audience participation events and Q&A's. They have a (thankfully) strict no cell phone policy that sees patrons ejected without refund if a device is used during any session. You have been warned!
MAYFAIR THEATRE (Ottaway, Canada)
Opened in 1932, The Mayfair is the Candian cities oldest continually running cinema. Designed in Spanish Revival style it features faux balconies, stained glass windows and a proscenium arch in it's auditorium. Now screens an ongoing repertory calendar alongside new releases in 16mm, 35mm and DCP formats.
THE BELCOURT (Nashville, TN)
Opened in 1925, The Belcourt is a vibrant Non-Profit in Nashville that has hosted stage shows, silent films and for a time it had the largest stage in the state. It underwent a major renovation and preservation project in 2016. It continues to screen a mix of 35mm and DCPs specializing in select new releases, retrospectives and repertory specials
HOLLYWOOD THEATRE (Portland, OR)
Since 1926, The Hollywood has been steeped in film history, being the first cinema in the Pacific Northwest equipped for Cinerama (needing three projectors) and a stunning Terra Cotta facade. It now offers four screens catering to independent fare as well as classics and rare cult movies in 35mm.
SPECTACLE (Brooklyn, NY)
Spectacle (est. 2010) is a collectively-run screening space in Brooklyn, NY, established and staffed by hard-working, cinema-loving volunteers. Programming runs seven days a week including overlooked works, offbeat gems, contemporary art, radical polemics, live performance and more.
THORNBURY PICTURE HOUSE (Melbourne, Australia)
Sitting inside what was once one of Melbourne’s first drive through gas stations and characteristic early architecture of Melbourne’s north side, The Thornbury Picture House was set inside a full restoration of he building, with many unearthed details and features found beneath decades of paint. The cinema shows new releases, documentaries, cult & classic movies, kids’ films and festival highlights in a distinctly local flavor.
QUAD CINEMA (New York City)
The Quad, opened in 1972, was the first cinema in Manhattan to house multiple screens under one roof, an innovation at the time that allowed it to survive as single screen film houses began to dwindle or fall into disrepair of become porno theatres. Recently reopening, it is devoted to ongoing programmes of repertory as well as new releases, and has upgraded to allow 4K, 35mm and 16mm projection alongside standard 2K. The Quad’s head projectionist still works there too.
THE BYRD THEATRE (Richmond, VA)
Opened in 1929, the Byrd is an opulent film palace in the grand old tradition, and a rare artifact in that it has remained largely intact and unchanged since it's opening. Boasting an 18 foot chandelier, rich marble, a Wulitzer organ and magnificent painted murals among many treasures, it is a living history of the cinema going experience. As well as Film Festivals, The Byrd screens a rotation of classic movies.
BRAINDEAD STUDIOS (Los Angeles, CA)
Housed in the former ‘Old Time Movies’ cinema which opened in 1942, Braindead began life as a street wear brand before lending an almost punk / skate aesthetic to repertory film going. A s a newly re-envisioned cinema space located in the vibrant Fairfax district of Mid-City LA. First opened in 1942 as “Old Time Movies,” the cinema screens a monthly thematic lineup of beloved cult-movies as well as a curated upstairs bookstore and garden patio cafe.
NEW BEVERLY CINEMA (Los Angeles, CA)
Formerly an adult film theater, The New Beverly was opened in 1978 as a repertory film house under the passionate management of the Torgan family. Recently, Quentin Tarantino took over as owner and head programmer with the cinema screening daily double features of many incredibly rare 16mm and 35mm prints, often from Tarantino’ personal collection. With no films or trailers screening from digital sources and very strict no cell phone / smart watch / talking policy, it’s a cinephiles dream venue.
IFC CENTER (New York City)
Opening in the 1930s, The Waverley Theater reopened as The IFC Center in 2005 after a closure four years prior. As well as new art-house fare, they screen regular retrospectives and an ongoing midnight movies programme (the midnight movie concept was started by The Waverley) in 35mm and digital formats. Check out their classic movie posters in the upstairs waiting area.
COOLIDGE CORNER THEATRE (Brookline, MA)
Opened in 1933, this art deco film house was saved from demolition by a local real estate magnate that bought it and leased it back to Corner Corner Theatre Foundation in 1989 for 99 years. Screens classics in 35mm and DCP plus midnight movies on weekends.
REDFORD THEATRE (Detroit, MI)
In continuous operation since 1928, it has a three story grand lobby, immense auditorium with full size stage and screens classics in 35mm and digital formats with affordable tickets. Also features a genuine organ, a regular feature of cinemas of that era.
TEXAS THEATRE (Dallas, Texas)
Opened in 1931, this historical theatre was constructed in Venetian style and was the first in Dallas to feature air conditioning. More infamously, it was where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested. Still sporting iconic neon signage, classic movies are screened here in 35mm and DCP formats.
BRATTLE THEATRE (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
Opened in 1953, The Brattle is situated in Brattle Hall and has maintained a loyal fan base ever since, and features a one-of-a-kind rear projection screen. A highly eclectic calendar includes martial arts, quirky favorites, cult cinema and traditional classics screening in 35mm and DCP formats.
PLAZA THEATRE (Atlanta, GA)
Opened in 1939, The Plaza is Atlanta's oldest running film house. Having changed hands several times, it has undergone several renovations, and features a fantastic neon sign. The Plaza screens independent film alongside an ongoing repertory schedule and often brings film makers in for Q&A's..
SOMERVILLE THEATRE (Somerville, MA)
Opened in 1914, The Somerville has an incredible history, screening film alongside vaudeville upon opening and originally offering a bowling alley and billiard hall too. Decline in the 1980s afforded a massive renovation opportunity to include more screens and now shows new releases alongside classics in 35mm and 70mm. Artists like U2 and Bruce Springsteen have performed here also.
HEIGHTS THEATER (Columbia Heights, MN)
Constructed in Beaux Arts style and opened in 1926, this film palace still features an organ that was characteristic of the era and is played pre-show on weekends. After hard times in the 1980s, it was restored to its original glory and now screens new independent films and classics in 35mm.
THE FRIDA CINEMA (Santa Ana, CA)
The Frida is a non for profit cinema run in Santa Ana that specializes in independent, art house and classics and named for Frida Kahlo. Also screens live music accompaniment sessions.
NITEHAWK (Brooklyn, NY)
Opened in 2011, Nitehawk was started by the former owners of the legendary Reel Life video store. As well as independent film, they screen an ongoing calendar of cult cinema and classics in 35mm and digital formats, as well as live music accompaniment, midnight movies, Saturday morning cartoon festivals and in cinema dining. As well as the original Williamsburg location, a second venue opened within the historic Pavilion Theatre in Brooklyn.
THE COLONIAL THEATRE (Pennsylvania)
Steeped in major cinema history, The Colonial first opened in 1903 with live performances and and one reel features. The likes of Houdini have graced the venue, and has survived two world wars and the great depression. It most famously was the location of the iconic 1950s horror classic THE BLOB. The Colonial now plays a lively mix of new releases and repertory specials.
EAGLE THEATRE x VIDIOTS (Los Angeles, CA)
Vidiots now resides in Eagle Rock and has become a vital hub for movie fans. As well as a massive video rental store, there's a full calendar of cinema screenings, special programs, concessions, and a light menu with beer and wine. Their 'Eagle Theatre' seats 271 people and runs, 35mm and DCP projection, as well as a smaller, flexible community and event space.
ASTOR THEATRE (Melbourne, Australia)
First opened in 1936, this art deco film palace is famous the world over. After going dark for several years, it reopened in 1982 under it’s present format of a rotating calendar of classics, cult favorites, Double Features, select independent new releases, Q&A’s and international film festivals on 35mm, 70mm and DCP. The Astor has been home to three resident cats and a history not unlike a Hollywood tale, with several close calls from closure.
AERO THEATRE (Santa Monica, CA)
Built in 1939 opened in 1940, The Aero maintained its standing as a repertory film house for many decades before closing in 2003. American Cinematheque took over operations, renovating the space and reopening to cinephiles in 2005 and showing classic, cult faves and select independent films in 35mm, 70mm and DCP. The Aero is also the cinema featured in Get Shorty (1995) and Donnie Darko (2001) and is home to the annual ‘Dusk-to-Dawn Horrorthon’.
MUSEUM FOR THE MOVING IMAGE (Astoria, NY)
Reopened in 2011, the Museum hosts exhibitions dedicated to motion imagery through various mediums, and its cinema screens up to 400 films a year in 35mm, 70mm and DCP formats, including an annual 70mm festival.
MUSIC BOX THEATRE (Chicago, IL)
Opened in 1929, the Music Box added a second screen in 1991 in addition to the gorgeous main auditorium. It screens all film and digital formats with a regular midnight program. Legend is the original manager haunts the theatre, with the couch he passed away on still sitting in the lobby.
FRENCH CINEMATHEQUE (Paris, France)
Home to one of the largest collections of film documents and objects, this French film organization also screens an extensive calendar of festivals, restorations and collections in 35mm and DCP formats.
ROXY CINEMA (New York City)
Situated in Tribeca, the Roxy is an art deco inspired film house screening first run films and classics in 35mm. The programming is varied and tickets are very reasonably priced. Features a wonderful old style marquee and is nestled underneath the Roxy Hotel.
CHARLES THEATRE (Baltimore, MD)
Seating 1150 people, The Charles is the cities oldest cinema, its origins dating back to 1892. Despite renovations, it has remained mainly intact. John Waters has premiered many of his movies here. Screens classics alongside new releases in 35mm print format.
METROGRAPH (New York City)
Opened in 2015, The Metrograph's mission is to hark back to the hospitality of cinemas in the 1920s. Featuring a restaurant, bookstore, balcony lounge and candy bar, the cinema hosts premieres as well as a massive, well curated selection of classics and cult movies mainly in 35mm.
REGENT STREET CINEMA (London, UK)
A cinema of massive importance, The Regent projected the very first moving pictures to be seen in the UK back in 1896, shot by none other than the Lumiere Brothers. Restored after 35 years of closure and reopened in 2015, The Regent screens the classics, including double features, in 16mm, 35mm and digital formats.
THE CAPRI (Adelaide, Australia)
The Capri is an independent not-for-profit cinema run by a network of volunteers. Built in 1941, it is heritage listed and houses the Theatre Organ Society's unique world-class theatre pipe organ. The profit from every ticket goes back into the restoration of this iconic South Australian building and the Wurlitzer organ.
GRAND ILLUSION CINEMA (Seattle, WA)
The Grand Illusion is the longest continuously running cinema in Seattle. Named one of the best film houses in the U.S, it screens independent movies with classic, cult and midnight screenings. Quentin Tarantino, Takashi Miike and Eddie Izard among others have appeared here.
HAYDEN ORPHEUM (Sydney, Australia)
The Hayden Orpheum opened in October 1935 as one of the grandest theatres in Australia, seating over 1700. It fell into neglect and was savaged by developers who tore it apart to instal shops and a gym. It was restored passionately and reopened in 1987, with continual projects to bring her back to former art deco glory as the retail residents progressively moved out, allowing for interior work and addition of extra screens.
THE MERCURY (Adelaide, Australia)
An independent film house in South Australia (that was opened by Queen Elizabeth) it is a non profit that specializes in indie film, classics and hard to find features across a variety of thematic seasons and programming.