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Independent Movie Theaters in Portland
16
items Sure, you can go to the multiplex chains to see a movie. But these spaces offer so much more - character, interesting films, and in many cases a chance to enjoy a piece of Portland history.
Map
Sections
3
Single Screen Theaters
Multi-Screen Theaters
Mini Theaters
Single Screen Theaters
This is the oldest movie theater in Portland, having opened originally in 1912. But before that, the building served as a mortuary and a brothel (at different times). They show second-run films at low prices.
Avalon Theatre
A McMenamins theater, they show first-run films in their single screen cinema. There is a pub attached to this movie theater, plus you can order pizza and beer to consume during the screening.
Bagdad Theater & Pub
This art house movie theater originally opened in 1925 and shows a lot of first-run indie films, as well as foreign films and documentaries. They have hosted a number of events over the years and continue to host filmmakers from time to time.
Cinema 21
This is one of the oldest operating movie theaters in Portland - it opened in 1915 and is cited as “one of the oldest continually operating cinemas in the United States.” It has run “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” continually since 1978, and aside fr...
Clinton Street Theater
Opened originally in 1914 as the Palm Theatre, it is one of the oldest cinemas in Portland. They show second-run films, as well as classics. The popcorn is well-regarded and the 1950s-style bathrooms are not to be missed.
Cinemagic
Originally the Kennedy School’s auditorium, the McMenamin brothers turned it into a movie theater when they renovated the building. They show second-run films, and as is the case at most McMenamins theaters, you can order pizza and beer. This locatio...
Kennedy School Theater
This building was built in 1905 as an exhibit hall, used during the Lewis & Clark Exposition. It did not exist here originally, but was moved to its current location after the Expo was over. They show first-run films; there is a pub attached.
St. Johns Theater & Pub
This is the screening theater and multimedia space currently operated by the Portland Art Museum. The original cinema opened in 1925 and has had many lives over the years: vaudeville, as an adult theater, a Spanish-language theater, and more. In 2023...
Tomorrow Theater
Multi-Screen Theaters
This two-screen movie theater is run by the students at Portland State University (PSU) through their PSU Film Committee. They show a lot of art films here.
5th Avenue Cinema
This three-screen theater originally opened in 1948 in Portland’s Montavilla neighborhood. They show digital and 35mm films, which include both new films and revivals.
Academy Theater
This historic movie house, run by a nonprofit, is nearly 100 years old and shows a variety of films on three screens. New films, old films, classic films - you’ll find them all here. It also has one of the only 70mm projectors in Oregon and also has ...
Hollywood Theatre
This theater with great neon lights opened originally in 1923. They show “the best of modern cinema, independent, art and classic film to Portland's movie lovers” through their four screens. While you're there for a flick, you can also order pizza, b...
Laurelhurst Theater
Compared to many on this list, this movie theater is young - they opened in 2006. Boasting as the “first all-digital and only-digital theater in the country,” they take pride in not using any chemicals (like silver nitrate) in their screening operati...
Living Room Theaters
Opened in 1913, this cinema has two auditoriums: 350 seats downstairs and 225 seats upstairs. They show first-run films, and you can eat pizza and beer during.
St. Johns Twin Cinemas
Mini Theaters
Situated in the Movie Madness movie rental shop, it is run by the same folks behind the Hollywood Theatre. At just 18 seats, you can rent it for a private screening, or attend one of their educational series, special events, and other screenings. Mov...
Movie Madness Miniplex
This little theater is located in the Portland International Airport (PDX) and is the outcome of a partnership with the Port of Portland. Once you go through security, you can head into its 22-seat cinema and watch films by PNW filmmakers. No charge ...
PDX Airport Microcinema - Hollywood Theatre