Film Forum

The 12 Best Movie Theaters in New York City

"This is the last independent, nonprofit cinema in New York City. Little has changed about this humble, unpretentious theater since it first opened in 1970 as a screening space for independent films—there's the big marquee outside, lighting up an otherwise quiet stretch of West Houston; a ticket booth with microphone and glass partition; and a red carpet underfoot. It's retro without feeling dated, a warm place out of time. Behind the concessions counter, by the way, are some very nice people selling some very good espresso and baked goods (try the cakes carrot and orange bundt) in addition to regular sodas and candies. From new and obscure cinema made outside the US to a dazzling assortment of global classics that has most recently included Midnight Cowboy and Le Samourai, you can rest assured that every last thing on the marquee is worth a few hours of your time."

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"This is the last independent, nonprofit cinema in New York City. Little has changed about this humble, unpretentious theater since it first opened in 1970 as a screening space for independent films—there's the big marquee outside, lighting up an otherwise quiet stretch of West Houston; a ticket booth with microphone and glass partition; and a red carpet underfoot. It's retro without feeling dated, a warm place out of time. Behind the concessions counter, by the way, are some very nice people selling some very good espresso and baked goods (try the cakes carrot and orange bundt) in addition to regular sodas and candies. From new and obscure cinema made outside the US to a dazzling assortment of global classics that has most recently included Midnight Cowboy and Le Samourai, you can rest assured that every last thing on the marquee is worth a few hours of your time." - Charlie Hobbs, Alex Erdekian, Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

"A self-described “cinema of ideas,” Film Forum has thrived against the odds since its humble premiere: 50 seats and a single projector in 1970. The nonprofit (typically open 365 days a year) closed for a few months in 2018 to upgrade the seating and sightlines and add a fourth theater to its West Houston Street location. What remains the same is its compelling mix of indies and foreign films, classics, and retrospectives. The loyal fan base includes celebrities Ethan Hawke, Natasha Lyonne, and Matthew Broderick along with a new generation getting inspired by the Film Forum Jr. Sunday matinee series."

Flynn McGarry Documentary ‘Chef Flynn’ Hits Theaters November 9 | Eater

"A New York screening venue scheduled to show the documentary from November 9 through November 15 as part of a limited theatrical run; short runs will follow in cities such as Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., with a video-on-demand release planned next year." - Chris Fuhrmeister

Sweetbitter Season 1, Episode 3: “Everyone Is Soigne” Recap | Eater

"An arthouse movie theater that a staffer jokingly describes as “this place where they show movies that nobody wants to see,” presented as a low-key, slightly pretentious date venue suggested by one character for a film-and-burger outing." - Greg Morabito