The 10 Best Movie Theaters In NYC That Any Film Fanatic Needs to Check Out

Location: Parks around the city in all five boroughs

A grand social event in some of the city's most incredible parks, NYC Parks' 'Movies Under the Stars' is one of the great things to return to the city following the pandemic. Weather permitting, families, friends, and solo moviegoers all gather for an unforgettable experience that brings the memories of drive-in theaters of old back to life.

Not to mention the killer selection, ranging from the past year's hottest releases (Spider-Man: No Way Home, Encanto, and Space Jam: A New Legacy), all the way to older favorites like Before Sunrise, and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Movies Under the Stars truly has something for everyone and is essential to hit at least once this summer.

Location: 7 Ludlow Street

Quaint, yet unmistakable. New York's premier theater for cinema lovers. I've had the pleasure of attending the Metrograph on multiple occasions and their selections and accommodations are one of a kind.

With choices ranging from hot new releases to classics of yesteryear, to films that have been tragically left out of the cinematic canon, that they wish to bring to the public eye. The most peaceful moviegoing experience in the city also might just be the best. Not only that, but you can catch dinner and a drink at the Metrograph Commissary. A classy yet unpretentious spot that has to be experienced.

Location: City Point BKLYN (445 Albee Square W)

One of the more well-known spots on this list. The Alamo Drafthouse is well known for its early screenings of big-time blockbusters. Just recently they hosted an early screening of Thor: Love and Thunder, while simultaneously hosting screenings for Escape from New York. Perhaps the widest variety of any theater on this list, the draft house has it all. A multi-faceted, enjoyable film viewing experience that is sure to impress anyone.

Location: 209 West Houston Street

Showing a vast selection of classics from the states and abroad. The Film Forum is a must-do in the West Village. With classics such as The French Connection and Bull Durham, and a wide selection of themed series with killer selections far and wide, Film Forum has something for everyone. What originally served as an alternate screening space for independent films has evolved into so much more.

Location: 323 6th Avenue

With upwards of fifteen screenings a day, IFC is overflowing with choices for those trying to catch new releases and film lovers alike. Luxurious seating, stellar surround sound, and 4k image are only a few of the defining features of this stellar theater in Greenwich Village. Definitely check this one out, there is guaranteed to be a film for you on the docket!

Location: 136 Metropolitan Avenue and 188 Prospect Park West

With two locations across Brooklyn, Nitehawk Cinema is a cozy cinema experience with a perfect mix of new releases and deep cuts. Showing blockbusters like Thor: Love and Thunder, and Elvis, while preparing the theater for deeper cuts like Devil in a Blue Dress, Panic Room, Paprika, and The Descent. Not even to mention modern classic Good Burger. A nice independent cinema experience with table service, drinks, and a full menu to choose from.

Location: The Roxy Hotel (2 6th Avenue)

In terms of having an abundance of selection, the Roxy is likely in last place. With only a few screenings a day they make it known that they are trying to choose very carefully and cautiously. This may seem like a negative, but hell, they know how to choose a good lineup.

Whether it be the scarily relevant 4 Months, 3 weeks, and 2 days, a recent cult favorite with Crimes of the Future, or 2000s smash hits like The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Roxy Cinema has it all. Self-described as a "hat tip to the 1920s motion picture palace", it provides the consumer with a classy, authentic experience that you can't find anywhere else. Specializing in 35mm, first-run independent films, and archival prints, it should be a go-to for people looking for a unique moviegoing experience.

Location: 1998 Broadway

What's an AMC doing on here? As phenomenal as AMC Theaters are, it must be surprising to see one make its way onto a "Best Movie Theaters in New York City" list, but it deserves it. Well known for its early screenings of big hits and premieres, the Lincoln Square AMC is the perfect place to catch a movie. If you just can't wait to see the newest blockbuster, this is the theater for you.

Location: 260 West 23rd St

An underrated, cozy movie theater experience right in Chelsea. Occasionally showing non-current releases, currently boasting a screening of Mad Max: Fury Road, but typically just covering every current release, from the obscure to the popular. Great for those who want a big-time theater experience but with less of the hustle and bustle. Cinépolis' theaters feature reclining chairs and pull-out tables making for an extremely comfortable theater experience.

Location: 4 West 58th St

The Paris Theater is a legendary, single-screen movie theater experience. Scratch what I said about the Roxy, this is the theater with the least selection, but it is definitely not a bad thing. The Paris Theater provides an entirely unique experience that you simply cannot find anywhere else. One cinema screen with 571 seats. This is the longest-running arthouse cinema in New York City, and for good reason. It provides a classy experience with dual screenings that give you great insight into the mind of a director. Definitely worth checking out, and definitely one of the best movie theaters in New York City