Seattle has no shortage of movie theaters and includes many common movie theaters with major brands. But if you want a cinematic experience, look not at one of the major networks, but rather at one of Seattle’s independent theaters. These offer great movie releases, second-hand movies, as well as indie movies, depending on the theater, but they also come with added perks, ranging from cool atmosphere to food and drink. If that’s still not enough, Seattle also has movie theaters that serve alcohol.
Cinerama
Downtown Seattle Cinerama is a perfect balance between 1960s design and modern touches like stadium seating. Local billionaire Paul Allen bought the place in the late 1990s and renovated it into the theater of his dreams. Today, it is the premier movie viewing venue in the Northwest and one of the few remaining theaters in the country that still shows the “Cinerama” process, as well as the traditional 70mm.
Location: 2100 4th Avenue, Seattle
Great illusion
At the other end of the spectrum is the cozy Grand Illusion of the U-District. Little more than a living room, the theater may be intimate, but the movie selection is adventurous. Volunteer-led programmers do a better job of keeping things cool and minimizing rags than anywhere in town. The only theater to screen a Chaplin classic at 7pm and an X-rated Alice in Wonderland at 11.
Location: 1403 NE 50th Street, Seattle
Who SIFF
SIFF is more than just the festival, it is a (mostly) year-round program in SIFF’s new dedicated theater below the opera. The best screening in town, SIFF Cinema specializes in new impressions of classic and new cinema. Whatever you are playing here, it will look fantastic.
Location: 511 Queen Anne Avenue N, Seattle
SAM
Yes, the Seattle Art Museum has a number of movies. While films are shown here only once or twice a week, the selection is typically top-notch, with recent shows dedicated to Alfred Hitchcock, Preston Sturges, and Steve McQueen. If the repertoire is your bag, SAM is where it is.
Location: 1300 1st Avenue, Seattle
Cresta : Remember when movies used to be three dollars? When you didn’t have to plan ahead and negotiate with your friends and family about what you were seeing. When you just “went to the movies.” Well, at The Crest you still can. For the price of a little popcorn in the multiplex, you can take the whole family to the movies.
Location: 16505 5th Avenue NE, Shoreline:
Admiral
Another second-hand theater, the West Seattle Admiral will often mix up an independent film that can’t be seen anywhere else. El Almirante also has a Crow’s Nest Lounge with served drinks and many non-film cultural events.
Location: 2343 California Avenue SW, Seattle
Grand Cinema : Tacoma’s Grand manages to combine almost everything that is good about Seattle cinemas into one theater. Beautiful old theater? Check. Eclectic selection? Yes. Cheap tickets? You got it. The Grand is a civic and cultural gem, and hosts the annual Tacoma Film Festival.
Location: 606 S Fawcett Avenue, Tacoma
Edited by Kristin Kendle.
