Top 8 Most Awesome Movie Theater Experiences In The World
The earliest cinemas were opened in 1900, and since then, movie theatrer have popped up in almost every city in the world. While some people may prefer Netflix ... read more...and relax, there are cinemas around the world that are worth giving up on your couch. While some theaters will attract viewers by making them feel at home, providing comfy couches and even beds, others draw crowds by serving food and standard restaurant-quality drinks. Explore the list of the most awesome movie theater experiences in the world based on their excellent movie lineup or unusual amenities.
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Athens is home to multiple outdoor movie theaters that crop up during the summer but none provide as majestic a view as Cine Thisio. From your seat, at Cine Thisio you not only get to view the latest blockbuster but also the Acropolis, and the Parthenon that sits on top. The best view is at night. Cine Thisio is the oldest outdoor movie theater in Athens, built in 1935, and is usually open from April to October. Cine Thisio shows both first-run studio releases and classic movies. Sit outside at Cine Thisio and enjoy a stunning view of the neighboring Acropolis and the Parthenon. This place deserves to be one of the most awesome movie theater experiences in the world thanks to its unique setting.
Cine Thisio in Greece is a spectacular open-air viewing experience. For those who prefer a more outdoorsy experience, this is a must. Cine Thisio is the oldest summer cinema in Athens, built-in 1935. It operates every spring and summer and looks like a small paradise at the historical center of Athens, right under the Acropolis. In a flowery spacious garden, with retro seats and 60s decoration, Cine Thission has retained the atmosphere of another era since 1935 and awaits cinema lovers and beauty appreciators for unforgettable movie nights under the stars. With a wide selection of films - both beloved classic ones and new releases- all you have to do is get your ticket and enjoy a cooling beer or their homemade sour cherry juice while admiring the magnificent, glowing Parthenon.
- Location: Athens, Greece
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Alamo Drafthouse started out in Austin, Texas, and hosts a whole series of events including Heckle Vision, Quote Alongs, and nights where experts rip apart Michael Bay popcorn blockbusters. But what makes the Alamo theaters really cool are its policies: no children under the age of six, no talking, an extremely strict no-cellphone policy (as this curse-laden voicemail left by an unhappy customer demonstrates), and no ads before the movie. This is one of the most awesome movie theater experiences in the world as it should be: the movie you pay for, zero annoyances, and great food and beers being served to your seat.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema was founded by Tim and Karrie League in 1997. Both started the theater in a warehouse district building that was being used as a parking garage in Austin. And even though the company began as a second-run movie theater, it soon distinguished itself by the food and drink service offered inside the theater, including cold beers. The seating is arranged with rows of cabaret-style tables in front of each row of seats, with an aisle between each row to accommodate waiter service. You should definitely visit this theater for a unique and royal experience that each audience member is treated with.
- Location: Texas, United States
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A remnant of the Cold War, Kino International dates back to Germany's socialist period. Today Kino International boasts a well-rounded art-house program and hosts a strong list of premieres, festivals, and parties. The movie theater is situated along Karl Marx Allee, where entire blocks of buildings carry heritage status and are protected by the Denkmalschutz in Berlin. This heritage status means that the outside facade of Kino International, along with its interior furnishings, cannot be altered. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the cinema, which holds almost 600 viewers, is inclined and the acoustic technology used in the theater is similar to that of a recording studio.
This modernist cinema, also one of the most awesome movie theater experiences in the world, which sits on Karl-Marx-Allee near Alexanderplatz in old East Berlin, is a mecca for anyone looking for a strong dose of Ostalgie. It opened in 1963 and for almost three decades was the main venue for film premieres in former East Germany. Its history and sleek mid-century style still make it a special, transporting place to watch films. Kino International has just one grand, wood-lined auditorium (with a funky wavy ceiling) that can hold about 600. Even better, to enter the screen, you have to pass through a grand lounge bar with big windows opening out onto a whole boulevard of old Communist architecture below.
- Location: Berlin, Germany
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Korean movie theater company CGV claims another spot on this list with its Cine de Chef theater, which gives a luxury spin to the "dinner and a movie" concept. Many other movie theaters also provide food and beverage options to moviegoers, but Cine de Chef stands out with its upscale French-Italian cuisine, courtesy of a former Park Hyatt chef. After dinner, patrons can relax for the duration of the movie in the Quinette Gallay seats, specially designed for Cine de Chef. The seats are by the same people who make private movie theater seats for United Arab Emirates royalty. This cinema gives a new meaning to “dinner and a movie” with its small luxurious theatre. Couples will begin their night by dropping their car off at the valet and taking the private elevator up to Cordon Bleu café for a quick meal before the show. Think upscale cuisine with a twist. Moviegoers are then put into a private screening room that seats just a handful of patrons. This is one of the most awesome movie theater experiences in the world.
Cine de Chef is a luxury movie theater that is combined with a gourmet restaurant. The theater seats just thirty people in deluxe chairs and is equipped with 11.1 channel speakers which surround the entire theater, including the floor and ceiling. In the restaurant, Le Cordon Bleu-certified chefs serve modern Asian cuisine. If you are looking for a luxury — but expensive — movie experience, this is the place to be. Footstools, side tables, and lamps complete the picture of this awesome yet small venue. Tickets start at just $54 per person for both dinner and a movie.
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
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Opened in 1922, the Castro Theatre is one of the last vestiges of that bygone era still in operation. Its Mexican cathedral-inspired facade continues to captivate tourists and moviegoers.
With the decadence of its lobby and auditorium and the attention to detail in the wet plaster motifs on either side of the screen, the Castro presents simply what new technologies are attempting to mimic -- the pleasure of the movie-watching experience. Sing-alongs to classic musicals are organized and encouraged. This is one of the most awesome movie theater experiences in the world and also the last remaining movie palace in the nation that was built in the 1920s that is still in operation.
In Castro Theatre, both outside and it is breathtakingly gorgeous with the inside being just a touch more luxurious. Expect to see foamy balconies, wall-mounted busts of heroic figures, and an auditorium that seat over 1,400 guests in a fantasy setting that is both lavish and intimate. On either side of the screen are large organ grills, a large art deco chandelier hangs from the room and two dramatic staircases lead to the mezzanine and balcony. Showing here are foreign films, classic revivals, festivals, and some of the most intense audiences in town. In recent years the sound quality has been improved, new stage lighting was installed and larger and more comfortable seats were put on the main floor.
- Location: San Francisco, United States
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Visitors to the Electric Cinema in London should expect luxury service in this adults-aimed hideout in the chic Notting Hill Neighborhood. It is one of the oldest working cinemas in the country, opening in 1910, and has run almost continuously since that time. The interior of the theater is made up of 65 leather armchairs with footstools and side tables, three 2-seater sofas at the rear, and six double beds in the front row. The Electric Cinema is one of the most awesome movie theater experiences in the world, and also the oldest working theater in the country. The cinema is equipped with luxury leather chairs, ottomans, lush cashmere blankets, and exceptional service by waiters. It offers sophisticated cocktails and personal lamps. The first rows of seats have been replaced with six luxury king-size beds.
To make things even better, individual cashmere blankets are provided for guests. The bar opens 10 minutes before screening time, whereas the movie starts 30 minutes after screening time. Offering wine, beer, champagne, and a variety of snacks; one must get their food and drinks ahead of time. On Monday mornings babies and their caregivers are invited to Electric Scream, a screening designed especially for them. From the chairs to the little lamp lights on tables and even beds, the Electric Cinema in London is a must-visit. It even features an elegant velvet front-of-the-house curtain that makes the start of the show even more dramatic.
- Location: London, England
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It is nicknamed the “Pride of Asia” and is considered the crown jewel of India’s cinemas, and certainly lives up to its reputation. The theatre was created to make guests feel as though they were royal guests of a palace, a place full of style and elegance. Walking into this theatre is an experience unlike any other, high ceilings hung with huge chandeliers, lighting that changes from white to blue, and walls covered in artistic artwork. Raj Mandir Cinema looks less like a multiplex and more like a palace. It opened in 1976 and was designed in an Art Moderne style that is rarely found today.
Raj Mandir Cinema opened with the film ‘Charas’. In this one of the most awesome movie theater experiences in the world, the seating here is divided into four sections, Pearl, Ruby, Emerald, and Diamond and once you are seated you will be faced with a huge screen covered by velvet curtains. This is such an experience that every single movie showing over the past 25 years has had a full house, now that is something to brag about. There certainly doesn’t seem to be an any better place to take in the colorful sights and sounds of a Bollywood film. Over the years, it has seen many movie premieres of Hindi films and has become a popular symbol of Jaipur.
- Location: Jaipur, India
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Hot Tub Cinema is one of the most awesome movie theater experiences in the world, aimed to combine great films and a hot tub experience. It’s a perfect idea to spend the night with friends. The tub can contain up to six people. They encourage you to eat, drink, play, dance, and enjoy the movie. Moviegoers are encouraged to dress up, sing, dance, drink, and play, as well as spend plenty of time in the hot tub. With movies such as Dirty Dancing, Free Willy, Back to the Future, and other classics, tickets sell out fast. Whole tubs can be rented out by buying 6 tickets for a friend or you can buy a pair of tickets and make some new friends as you share a hot tub. There are personalized tub waiters for each hot tub and you can assure this may just be the best night of your life.
There is nothing better than kicking back in a hot tub with some friends or a special someone. Add a couple of beers or fun beverages and it’s perfect. Let’s take it one step further with the Hot Tub Cinema in London, adding an awesome projection screen with a new film. The drinks aren't free, but there are some cracking '80s films to be enjoyed, plus a bit of a party post-screening, featuring all kinds of classic dancefloor jams. With twenty hot tubs, waiter service to the water, a BBQ menu, a licensed bar, and a bespoke surround sound system, this is a wonderful pinch of luxury.
- Location: UK, USA, Ibiza