Going to the movies in Seattle?
You’ll want to check out one of these amazing Seattle movie theaters. From independent arthouse cinemas that offer cozy vibes and unique films to an IMAX theater with the biggest screen in Washington, there’s something on this list for everyone. Don’t forget the popcorn!
Here are the top Seattle movie theaters:
1. SIFF Cinema Downtown (formerly Cinerama)
Great news for Cinerama fans: the landmark movie theater in Belltown has made a comeback. After SIFF acquired the theater, it reopened in December 2023 as SIFF Cinema Downtown. Despite the name change, the famous chocolate popcorn is still available! Read more about the Cinerama Theater’s reopening.
Address: 2100 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
2. SIFF Cinema Uptown
Another SIFF theater, their Uptown location in Queen Anne has three auditoriums and beer and wine for sale. This is a great theater for fans of indie, foreign, and classic films as well as current releases. They also host fun events such as SIFF ‘n’ Stitch: a series of movies shown with the lights on so you can knit or craft while watching the film.
Address: 511 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
3. Central Cinema
Hungry for dinner and a show? Visit Central Cinema in Seattle’s Central District: a dine-in movie theater that lets you enjoy comfort food along with beer and cocktails at your table while you watch your film.
Address: 1411 21st Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
4. The Beacon
This cozy arthouse movie theater is a welcome addition to Columbia City in Seattle. The Beacon curates a screening calendar with films such as Possession and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. You can also rent out the 48-seat theater for a film of your choice.
Address: 4405 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
5. Northwest Film Forum
More than just a movie theater, the Northwest Film Forum is a nonprofit film and arts center in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. In addition to movie screenings they host film festivals, community events, and more. If you become a member you get access to special events and discounts on screenings—worth considering if you’re a film buff!
Address: 1515 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
6. Boeing IMAX Theater at Pacific Science Center
Located inside Pacific Science Center, the Boeing IMAX Theater has a six-story screen—the largest movie screen in Washington state! This is the best theater in Seattle for an immersive movie experience. You can also catch showings on PacSci’s second, smaller IMAX movie screen in the PACCAR theater.
Address: 200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
7. Majestic Bay Theatres
Majestic Bay Theatres is a historic movie theater in Ballard that was built in 1914 and shows current releases. We love going here for $6 Tuesdays. They also have special screenings such as a regular Retro Night.
Address: 2044 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
8. AMC Oak Tree 6
This recently-renovated AMC theater in Northgate is popular due to its comfy reclining seats! There is also ample free parking (a rarity in Seattle).
Address: 10006 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
9. The Grand Illusion Cinema
The Grand Illusion Cinema is the oldest independent movie theater in Seattle, showing classic and independent films in a converted dentist’s office since 1968. It’s also one of the only theaters in the PNW that regularly screens movies on 35mm film. Unfortunately the building is being sold and Grand Illusion was unable to renew their lease in February 2025. They’re “determined to recreate the magic someplace new” so while they search for a new location in the University District, you can support them by donating and attending their pop-up movie screenings held at Northwest Film Forum.
Address: 1403 NE 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105
10. Admiral Theatre
If you want to catch a movie in West Seattle, you should head to the Admiral. This cozy little movie theater is a historic landmark that opened in 1942 in West Seattle’s North Admiral neighborhood. They recently renovated it and upgraded from two to four screens in addition to making other improvements, all while keeping its historic charm intact.
Address: 2343 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
11. SIFF Film Center
Located on the Seattle Center campus, SIFF Film Center isn’t your typical movie theater. This theater has just 90 seats and focuses mainly on boutique arthouse hits, cult classics, and niche hidden gems. You can even see live stage productions by London’s Royal National Theatre streamed here as part of National Theatre Live.
Address: 167 Republican St, Seattle, WA 98109