Ian CheesemanNo doubt it–watching bigger-than-life Marvel movies on the big screen is very exciting. Imagine cool action scenes, witty banter, and awesome effects all rolled into one—pass the popcorn, please!
But every now and then, we crave something beyond capes and explosions. That’s where Toronto’s top indie theatres come in.
These beloved theatres are the go-to of indie film buffs. I mean, I just watched Anora and The Brutalist recently, and these Oscar-winning films are definitely food for the soul, with their experimental storytelling and diverse voices.
So, if you’re craving for films that offer fresh perspectives and offbeat yet captivating stories, check out this guide to the best indie theatres in the 6ix!
Regent Theatre Ontario Tech
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Website: https://regenttheatre.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/regenttheatreoshawa/
Address: 50 King St E, Oshawa
Hours: Opens one hour before showtime
Contact: (905) 721-3399 ext. 2
Regent Theatre in Oshawa, opened in 1919, is a go-to of local film buffs. It screens indie, documentary, and classic films, as well as hosts live events like concerts, drag shows, standups, and more.
My favorite is their free screenings (mostly hosted by the university). Nothing beats watching an educational documentary or a cult fave for zero dollars!
Sadly, there are no seats in the lobby, which opens an hour before showtime (theatre doors open 30 minutes before the show). Meaning, if you can’t stand for long periods, don’t arrive too early.
Now, if you’re feeling snacky, they have a concession stand that offers yummy treats like chocolate and movie candy, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It opens an hour before the show and wraps up after intermission.
Pro Tip:
If you’re bringing your car, you’ll find street parking all around, plus surface lot one block south and a parking garage one block east. The best part is that parking is generally free after 6 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends!
TIFF Lightbox
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Website: https://www.tiff.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiff_net/
Address: 350 King St W
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 599-2033
Located in the heart of Toronto, TIFF Lightbox is a year-round hub for film lovers. No surprise there since it’s the official home of the Toronto International Film Festival!
We really appreciate the theatre’s curated programming, highlighting indie work of iconic actors and filmmakers, plus art exhibitions that tie into their screenings. In addition to buzzy indie flicks, rare foreign films are shown as well.
Plus, their partnerships with other festivals—like Hot Docs for the documentary lovers and Inside Out for LGBTQ+ cinema—make sure there’s always something new here.
On top of having five swanky cinemas, they also have art galleries, a gift shop, two restaurants, and a lovely rooftop terrace.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to hit up Varda, a lounge and cafe-bar on the third floor. Smooth coffee, fancy drinks, and tasty snacks are a must before or after the theatre!
Revue Cinema
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Website: https://revuecinema.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revuecinema
Address: 400 Roncesvalles Ave
Hours: Opens 30 minutes before screenings
Contact: (416) 531-9950
Revue has been entertaining Torontonians since 1912 as one of the city’s oldest independent theatres! I mean, just the neon marquee outside gives me the chills.
Aside from new and classic indie flicks, this spot also hosts live introductions, panel discussions with film experts, and awesome surprise performances. What’s cool is that sometimes they even throw in food pairings when showing foodie flicks.
Keep in mind that popular shows tend to sell out fast. So if you missed snagging a ticket online, try your chance and line up at the south side of the building for a rush ticket.
Most of the time, parking can be a hassle, so you’d be happy to know that there are metered spots along Roncesvalles and the side streets. You can even save money and go to the free parking lot at Howard Junior Public School, just a short walk away.
Pro Tip:
Speaking of saving money, we recommend visiting during Half-Price Tuesdays. This means all screenings would only cost $7—yippee!
Fox Theatre
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Website: https://www.foxtheatre.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxtheatre/
Address: 2236 Queen St E
Hours: Opens 30 minutes before the show
Contact: (416) 691-7335
The Fox Theatre in the Beaches is a cozy indie theatre that has been around since 1914. As the oldest continuously operating theatre, it has a classic marquee and plush red seats—definitely vintage.
Fun fact: The owners held a séance back in 2020 because they believed that the theatre was haunted. Pretty cool, huh?
Their lineup is a mix of second-run new indie releases, international films, black-and-white Hollywood classics, and cult faves.
They even host fun events like High Tea Cinema, where you watch period and historical dramas with a cup of tea and a warm scone from a local bakery. Fancy!
Pro Tip:
Note that this theatre is only semi-accessible; they have a ramp for the steps leading into the lobby, and there are reserved spots for wheelchairs inside. However, the washrooms are down a narrow step of stairs—definitely not wheelchair-accessible.
Eyesore Cinema
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Website: https://eyesorecinema.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyesore_cinema/
Address: 1176 Bloor St W
Hours:
- Wed – Thurs: 3 PM – 10 PM
- Fri – Sat: 3 PM – 11 PM
Contact: (416) 955-1599
Eyesore Cinema is a unique mashup of an offbeat video store and a cozy indie cinema. I just love browsing through their shelves and chatting with fellow film nerds before a screening.
Their 40-seat screening room is a no-frills space (that can be rented). They show indie darlings, old-school Hollywood hits—they even host special events like the Toronto Indie Horror Fest.
In addition to screenings, they carry rare, imported, out-of-print, and specialty DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4Ks—perfect if you want to start collecting indie masterpieces. They also carry books, magazines, posters, T-shirts, and film-related goodies.
Also, keep an eye out for their online auction events. This might be your shot to score impossible-to-find DVDs and collectibles.
Pro Tip:
Slots fill up fast, so make sure to book an upcoming screening on their Facebook page as soon as the movie comes up. This will help you (and your friends, if going as a group) secure a seat in their small theatre.
Imagine Cinemas Market Square
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Website: https://imaginecinemas.com/cinema/market-square/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ImagineCinemasCA
Address: 80 Front St E
Hours: Opens 30 min before first performance
Contact: (416) 214-7006
Imagine Cinemas Market Square’s mission to provide a VIP experience without the VIP price tag. Tucked in the St. Lawrence Market area, this indie theatre has expanded to 12 locations across Ontario and British Columbia in the span of 20 years!
We live for their monthly $5 special screenings—each month they roll out a fun lineup of cult classics and family-friendly favorites. Just make sure to snag your tickets online starting Wednesday mornings for the upcoming week.
As a bonus, movies are updated weekly, meaning there’s always something new to see.
Upon booking, you can actually pre-select your recliner, but TBH, the smaller theatre size means there are no bad seats in the house.
Pro Tip:
Check out their awesome concession stand that offers vegan and gluten-free popcorn! Other offerings include fountain and bottled drinks, nachos, and candy.
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
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Website: https://hotdocs.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotdocs_/
Address: 506 Bloor St W
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
Contact: [email protected]
Originally opened as a film house in 1913, Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema has now become my go-to if I’m in the mood for indie flicks or hot documentaries. Where else do you watch docs but in the home base of the world-famous annual Hot Docs Festival?
We really love their fresh and exciting lineup. Sure, documentaries are the main draw, but you can also catch indie dramas, international films, and sometimes even Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Make sure to check the Community page of their website to see when you can catch free or discounted screenings.
I also like the location too. It’s in the middle of The Annex, so after watching, I can just go to a local cafe or a nearby ramen joint for some casual eats.
Pro Tip:
If you plan on spending a lot of time here, consider signing up for a Hot Docs Membership. It gets you discounts on tickets, invites to special member-only screenings, and first dibs on festival tickets.
The Royal
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Website: http://theroyal.to/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theroyalto/
Address: 608 College St
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 10 PM
- Sat – Sun: 1 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 466-4400
Since 1939, The Royal has been a cultural hotspot. We just love its stunning art deco marquee—this charming vintage design perfectly captures their old-school glamour.
Indie gems, offbeat favorites, cult classics—you can catch screenings of these here. Sometimes, they also host festivals, like the Toronto Ukrainian Film Festival, showcasing the work of contemporary filmmakers.
Other performances available include indie concerts, comedy tours, seminars, and sometimes, even Q&A or panel sessions.
After watching a flick here, my friends and I usually grab a slice at Bitondo’s Pizzeria or pasta at Café Diplomatico. Remember, the theatre is right in the heart of Little Italy, so you’re spoiled for choice!
Pro Tip:
If you’re going on the weekend, we recommend dropping by at 1 PM. This will help you beat the crowds and give you plenty of time to have dinner after.
Jackman Hall
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Website: https://ago.ca/node/1066
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackman-hall/
Address: 317 Dundas St W
Hours: Depends on screening time
Contact: +1 877-225-4246
Jackman Hall, located in the Art Gallery of Ontario, is an intimate theatre with a sleek design and top-notch acoustics.
Their programming leans towards the artsy and offbeat—you can catch thought-provoking docus, independent films, international cinema, and more. Sometimes they also show movies that are part of the TIFF.
Check their schedule if you want to catch a Q&A session with prominent filmmakers.
After a film, I usually stroll around Kensington Market nearby to grab some food. Luckily, I’ve got my pick of trendy cafes and late-night taco shops—a little well-deserved reward after my cultural fix.
Pro Tip:
We recommend hitting two cultural birds with one stone. Visit the museum section of AGO before or after catching a screening at Jackman Hall.
Kingsway Theatre
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Website: http://kingswaymovies.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingswaytheater_to/
Address: 3030 Bloor St W
Hours: Mon – Sun: 12 PM – 12 AM
Contact: (416) 239-8243
Etobicoke’s Kingsway Theatre is a classic cinema that’s a popular haunt for indie film enthusiasts. I’m a sucker for theatres with a traditional marquee, so this is one of my favorite indie movie spots.
They showcase a curated selection of indie films, foreign cinema, and critically acclaimed features that normally fly under the radar.
And in addition to screenings, they also host special events. For instance, they sometimes offer midnight showings of cult classics and horror favorites—stand by for schedules on their socials if you’re interested.
We also like that their concession doesn’t just offer popcorn, hot dogs, and paninis. You can also order cocktail classics from the silver screen—like a Cosmopolitan from Sex and the City or an Old fashioned from Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Pro Tip:
Wondering where to eat after catching a show? Check out the surrounding Kingsway neighborhood—We love going to ViBo Restaurant, Azarias, and Kingsway Fish & Chips!
