Kandice VincentDon’t you just love that feeling when the lights dim, the trailers roll, and you start munching on buttery popcorn (that somehow tastes better in the dark)? Me too!
We’re lucky that Toronto is packed with amazing drive-ins and hip indie theatres. But if you’re talking about movie theatres in general, I’ve got your back.
I rounded up spots that have plush recliner seats and sound systems that can make your seat rumble. Plus, they offer nice concession stands that don’t skimp on the butter!
So if you want to catch a blockbuster or just escape the heat on a lazy afternoon, here are the top movie theatres in Toronto that are worth every dime.
Cineplex Cinemas
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Website: https://www.cineplex.com/Theatre/cineplex-cinemas-yongedundas-and-vip
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cineplex-cinemas-yonge-dundas-and-vip/
Address: 10 Dundas St E #402
Hours: Depends on movie schedules
Contact: (416) 977-9262
Cineplex Cinemas in downtown Toronto is a multiplex that has all the latest blockbusters, from Hollywood hits to must-see Marvel releases. With several screens, IMAX, 3D, and a VIP experience, it’s one of my go-tos for a solid movie outing.
If I want to splurge, I go for the VIP booking, which includes dinner, drinks, and dessert. In their adults-only VIP theatres, you can order handcrafted cocktails, gourmet snacks, and even full meals straight to your recliner seat!
Just keep in mind that VIP showings are quite popular, especially on weekends. I recommend booking well in advance to score the best recliner seats.
You can also check their website for promos and deals, such as their Tacos & Tequila deal every Tuesday. This means cheap (but delicious) $5 tacos, yummy $10 tequila drinks, plus the big screen—perfection, right?
Pro Tip:
Cineplex Cinemas hosts private events and popcorn parties. So, if you’re planning a birthday bash, a private screening with friends, or a corporate meeting, their event specialists can make it happen.
Scotiabank Theatre
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Website: https://www.cineplex.com/theatre/scotiabank-theatre-toronto/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scotiabank-theatre-toronto/
Address: 259 Richmond St W
Hours: Depends on movie schedules
Contact: (416) 368-5600
Scotiabank Theatre is a massive cinema complex in the Entertainment District. This family-friendly venue boasts 14 screens, 4,500 seats, and an Xscape arcade.
It comes equipped with IMAX with Laser, which offers sharper resolution, more vibrant colors, and deeper contrast—a total visual upgrade. The joint also has IMAX VR, the first of its kind in Canada.
Plus, the theatre hosts pretty cool gigs like the Toronto After Dark Festival—a fun event that showcases several horror, sci-fi, and cult classics.
As a cherry on top, A-listers Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Anthony Mackie have all made appearances at Scotiabank for red carpet premieres.
Pro Tip:
Scotiabank Theatre’s auditoriums are licensed, so you can sip a drink while you watch. Plus, you can grab a slice of pizza or a cup of coffee before heading in.
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]
For indie films and docs that make you think, visit Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema in The Annex. It’s especially famous as the home of the world-renowned Hot Docs Festival, which showcases over 100 documentaries from 47 countries every spring.
The theatre’s regular lineup is a dream for anyone who loves off-the-beaten-path stories. Sure, docs are the main draw, but you’ll also find compelling indie dramas, international flicks, and the occasional filmmaker Q&A.
I recommend signing up for their e-newsletter if you want to get the scoop on upcoming films, special events, and even early access to tickets during festival season.
And if you find yourself slowly falling in love with the joint, consider grabbing a Hot Docs Membership. Members get discounted tickets, early access to film announcements, and invites to members-only screenings, which is pretty cool.
Pro Tip:
You can actually rent Hot Docs (like, the entire cinema!). With over 600 seats, a massive screen, and an immersive sound system, it’ll be the perfect venue for your next private screening, cultural event, or just a movie night with friends.
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 at the corner of King and John, TIFF Lightbox is the home of the Toronto International Film Festival—aka one of the biggest film fests on the planet. No wonder celebs like Elton John, Angelina Jolie, and Will Ferrell are frequent attendees.
Here, you’ll be getting hand-picked films that highlight iconic actors, legendary directors, and low-key talent around the world. One week, you’re catching a Bergman classic, the next, it’s a buzzy new Canadian doc or artsy Japanese drama.
The building itself is a masterpiece. It has five huge cinemas, two on-site restaurants, a gift shop, and even a rooftop terrace that’s perfect for a post-movie chat.
If you fancy a boozy drink, head to Varda on the third floor. It’s a lovely cafe bar that offers great coffee, stylish cocktails, and gourmet snacks.
Pro Tip:
Did you know that TIFF Lightbox has an enormous film reference library that’s open to the public? Yup—this awesome nook is packed with rare movie publications, old film reels, and study spaces, too!
The Royal Cinema
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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
The Royal Cinema is situated in the heart of Little Italy. It’s a hip Art Deco marquee that features cult classics, offbeat flicks, and under-the-radar gems—a little something for everyone in your friend group.
In addition to normal screenings, I love their retro horror films, indie premieres, and film festival events like the Toronto Ukrainian Film Festival. You can also expect to see live performances, comedy shows, and panel discussions.
For something more personal, The Royal is available for private event bookings. This 380-seat theatre is fully renovated and fitted with Dolby sound, projection, and even live-streaming capabilities.
Note that if you’re bringing a vehicle, there’s underground and street-level Green P parking just a short two-minute walk from the venue.
Pro Tip:
If you’re feeling hungry after a show at The Royal, swing by Bitondo’s pizzeria for a huge pepperoni slice—you won’t regret it, I promise!
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 Cinema is one of Toronto’s oldest independent theatres (dating way back to 1912). This movie theatre offers a perfect mix of vintage neon marquee lights and modern programming.
I recommend saving a few bucks by visiting Revue on Half-Price Tuesdays. All tickets drop to $7, making it a cool midweek escape without breaking the bank.
But it’s not just movies here. They also host live intros, Q&A, panel discussions, and even clever food pairings (like wine and cheese to go with your French drama).
If you’re a regular (or want to be), sign up to be a Revue Member. Membership perks include discounted tickets, invites to exclusive members-only events, and first dibs on news about upcoming festivals or limited screenings.
Pro Tip:
If a Revue Cinema show sells out particularly fast online, there’s still hope. Head over to the south side of the building and line up for rush tickets. Good luck!
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
Fox Theatre is a charming, single-screen cinema that has been around for over a century. I just love seeing its vintage marquee glowing over Queen Street East.
If you love second-run indie hits, foreign films, and black-and-white Hollywood classics, this is the place for you. Sometimes, they host quirky events like High Tea Cinema, where you can actually sip tea and nibble on a scone while watching a period drama.
Parking’s pretty chill, too. There’s paid parking on Queen Street East, and if you’re lucky, you can snag free street parking nearby—just make sure to arrive a bit early.
While the theatre is only semi-accessible (it has ramps in the lobby and reserved wheelchair spots), the washrooms are, unfortunately, not accessible.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a regular here, sign up for a Fox Theatre Membership, which is 100% worth it. You can score $3 off tickets, $5 off on Tuesdays, and even a free birthday movie!
