About This Project
Celebrating the art of independent cinema
Our Mission
Art House Theaters is a comprehensive directory dedicated to helping film lovers discover independent cinemas, repertory theaters, and art house venues across the United States. We believe that these venues are more than just places to watch movies—they're cultural institutions that preserve the communal experience of cinema.
In an age of streaming services and multiplex chains, independent theaters continue to champion diverse programming, classic film preservation, and the irreplaceable experience of watching a film on the big screen with a community of fellow enthusiasts.
What We Include
Our directory lists independent and art house cinemas that show films to the public on most days of the week (roughly four or more, year-round or through an academic year), whoever runs them. Museum cinemas and art house chains count. We carefully curate our listings to include:
- Art House Cinemas — Theaters specializing in independent, foreign, and critically acclaimed films
- Repertory Theaters — Venues dedicated to classic and revival cinema programming
- Independent Theaters — Independently owned cinemas, including first-run theaters
- Historic Movie Palaces — Preserved venues with architectural and cultural significance
- Nonprofit Cinemas — Community-focused theaters operating as educational or cultural institutions
We leave out venues that show films only occasionally, once a week, seasonally or only to students; traveling screening series; festivals without a cinema of their own; and mall multiplexes or chains that mostly show studio releases.
Support Independent Cinema
The best way to support art house theaters is simple: visit them. Attend screenings, bring friends, and become a member if your local theater offers a membership program. Many of these venues are nonprofit organizations that rely on community support to continue their mission.
If you know of a theater that should be included in our directory, please submit it for consideration. We're always looking to expand our listings to help more film lovers discover great venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an art house theater?
An art house theater is a cinema that regularly shows independent, international, documentary, classic, repertory, or filmmaker-driven movies instead of relying only on mainstream multiplex releases.
What is repertory cinema?
Repertory cinema means programmed screenings of older films, restorations, cult titles, classics, director retrospectives, 35mm or 70mm presentations, and themed series. The theater is curating film history rather than only showing new releases.
What theaters qualify for the directory?
Cinemas that show films to the public on most days of the week (roughly four or more, year-round or through an academic year), whoever runs them: art house cinemas, repertory theaters, nonprofit film centers, museum cinemas, historic theaters, and independent first-run houses. Venues that show films only occasionally, once a week, or seasonally don't qualify, and neither do traveling screening series, festivals without a cinema of their own, mall multiplexes, or chains that mostly show studio releases.
Can I submit a missing theater?
Yes. Use the Submit a Theater page with the theater name, city, state, website, and any context about its programming. Submissions are reviewed before inclusion so the directory stays useful and focused.
How can I support an independent theater?
Buy tickets directly from the theater, become a member when available, attend repertory and special-event screenings, buy concessions, bring friends, donate to nonprofit venues, and share the theater calendar locally.
Ready to explore?
Discover art house theaters in your area or plan your next cinema adventure.
Browse All Theaters