Art House Theaters in Los Angeles Area
18 theaters
Los Angeles, the birthplace of American cinema, has a thriving art house scene that often gets overshadowed by its studio system heritage. Yet beneath the blockbuster glitz lies a passionate community of repertory houses, nonprofit cinemas, and filmmaker-owned venues where the love of film burns brightest.
Highlights
- The New Beverly Cinema, owned by Quentin Tarantino, shows 35mm double features every night
- American Cinematheque operates the legendary Egyptian Theatre and the Aero in Santa Monica
- Laemmle Theatres is a family-owned chain specializing in art films since 1938
- Brain Dead Studios in Fairfax combines screenings with a record shop and café culture
- The Vista Theatre in Los Feliz is a 1923 movie palace still showing films on the big screen
Neighborhoods
Hollywood and Los Feliz host several historic venues within walking distance. West LA and Santa Monica cater to the Westside film crowd. Downtown LA's Broadway theater district has seen a renaissance with restored movie palaces.
Tip: LA's art house theaters often host filmmaker Q&As and special events—check social media for unannounced screenings. Parking varies wildly; venues near Metro stations are often easiest to reach.
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