This guide will serve as a general overview of the best movie theatres the city of Toronto has to offer and what makes each one unique. This is just based on my own experience as a regular moviegoer in Toronto for many years.
TIFF Lightbox
TIFF Lightbox is my personal pick for when I’m watching any older movie as well as some smaller new releases. I often go here for the Cinematheque programming, comprised of restorations of classics and filmmaker retrospectives. It has a pretty wide range of programming that stretches from commercial Hollywood films to international features and experimental films. The theatre sometimes hosts advance screenings of upcoming films as well as Q&As with special guests, usually involving the people who worked on the film. Much of this Cinematheque programming is free for those under the age of 25. But even if you’re not, the individual membership is $120/year, and there are occasional discounts that make it cheaper. It’s a great bargain for the amount of films that get screened, on top of the discounts for new releases. During September, the theatre gets used for screening upcoming films as part of TIFF.
There are five cinemas/auditoriums in the theatre. All five are equipped with both 4K digital projectors as well as analog 35mm film projectors for Cinemas 1 to 4. Cinema 1 is the biggest and also has a special 70mm projector and boasts a great sound system, while Cinema 2 has a Dolby ATMOS certified sound system. Cinema 5 is the smallest at just a capacity of 45 seats. It is one I often don’t go to, but is still fine for the occasional new release.
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto is one of the best cinemas in Toronto just for its IMAX auditorium alone. Many of the other auditoriums here are just like any others you’ll find at many Cineplex locations. But I like to come here for the IMAX screen, which is the largest in Toronto. It uses dual laser projection, meaning the screen is brighter as a result and has better image quality. It also has one of the best audio systems you can find in any theatre. I often like to come here to watch many of the big blockbuster releases. The crowds are also slightly less annoying than that at other Cineplex locations I’ve been to. Not quite as noisy or disruptive. Maybe the occasional smartphone use during the film here and there.
Revue Cinema
Opened in 1912, Revue Cinema is Toronto’s oldest operating movie theatre. Rather than focusing solely on new releases, Revue specializes in cult classics, themed movie nights, international films, and other movies that probably wouldn’t be playing anywhere else. They also host occasional Q&As with special guests and even live music performances before the movie. While their programming occasionally overlaps with the TIFF Lightbox, they generally lean towards horror and comedies. The Revue also has both a 35mm and 70mm projector. They have a very dedicated audience that they cater towards who are very passionate about the films they program. There’s an exciting crowd atmosphere here that is quite unique to the theatre.
I also enjoy their pre-shows with their trailers specifically edited by them and funny PSAs. Their pre-shows may be a bit long sometimes, but it’s part of the unique experience. It’s worth looking into their different screening series to see which ones might appeal to you.
Cineplex Varsity & VIP
Another Cineplex theatre that I can recommend, like with Scotiabank Theatre. Arguably has some of the most respectful Cineplex movie-going crowds I’ve been with. Their emphasis on programming smaller releases that wouldn’t be screened elsewhere (or at few locations) is something I also appreciate.
Of note is their 70mm projector in auditorium 8, one of the few 70mm projectors in the city. I like to watch new releases on regular 70mm here if the option is there to do so. The only thing I’d suggest is to sit as front as you possibly can. The auditorium does not have stadium seating and is very flat. Sitting further back means having to deal with the people in front who may end up blocking your view. The front row, on the other hand, has a ton of leg room. You’ll also never have to deal with anybody sitting in front of you. Hence, it’s the best place to be in the auditorium.
Imagine Cinemas Carlton
Imagine Cinemas Carlton is best known for its $6 movie programming of older classics. They also offer $6 Tuesdays for any film, including new releases. It’s a bit old and the screens are small, but the space and vibes are intimate. It’s a good alternative for those seeking something else besides Cineplex. Also good for those interested in watching the occasional classic film, without needing to shell out more money for a Revue ticket or a TIFF membership.
Imagine Cinemas Market Square
Another Imagine Cinemas location that is also small, yet special in its own way. Each auditorium comes with recliner seats, which make you feel like you’re watching movies in luxury. The screens may be small, but it’s intimate and great for a movie night out. Just don’t be fooled by the dinky basement vibes.
Like the Carlton location, they also provide $6 Tuesdays for new releases. But unlike Carlton they do not have older classic film screenings.
Cineplex Vaughan
This one is a little outside the Greater Toronto Area, but is worth noting. It has an IMAX 70mm projector, which is great for watching big IMAX releases shot on IMAX film. The screen is a little dim and old. It would be nice if it got an upgrade, though I don’t see that happening anytime soon. But it’s one of the few theatres where you can watch films specifically in that IMAX 70mm format. As a result, it’s worth highlighting.
Of honorable mention as well is Cineplex Mississauga, which also has an IMAX 70mm projector. They don’t tend to use it very often however – very few films that are being screened in the IMAX 70mm format tend to prioritize the Mississauga location, skipping that for Vaughan instead. I cannot speak as to why that is. But for now I will take Vaughan over it. The screen size difference is worth noting but is slightly negligible at best. Vaughan’s screen is 1 feet wider than Missisauga’s (at 71.5 feet compared to 70.5 feet).
Also of honorable mention is the Cinesphere, another proper IMAX theatre. It is currently undergoing renovations and will not re-open until 2029 at the earliest.
Hot Docs Cinema
A good theatre that is currently undergoing a transitional period at the moment. The Hot Docs organization as of late has had financial struggles. Recently they sold the theatre to a different buyer, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens to it. But for now it’s still here.
It’s a single screen theatre with plenty of seating capacity, a big screen and good sound. Their year-round programming is mainly centred around documentaries, new and sometimes old. They also host third-party or the occasional special event screenings. Sometimes older features with special guest introductions or Q&As. It is also one of the primary venues used for the Hot Docs Film Festival.
I come here every now and then. The programming can definitely be very specific and niche. If you’re someone who loves documentaries, this theatre will have a lot to offer. You may even consider looking into their memberships. Their cost has increased drastically as of late, and there used to be more benefits to them such as free screenings. But even without that, it could be worth it for you.
Fox Theatre
Also one of the older currently operating movie theatres in Toronto since 1914. The experience is rather vintage with the old seats and single screen, similar to the Revue. Their programming also involves a mix of current releases and classics. They also host occasional special events like the Revue involving Q&As or even meet-and-greets. Their programming isn’t quite as diverse, and they lack the analog film projectors that the Revue has. But their screenings can be fun and exciting, depending on the crowd. A downside is the difficulty of getting to the theatre by public transit. Not that it’s impossible, but if you’re not from the area and do not drive, the trip may take a while.
Paradise Theatre
A single-screen theatre that focuses on older classic films and the occasional new release. Sometimes they will host a Q&A or a live performance depending on the film. For instance, a drag show performance or a live music accompaniment. The Queer Cinema Club that hosts screenings monthly and serves as a get-together for LGTBQ folks is worth noting.
I occasionally go here for the special event every now and then. Admittedly I find their screenings on the pricier side, like the Revue but without the variety of different film formats. If you have the money and can take advantage of it, their membership may be worth considering. I wouldn’t dismiss this theatre otherwise. It’s clean, with good seating, a good screen and sound system to boot.
The Royal Theatre
This one doesn’t get used for movies all that much nowadays post-COVID. Today you will find more live events and performances than film screenings. It used to have some pretty unique programming that has nowadays merged with the Revue. You can expect some one-off special events like Midnight Dankness (the unofficial pre-TIFF screenings). It’s a great theatre, just one that hosts far less film screenings than it used to.
What are some of your favorite movie theatres in Toronto? Feel free to share them in the comments below or on our Discord!
