Even while streaming can save time and money, there are times when nothing beats seeing a movie in a theatre. The plush seating, lofty ceilings, velvet drapes, and big screens with stereo speakers create an atmosphere that's hard to replicate at home.
Catching a film at any of these cinemas, which are art pieces in their own right, will elevate the experience to a whole new level. These most beautiful buildings span the centuries from art deco to the present cinemas in Melbourne.
FAQs About Melbourne
IMAX Sydney - World's Screen at Darling Harbour.
Australian cinema screens were mostly independently owned in 2020; 686 screens nationwide were independents.
IMAX Melbourne is the world's, spanning a massive 32 metres wide by 23 metres high, but visiting IMAX Melbourne goes beyond just seeing a movie on a huge screen.
You're the best image quality possible in a movie with up to four times higher resolution and 500 times higher contrast ratio. IMAX isn't behind with its proprietary dual laser projection technology, but most of its theatres only use 2k resolution.
On average, movies run for about four weeks in at least 2,000 theatres. Some films will run in at least 1,000 theatres for another week after that. So, generally, it's sites to say that a movie stays in the theatre for about two weeks.
Palace Westgarth
Visiting Palace Session is like travelling back in time to Hollywood's heydey (the grand stairs is only one illustration of this), and the comfortable seats and large screens are fitting for a theatre of this vintage elegance. The Palace has been restored to its original Art Deco glory, providing a stunning backdrop for the cinema's eclectic selection of indie films and Hollywood blockbusters. Keep an eye out for upcoming foreign film festivals.
Cinema Nova
Cinema Nova is Melbourne's largest arthouse cinema complex, with 16 screens showing the latest arthouse and upscale commercial releases on a regular basis in addition to hosting regular film concerts, special screenings, and festivals. Cinemas Nova has been well-known for its promotion of regional cinema since it opened in 1992. It was also one of the first movie theatres in the nation to show international stage productions.
The Astor Theatre
The Astor in St. Kilda has built up the kind of renown and devoted following that every movie theatre would kill for. It's a movie theatre in the traditional sense; in fact, it's the last remaining movie theatre with just one screen kind in continuous operation in Melbourne.
The screen is framed by luxurious gold drapes, transporting you back to the golden age of Hollywood.
Since the 1930s, The Astor Theatre has served as a large, single-screen movie theatre and one of Melbourne's oldest beloved venues, earning a spot on the Queensland Heritage Register. Stall seating, a ceremonial circle, and a glitzy foyer entry suitable for an old Movie movie star make entering the theatre feel like a trip back in time. Upstairs, you can hold a wine and vintage choc top before going into your motion picture for the middle of the night.
True cinema fans congregate here for the screenings of films in 35nanometers and 70mm, as well as the screenings of "classics," "cult favourites," and "chosen new releases" in the classic poster format that the festival has used for decades. You can check the schedule and plan your next glamorous evening out.
Classic Cinemas
Classic Cinemas, just 4 minutes from St. Kilda, is home toward the Jewish Film Festival International and shows everything from Hollywood hits to motion pictures and family favourites. The structure has been an integral part of something like the Elsternwick neighbourhood for over a century, since since it first appeared as a playhouse in 1911.
Lido Cinemas
Once a vacant shell in the centre of Hawthorn's bustling Glenferrie Road strip, the eight-screen Lido Cinemas now plays a wide variety of mainstream and independent films from across the world. The interior of the building has been modernised while preserving much of its historic character thanks to the use of bright, sweeping strokes of colour, such as bright red walls, purple carpets, and blocky, brightly coloured furniture.
You can find the Lido Cinemas right in the heart of Hawthorn. The Lido has eight screens, including a rooftop theatre, and was created by Eddie and Lindy Sinai, who also redeveloped the Classic in Elsternwick and the Cameo in Belgrave. Okay, so it's not the best option right now, but you can file that away for next Summer. You can look forwards to a wide variety of Hollywood hits, indie darlings, and foreign language films, with a laudable spotlight on Australian productions and other festivals. On Weekend evenings, there is also live jazz. The variety was emphasised. On Tuesdays, go there early—before 4 pm—to take advantage of "amazing Yo"Self"prices of $7 before 4:00pm and $9 after dark. Considering the average price of a ticket is twenty dollars and your own child, you can probably guess where you can FIND US on a Tuesday. And every Wednesday, come on down for Weird Wednesdays, when some truly great B movies are screened. Please keep in mind that on Weird Wednesdays, almost anything goes.
The Sun Theatre
Since its opening in 1938, this tiny theatre has been privately operated. Thus, not only can you enjoy a nice variety of arthouse plus foreign films, but you may also marvel at the theater's beautifully preserved Art Deco exterior. It has been a single-screen theatre with 1,050 seats from its inception and has undergone numerous renovations throughout the years.
Here we go again with the Beautiful Architecture. When you go to the movies at the 1965 to 1967 Theatre in Camberwell, it seems like a real treat. TThey always play a wide variety of new releases and independent films, so there's something for everyone. rooftop bar. After all, Melbourne is our current location. I believe it is illegal to operate without one. Take a stroll along Bourke St. after the event for some excellent late-night drinks.
Kino Cinemas
The Kino is, without a doubt, our favourite movie theatre in all of Fremantle's Central Business District, and the fact that it's nestled inside a sleek shopping mall just adds to its appeal. The Kino presents an eclectic cinema schedule, including local and foreign documentaries, art house features, and cutting-edge popular films, all in its comfortable setting. It has seven screens and is considered Melbourne's best cinema. It also hosts regular special events and Q&As. A date to the movies would be incomplete without a stop at the trendy café and bar before the show.
Kino Cinema, another of the favourite movie theatres in Melbourne, with a wide variety of film genres and screens. New releases, movies, documentaries, and special events are all available, so there's a good chance you'll discover something that interests you. The seven theatres at Kino are outfitted with comfortable seating and high-definition screens, and the theater's snack bar offers homemade chocolate covered popcorn sprinkled with sea salt, organic and craft beer from across the world, and even a few pleasant surprises in the wine department. Many city residents, particularly students, take advantage of the discounted rate of $8.50 for a single ride on the bus on Mondays, therefore missing out on the day's work. In addition to the films shown, Kino also hosts events such as panels, Q&As, and film festivals, and provides subsidised parking in the garage below the theatre for those who purchase tickets.
Boutique Cinemas
For almost twenty years, Cinema Nova has been a fixture on Lygon Street as Melbourne's preeminent venue for cutting-edge arthouse and contemporary film. When Nova first opened its doors in 1992, it had only two theatres. Today, it has expanded to 16 locations. Simply said, if a movie is good, it will be playing at Nova. On any given day, you may see anything from major studio movies to small independent films, as well as a wide variety of studies and even late-night showings of fan favourites. Who wants to watch The Room again? Anyone? Consider purchasing a ticket to Bravo Deluxe for in-theater eating, or try out the high tea experiences on Sunday and Monday afternoons, or even attend a Meet the Filmmaker event to gain a glimpse into the creative processes of some of your favourite directors. In addition, there are a tonne of great restaurants in Carlton that are just a short stroll from Nova. Win-win.
Astor Theatre
There have been some scary moments at the Astor Theatre. The good news is that it has been brought back to life by Palace Cinemas. This theatre, constructed in 1936, is nearly worth a trip just to gawk at its Art Deco interior and exterior. Nonetheless, you might as well watch a movie while you're there, and the Astor has a wide selection to choose from. You can watch A Burnt Orange and Full Wire Jacket back-to-back one night, and then Isle of Cats the following. In addition, "2001: A Space Odyssey" is typically playing. Wild. The best days to buy tickets are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Is there a discount for stays longer than three days? To us, that seems like the perfect happy hour.
Palace Westgarth
No other movie theatre in Melbourne can compare to the splendour of Palace Westgarth, so long as aesthetics are a priority. Westgarth, which has been at its current location on High Street in Northcote since the late 1980s, was formerly billed as The Valhalla. Over the previous few years, to be precise. Art Deco details such as the rich carpeting and the magnificent, sweeping ladder leading to the two theatres on the upper floors remain. We also recommend the outdoor theatre, where you can watch the latest blockbusters while sipping on some champagne.
Acmi
In FedSquare, you'll find the Australian Council for the Moving Image, but it's not for the average moviegoer because it doesn't show the current superhero movie. Instead, ACMI is a festival dedicated to the art forms of film, television, and new media. Foreign films, documentaries, plus events with artistic sorts are shown on many screens at ACMI, which also features some of the most comfortable chairs in the area. As part of their current Alice in Wonderland display, you may also watch Alice Is Everywhere. The gift shop is fantastic, stocking anything from Parks and Recreation invitations to t-shirts celebrating the release of A Clockwork Orange.
Cameo Cinemas
Perhaps Cameo Cinemas' famous outdoor screen—an awesome place to spend a warm summer night—is not very practical in the colder months, but there are five indoor theatres available at the Belgrave location. The Cameo first opened its doors in 1935 and has since changed hands multiple times. It has stood the test of time as an architectural landmark in the Dandenong Ranges, retaining many of its original Art Deco details. Also, on Thursdays, members can enjoy $4 house wine. For the suburbs, that's pretty good.
Thornbury Picture House
Thornbury Picture House, Melbourne's newest movie theatre, opened its doors in a 1919 motor garage in 2018. For what other reason would you construct a little theatre? There are less than sixty plush chairs, a single large screen, and a lot of credibility. See the newest Hollywood hits alongside carefully selected pieces by up-and-coming Australian directors. That means you may brag that you knew the director long before they became a household name. Honestly, what else do you need?
Come to the Thornbury Picture House for a movie, a private event, a panel discussion, or a full-blown party, all while supporting the local and unique community. The proprietors have spent their entire life in front of the camera, from working in film festivals and television to starting their business documentary film studio.
In addition to the latest releases, this family-owned business also features films that aren't widely available elsewhere. In this venue, patrons can enjoy a wide variety of cinema events, from shorts to docs to premieres to cult classics and even their very own Winter Film Festival.
In addition to the usual movie theatre menu, they also provide a variety of antipasti from a local Italian restaurant called Umberto's, as well as a wide range of beers and cocktails.
Palace Cinema Como
And Cinema Como is a perfect illustration of why Palace is having such success in this area. This theatre offers comforts you won't find on your couch at home, with its six large screens, plush lobby, and custom bar. If you're looking to add a little culture to your life, make sure to see the latest movies along with a wide selection of films from across the world. If there's one thing to take away from Palace Como, it's that the age demographic there is likely to be more heavily weighted towards the customers that frequent the Early Bird Special. Don't be shocked if you run across Grandma at an impromptu afternoon movie. But you can't have the glitz, glamour, and craft beer tasting experience at the movies. If you're looking for a romantic double feature after dinner, we recommend Shadowboxer, which is just across the street.
Rooftop Cinema
As an aside, I'd like to mention beach bars. The addition of Rooftop Cinema is making the upcoming Melbourne summer that much more exciting. The establishment is closed throughout the winter. However, come December, the rooftop bar and restaurant at Curtain House in the Central Business District (CBD) becomes a cult movie theatre, showing everything from the latest hits to old favourites while offering patrons a fantastic vantage over the city and some delicious cocktails. Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Pulp Fiction are perennial favourites. Don't count on getting tickets on the night of the event; demand is high and supply is low. Do you have one last piece of advice? Arrive to work early. Position matters, and getting lucky in the rear rows requires getting there around ten minutes before the movie starts.
Moonlight Cinema
The Botanic Gardens will host a series of moonlight movies throughout the summer. The grass slopes down to the coast, and hundreds of people spread out picnic blankets on it, while an enormous inflatable screen inflates over the trees. When you upgrade to Gold Grass, you not only get a soft beanbag that is easy on the back, but also a stylish accessory. You should take the same precautions as seasoned moonlighters, including packing a blanket, pillow, thermos of tea, picnic baskets, and perhaps even your sofa. The average runtime of one of those films is 2.5 hours, which is far too long to spend lying on your elbows.
Conclusion
This Melbourne theatre is the city's final remaining single-screen cinema. Since the 1930s, movies have been shown at the Astor Theatre on a massive single screen. The Jewish Film Festival International is held at Classic Cinemas, which also screens the latest indie films and Hollywood blockbusters. Eddie and Lindy Sinai founded the Lido Cinemas, which features eight screens and a rooftop theatre. The building's interior has been updated while yet maintaining much of its original charm.
Come on down every Wednesday for Weird Wednesdays, when some fantastic low-budget films are shown. If you want to see the latest in arthouse and contemporary film, there's no better place than Cinema Nova, Melbourne's premier arthouse cinema. The seven-screen Kino is widely regarded as Melbourne's finest movie theatre. Since its establishment in 1992, Cinema Nova has been a mainstay on Lygon Street, expanding to 16 locations in the area. Seeing the Art Deco architecture and interior of the 1936-built Astor Theatre is almost enough reason to visit it.
Located in the heart of Fed Square, the Australian Council for the Moving Image is a hub for film and media in Australia (ACMI) The American Cinema and Television Arts Festival (ACMI) celebrates the creative potential of cinema, television, and emerging media. Established in 1935, the Cameo has seen several ownership transitions since its inception. The house wine at the Belgrave location is only $4 on Thursdays for members. The family-run company also offers unique videos that can't be found elsewhere. There is also a Winter Film Festival held specifically for the residents of this area.
Take in some recent films to enrich your life with some culture. Throughout the summer, there will be a film series shown under the moonlight in the Botanic Gardens. Although Rooftop Cinema is closed for the season, it becomes a popular destination for movie buffs in December.
Content Summary
- Astor Place Theatre St. Kilda's The Astor Cinema has achieved the kind of fame and committed fan base that any movie theatre would kill for.
- The eight-screen Lido Cinemas, which once stood empty in the middle of Hawthorn's thriving Glenferrie Road strip, now shows movies from all over the world.
- The Lido Cinemas are centrally located in Hawthorn.
- Going to the movies in the Camberwell Theatre, which operated from 1965 to 1967, feels like a special occasion.
- Kino Cinema is another of Melbourne's most well-liked cinemas, boasting a wide selection of screens and film genres.
- Indie Theaters with a Personal Touch
- Almost twenty years ago, Cinema Nova opened on Lygon Street as Melbourne's premier facility for avant-garde arthouse and contemporary film.
- The Astor Theatre has seen some terrifying events throughout the years.
- The good news is that Palace Cinemas has revitalised it.
- This 1936 theatre almost warrants a visit merely to see its exquisite Art Deco architecture.
- If beauty is your top priority, there is no better movie theatre in Melbourne than the Palace Westgarth.
- Established in 1935, the Cameo has seen several ownership transitions since its inception.
- Melbourne's newest movie theatre, the Thornbury Picture House, opened its doors in a motor garage from 1919.
- To be very frank, what else could you possibly want?
- Visit the Thornbury Picture House to watch a film, host a private event, participate in a panel discussion, or throw a party while also showing your support for the local and diverse community.
- And now, with Rooftop Cinema, the approaching Melbourne summer promises to be even more thrilling.