Nothing matches the thrill of the lights dimming, popcorn in hand, awaiting a film you’ve never seen — especially one playing nowhere else.
Art cinemas are movie theaters dedicated to showing important, obscure or sometimes forgotten films, whether they are independent arthouse films or golden-age Hollywood productions. In the age of streaming, theaters like these matter more than ever, giving independent filmmakers and small distributors a place to be seen.
Coral Gables Art Cinema
260 Aragon Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(786) 472-2249
Perhaps the most intimate theater in the region, the Coral Gables Art Cinema has been a bastion for independent film since October 2010. The building only has one theater, but it’s almost always packed and this community of filmgoers is loyal and welcoming. The building, owned by the City of Coral Gables, looks like a palace and the inside feels like home. Student discounts are available upon showing a valid ID.
O Cinema
1130 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(786) 471-3269
This nonprofit arthouse is on a mission that prioritizes independent film first. If you want to watch a new movie that you haven’t heard of, this is the place to be. O Cinema makes it a point to screen films that are not shown anywhere else in Miami-Dade County. Be careful though, it’s easy to walk past the theater and not know it’s there; it’s located in the old City Hall Building. It almost feels like a speakeasy for movies!
Silverspot Cinema – Downtown Miami
300 SE 3rd St. Suite 100,
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 536-5000
Silverspot Cinema is a little different from the other entries on this list because it has multiple locations. Boosting itself a sophisticated theater for “true film lovers,” this art cinema feels like a luxury experience. Because this theater is in an area of Downtown Miami with plenty of foot traffic, Silverspot also plays plenty of new Hollywood releases. If you’re just starting to get into art films or experimental movies, this could be your place to start.
Cinema Paradiso Hollywood
2008 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, FL 33020
(954) 866-0303
Make no mistake, this is located in Hollywood Florida, not California, but you’re still sure to feel like a star here. Funded by The Center, a nonprofit arts organization, this little theater is full of personality and terrific films. Cinema Paradiso Hollywood is a champion for the communal experience of moviegoing. Buy a glass of wine and enjoy a foreign film!
Savor Cinema
503 SE 6th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 525-3456
If you aren’t in the mood to watch a movie, it is worth your time to just gaze at this gorgeous building. Housed inside a remodeled church, the interior makes Savor Cinema not only a great place to watch films, but also to host community events. If it’s in your budget, you can even host a wedding here! The theater specializes in foreign and independent films. Savor Cinema is also used during the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.
