Whether planning a children’s birthday party, a first date, or rainy day activity, there’s few solutions better than a trip to the movies. Gone are the days of standard seats and only blockbusters – today’s theatres are offering more choices, higher quality, historic venues, and more. Check out our top picks for a unique movie night experience in the DC area!

Avalon Theatre
5612 Connecticut Ave NW, 20015

Stands out for: being a nonprofit, community-supported movie house in a historic building with both indies and blockbusters.

Landmark E Street Cinema
555 11th St NW, 20004

Stands out for: a full bar with local microbrews and full-bottle wine service, and films ranging from cult classics to foreign indies.

Landmark Atlantic Plumbing Cinema
807 V St NW, 20001

Stands out for: its proximity to U Street and Shaw for post-show bar-hopping, as well as advanced reserved seating and luxe leather armchairs.

Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market
550 Penn St NE, 20002

Stands out for: bringing the renowned institution of the Angelika Film Center (and its superb selection of art films) from SoHo all the way to Union Market.

Uptown Theater
3426 Connecticut Ave NW, 20008

Stands out for: a historic past, including hosting the world premiere of 2001: A Space Odyssey back in 1968, as well as one of the largest screens of all theatres in DC.

iPic Pike & Rose
11830 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD 20852

Stands out for: in-theatre service that includes gourmet snacks and cocktails, plus plush seating adorned with pillows and blankets.

Suns Cinema
3107 Mt Pleasant St NW, 20010

Stands out for: retro décor that sets the mood for the plethora of artsy and vintage film picks, plus an exceptional selection of beer.

AFI Silver
8633 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Stands out for: Art Deco design that harkens back to its opening day in the 1930s, a broad range of film events, and excellent state-of-the-art theatre renovation.