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Angelo DeSantis / Getty Images
Regal Cinemas runs most of the first-run movie theaters in the Portland area, but there are also many wonderful independent movie theaters with great perks like reduced admission costs, tasty food, and the option of drinking beer, wine, or even cocktails while you take in a flick.
Show your support for Portland’s alternative movie houses.
This article has been edited by Joshua Liberles.
Laurelhurst Theater
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Laurelhurst Theater
This historic theater has been a Portland Landmark since 1923. Four screens play second-run movies and classics, too. Parking can be a challenge, but if you get there early, you may score a spot in the theater’s adjacent lot. Microbrews, wine, and Pizzicato pizza are available, all at reasonable prices.
Location
2735 E. Burnside
Know Before You Go
21+ for shows starting after 3 p.m. Those under 21 may attend movies before 3 p.m. on weekends.
McMenamins Theaters
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McMenamins Pubs, Breweries & Historic Hotels
Usually in historic buildings, the McMenamins theaters are widely known for serving pub grub and their own micro-brewed beers. What better way to enjoy a flick than over food and drinks?
Locations
Bagdad
3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Mission
1624 NW Glisan
Kennedy School
5736 NE 33rd Ave
St. John’s Theater and Pub
8203 N. Ivanhoe
Know Before You Go
All shows are 21+. Minors are allowed at the first nightly show and the weekend matinee when accompanied by a parent.
Cinema 21
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Portland’s artsy and historic theater, Cinema 21, frequently hosts independent movies before they hit other theaters in town. It’s also where you’ll find the Annual Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
Location
616 NW 21st Ave
Know Before You Go
Parking can be ugly in this part of town, especially on weekends. Give yourself plenty of time to find a spot and be prepared to walk a few blocks.
Academy Theater
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The Academy Theater
Enjoy second-run movies on three screens. Plus, the Academy offers inexpensive babysitting! Refreshments include Flying Pie Pizza, salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream, beer, and wine.
Location
7818 SE Stark Street
Know Before You Go
Babysitting is available starting with the 4 p.m. show and ending after the 7 p.m. shows, plus during weekend matinees.
Hollywood Theater
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Peter Merholz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
The Oregon Film and Video foundation runs the Hollywood Theater as part of its nonprofit work. The theater favors classic movies, second-run features, and foreign films.
Location
4122 NE Sandy Blvd
Know Before You Go
Save on tickets with a discount card, good for ten admissions. They have no expiration and are transferable.
Roseway Theater
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Aaron Hockley / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Renovated and re-opened in the summer of 2008, the Roseway is a first-run theater with bargain admission. There's only one screen, but the sound system and seats are top-notch.
Location
7229 NE Sandy Blvd
Know Before You Go
This is one of Portland's oldest theaters. It first opened in 1924.
Moreland Theater
Another Believer / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
This low-key neighborhood theater is on the main drag in Eastmoreland and has remained popular with locals.
Location
6712 SE Milwaukie Ave
Know Before You Go
There's only one screen here, and the movies change every few weeks.