Landmark Theatres
5.2Arthouse and indie films in often-historic cinema buildings
Best forFilm enthusiasts who prioritize seeing A24, Neon, and foreign-language releases on the big screen and want a quieter, more intentional atmosphere — Landmark consistently books titles that mainstream chains either skip or drop after one week.
Scores — click any row to see our rationale
Ticket Price & Membership Value▼6/10
Seat Comfort & Auditorium Quality▼6/10
Food & Beverage Quality▼6/10
Location Availability & Showtimes▼3/10
Premium Formats & Special Amenities▼5/10
Pros
✓Landmark books A24, Neon, and international distributors as a core programming strategy — if you want to see a French-language film or a documentary that opened to critical acclaim, Landmark is often the only option in a given city.
✓Tickets at $13–$17 are at or below AMC and Regal pricing for a notably more curated atmosphere — you're not paying a premium to see indie films here.
✓Many Landmark locations occupy historic movie palaces or mid-century theaters with genuine architectural character — the building itself is part of the experience.
✓E-Club membership is free and provides occasional discount offers and advance notice of special screenings — no annual fee like AMC Stubs Premiere.
✓Auditoriums are sized for the film's audience — a 200-seat house for an arthouse title means the room fills up, creating a genuine communal film-watching energy.
✓Beer and wine are available at most Landmark locations, and some locations have expanded to small plates or specialty snacks beyond standard popcorn.
Cons
✕Only 52 locations across 27 cities — if you don't live in a major metro area (New York, LA, Chicago, San Francisco, etc.), Landmark is not accessible to you at all.
✕No subscription or monthly membership exists — the E-Club is free but offers only occasional discounts, not a structured per-ticket savings plan.
✕Most locations have traditional fixed seating — no recliners — and older buildings mean HVAC, sound insulation, and projection quality vary significantly by location.
✕Landmark does not show most mainstream blockbusters — if you want to see the latest Marvel film or a wide-release action movie, you'll need to go elsewhere.
✕Showtimes are limited to the films Landmark programs — typically 4–8 films at a time — so if none of the current titles appeal, there's no fallback to a different genre.
✕Historic buildings, while charming, often mean older bathrooms, limited accessibility features, and fewer concession options than a purpose-built modern multiplex.