Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in New York

Drive-in theaters and performing arts

The nostalgia of a drive-in theater combined with the energy of a live performance creates a night that feels entirely different from the usual routine.

Based on 825 Opinions
+822
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown image 1
Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown image 2
Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown image 3
View all
Outdoor movie theater

Enjoy comfortable seats and individual headphones that block city noise for clear sound. The rooftop offers an intimate atmosphere with cool breeze and open sky views. Easy to find in a central spot despite occasional elevator issues.

People are saying

"Watching movies on the rooftop is a beautiful and intimate experience."

"It's a fun experience, super relaxing despite the city chaos."

"The chairs here are super comfy with cushions."

Good to know

1

You should buy tickets online as soon as possible.

2

Arrive right before doors open to get the best seats.

3

Check-in opens an hour prior, so come early for good seats.

02
Film Forum image 1
Movie theater

Classic indie movie theater with intimate screening rooms and an old-school vibe. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming, attracting film lovers who appreciate arthouse cinema and Q&A sessions with filmmakers. Seating is comfortable but small, complementing the clean, well-run environment.

People are saying

"I found amazing independent movies I couldn't find anywhere else."

"The seats here are really comfortable."

"I thought the banana bread was moist and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Every Sunday, they have PG movies for families for $11.

2

It is advisable to go early to get a good seat.

3

The theater can fill up fast for popular titles.

03
Cinema Village image 1
Movie theater

Small, cozy arthouse cinema with an old-school vibe and intimate atmosphere. Screens are compact, and seating is tight but comfortable enough for indie film viewing. Venue operates on a first-come, first-served basis and attracts an intellectual audience interested in unique, thought-provoking movies.

Small theaters create an intimate setting with a classic, old-school vibe. Three screens offer a cozy space to watch indie films with friendly personnel and great prices.

People are saying

"I found the movies here to be in a charming, cozy theater."

"The bathroom here was really clean and well tended."

"It's a charming, old-time theater for performing arts."

Good to know

1

The showtime is at 1pm on Tuesday afternoons.

2

The ticket price for seniors is $8.

3

A student ID could provide an even better price.

04
Stuart Cinema & Cafe image 1

Movie theater feels like a big living room with intimate, comfortable seating and a nostalgic atmosphere. Space is beautiful and well maintained, offering a cozy vibe that suits special outings. A cafe area encourages socializing before and after screenings.

Small theater offers a beautiful and intimate setting that feels cozy and warm. Friendly owners provide tours, and the venue supports private screenings with a varied menu of movie theater food.

People are saying

"They made hosting my movie screening super easy and smooth."

"The staff made coordinating my daughter's birthday party so easy and helpful."

"It's a nice, intimate, one-screen theater."

Good to know

1

The venue can be rented for private events.

2

Booking a private screening at Stuart Cinema is much easier and more affordable than you would expect.

3

The theater has a variety of food and drink options, including coquito.

05
Quad Cinema image 1
Movie theater

Small movie theater offers intimate seating and a sophisticated atmosphere focused on independent and foreign films. Attached cafe and bar provide a relaxed spot for drinks before or after shows. Clean, modern design blends with unique artwork and thoughtful film curation.

People are saying

"The picture and sound quality for movies here is great."

"It's a cozy and intimate space, not too big."

"The bar at this place is great."

Good to know

1

The cinema specializes in showing limited distribution high quality films favored by mature audiences.

2

The prices at the cinema are unbeatable, including the price of concessions.

3

You can bring coffee from the next door cafe into the movies.

06
IFC Center image 1
Movie theater

Small, intimate movie theater with comfortable stadium-style seats and high-quality sound system creates a cozy atmosphere for indie film fans. Screens feature large, elevated displays ensuring clear views, while programming focuses on independent and foreign films rarely found elsewhere.

An independent theater with multiple screens offers a wide range of films from arthouse classics to under the radar indie movies. The venue feels like a community hub for curated cinema not found in conventional theaters.

People are saying

"I found the indie and art films here to be great."

"The seats here are really comfortable."

"The bathrooms here were very clean."

Good to know

1

They host midnight movies and special events.

2

The theater shows vintage Christmas movies, such as 'Itโ€™s a Wonderful Life'.

3

The venue does not offer reserved seating.

07
Metrograph image 1
Movie theater

Independent cinema with intimate seating and a big, clear screen offers a quiet, serious atmosphere favored by film buffs. Upstairs lounge features a curated film library, cozy bar, and restaurant with stylish decor and good music. Sound system impresses, creating a focused movie experience.

Cozy and stylish, this theater offers a vibey atmosphere perfect for afternoon matinees. It screens older films and art house movies with an upscale feel.

People are saying

"I loved watching the cool, well-curated movies here."

"The upstairs bar is great for after-party screenings."

"The food here is beautiful and delicious."

Good to know

1

It is advisable to book tickets early and sit towards the back of the theater for optimal comfort.

2

The theater does not accept Apple Pay, which can catch customers off guard.

3

No refunds are offered for tickets bought by mistake due to the website not updating the order.

08
Alpine Cinema image 1
Movie theater

Movie theater features renovated modern design with stadium style seating offering ample leg room and great sound. Atmosphere blends an old school nostalgic vibe with lively energy from younger audiences. Popcorn stands out as a popular and well-liked concession item.

People are saying

"The movie ticket prices here are hard to beat."

"It's got that cool old school theater vibe."

"It's usually pretty quiet, helping you focus on the movie."

Good to know

1

Tickets are only $6 on Wednesdays, making it the best day to visit.

2

Arrive early to secure good seats, especially for popular showings.

3

Parking is limited due to heavy traffic in the area.

09
Low Cinema image 1
Movie theater

Intimate, cozy space offers a nostalgic vibe with great sound and image quality. Community feels strong, drawing locals who appreciate affordable concessions like tasty popcorn. The theater maintains a welcoming, clean atmosphere near convenient transit.

People are saying

"It's a wonderful local movie theater run by wonderful people."

Good to know

1

Low Cinema offers affordable concession prices for snacks and drinks.

2

The theater is easily accessible via the L train.

3

Expect a clean and welcoming environment throughout the cinema.

10
Nitehawk Cinema image 1
Movie theater

Movie theater combines 35mm film projection with table service for food and drinks during films. Atmosphere feels intimate and retro-hipster, with vintage decor and strict no-talking policy. Bar upstairs offers specialty cocktails themed to movies, creating a relaxed vibe for mingling.

The theater offers a unique in-theater dining experience with food and drinks served during shows. It hosts various events and has a vibe that recalls a European open-air theater but indoors.

People are saying

"It's a unique and special movie theater I'll visit again."

"It's a great spot for a date night, perfect for cozying up."

"The specialty cocktails themed to the movies were delicious and strong."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as shows often sell out quickly.

2

The theater offers a unique dining experience with food served during the film.

3

Arrive early to enjoy the pre-screening ads and special footage.

Discover more

New York, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...