Amsterdam has cinemas for every type of movie night. Tuschinski if you want to experience the theater as much as the movie. EYE if you want to chat afterwards for half an hour about what you saw. LAB111 or FC Hyena if you prefer to eat and drink first. Kriterion and Cavia if you know you'll never get to see that movie in a regular multiplex. And Vue in the Houthavens if you just want to sink comfortably into a big chair with a movie coming out tomorrow everywhere. The city has it all, within walking distance or a ferry ride from each other.
Pathé Tuschinski - The most beautiful movie theater in the world
Tuschinski opened in 1921 and was named the most beautiful cinema in the world by the International Cinema Technology Association in 2021. The building is a mix of Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Amsterdam School, with a main auditorium that still has a working film organ. There are six theaters, with the main auditorium making the most impression: private lounges, sumptuous interiors and a ceiling that makes you pause upon entering. Tuschinski runs blockbusters as well as arthouse films. Those who arrive early can hang out at Bar Abraham in the foyer. - Reguliersbreestraat 26-34, Center
“A never-ago dream palace, with its elegant blend of art deco and art nouveau.” - Time Out Magazine, on being voted the most beautiful cinema in the world (2021)
EYE Film Museum - Film archive and cinema on the IJ
EYE is no ordinary movie theater. The building, opened in 2012 across the IJ from Central Station, is architecturally a statement and features four movie theaters, changing exhibitions and a permanent collection of more than 60,000 films. Programming ranges from silent films and classics to contemporary international cinema. The ferry to EYE runs for free all day and night. After the film, you can sit in the restaurant on the IJ with a view of Amsterdam's skyline. - IJpromenade 1, North
Cinema The Pulse - Arthouse on the Zuidas
Cinema The Pulse opened in late 2024 in the base of the sustainable residential tower The Pulse on the Zuidas, within walking distance of Zuid station. Six theaters with a mix of cult classics, arthouse and mainstream, Cineville pass is valid. On the first floor is Bar-restaurant Lucy, where you can go before and after the movie for coffee, lunch or dinner. The Zuidas is not the first place you'd expect to find a cinema, but The Pulse works harder than its surroundings would suggest. - Hildegard von Bingenstraat 4, Kenniskwartier (Zuid)
“For ten years everyone also thought The Filmhallen in West was a bad plan, but after opening it became the best-attended cinema in the Netherlands in no time.” - Peter van Vogelpoel, founder Cinema The Pulse (Filmkrant, 2025)
FilmHallen - Nine theaters in a monumental hall
The FilmHallen opened in 2014 in the former streetcar depot on Bellamyplein. With nine screens, it is one of the city's larger independent cinemas - and the only one of that size that accepts the Cineville pass. The program ranges from European and Asian arthouse film to the better Hollywood productions and documentaries. The theaters are comfortable and the complex has a bar. Practical address for anyone in West, but also easily accessible from the rest of the city. - Hannie Dankbaarpassage 12, Oud-West
LAB111 - Former pathology laboratory
LAB111 is in a landmark 1921 building that served as a pathology-anatomy laboratory. That sounds heavier than it is: the building has high ceilings, many original details and a relaxed atmosphere. There are two auditoriums with varied programs - from animated films and documentaries to genre films and festival circuit. Bar Strangelove in the building serves sourdough pizza, and moviegoers get 15% discounts on food. LAB111 also hosts theme nights, queer movie nights and retrospectives. - Arie Biemondstraat 111, Oud-West
The Movies - The oldest cinema in Amsterdam
The Movies has been around since 1912 - first as Tavenu Cinema, now under its current name - and has an art deco interior that has been largely preserved. Four theaters, with a mix of arthouse film and the better commercial releases. There is a restaurant on the premises, and with some new releases, The Movies hosts a small after party with introductions, quizzes and drinks. Located at the end of Haarlemmerdijk, a neighborhood worth seeing in its own right. - Haarlemmerdijk 161, Center
Kriterion - Student cinema since 1945
Kriterion was founded in 1945 and has been run entirely by students ever since. That may sound like an excuse for a nerdy venue, but Kriterion has a serious reputation when it comes to programming: arthouse film, international cinema, classics and documentaries. On Tuesday nights, there is a sneak preview for five euros. The café has been known for years as one of the coziest in Amsterdam Oost. No popcorn bowl atmosphere, but a good film conversation afterwards. - Roetersstraat 170, Oost
Rialto - World Cinema in De Pijp
Rialto has been running since 1921 and focuses on world cinema: Latin America, Asia, Africa, classics and European arthouse film. There is a second branch on the VU campus. The programming is highly curated and the movie house also organizes an ‘expat cinema’ format where films are shown with English subtitles. For those who want to see something that doesn't run in the big chains, Rialto is a fixture in De Pijp. - Ceintuurbaan 338, De Pijp (Zuid)
FC Hyena - Boutique cinema on the IJ, North
FC Hyena is small - two theaters - but has a distinct character of its own. On the banks of the IJ in North, with a restaurant and wine bar where you can linger even after the film. The program revolves around arthouse and documentaries, with regular themed programming and special editions. FC Hyena is also one of the few cinemas in Amsterdam where you bring wine into the theater. In terms of atmosphere, it's closer to an eatery than a regular cinema. - Anvilstraat 24, Noord
Cavia movie house - 40 seats, volunteers, no popcorn, West
Cavia was founded in 1983 from the squatting movement and is run entirely by volunteers. The venue has forty seats. A ticket costs five euros. No popcorn is sold. The program consists of films you won't see anywhere else: experimental, cultural, documentaries, many works by women directors and cinema from outside the West. Reservations are not possible. Those who don't know what to expect will be fine. - Van Hallstraat 52-I, West
“It's the reason I stayed in Amsterdam. I could have gone to Paris, but I chose Cavia.” - Bernardo Zanotta, volunteer at Cavia Film House (NH News, 2023)
Vue Amsterdam Houthavens - The biggest, the newest, Houthavens (West)
Vue opened in December 2025, the largest cinema in the Netherlands in the Houthavens. Fifteen theaters, electrically adjustable seats, a built-in wine cooler per seat and an updated food and beverage concept. This is not a movie house, but a full-fledged cinema multiplex for those who just want to see a great movie in comfort. Its location in the Houthavens makes it interesting as an evening outing combined with dining in the neighborhood. - Dirk Hartogstraat 1, West
Amsterdam has a theater for every movie mood. Tuschinski for those who consider the building at least as important as the film. EYE for those who want to chat about the IJ afterwards. LAB111 and FC Hyena for those who prefer something to eat rather than popcorn. And Cavia for those who know that the best cinemas in town don't need billboards.