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Catch the Latest Flick at One of the Best Cinemas in Sydney
Whether you're a film buff or just looking to catch an anticipated new release, Sydney's cinema scene is well-equipped to satisfy. From art-deco cinemas with moody cocktail bars to exceptionally cutting-edge technology, your perfect cinema is ready and waiting.
There’s something so relaxing about settling in to a film at the cinema, with no multitasking, no phones and no one to interrupt you. Sydney’s best cinemas span decades and styles, from Golden Age in Surry Hills for art deco glamour and cult classics to Skyline Drive-In in Blacktown for retro, dog-friendly screenings and and Westpac OpenAir at Mrs Macquaries Point for harbour views under the stars.
Whether you’re a film buff or just looking to catch an anticipated new release, Sydney’s cinema scene is well-equipped to satisfy. From art-deco cinemas with moody cocktail bars to exceptionally cutting-edge technology, your perfect cinema is ready and waiting. It’s time to gather your pals or pencil in a solo date at one of the best cinemas in Sydney.
In This Guide:
Art Deco and Heritage Cinemas in Sydney
Golden Age
A favourite for serious film buffs, Golden Age is located within the old Paramount House. Start with a cocktail in the art deco bar before picking up a cone of popcorn or a choc top. The beauty of Golden Age lies in the fact that it provides an education. You can catch a bunch of cult classics on the big screen and chat about it in the cocktail bar after. How good! Swing by on a Tuesday for film trivia.
Where: Golden Age, Surry Hills
Cost: $$
Best For: Date night, Unique experiences, Groups
Need To Know: Film trivia runs on Tuesdays.
Hayden Orpheum
This independent cinema has been operating since 1935. The stunning art deco interiors at Hayden Orpheum make for an authentic movie-going experience. With stage lighting in two of the cinemas, you’ll often find fun one-off live events and movie screenings here.
Where: Hayden Orpheum, Cremorne
Cost: $$
Best For: Locals, Cultural, Date night
Need To Know: Two cinemas have stage lighting, used for occasional live events and one-off screenings.
The Ritz
This heritage-listed art deco cinema specialises in retrospectives and arthouse films. You can expect to see classics like My Fair Lady playing alongside new releases. The Ritz also offer some of the cheapest tickets in Sydney. Be sure to sign up free as a member for discounted tickets and $8 tickets on Tuesdays.
Where: The Ritz, Randwick
Cost: $$
Best For: Budget-friendly, Cultural, Locals
Need To Know: Free membership unlocks $8 tickets on Tuesdays.
Best Drive-In and Novelty Cinema Experiences in Sydney
Skyline Drive-In
Now owned by Event, this 60-year-old drive-in has a delightfully retro appeal. Pop your doggo in the car, park up and enjoy the latest new releases or old favourites from your front seats. You can pick up treats from the vintage diner to snack on whilst you indulge in this novel experience.
Where: Skyline Drive-In, Blacktown
Cost: $$
Best For: Dog-friendly, Families, Unique experiences
Need To Know: Dogs welcome from the car. Snacks available from the on-site vintage diner.
Govindas
Govindas in Darlinghurst trades cinema seats for floor cushions, with punters encouraged to kick off their shoes and settle in. The all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet is the real drawcard here, best booked as a combined dinner-and-movie ticket rather than added on separately.
Where: Govindas, Darlinghurst
Cost: $$
Best For: Unique experiences, Date night, Groups
Need To Know: Book the dinner-and-movie ticket to include the vegetarian buffet.
Best Cinema for Cutting-Edge Screen Technology
Imax
For something a little different, head to the Imax where you’ll find one of the world’s largest screens at 692 metres squared. Crystal clear shots merge with precise sound technology to create one of the most immersive experiences on offer. You’ll often find something intriguing playing here with documentaries a large focus for Imax.
Where: Imax, Sydney
Cost: $$
Best For: Families, Unique experiences
Best Outdoor and Seasonal Cinemas in Sydney
Westpac OpenAir
Dubbed the world’s most beautiful cinema, Westpac OpenAir is THE cinema to head to in summer. There’s no need to feel guilty for sitting in the cinema on a perfect summer’s day anymore! Take this unique op to enjoy views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House while watching a curation of top films. Each year, you’ll also find some top-tier pop-up food stalls to dine on whilst you enjoy your film.
Where: Westpac OpenAir, Mrs Macquaries Point
Cost: $$
Best For: Date night, Outdoor, Special occasion
Need To Know: Runs in summer only.
Laneway Cinema
Save some money with The Rocks’ beloved Laneway Cinema come summer. Settle in on bean bags and deck chairs for a movie under the stars. The cinema will be open every Wednesday from 7pm with free tickets available online and walk-ins welcome. You can also make a donation for popcorn with all proceeds going to a different charity each month,
Where: Laneway Cinema, The Rocks
Cost: Free
Best For: Date night, Outdoor, Budget-friendly
Need To Know: Runs every Wednesday from 7pm throughout summer, free tickets online, walk-ins welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sydney’s Best Cinemas
Westpac OpenAir at Mrs Macquaries Point is widely considered Sydney’s premier outdoor cinema experience, running over summer with views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House alongside a curated film program and pop-up food stalls. For a free alternative, Laneway Cinema in The Rocks runs every Wednesday night from 7pm throughout summer, with bean bags, deck chairs, and proceeds from popcorn donations going to a different charity each month.
Yes, Skyline Drive-In in Blacktown has been operating for around 60 years and remains Sydney’s classic drive-in experience. Visitors can watch new releases or old favourites from their car, with vintage diner treats available on-site. It’s also one of the few Sydney cinema experiences that’s genuinely dog-friendly, since pets are welcome to join from the front seat.
The Ritz in Randwick is one of the best value options in Sydney, particularly for members, who can access $8 tickets on Tuesdays. As a heritage-listed art deco cinema specialising in retrospectives and arthouse titles, it pairs affordability with a genuinely distinctive program compared to mainstream multiplexes.
Golden Age in Surry Hills is a strong choice, combining a cocktail bar with cult classic screenings inside the historic Paramount House building. For something more unconventional, Govindas in Darlinghurst pairs a film with an all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet and floor cushion seating, making it a memorable option for couples after something different from a standard cinema outing.
Govindas in Darlinghurst stands out for its cushion seating and combined dinner-and-movie format built around its vegetarian buffet. Imax at Darling Harbour offers a different kind of novelty, with one of the world’s largest cinema screens and a program that leans heavily into documentaries and immersive visual experiences, distinct from a standard multiplex outing.
Loving this edit of the best cinemas in Sydney and keen to explore more arty pursuits? Try our edits of our favourite art galleries and the best workshops in the city.
