The 10 Best Cinemas In Madrid You Should Visit

Spanish cinema has become more known in the past yearsand its films, directors and actors have been recognized all over the world. Watching Spanish films is a great way of getting to know the country and its culture, so for travelers interested in the Spanish arts, visiting a Spanish cinema is an exciting and authentic experience. Here we explore the very best cinemas in Madrid.

Cines Callao City Lights

Movie Theater

The historic Cines Callao City Light cinema was built in 1926, and while it might not be the most luxurious cinema in the city, its small, independent atmosphere is incredibly attractive. It is built and decorated in the art deco style, which adds charm to this majestic building. What makes it stand out from most of the other cinemas in Madrid is its reruns of classic movies and thematic marathons. The seats are not numbered so the queues before movies are usually quite long, since everyone is desperate to get a good seat. They also have a terrace that is for outdoor projections, perfect for a lazy summer evening.

Cine Capitol

Cinema

Gran Vía Tours

Located in the city center of Madrid, in the famous Gran Vía area, Cines Capitol is one of the most iconic movie theaters in the capital. It has been showing films since 1933 and continues to show them to this day. Apart from the usual mainstream films, Cines Capitol also projects more unique films, concerts, opera, sports championships and documentaries. After shopping and eating in the Gran Vía area, visitors can relax and practice their Spanish by watching a film here.

Cine Doré

Building, Cinema, Movie Theater

People at cine festival presentation at Cine Dore in Lavapies neighborhood in Madrid

Cine Doré projects films in their original language, with English, French, German and Italian films usually on offer. Films are shown with Spanish subtitles, so those who are craving a cinema date but do not speak a word of Spanish can head to this historic cinema. Both the inside and the outside of this historic movie theater are beautiful, with golden and red façades and lush interiors, adding a touch of old school luxury. Their website has a calendar of films shown each month.

Cine Renoir

Movie Theater

Cine Renoir is another cinema that shows films in their original language, and tickets cost around six euros. There are three locations in Madrid: Princesa, El Retiro and Plaza de España. The most famous one is the cinema at Princesa, which shows a wide variety of international productions, from films in Danish, Swedish, Arabic and Spanish to English, Japanese, French and Italian, giving an idea of how multicultural this establishment is. The best thing is that all films are subtitled in Spanish, so is a perfect place both for locals and those wanting to gradually practice their Spanish language skills.

La Academia del Cine

Cinema, School

Meeting with the Spanish filmmaker Alejandro Amenabar in the Film Academy with public view

Founded in 1986, La Academia del Cine has the objective of promoting Spanish cinema both nationally and internationally. They also encourage scientific study in the field to develop new cinematographic technologies, the expansion of careers in the industry and further research in this sector. This institution has also created the Goya Awards, the Spanish equivalent of the Academy Awards, to recognize and reward Spanish cinema. They show different types of Spanish indie films, whether they be in Catalan, Castilian, Basque or Galician.

Cineteca Madrid

Movie Theater

Cineteca Pavilion, Arganzuela district, Madrid

Matadero de Madrid

The Cineteca Madrid is located in the Matadero de Madrid, the site of one of the best markets in the city. It claims to be the first and only cinema in the country to dedicate its projections almost entirely to non-fiction productions. Cineteca Madrid is interested in promoting alternative and independent cinema. They organize different types of cultural events in their various rooms, always aiming to educate and inform their audiences about lesser-known subjects. It is free to watch films here, and they sometimes do reruns of classics, so visitors who are interested in Spanish cinema should keep an eye on their calendar.

Sala Berlanga

Named after the famous Spanish director Luis García Berlanga, this cinema not only shows films, but also participates in the arts in other ways, such as hosting concerts, live theater and exhibitions. Sala Berlanga is a good venue to catch a documentary, or a movie nominated for the Goya Award. Recommended by Lori Zaino.

Cine Estudio

Cine Estudio is a small cinema located inside the Círculo de Bellas Artes cultural center dedicated to showing artistic and independent films. Bargain hunters should check out their special passes allowing you to see five films for only €18. This small theatre is closed during August. Recommended by Lori Zaino.

Artistic Metropol

This micro-cinema claims to be Madrid’s first cinema specializing in independent films, especially fantasy and horror films. Artistic Metropol, too, tends to have show films grouped by theme, as well as movie marathons, workshops and courses. Recommended by Lori Zaino.

Autocine Madrid RACE

Channel your inner Sandy and Rizzo and head to Madrid’s drive-in cinema, Autocine Madrid Race, said to be the biggest in Europe. Among the delights here are food stalls that deliver burgers and hotdogs to your car while you watch some of the latest releases and old classics on the big screen. Those arriving by scooter or public transport don’t have to miss out; there are deck chairs at the front for those who don’t have a car. Upcoming films include Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and The Incredibles 2. Recommended by Jessica Jones.

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