Atlanta's Retro Movie Theaters: 🎬 Where Nostalgia Meets the Big Screen
Because sometimes dinner & a movie deserves a better setting.
Tired of the same ol’ blockbuster theaters? Same. Atlanta's film scene is full of character — vintage neon, art-house flicks, drive-ins, & indie gems that make you feel like you’re stepping into another era (or movie universe). These classic Atlanta movie houses offer way more than just a screen; they offer a whole vibe.
So whether you're planning a nerdy date night, catching a cult classic, or just craving some buttered popcorn nostalgia, this is your guide. Get ready to explore the Atlanta movie theaters that take us back & grab your tickets!
🍿 The Plaza Theatre (Poncey-Highland)
A forever favorite, & for good reason. Founded in 1939, The Plaza is Atlanta’s oldest continuously operating cinema. A total love letter to the art of film.
Stepping inside is a pure dose of nostalgia, starting with its distinctive Art Deco design. While much of Atlanta's original Art Deco architecture has been lost (boo), The Plaza stands as a beautiful, rare reminder of the city's glamorous past. From the marquee lights to the interior details, it's a true piece of living history.
Must-Know Tip: Pair your visit with a meal next door! The Majestic Diner is a surviving classic Art Deco diner from 1929, completing that vintage Poncey-Highland vibe.
Expect quirky indie screenings, legendary horror marathons, & fun collabs with Wussy Mag (think: drag-hosted film nights & themed showings). It’s the definition of ATL cinema culture: old school meets community cool.
🎥 Bonus: They occasionally screen in 35mm!
Horror Fans Take Note: Robert Eggers' upcoming werewolf movie, Werwulf, is being filmed on 35mm film. The perfect cinematic connection to keep an eye out for!
🎞 The Tara Theatre (Cheshire Bridge Rd)
After a painful hiatus, The Tara is thankfully back!
This is a story of Atlanta cinema love: Originally closing in 2022, this historic space was bravely reopened in 2023 as the sister theatre to The Plaza, thanks to the dedicated efforts of owner Chris Escobar (the same champion behind The Plaza).
The Tara has been lovingly restored while keeping its vintage charm intact. Expect a programming mix of art films, engaging themed marathons, &, yes, even more screenings in 35mm.
It's giving: date night nostalgia meets cinematic magic. This reunion solidifies The Plaza & The Tara as the ultimate one-two punch for classic Atlanta movie culture.
🚗 Starlight Drive-In Theatre (South East Atlanta)
A slice of retro magic under the stars. The Starlight is one of the last remaining classic drive-in theatres in the country, & a true Atlanta tradition.
This massive outdoor cinema offers double features every weekend, so you can catch two movies for the price of one! (Snacks, pillows, & cozy vehicle arrangements are highly encouraged.)
By day, the massive lot transforms into a sprawling flea market every Saturday & Sunday, making it a unique two-for-one hotspot. You can hunt for vintage treasures in the morning & catch a blockbuster under the stars that evening.
🎞 Landmark Midtown Art Cinema (Midtown)
For the indie film lovers and foreign film nerds, this spot is absolute heaven.
Located inside the Midtown Promenade (Trader Joe’s), Landmark screens everything from limited-release features & insightful documentaries to all the major award-season must-sees. This is where the real film discussion happens.
It frequently hosts special events like filmmaker Q&As & exclusive spotlights, providing substance that you just don't get at standard theaters. It's where you go when you want to dive deep into cinema & grab some gourmet snacks, too.
Why it makes the list: It's the essential hub for serious Atlanta art-house cinema culture.
📼 Videodrome (Poncey-Highland)
This is the ultimate entry for the physical media purists & dedicated cinephiles. Videodrome isn't a theater; it's a meticulously curated video rental store that keeps the spirit of the '90s video store alive.
Forget streaming algorithms. This iconic spot deals in pure film nostalgia, offering thousands of DVDs, Blu-rays, &, yes, stacks of vintage VHS tapes across every genre — from cult classics & rare horror to foreign art films.
It's the perfect place to complete your nerdy date night with a rental, or just spend an hour browsing the aisles & soaking up the vintage atmosphere.
Why it makes the list: As our friend Lights Camera Vintage perfectly put it, "It’s a preserved piece of film history & the undisputed king of 'physical media' in Atlanta."
Atlanta’s classic theater scene is proof that cinema’s not dead.
It’s just got better snacks, cooler vintage venues, & way more personality. So grab your favorite movie buddy (or go solo, we love that energy!), & make sure you support the local spots keeping the big screen magic alive in ATL.
🎟 Ready for More Atlanta Gems?
Explore my other essential local guides:
➡️ The Creatives’ Guide: Unexpected & Unique Things To Do in Atlanta
➡️ Where to Play Trivia, Games, and Nerd Out in Atlanta
Looking beyond film? Check out this comprehensive guide on the city’s best stages:
➡️ Atlanta Theaters & Beyond: A Local's Guide to the City's Best Stages