Awesome old theater, nice folks at door, fairly priced tix. Gets independent films that aren't mainstream. Will definitely return.

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, Brown's Ivy Film Festival presented an Advance Screening of Wicked from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Avon Cinema. I was so excited to have been able to secure tickets to the advance screening to see Wicked and it was my first time at Avon Cinema. Avon Cinema is a historic movie theatre located on Thayer Street since 1938. The movie theater specializes in the exhibition of films from foreign, independent and documentary films. There is only 1 screen and more/less 460 seats. Staff were very friendly and welcoming us to the cinema. Wicked was an awesome movie and I highly recommend everyone to check it out! Avon Cinema is a beautiful authentic cinema, but the seat I was in was a bit uncomfortable and missing cushion. read more

Avon Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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Art deco like theater small shows films that aren't in the mainstream. Great little place in the city.

Quirky and great atmosphere independent cinema theaters should be supported! Always a great experience

Amazing! Highly recommend it's for the nostalgia and the movies and the atmosphere enjoy it!

Historic theatre located in the heart of Thayer Street. We recently attended the Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy. With open seating for the event, we chose to sit in the very last row in the back and had no issue seeing the stage or hearing the actors. This was an awesome event where they paired a cocktail with a famous Poe poem. If you download the Fever App you get $5 off your first event. Thought the price-$55 a person was a great price point for the 1.5 hour show and 4 cocktails. read more

A little gem of a movie theatre. When most chain theaters are moving towards cookie cutter location this place is truly unique. I saw Asteroid City by Wes Anderson & it was the perfect viewing experience for a movie like that. Reasonably priced concessions & movie tickets make for a great date night or solo movie going night. Parking was a pain though so make sure to arrive early for parking & because seating is first come first serve. read more

This place was wonderful. The staff is friendly and tickets and concession were inline with regular cinemas. Awesome date type place. read more

Avon Cinema - Popcorn - Cinema Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Just from looking at this cinema from the outside, you feel like you've traveled back in time to the simpler days and it continues to feel so even after walking in to a red carpet and gold touches. The inside gives off vintage vibes including the bathrooms, the candy machine upstairs, the concession stand, and the lights on the sides of the theater. The one thing I didn't like is the seats. I've gotten so used to the reclining modern seats that these started to hurt after about 45 min to 1 hr. There also isn't much leg room but it's worth the experience nonetheless. I'm not sure if this was just my taste buds but the popcorn was unique in a good way. I can't quite pinpoint what taste I was getting but it's but one of the best theater popcorns I've had. They also tend to play older movies with cool plots, varying every few weeks. My ticket on the weekend was $13.50. Finding parking can be a bit challenging so I would advise to get there a few minutes earlier to compensate. read more

Great old cinema venue, friendly staff, very reasonable priced concession items and a great location on Thayer street. What better venue to watch a movie? This place has it all, the charm of a historic theatre within feet of amazing dining options and only a few minutes to downtown. Check It out. read more

Nice little old-school theater. Beautiful architecture and seats inside. Re-watched Parasite here with a friend. Obviously with COVID it may not be safe or wise, but don't miss if you're visiting the area once the pandemic is over. I love places like this. Thanks Avon. read more

Avon Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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The Avon is the quintessential arts cinema, featuring indie and foreign films in a delightful small theater on Thayer St. Since the Cable Car closed, the Avon is the last true small cinema left in Providence. read more

I love the Avon Cinema! It is well-maintained but gets 4 out of 5 stars because it hasn't been renovated since the 50's or 60's. This means that it has a step up from the aisle to your very small, non-reclining, unpadded arm-rest seat with limited legroom. The rows of seats slope downward from the back of the theatre to the raised stage with a velvet curtain that covers the screen until show time (the way a movie house should be). It's all lovely and retro and I come here at least once a month since they are one of two Providence cinemas showing high-quality small, independent films. This all sounds great, and it is. I love the lobby entrance with actual tickets versus computer printouts, love the small concession stand with real popcorn with butter and locally made cookies, and Coke in glass bottles. So, again, why 4 stars not 5? My last two films, a tall person sat in front of me - and in old school movie theaters, as in a live theater auditorium, that means an obscured view. Also, it is a bit of a squeeze on the narrow stairs up to the bathroom if someone else is coming down - but a visit to this 1950's era bathroom is worth it! read more

Love the Avon! A vintage movie theatre that plays independent films you won't find at any Showcase Cinemas. Everything about the Avon is charming from the vintage candy machine to the great popcorn to the retro bathroom to the velvet curtain that hangs over the screen before show time. Of course, as other reviewers have noted, the fact that it hasn't been renovated in several decades means that the chairs are tight and non-reclining with little cush or leg room. I'm over 6 feet tall so it can be uncomfortable especially for those longer features. However, it's a trade-off I'm willing to make for the fun trip through time that the Avon offers. I hope they stay in business for years and years to come! read more

I really love this cinema and I hope it stays around forevah and evah. They're one of the few in the state that show independent films. I also love the look of the place and the staff is typically very friendly - and the popcorn's great. The missing star: As much as I love their vintage look, I whole-heartedly agree with many reviews on here that the seats could use a zhuzh. The seats are not comfy, which becomes increasingly more obvious when seeing longer films. I even found myself repositioning more than a few times during "Lady Bird"... and that movie's only 95 minutes. Regardless ... go anyway, support the Avon, and let's keep PVD's access to indies and other hard-to-find films alive and kickin'. read more

Avon Cinema - May this marquee never change... though I didn't care for Lady Bird. - Cinema Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Nostalgic theater in the heart of College Hill. They usually show Sundance Film Festival films which are typically not my type. However, after being around for 5 years I finally stopped by Avon to catch a show. So glad I did as the movie was great! From tickets, to drinks, to popcorn, everything is very affordable. I'd recommend sitting near the front because the screen is a bit small for the size of the theater. However, there are a lot of seats with plenty being close enough to the screen. Highly recommend stopping by for a nostalgic experience and a great film. read more

The old-school Avon Cinema is definitely a four-star sort of place. It's fun to walk in off of Thayer Street's hustle-and-bustle (by that I mean barrage of restaurants and aging hippies playing the electric fiddle) and into a serene, elegant old movie theatre. There is just one screen, and while the chairs could be a tiny bit better, it's really a fun experience to absorb the quaint, Golden Age atmosphere. I am not a fan of the $9.50 price tag, but pretty much every movie theatre I've been to in recent memory has this sort of problem. :( The good news is that the Avon is a wonderful little theatre regardless, and it's fun, even for once-in-a-while visits. read more

Great old style cinema theater that specializes in Indie films and non-mass merchandise movie productions. It is a little dated, but that is part of the charm. Located on Thayer, it is close to many restaurants and bars for before/after the movies. read more

I saw While We're Young here tonight. I've been here many times before so I know what to expect and that's why I love it. When you want to go see a great movie old school style, this is the place to go. You do have to sacrifice on leg room, but for me this is great theater. From the retro pre show announcements to the heavy velvet curtain across the stage, this theater ranks high on my list. Plus it's one of only a few theaters in the state that you can see my 3 favorite kinds of movies: indie, documentary and foreign. Never close your doors! read more

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This is the most charming movie theater. I Especially love the vintage concession and preview advertisements before the film. Of course are always showing really interesting independent films. Check it out The bathrooms upstairs. The vintage candy machine and bathroom signs are a treat as well. read more

Historic independent one room theater. Saw won't you be my neighbor which was a great showing. The interior and seats were a bit outdated and uncomfortable at times. Besides that I always prefer supporting local businesses read more

Avon Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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Do you like movies? Do you like watching movies as if it was the 1950s? Do you like somewhat uncomfortable seats, but sort of get used to it as the movie goes on? Then you will love the Avon Cinemas! I went to see Isle of Dogs here a couple days ago and I had never been to this theater before, but was excited to give it a try. It looks very small from the outside and even walking in through the concession area it seems like the theater would only be like 30 seats. The Avon typically plays independent movies or documentaries that you couldn't normally watch in the larger movie theaters in the area. It has a similar vibe to the Cable Car Cinemas, but is is much larger. The theater is made up of one screen with about a little over 100 seats maybe more. The great thing about this theater is you can sit up close and not feel like you need to break your neck to look at the screen. I actually sat pretty close because the screen isn't as big as normal movie theater screens. The concession stand sells popcorn and various candies, as well as your usual choices of soda. The bathrooms are located upstairs and for some reason they scared the hell out of me, but you can be the judge of that. Overall I had a pleasant experience with the Avon. I wish the seats were more comfortable, but that was really my only complaint. read more

Avon cinema, a vintage beauty, is a charming intimate theater. And, it's surprisingly affordable! Located on the busy Thayer street, Avon is like a time capsule back to what cinema used to be and proudly displays this nostalgia through the decor, snack stand, and curtains. I would definitely return! read more

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Love the Avon! As others mentioned, it's got an old school charm that can't be beat. The movie selection is way more educated than the local cineplex offerings and they have the movie-going basics like popcorn, candy, soda and even a variety of Nantucket Nectars juices, which I love. The Avon is the perfect theater to bring a first date or to catch an afternoon flick alone. Oh and the bathrooms are pretty great too in a retro sort of way. I do have to agree with others who complained about the seating comfort but I must say the smell is one of the things I love about coming to the Avon. Kind of like opening an old book, you either love it...or you gag. read more

First the pluses: Cool retro theater ambiance, good prices, intelligent bookings. Now minuses: The seats are too small and very uncomfortable for any length of time (meaning like for a movie). The sight lines are awful if you happen to be sitting behind a tall person. And most importantly, the audio system needs to be tuned. There is a pronounced bump up in the lower frequencies. The result is that dialog becomes bottom heavy and muffled. This would be especially problematic for those people who have hearing loss in the speech frequency range, as the increase in low end masks the dialog's sibilant sounds. Most older people and an alarming number of younger ones too will have trouble understanding the dialog. read more

Very happy that Providence has two independent movie theaters, but truth be told this one is staying afloat without the help of my dollars. They play some really great films here, but i'm a cheap lady that knows that I can use my library card as a quasi Netflix account. If I'm going to spend $10 to see a movie, I want it to be a fun experience. I'm a little lady. If someone sits in front of my here and they are not shorter than me, there is no way I'm seeing the screen. If you go to a matinee movie and someone decides to go to the bathroom or buy a snack, no one will be seeing the movie for a few seconds because the light from the lobby will stream right it and bleach out the screen. I would definitely go here if someone was taking me out, but it would never be my suggestion. read more

When I first moved to Providence, I used to take myself to the Avon every Sunday afternoon for a movie and some popcorn. I didn't even really pay attention to what was showing, I just went and felt entertained and a bit old Hollywood. The Avon is a gem of a theatre, and I feel remiss that I let my weekly ritual lapse. The Avon just oozes charm. The old-fashioned marquee, the ticket counter, the reasonably sized concession treats--I just love it all. They have some of the best movie theatre popcorn I've ever had and they serve COKE. That's right, they serve the good stuff, not that horrible Pepsi swill that you get at all the other theatres that are owned by the same company. Going to the Avon hearkens back to the time when going to the movies was more of an event. I love bundling up in the winter and hustling down Thayer St. after dark. It's so much more invigorating than fighting crowds at the mall or leaving your car in a sterile lot. After the movie, you spill back out onto the busy sidewalk feeling both smart for having probably seen an actual good movie, and proud for supporting a local business that has been around for 75 years. read more

Let's go to the movies, let's go see the stars, let's go to the movies Annie, wait and seeeeee... Definite fan of the Avon. I'll echo other reviews--it's a beautiful building, a curtain opens to reveal the screen, they play adorable vintage opening ads, and it's an overall old world experience. I have no complaints to offer about customer service or logistics...and it's one of the few ways in Rhode Island to see films of the artistic/indie/alternative nature. The important thing to realize is that in this world of huge movie theaters, it's a treat to travel back in time for an antique experience. If you've never been, put it on your Providence Bucket List immediately. read more

My family and I love the movies they show as well as the support they offer to independent films. read more

Avon Cinema - Snow storm 1/2017 - Cinema Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

This place is the CUTEST! I went last week to see Moonrise Kingdom and fell in love. I wish it changed movies more often so I could go back again and again. For eight dollars, the matinee price, you really can't go wrong. The seats are less comfortable than the movie theaters of today but what the Avon lacks in comfort it makes up for in charm. They offer snacks and drinks served in retro paper cups and the pre-show video is adorable in it's simplicity. If I have a choice over Providence Place or the Avon, I will choose the Avon every time. read more

Have been going since I was 8 years old. In response to Michelle, yes, the movie probably will flub more often than at the big theaters. They have the same movie projectors since they've opened. (1938) I think the charm of the experience totally compensates for the hiccups the projector might make. read more

Every town has one and Avon is Providence's old timer indie movie theater. They have but one screen in there and everything and everyone fits the time period that you would expect this movie theater to come from. Generally there aren't very long lines here. Purchase your tickets at the door. The price is equivalent to anything you would pay for at a regular theater. Half of your time here is the experience of the whole place! read more

Avon Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

This was my first trip here on Thayer street to this theater. Was quite surprised at what I found. They only play one will be at a time, which I love, so there's no choices to be made. It's very old-school, very nostalgic very antiquated. The screen is on the stage with the curtain covering it and the lights that illuminate the screen just like you see in the home movies. Very romantic. Great first date! You can imagine this is probably what it was like going to the movies in the early 50s and 60s. A great time-warped place. I will definitely be back! read more

Loved this old fashioned theater! Went to go watch "Phoenix" recently and so glad we chose this location. $21 for two is super cheap. We even got two 8 oz. bottles of coke in glass bottles. Right around the corner from lots of restaurants on Thayer Street. The bathroom is located upstairs. So charming as it holds true to the feel but is very clean. read more

Tucked in the middle of Thayer St, this theatre exudes the nostalgic experience one pines for while watching a film. The exterior of the building serves as a tractor beam, sucking in any film goer because of its beautiful layout. Avon tends to showcase films that are viewed as an art form, a welcome deviation from some of the atrocities that make it to the silver screen. One film I saw this year, The Grand Budapest Hotel, was the ultimate experience for a film goer. Wes Anderson's style of filmmaking falls in line with the atmosphere that the Avon wants to hone in on l. Aretha Franklin would love the Avon for the sheer fact that there is respect for silence, once a film has started. As all film lovers know, audience silence is a precious commodity. It's like seeing Daniel Day Lewis in movies: awesome when he does one, but doesn't do them often. Lastly, and perhaps least important, the prices are extremely fair. I'd pay more just because of the experience. It's nice to watch a film, and experience it. It's doubly satisfying when you experience the theatre. read more

I love the throwback of art deco and 50's mid-century modern atmosphere at Avon Cinema. From the outside, it doesn't look like it will be a large theatre, however; after you pay and check out the small concession (yes, they do sell popcorn,) you hand your ticket to the usher and walk through 2 sets of double doors, to the right is the cinema and I was impressed with it's size. There are 3 rows of seats; two smaller isles on each size which seats 3, I believe and then a large section of seats in the middle with a good 15-20 seats across. The screen is covered with large red curtains and when the retro (70's/80's?) advertisements come on, the curtains are pulled off to the size. My only complaint, and yes I know that's what happens when you enter a building that hasn't been touched in 50+ years, is that the seats are incredibly tight and uncomfortable. I at one point, went upstairs to use the restroom and after I came back down, stood at the back of the theatre for about 10 minutes to stretch my legs. I'm only 5'5", but it was definitely a tight fit. If you live in Providence and have never been to Avon Cinema, you must go. Tickets are $10.50 which is much cheaper than going to a Showcase, and you are supporting your local community! read more

A local place showing indie flicks (correction: flick) you would otherwise have to travel to bigger cities like Boston or NYC to watch? Check. Unfortunately, that's pretty much the only thing I can say that this theater has going for it. I do have an appreciation for Avon's old school feel but I do not enjoy its cramped dilapidated seating, musky odor, and sub-standard screen quality and sound. I am also unimpressed by the lack of variety in their film offerings. Maybe if they showed more than one movie at a time..and if they stopped showing that same movie for weeks and weeks on end..until I've stopped really paying attention to what they're showing because I've already assumed that it's the same thing they showed the week before..maybe then I would be more inclined to pay Avon a visit. Even then I'd rather be reaching in my pocket for a $5 matinee ticket or student discount (read: does not exist) than the $9.50 one price fits all. Avon, you can do so much better. read more

Walking into the Avon is like stepping back in time. They have vintage decor, vintage snack machines, only one screen, they play 1940s music before the movie starts, everything. It's retro and cool. Good prices, lots of "art house" type movies. Sometimes they show beam-ins of live performances. The customer service here is really good, too. Once my party bought tickets in advance online, but one member of our party couldn't make it and we wanted a refund, so the manager came to talk to us. He was very friendly and handled the situation well, within a day the ticket was refunded over PayPal. read more

Don't come late, because then you would miss the disco-era montage before the previews. May be useful for RISD students interested in bygone typography and graphic design. Extra points for the curtain that dramatically opens to reveal the underwhelming screen. The seats are not super-comfortable. But as this theater tends toward the arty, you'll probably be too immersed in the film to notice. read more

Love the atmosphere of the cinema and the more off-beat movies that they choose to show. Just... could someone PLEASE remind me that I don't like their popcorn? I make this mistake every. single. time. Something about the oil - dunno, just doesn't taste quite right. Stick to candy, self. Stick to candy. read more