Ok, full transparency, I live within a few blocks of this place and that is certainly an influence on how much I love this theater. Beyond that, the programming here is pretty decent with Saturday morning "classics" where they span a decade of cinema showing one each week inclusive of a brief introduction prior to the movie. I love that personal touch. They show a lot of arthouse style offerings and also some of the newer big blockbuster movies. The interior is much bigger than the outside would suggest. I believe there are a total of 3 screens, the #1 movie screen being the largest of the 3. There is a balcony level to screen #1 that still has some of the original seating (ok maybe not original) if you're into that sorta thing. All seats are comfortable and while they don't recline fully they do recline a bit with a rocking motion for comfort. Great little concession stand where you can find typical theater offerings (popcorn, soda, candy) and a nice selection of draft beer and wines also. They do get pizza directly from Escape From NY (on 23rd Ave.) so if you get hungry and need something bigger they have you covered. read more

In the perfect place centering Slabtown with great new movies playing. Lots of seating that you can pick at your leisure as you walk inside the place. I'd still come back regardless because of this very reasoning. The points down really is just the staff don't really care about anything and really give you the hey here's your food, go watch your movie and get out of my face. Like damn, sorry I wanted a medium popcorn and ice cream? read more

Cinema 21 is consistently a great spot to catch a movie. The location is awesome to grab a bite before or a good popcorn/pizza in theatre. I'm always happy to support Cinema 21 because they have supported my family's movie watching for over three decades. Thanks! read more

Cool place, good vibes, odd layout. First thing I saw here was The Materialists. Yes: -the grape soda, highly recommend -old and funky -gen admin seats -play some stuff other theatres might not have No: -parking is annoying because it's on the west side read more

Phenomenon local theater. They have great service, serve local eats and feature movie artists often with the showings

I do not make it over here as often as I would like but this is such a great spot and they tend to get a few films which I genuinely would not have been able to see anywhere else. Most recently I found that they were playing Dreamworlds which was the Pet Shop Boys concert in Copenhagen last year. My friends and I got perfect seats and the other members of the audience were also completely in the zone with us. The sound was so great! I remember coming here for the Grace Jones documentary - no one else was playing it either! Sometimes this area of NW gets a lot more busy but I have always scored a pretty nearby parking space thankfully down a side street with minimal circling around first. Going to 7 or 730 showings does help. As an ADA person though it is a bit of a challenge for your snacks. There is a stairway down to concessions and they do seem to have a lift to ride but it appears in non working order. My friend and I both struggle pretty hard and painfully with stairs so it was A LOT. I was so happy that they had regular Coca-Cola and ice...I love you Portland but the barely carbonated garbage artsy soda is gross, no matter what tragic brand you have and I can't even water down the noxious taste with ice since next to no theater has ice as most people just want beer which I am allergic to. I just want a soda WITH ICE... Thank you Cinema 21 for having that and some good candy options. Last visit the popcorn was a bit on the stale side which was weird since the time before I remember it being great. read more

Cinema 21 - 2/4/2024 - Dropping in to see 'Dreamworlds' which is the concert footage from Pet Shop Boys in Copenhagen. - Cinema Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I have been going to Cinema 21 since I was 8 years old way back in the 1970s. It still has the flavor of the original with more screens and Escape From NY pizza. Still eclectic and independent. One of the best theaters in Portland. read more

Came here on a friends recommendation, we decided to see the sequel to Beetlejuice on premiere night. There wasn't a lot of people in the theater, so it was pretty chill. There is a great selection of food, we got pizza, candy, popcorn, and soda. we were in the first theater, the chairs were pretty small compared to what I'm used to at other big movie theaters but they were comfortable. someone in the audience who was obviously drunk was disrupting the movie so someone in the audience went and got an employee and the employee handled it very well so I appreciate them for doing that. I'm sure kicking people out is probably the hardest thing they have to do. This place has the vibe of a nice local Portland small movie theater that is very laid back and shows a vase array of movies, which is really cool. I'll definitely come back. read more

Amazing Staff, location a hundrex years old.Very hip.Coolest of Cool locations.ADA accessible.Highly reccomend! Bonus, great films!

- My neighborhood movie theater (and goddamn am I lucky to have this right down the street) - Shows cool film festival films that are definitely hit or miss, but dang when they hit, they hit - Always very nice and helpful employees read more

Cinema 21 - The marquee - Cinema Near Me - Portland, Oregon

There aren't any couches or themes. I posted this "review" just to correct the incorrect information posted by Nic R. You can get a hot SFNY pizza slice and cold beer (about $11) and see a movie, the seats are regular theater seats and have cupholder armrests. If you go to their web site cinema21.com the first movie listed is in the big original theater. Other films are shown in the newer smaller theaters that occupy the space of a former real estate agency. I've been going here for 30 years and have no complaints. read more

Cinema 21 has all the films a cinephile could want to watch. Fantastic people, good concessions, just a wonderful old school vibe.

This place is incredible! I emailed to ask if there was a specific movie showing during which the theater would show the open captions (subtitled) version of the film, and they were so kind in their accommodation! It really was as easy as just asking. This is such an invaluable resource for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, thank you. (Dealing with the caption glasses isn't fun. IYKYK) The whole place was also really clean and the theater felt spacious, yet comfortable. We will definitely be back (and tell all our friends)!! read more

Amazing. Thank you for showing The Room And Big Shark. The shark was so big! (35 feet long). read more

Love my neighborhood theatre! They show great old flicks and lots of things from VHS. Friendly staff and reasonable prices.

A Portland classic of a theater. Had so many memories here since high school in the 90s. Film festivals, to indie movies, this place a keeper in Portland. read more

This is my favorite movie theater in Portland! I go here all the time for their wide selection of independent films. It's never overly crowded and the theaters are always really clean. Their popcorn is super good and made with real butter that tastes a lot better (and cheaper) than the popcorn served at corporate theaters like Regal or Cinemark. They also have a great selection of beers and ciders. I highly recommend this place for a chill movie night in town! read more

Watched "Stop Making Sense" here in 4K resolution and it was a really fun evening in one of my favorite theaters. I'm so glad Cinema21 exists. The popcorn is delicious and they show interesting films! We're lucky. read more

Nestled in the heart of quaint, yet bustling Nob Hill, Cinema 21 is one of the few indie theaters that actually allow minors in at all times. I spoke on the phone with who I think is the owner, and when I showed up he was also working the ticket booth. Super friendly. Because I came a little early, they needed some time to get the theater cleaned up, so I'm glad there was an area for me to sit. An added bonus -and don't quote me on this- but I think I remember seeing a gender-neutral restroom sign. While the building itself isn't very big, the main theater is sizable, which makes for a great viewing experience. I'm honored to be able to support local businesses like this one. read more

Cinema 21 - Cinema Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Great prices, very clean, and love that movie posters are displayed all around. The sound quality was fine and it was nice to have some leg room for the older chairs that don't recline back, but it wasn't an issue at all as the seats were comfortable. Clean restrooms too with all gender or men/women restrooms too. It was cool to see balcony seating too, though it wasn't open for "Parasite". Cinema 21 just gives me a feel of a theater that keeps it simple for like a small town, which is a nice touch with a bustling city like Portland- giving you a chance to escape a couple hours. read more

Cinema 21 - "Parasite" movie poster inside lobby - Cinema Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Not much to look at from the outside, esp now that the bar to the south of them has closed down, but cozy inside and showing top notch international films and fresh-made popcorn. Just a good old fashioned movie theatre like they used to be. Nothing fancy. Just great movies, great location, nice people and great snacks. I will go back every time I'm in town, if possible. Love this place. read more

This is my favorite theater. The staff is so nice and they play special independent films that you can't see other places. Great food, too! read more

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So grateful this place exist. It really fills my need for foreign language films. They also feature American independent, documentaries and classic films. The theater still has some of its old charm with some updated features. Ticket prices and concessions are a great deal. Everyone that works here, that I've encountered, is so pleasant and always smiling and creating a warm and friendly experience. They have 3 theatre rooms and each are a different size. Street parking can be tricky, but their website offers some great parking tips. Here's the link: https://www.cinema21.com/parking. read more

Cinema 21 - Movies with hubby. - Cinema Near Me - Portland, Oregon

What an experience! I watched Tommy Wiseau's The Room, so glad I had a chance to finally watch this film on the big screen. The crowd's energy made this viewing an incredible night. Support this local gem! read more

Cinema 21 - Cinema Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I love this place primarily for the films they bring to Portland. It's a classic old neighborhood theater, with all of the good and bad that entails. The seats are old and lumpy. The sound system isn't all that great. The screen is from the 35 mm era (smallish). The other down side of this place is that its on NW 21st, which means parking is a nightmare. I've driven around for 20 minutes looking for a parking space. However, it's an 'art house' cinema in the best sense of the term. They bring in indie, foreign, and classic films that just aren't shown anywhere else. If you like good, thought-provoking, quality film making, you'll inevitably end up here. High score for good taste in films. read more

Cinema 21. You are one of kind, and I don't know what I would without your support of the independent films in Portland. Centrally located, reasonably priced, and in the evenings they now have parking. You can grab pizza, beer or wine with the movie. Cinema 21 has what I see as the best selection of independent, and foreign films in Portland. Cheers and thank you. 2017 #27 read more

I love having this gem of an old school theater in my neighborhood. The seats are still comfy, and although this place is not a new-fangled super-duper stadium lounge-seat space, it is well-maintained, cozy, and quality. The one down side: The woman working the ticket window when we came to see our movie on 06/30 was TERRIBLY RUDE. She was yelling at people out the window and did not seem equipped to handle a crowd, or to be able to prioritize the tasks at hand: Like taking tickets from folks who had pre-purchased and printed them at home, while also selling tickets to window walk-up customers. She made people who had pre-purchased get back in the "waiting to purchase" line and wait, wait, wait to go in. Sooooo, what is the point of the pre-purchase? AND, there is NEVER A NEED to scream at customers. Many people in line were taken aback. So, perhaps work on improving process flow? read more

Cinema 21 - Leave No Trace. - Cinema Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Glad to have found a theater that plays small budget/independent films. Our friends live down the street so we strolled on down to the theater to watch a film. Tickets after 6pm are $10 for adults & $9 for students. I purchased online ahead of time. Stepped up on a Friday night and it was quiet and easy to maneuver to the theater. Ordered a round of beers & wines before heading into the theater. Theater was cozy, with a smaller screen. There are no bad seats. We all sat in the back row. Seats were comfortable, but not the lounging type. Arms move up & down with cup holders. I'm not sure if the rooms are different sizes, so I'll have to see on my next visit. Enjoyed our movie and will definitely return. They had a late night showing of The Room and we saw the festive crowd to get in, lined up. Looked like fun. read more

Probably my best experience at a movie theater ever. I went and saw the movie Dogtooth with my girlfriend (WONDERFUL MOVIE) and we got a medium popcorn and kombucha for NINE DOLLARS. Completely inexpensive AND they sell kombucha and have seasonings to add to your popcorn (including my favorite, nutritional yeast) unlike any regular theater. The movie selections they have are great and they give movie-goers a chance to branch out from the mainstream movies that would probably be the more expensive choice in any run-of-the-mill theater. Also, it's a beautiful building that makes my soul happy. I'm a big fan, I will be coming here again. read more

Very cool place! I used to live in that area and never knew it was there! My daughter loves that theater, so she and I went to see a movie and I will definitely go there again. read more

One of the best theaters in Portland.They did a great job adding 2 small screens, and their main auditorium is excellent as well.All the staff are very nice and quite sharp.I look forward to them bringing their pizza back to the concession stand.I look forward to their offbeat movie choices in the future, and I hope that will include some revivals as well.I promise to go there more in the future! read more

I watched Blue and White here at Cinema 21. It was a little chilly in the movie theater. I recommend you bring a light sweater. Also, it didn't rain, like it was forecast to on that afternoon.... but, you might want to bring your umbrella -ella -ella because... it could (rain that is). Nobody came to one of the afternoon showings of an Albert Hitchcock movie or the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's" on the afternoons that I was watching Blue and White. And, I didn't eat any popcorn here,... or anywhere else. I had ordered tacos a few blocks away and went to pick those up. It was 2015 when I last called Cinema 21 to check on movie showtimes, and if the auditorium (the theater area in front of the screens) were packed with people. Apparently, if you show up 15 minutes late for a movie... you can Still buy tickets. Good to know information for later,... I guess. I recommend bringing your out of state or out-of-town friends and family. Those people just might fall in love with this movie theater. read more

Ive been coming to this 90 year old, independently-owned, locally-operated movie theatre since the mid 80's. They specialize in art/foreign films and have an array of film festivals; Queer, Animated, and German to name a few. They also have fun Sing-a-Long events where attendees dress up and compete in a costume contest. We've attended the Sound of Music show a few times, and were graced with the company of the grandchildren of von Trapps on the last visit. Over the years I've seen some of the most unforgettable films here. A few of the films that stand out for me are: Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer,1986 Last Exit to Brooklyn, 1989 Slacker, 1991 Dead Alive, 1992 The Blair Witch Project, 1999 Run, Lola, Run, 1999 Hedwig and the Angry Inch, 2001 This theatre introduced me to putting Nutritional yeast on my popcorn, which has become a life-long love affair. Other fond memories include: smuggling adult beverages inside, and sitting in the balcony. The cramped lobby with long lines at the concession stand and restrooms. The tiny men's restroom, where it was a dance of sorts during busy times to use the facilities, and to wash your hands. The staff has always been friendly. (Kim at the concession is a sweet heart!) I've had many conversations with total strangers, under the marquee at Cinema 21, while waiting for the theater to open, while dodging the occasional rain shower. In 2013 two additional screens were added. In 2014 the theater launched a $70,000 Kickstarter campaign for new seats in its main auditorium. The seats are dreamy! Parking: They have a surface lot on the NE corner of 20th & Lovejoy (entrance on Lovejoy). The parking lot is marked with a "P" (free after 5:30 on weekdays and all day on Saturday and Sunday). read more

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Yeah yeah, great theater. But what I would really like to discuss in this review is how happy I am that THIS theater has dispelled the myth of the mysterious missing Grease lyrics - and released the original lyrics in their full sexual innuendo glory in such a handy sing-along form. Cause Chrissy S and I agree - we NEVER saw THIS version on TBS. Let me explain further. You think you know the lyrics to Grease right? Let's start with an easy one: Why this car is automatic It's systematic It's hydromatic Why it's grease lightning (Grease lightning) BUT WHAT ABOUT THESE FORGOTTEN GEMS: You know that ain't no shit we'll be getting lots of tit In Grease Lightning Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go You are supreme the chicks'll cream For grease lightning Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go You know that I ain't bragging she's a real pussy wagon Grease lightning Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go Thank you Cinema 21 for not leaving us in the dark. This movie was WAY better than I remembered! And the goody bag was an extra special touch. : ) read more

Cinema 21 - Cinema Near Me - Portland, Oregon

After seeing The Grand Budapest Hotel here, I am definitely a fan of this little establishment! Not only is it tucked away in a lovely neighborhood but Cinema 21 has a lot of charm, showing mostly independent films--these theaters are a dying breed and I'm so happy to see this place alive and kicking! I can't make any comparisons prior to the renovations but it is quite apparent where the changes have been made. I love being able to order a couple of brews while watching my movie and this place carries Ecliptic's IPA-yum (which as we know is one of my fav's. ha!) The prices are very reasonable; the chairs are super comfy; restrooms super clean; no one blocking my line of sight (which typically happens because I'm vertically challenged); ample space between seats; no cup holders mind you but that's alright. The staff are very friendly and this place definitely has great customer service, when purchasing our tickets one of the guys behind the counter offered a suggestion in getting there 30 minutes prior to our movie time if we wanted good seats, so glad we took him up on his suggestion! FYI: Cinema 21 offers free parking on NW 22 & Kearny--in the Good Sam parking lot. read more

Saw "Sam Now". Great show. Comfortable seating. Friendly employees. Good cookies that seemed homemade.

How lucky we are to live in a city that can support so many independent movie theatres, truly #blessed. A few years ago I was worried about the fate of Cinema 21. The inside was getting a bit run down. The seats could be uncomfortable and the concession stand was lacking. However, instead of closing shop, Cinema 21 took the better route and did a massive upgrade of their facilities. They expanded their space to include two small screens, a huge concession stand with multiple beer taps, and a partnership with Escape from NY Pizza. They also replaced all their seats. Cinema 21 gets great films that don't make it to many of the other theatres in town for some reason or another. Why was this the only place showing Inherent Vice? On top of first run showings, the theatre also serves as a repertory theatre with a ride range. They also take part in PIFF every year and usually host PIFF After Dark. With their ticket book, they are also one of the cheaper theatres in town showing first run movies. read more

If you're a movie buff, you should love this theater. They play independent and unique films here. It's an old-time theater, with squeaky, rocking seats, and tasty popcorn. You can order micro brews and wine to take into the movie with you. The theater is located in the Alphabet District in Portland so you've got plenty of options for before and after the movie. Go here. You'll like it. read more

I really love this quaint indie theater in NW. They offer great prices, snacks, alcoholic beverages & independent/new films. It's right in the middle of Nob Hill so you get the best restaurant options prior to a movie. The service is always great. My only complaint is due to the small size the refreshment line can be a wait. Be patient, it's worth seeing a film here. read more

They need bevvies that aren't booze and aren't soda. Sparkling water or kombucha maybe? This place is otherwise great. read more