"We just want to show the films we like. The ultimate goal is to show as wide a swath of movies as possible: good, bad, new, old, weird -- whatever." I read that quote from one of the founders of Suns Cinema in a piece about the theater, and it pretty much sums up why I'm writing a five-star review for this 28-seat movie theater. I've loved movies since I was young, and seeing a movie in a theater is as special to me now as it was when I was a budding cinephile growing up in Dallas, a city with a surprisingly great independent movie theater scene. But in our post-pandemic, streaming world, movie theaters are struggling and we're losing some. But there are some positive signs, too: new theaters opening, historic theaters getting bought and protected. Suns Cinema was founded by two movie lovers with the help of crowdfunding. And they turned what had been a cellphone store into one of the coolest little cinemas in the country. They show whatever they want - foreign films, classics, the weirdest little surprises you'd never find on your own... Take for instance what's "Coming Soon" this month - a movie made in 1958 and a movie released this year; and movies directed by William Friedkin, Agnès Varda, Andrei Tarkovsky, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Alain Resnais... They show about 30 movies a month, and many sell out quickly due to the small number of seats/tickets available. When you arrive, you're carded and asked for your ticket at the door. Then, on the left downstairs, is a bar with a few snacks (popcorn, candy, olives) and some great drinks: well-crafted cocktails, a great wine list, beers, sodas, etc. Then up a steep flight of stairs is the screening room. It's tiny, with sets of mismatched movie theater seats and chairs and a screen as large as it can be in this little screening room. I had wanted to visit Suns Cinema for years, and this past weekend, it finally happened. A friend and I got tickets for the 6pm showing of Eyes Without a Face (which I had seen once 20 years ago and my friend had never heard of - I didn't let her Google it before the screening) on Saturday night. We showed up a bit early, grabbed snacks and a great glass of wine. You can hover in their bar (there are tables and barstools), but we decided to head upstairs to pick our seats. I'm not tall (I say five foot one but that might be a bit generous), so I'm always worried about having poor visibility in little theaters like Suns. We went to the front row, and this worked fine. (We played a game of Goldilocks when we walked in and tried a few seats and positions out, because each section of seats offers a different style of seat and view - if you get there early, you can Goldilocks it from the 28-seat selection, too). Sure, you can hear a bit of noise from the bar downstairs during the screening. And yes, they added an intermission to our 90-minute movie that wasn't designed to have one (I know my cinephile brother would fume about this), but seeing a movie at Suns reminded me of why I have always loved and still love going to the movies. It was amazing to hear the reactions our small audience had to our strange, shocking little movie. There were gasps and giggles and post-movie debate. Suns offers something no other theater in DC does (and that people in other cities may not be lucky enough to have). It creates a community for people who love or are interested in film. A place to see rare movies, strange movies, old movies, challenging movies. A place to see with people who want to share those movies and the experience of being in a cinema. If I lived in DC, I'd be here often. Living in Baltimore (a city that doesn't have anything close), I'll definitely be back. DC is lucky to have Suns Cinema. read more

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I love going to the movies and, in particular, I love supporting independent movie houses. Suns has been open for years, but I hadn't gotten around to being a patron until last week. First off, allow me to say just how lovely and responsive the theater staff was. The screening I wanted a ticket for had sold out online, but after some brief back and forth on Instagram, they suggested I arrive anyway as sometimes there are no shows -- it was my lucky night. It's definitely a small theater and it doesn't have any of the amenities you'd expect at a multiplex, but what it lacks in corporate comfort it makes up for with charm. It's clear this place is run by people who *love* the act of moviegoing as every nook and cranny of Suns has some kind of reference or homage to old school movie theaters or classic film. The bar downstairs has some cocktails, but I kept it simple with a $5 Miller High Life and Haribo gummies. The popcorn they have on sale is one size only which was fine for the price. Definitely most of the focus is on the beer and spirits which, like the Alamo, you can take with you to the screening room upstairs. The screening room holds maybe 25 people or so and definitely has more of a home theater vibe, but it makes for a really intimate gathering and atmosphere. Definitely a hipster hangout. That said, most of the movies they advertise here are older ones (like Scream 3 which I watched as part of their Parker Posey monthlong retrospective). I will definitely be coming back. read more

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I experienced some pretty blatant ableism from the staff here. I'm visually impaired and don't drive, so I usually don't carry ID on me. The ticket person refused to let me near the entire main room because it's combined with the bar. I didn't even want to buy alcohol (but the ability to buy popcorn would have been nice???) but I was told (unkindly, and with venom for some reason) that I couldn't be there without ID. I'm also in my mid-thirties mind you. And offered 100 other ways to prove my age and identity. I was made to wait in a separate room, but don't worry, the ticket person also offered an alternative option: standing outside in 95-degree DC heat while my friends convened. How reasonable and not embarrassing at all. Thanks for that! The theater claims to be inclusive, but this was ableist and its giving your space is performative in its inclusivity only. The movie we saw literally talked about why people might not have ID on them or be comfortable sharing, like being trans and/or undocumented, and yet I was still treated like a problem. If you actually cared about inclusivity and community, you'd train staff to recognize situations like mine and treat all people with dignity. Or at the very least, ID at the bar like a normal place. Or just be a nice person. Idk. Maybe the trump vibes in this town are contagious. read more

The business of the Bar is amazing. So many people and some of them can't even get in. The theatre upstairs is cute and amazing. Love the atmosphere there! And the price is very affordable! read more

Absolutely love this place. Great selection of movies most days of the week. Decent prices and great vibes. The theater is on the second level and they show previews of that month's movie selections, which is a great time because some of them are reeaalll campy. The crowd was great when I went too. I do wish they accepted MoviePass, however... my wife and I would come a lot more! read more

Suns Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Wow, this spot has a cult following for a reason! This is the kind of place that makes you feel ALIVE in a city, and part of a neighborhood. And I can't think of any higher flattery than that. This is a small, indie theater that is often sold out because of its obsessed fans. And for good reason! They show a few different small indie films a month from all genres. My friend got tickets while I was visiting and wow it was a treat. The patio outside is a cool vibe, and once you step inside you feel instantly cooler. Walk into the lounge and have a seat before the showing upstairs, or grab something at the bar. They've got several fun cocktails and a large assortment of amaro. I tested one, and got another over ice for the show. Cheap popcorn, one size only - a must! The bathroom is a wild time - see pics for reference. The theater is upstairs and seats probably 20 or so in mismatched chairs. You instantly feel a part of a community. We were so lucky as to see Shaolin Soccer - a slightly more mainstream Chinese kung fu soccer movie that had us all in stitches. There's something about laughing alongside 20 other strangers in a funky theater that's unforgettable. This place has 5 stars for a reason: the folks who frequent Suns get it, and those that don't -- well, they need to go. read more

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First timer although I've wanted to watch a movie there for years. Saw "Salt of This Sea". Highly recommend.

Suns Cinema is one of my favorite places in all of D.C. It's just a really special place. You can watch a movie, or two in the same night if the tickets aren't already sold out yet. Their tickets sell out FAST so if you see something you're interested in, get your tickets ASAP. They have a bar that you can access even if you don't have any movie tickets. There's indoor seating, some patio seating, and cute little sidewalk garden seating area for when the weather is nice. Suns Cinema is a place where strangers become friends and you can just have an easy going low-key night out with friends or alone. I just love this place. read more

Great bar: the root beer negroni was one of the best cocktails I've had in DC. And great selection of movies. Staff are uniformly wonderful. Actual watching experience is less great. Depending on where you're seated, music and conversation from the bar downstairs are very hard to ignore. The projections are better than what you'd get streaming something at home but the times I've been there was an occasional free or image blur. The added intermission is understandable if the movie is three hours, but for an hour and forty minutes it's pretty annoying to have a ten minute pause shoved in. Ticket prices are on the cheaper side ($12 as of May 2024, $13 with fees), making them around $3 cheaper than a Friday night show at E Street or Regal Gallery Place. This is a good place to discover new movies, because they do show stuff you don't see anywhere else. But if you're interested in seeing, I don't know, Three Colors Trilogy, or something by David Lynch, or anything in that strata of "not widely seen but shows up in textbooks and Cahiers du Cinema lists," there are a lot of DC theaters that do better screenings for about the same price or cheaper, and there's a good chance it will come up in a year or so. read more

I want to give 4 stars because they have like a 60:1 people to toilet ratio but the atmosphere, movie selection, cocktails and popcorn are so great it's a 5 star experience regardless read more

We checked out Suns earlier today to see Kieslowski's Blue, a movie that leaves a deep impression. It's a shame that more theaters don't give screen time to classics like this, but I am so glad Suns is here to serve that purpose. The space is small but fits about 25, so advance tickets are necessary, and showing up early is recommended. Two tickets with service fees online cost about $18, much lower than your standard megaplex cost, though I believe it is cheaper to buy in person if you can manage it. The seating is a mix of car chairs, cushioned theater seats, benches, and even a sofa chair. They also have a small bar with options as funky as the rest of the space. There are rail liquors and a few can beers, plus three sake options. Bonus points for funky flamingo wallpaper in the bathroom. I will definitely be back! read more

Cute theatre with great movie selections! The bar downstairs is super adorable and makes tasty cocktails. Would recommend as a date spot! Looking forward to checking out more movies here! I do wonder if they take movie recommendations at any point. read more

Suns Cinema - Drinking in the bar area - Cinema Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have nothing but love for Suns Cinema. It's wonderfully un-pretentious in a city with a lot of snooty spots. It's a tiny theater space in Mt. Pleasant that screens a very eclectic mix of movies. (I've seen Superbad, 8 Mile, Back to the Future III, and Superfly here.) It's a hotspot for locals even though it's only been around a few years. They used to be one floor but have expanded into a theater space upstairs with funky mismatched seating and a lounge space downstairs with snacks and a bar. The vibe is cool but relaxed, and very quirky: they sell frozen candy bars and TV dinners in addition to local beers. The tickets are cheap too, always $10 or under. They also host special events sometimes, like free screenings or live events. It's a total gem, and in a fun neighborhood with great restaurants and cheap drinks on the same street. Perfect date spot, if you ask me. read more

Suns Cinema, now a year old, is a fun neighborhood movie house with a lot of character and humor. Each month, they have a new theme, and the movies range from cult classics to more niche, indie/artsy films. Lined with zebra wallpaper and a mix of vintage furniture, it's a great escape from the usual D.C. scene and the typical movie experience. Movie tickets are $5.00 ($6.00 with processing fee), popcorn is $3, PBRs are $3, and the drinks are all typically $10 and under. A few tips: -Check their schedule ahead of time on sunscinema.com or on their monthly newsletter, and get your tickets ahead of time. As a teeny tiny movie venue, the tickets sell out quickly. -Every movie has a 10-minute intermission, and you can get up at any time to get drinks at the bar. -Try to get there early. I arrived last night maybe 10 minutes before showtime, and there were only seats up front available. -They now have TV dinner trays if you are hungry. Highly recommend the popcorn! read more

Suns Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Loved this place -- what a great and hilarious concept! I don't know how you did it, but rock on. This tiny 'art house' theatre basically takes up the living room of a rowhouse in DC. We went there for a showing of John Waters's Hairspray and had a grand old time. We were among the last to arrive, and I would recommend getting there earlier. I did have to crane my neck a bit to see around people from the back, but heck it was part of the experience. I love that they have a little bar, and the Colonel had a Pink Flamingo Frose. Strong recommend. read more

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Suns Cinema is my oasis. I wake up early on my days off and go for walks. I pass a Starbucks , then a Five guys , then a Krispy Kreme, there was a Macy's, a Whole Foods, and a Target and I dream of zombies. I think about Trump, I worry about climate change , I eat a double bacon burger And gather my strength for a big diet tomora. Say- is there any football on tonight and I shrink a little as I walk down a sea of windows. Everyone of them begging for a couple of bucks just to get through the day. The Amazon Store is stranded and needs enough money for a bus ride home . Luckily there is a Suns Cinema . No sad sign and sob story. No plans for world domination. Just a couple of wolf tickets for the Japanese zombie apocalypse . Two hours of guilt free peace (and a nostalgic intermission included ). read more

Quaint, relaxed and hip little indie cinema with amazing retro decor and a terrific craft beer selection. This is the only place in DC to have a Heady Topper Double IPA while watching a film. Friendly staff and if you're into film, this place is to die for. I can't wait to go back. read more

Suns Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Maybe it's just that new vintage movie house smell in the air, but man am I smitten with Suns Cinema. Suns took an abandoned space and did a shabby chic transformation, which makes you feel like you've stumbled upon some kind of hidden Parisian movie house where everyone smokes unfiltered cigarettes and debates the merits of Godard. Seating is very limited, at an eyeball I'd guess they have about 20 spots, but there is also a limited amount of standing room. Seats are reserved for those who bought their tickets first, once those sell out, standing room tickets are sold. Movie tickets are $5 (yes!), popcorn is $3, and booze is about $5-7. For beer in cans you're getting a little overcharged, but compared to normal cinema booze/food prices, you're doing well. Movie listings are posted on their website and showings right now are mostly obscure/older films, though I'm sure they'll have a wider variety of options in the future. They also plan to do things like special guest chef movie/food pairings, to which I'm looking forward. Bar is open before and after the movies if you just want to come and hang out in a cool space. Tickets are available online for a small service fee, as well as in person. read more

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This is a new idea in DC although they have similar "dive cinemas" on the west coast in Oakland, CA. What more can you ask for $5.00 movie theater tickets in the comfort of either sofas or bar stools in the back bar. They have artsier movies than want you would expect at an Angelika theater or other "indy" cinemas. On top of that, they have good beers like Gose if you are into the tartier beers as well as more heartier beers like stouts. read more

Damn I got there late just to see the door was locked to the movie room. That would have been nice to know before traveling across town Bro. I feel like I wasted time every time I went to the northern section of DC....except for Duccini's and Bens Chili. read more

My favorite watering hole/ theater is back and I'm happy to say as cozy as ever. No screenings yet (that should be back some time in July, fingers crossed) but you really cant find a friendlier group of people than the regulars here. A great spot to unwind on weekday nights, a great place to flirt on the weekends, and as soon as the theater reopens, a great spot to watch the best curated film selection in DC. read more

Cute little local movie house. Don't come here expecting to see what's playing in big theaters. I think they have a theme to the movies that they show. Convenient bar in the back with popcorn. Tips: get there early to get a good seat. They have different style seats, so some are more comfortable than others. They had an intermission in the middle of the movie to buy snacks I guess? It was kind of annoying because they had technical difficulties getting the movie started after the intermission. I'll be back to try another movie. read more

Great films often curated around a theme. They're not showing blockbusters but classics and cults. On top of that, the vintage atmosphere is cuuuuuute with a totally comfortable vibe. Great people run this place - the staff is always super friendly and good for a chuckle. You can buy cocktails and beer and the popcorn comes in these adorable retro bags. They also have comedy shows like Fale University and Parental Guidance and they'll host vintage pop up shops. This is a real community spot. Highly recommended. read more

After going weekly for a month I think I finally can express how much I love Suns Cinema. When I was in college in Ann Arbor, MI there was a dollar theater where everyone used to attend every screening. It included commentary, shock, and an all around good time FOR ONE DOLLAR! Unfortunately, the theater had to close and I had to find a new movie theater that offered a similar culture. I have not found any such theater -- until May of 2016. Enter Suns Cinema. It's not only a venue that celebrate the culture around movies in a similar way, but encourages it. Even after my second screening, it's apparent who "the regulars" are, movies/Saturday Morning cartoons are $5, and you leave saying "see you next time." I don't know of another theater where you get to experience that in DC or really anywhere. The type of movies they play are a wide array. Cinematic classics, under appreciated international stories, bad movies that make you laugh in disbelief, and recently released restorations from Alamo Drafthouse. Completely my cup of tea, but if it isn't yours there's always something being added to the schedule so don't judge the theater on one movie selection. Usually screenings happen twice so the turn around is fast! Let's say you're not a movie person. This place is also a very cozy bar in which there are plenty of seats to sit and have a conversation. They have a full array of drinks, cans of beer, and even a bottle of bubbly you can split amongst your friends. I've been there every week for a month and I doubt my pace will slow down. Suns Cinema has easily become a favorite place in Washington, DC. read more

Walked past this place a few times before looking up what it was. Small movie-house playing sort of a mixture of classic and esoteric films. Popped in for a random Saturday night and had a great time. Small venue, 15-20 people comfortable capacity. The projection and sound system they use is top notch. A small bar in the back is stocked with some interesting canned brews, what appears to be a full shelf of liquor and some wines. Snacks consisted of popcorn (with an array of condiments for adding some savory or sweet flavors), cookies (though unavailable that evening), and vegan pork rinds. The movie list looks solid. I am a pretty big snob on movies, but this place is playing some great films. Some are fun, some are weird, some are classics, etc. For $5/person it really cannot be beat if you are into films. I knew I would like the concept, but what blew me away was the execution. These folks are trying to make it a solid experience that makes you want to come back once or twice each week. I know I will plan on being a regular. read more

We watched House Party during Black History Month. So much fun! Employees are great. Chairs are comfy. I love this place! read more

Suns Cinema - House Party! - Cinema Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The Suns Cinema is great movie theatre. I love how you can randomly pick where you sit. The seats are very comfortable. The sound is also good quality and well audible. read more

I cannot say enough nice things about Suns Cinema. It is a great bar and a reasonably priced cinema all at once. The atmosphere is captivating and they pick great movies to show. This is the kind of place that you can just show up at and you'll probably love whatever movie they play. Also, If you are looking for a charming place to bring a date that won't break the bank, this is your place. You can get a bottle of prosecco to share for $15! Very good selection of beers. The popcorn is great too. It's like they kept all the things that are great about going to the cinema and got rid of all the crappy corporate $$$ stuff. I'm going twice this week. read more

I can only write good things about this place. Intimate space, well-priced drinks, and a good atmosphere. Movie tickets only $5. Movie selection is eclectic and diverse, and you're unlikely to get the same selection anywhere else in DC. For the month of January 2017, they have scheduled showings of a Noam Chomsky doc, a Kubrick, a Fellini, a black power doc, and Fantastic Mr. Fox. Excellent addition to the neighbourhood! read more

Get cultured. Film fetishists and local barflies unite to toast and/or scrutinize whatever is on Mt Pleasants littlest big screen any given evening. Don't forget to get a TV Dinner to soak up the PBR and Malört read more

Great theatre! I visit often for the free movie nights, and have loved the interesting and niche themes they select. I've been to a few of the Fail University comedy shows, and those have been great too! An excellent and creative space with great snacks/drinks. read more

The decor is great. The people are great. The bar is delightful.

This was the most random place I've ever been and I absolutely loved it!! HIGHLY recommended for a fun date night or night out with your girls! Dave & Ryan are great owners and their popcorn was delish! read more

If you wanna time travel, come to Suns Cinema. There's not much more to say; if you prefer that we say more I simply cannot explain the atmosphere that is Suns Cinema. The staff and patrons may be my most favorite part of Mt Pleasant. Come see for yourself read more