I love this theatre. Great events (such as screenings and Q&As with filmmakers), classic movies that for some of us would've never been able to see on the big screen. The staff have always been friendly and the food is good and has always been fresh. They also have a membership program, where for a flat rate you can see as many movies as you like (*special engagements not included). Fully worth it. Especially if you're someone who enjoys the art of filmmaking beyond the revolving door of "Dwayne The Rock Johnson jumps out of an explosion" movies that first run theatres consistently play. Lots of classics, as well as modern movies. Definitely my favorite theatre in the city. read more

Local indie cinema playing a pretty neat selection of films - check out their event calendar, they do a rotation of films. My friend and I went to see the matinee showing of An American Tail: Fievel Goes West on an original 35mm borrowed by RISD (which I thought was pretty cool). Forgive the blasphemy but the theater does give off high school auditorium vibes: I wish there was a bit more of an incline for the seats further back and the seats themselves are not super comfortable. There is a balcony, however, that I might check out next time. Convenient location with lots of great restaurants around for a pre-/post-show meal or drink. Parking is tricky but only if you're coming from the direction of JFK Street (avoid if possible). Use Mt Auburn Street instead - more parking options and a lot less traffic. 2-hr meter options only and the ticketing is aggressive. If you're here for a movie and a show, definitely recommend moving your car at some point to avoid a ticket. read more

My husband and I saw "It's A Wonderful Life" here this past weekend. It was great being able to watch a classic for the first time on the big screen. There are refreshments available for purchase at the entrance. The theater is easy to get to and we found the movie ticket prices to be very reasonable. read more

The Brattle Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Great selection of films & historic venue. Next time I will take public transportation or look into garage parking because street parking which has a 2-hour limit. read more

I love an old theatre, particularly one that has a great, diverse curation. So clearly, the Brattle is a winner by me. Conveniently located in Harvard Sq, the theater is accessible both by the T and short walking distances from many other locales. And while this might also be the case for some other theatres in the area (Somerville theatre and the HFA), the Brattle really sets itself apart with its unique and solid set of screenings. You'll usually find the latest independent and foreign films here, but they'll also do fun, out of the ordinary showings. For example, they recently did a couple showings of Batman Mask of the Phantasm (which sadly I missed, as I was out of town.) They also often play host to various festivals going on in the Boston area. I was super excited that, as the review is being written, they are doing Boston's inaugural Noir City! Not that uncommon nowadays, but still nice, the Brattle also has beer (CBC) and wine available. And to top it all off, they are non-profit, so you can (and should) feel pretty good about supporting them with your attendance. read more

An amazing theatre run by a foundation that does true justice to the art of cinema but unfortunately they still require masks in 2023... despite the scientific reality that Covid is in the ecosystem and will be here forever. Will be five stars when they join the real world & lift the mask requirement that is long overdue. Update: they're telling me they lifted the policy and so I will attend a screening again soon and if that's accurate I'll probably enroll in a membership! It's my favorite theatre. read more

i absolutely ADORE this theater. they play the movies i actually want to see and movies i never knew i needed to see. i love going to the midnight showings especially. brattle is inclusive and accessible to everyone which is so refreshing as a disabled person. this theater just gets what film is really about read more

Love the programming and independent panache of the Brattle. I mean, they're currently running a digital restoration of the original RoboCop as the late show. You have fifteen seconds to comply. It's a single screen, not-for-profit cinema with gourmet snacks (oh hey, real butter on the canola/olive oil popped corn) and... is that Bantam Wunderkind on tap? Sho nuff, along with other output from local craft brewers and makers. Sno-Caps. Sno-Caps all up in this piece. Tickets run $10, shaving a couple bucks for matinees (before 5p) and students. Frequently-run double features will cost ya $12 - still a cheap night out. Do yourself a favor: attend a Trash Night screening. It's like MST3K, sans Crow and Servo, with a roomful of Mike/Joels. read more

Amazingly, I've lived in Cambridge for about 5 years and hadn't made it to Brattle Theatre before last night. I received a groupon for here for Christmas- good for 8 tickets, 2 large popcorns and 4 regular sodas. It was a great deal for me, but also for them, cause it means my friends and I will finally make it here! They only show one movie a night, and since my calendar was busy, I just showed up at the movie they were playing the night I was free. We ended up seeing 'The Strange Case of Angelica', which looked really good but we didn't end up liking that much. But this is one of those theaters where I would just show up (and would feel comfortable going alone) and watch whatever was playing- that's part of the fun of it. They don't usually show mainstream movies, and often do special events. They have decent popcorn and serve beer/wine/coffee/tea/soda. They only have one screen, upstairs, and it is more like a stage, with balcony seating as well. The seats started out comfortable, but got much less comfortable an hour in. When I had to go to the bathroom in the middle of the movie, it was a bit awkward, because the bathroom is near the front of the theater and the floor creaks, so it felt like everyone in the theater was staring at me. But that's what makes it "quaint". I'm really glad I finally made it to Brattle Theatre, and I can't wait to go back! read more

The Brattle Theatre, in concept, is wonderful: play classic films, cult films, new films that otherwise won't get much play in the area. I love the fact that this place exists. In practice, however, the Brattle needs some work. In a city with so much cutting-edge technology, the sound and projection here are woefully sub-par. Seeing a film on the big screen from actual film is a great idea, but not if the print sucks or if the sound is bad. In those cases, I'd really rather they popped in a DVD. A major-studio film from the 90s should not look as if they salvaged the print from a flooded vault. As for concessions, I like the tea selection and fair trade coffee. It's cool that they use real butter, but if the popcorn is stale (as it sometimes is), what's the point? Perhaps it's a funding issue; I've never seen the theater full when I've been there. Maybe they can't afford to upgrade. But if they want to survive, I think they need to find a patron or underwriter. Film buffs might continue to go since this is the only place to do what it does. But it won't attract many casual visitors if it doesn't step up the game a bit. read more

Can't believe I haven't reviewed this yet. This theater carries a great selection of oldies but goodies, classics, foreign films, thematically-oriented screenings, etc. Being here demonstrates the way that films need to be seen, in a large hall, focused, and determined. For the best view, sit somewhere about 1/4 of the way from the front of the theater. Consider a membership as well; can be used as a way to get your friend to come with you, at about $6 to $6.50 per screening. Also get discounts at local businesses with the Brattle membership, and discounts at the Coolidge in Brookline with the Brattle membership. read more

There hardly ever is true love at first sight. You are most likely struck by lust. True love takes time, yes, it can move fast like a race car, most likely it slowly builds momentum, like a roller coaster, slowly building you up as you get close to the top. It has thus happened to me with the Brattle. Yes, it is clear across town. I need to get on a bus to get there, no midnight showing etc. But, the movies! What a selection! Their interesting concept is that they are always fresh. Always changing. Yes, I love steak, but I do not want steak every night. Give me something to look forward to, keep it fresh. This my friends, is what you can look forward to in the Brattle theater Pluses: Close to Harvard Red line t stop, serve Beer and wine, great movie selection, free Wifi. Great staff. Double features. read more

Lovely indie theater in a historic setting. Feature films are often played on 35mm and watching Casa Blanca makes for a perfect galentines outing. read more

Went to see Casablanca and it was so fun! Small intimate theater and great location near Harvard

I used to live fairly close to the Brattle. Close enough to make it worthwhile to be a member which gave me free passes. Unfortunately moving further away means I can only visit a few or less times a year now. The movie selection is excellent if you like classics, foreign movies, independent films. But they also show old blockbusters from the 70s and 80s like "Jaws". One of my favorite experiences was seeing the power pop 70s band Big Star's documentary "Nothing Can Hurt Me". I also enjoyed watching an old Japanese historical drama from the early 60s. And there's nothing quite like sitting up in the balcony for a Bogart film noir. As a bonus they offer beer and wine at the concessions. There's lots of choice places in the area to go for a bite or a drink afterwards too (Alden & Harlow, Grendel's Den, Russell House Tavern). read more

I love, love, love the Brattle. They show the most excellent movies...classics to indie films and more and they often partner w/ the Harvard Book Store for author events. Ticket prices are very reasonable. The theater is cozy, comfy and clean. They also sell beer and wine which is a nice perk. The location is very convenient to the Harvard Sq. T stop for those traveling in. I can just walk there as I live nearby. How lucky am I? Oh and the theater is a non-profit. I feel really happy about supporting them because they do such excellent work and are an asset to our community. read more

Cute artsy theater. Reminds me of the one at Coolidge Corner. I give it 4 stars because it's pretty dirty. Don't get me wrong, I like it a whole lot, but it could have been a little cleaner. There were wrappers, chip bags, and empty bottles everywhere. Other than that, love the location and selection of movies!! read more

One of my favorite spots in Boston. They play must-see classics, new foreign and independent movies, and C and F rated garbage, we got the whole shebang here! Fellow local theaters Coolidge Corner and Somerville do the same, but not as frequently as Brattle. It's exciting to see showtimes change day by day, I'm always psyched to look at the new calendar of events. I've seen probably 50+ movies here, including Blade Runner, Persona, Tampopo, The Matrix, Three Colors trilogy, The Handmaiden's Tale, Vertigo, Alien, The Thing, and Persepolis, just to give you a taste! The theater itself is very old-school, quaint and cute. It has just one screen, so it can get chaotic if it's a sold-out show. There's no inclination, so if you're short like me, sitting in the back of the middle section is not advised. The crowd is usually full of other movie lovers, so that makes the experience even better. The concessions line goes fast, so it's definitely worth waiting in line to get a local beer or cider, and fresh popcorn. read more

The Brattle is a best kept secret for Bostonites looking for a date night away from tourists. While conveniently located in Harvard Square, you get the charmy vibes of old cinema. The programming is always catered toward a more cinematic crowd, but it is always fun to look ahead and see what is one the schedule for the month. It's a great place for a cozy date night and the staff feels more like a cool older brother's friend. The cinema is small but offers local bites and brews that you can enjoy with the show. We usually go during peak times - when they are viewing classic flicks. it is well known as a date night spot by locals so if the show or date (i.e. valentine's ) fall on a popular time buy your tickets ahead of time. There also is no assigned seating so expect to arrive a little early. I am an avid fan of the Brattle. It's an amazing spot and I love quirky spots that make you feel like you are supporting a local business. read more

Probably my most!! favorite!! theatre in the whole Boston/Cambridge area. The Brattle is without rival in its film selection and curation of film series/retrospective screenings. I've seen so many great films here, many of them film fest opening nights, popular reprisal screenings, and underground unknowns that wouldn't have screened anywhere else. The theatre calls themselves the unofficial film school of the area and I couldn't agree more. Also for film festival groupies, they also usually host screenings for popular film fests like the Independent Film Fest and Boston Asian American Film Fest. There is only 1 room itself for movies. However there's generous seating both on the floor and on the balcony. My favorite seats are on the top of the balcony where you can get an unobstructed view. Snacks are also impressive with alcohol offerings, popcorn with real butter, and ice cream! Otherwise, the theatre is mainly no frills with raffle ticket tickets, outdoor box office window, and little standing room inside. But I'd gladly wait 30 minutes outdoors to grab that last ticket, so great is my love for the Brattle. read more

MOVIES I FELL IN LOVE WITH AT THE BRATTLE: On the Waterfront Citizen Cane Manhattan Who's That Knocking At My Door The Lady From Shanghai Casablanca Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore Psycho Nashville Annie Hall Mean Streets Vertigo Paris, Texas Stranger Than Paradise The Last Picture Show Come Back To The Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean Jimmy Dean The Godfather Touch of Evil MEN I FELL IN LOVE WITH AT THE BRATTLE: The Hustler read more

The hidden gem of Harvard Square is this persevering little wonder of a theatre underneath the Algiers cafe. Snug and distinct this is a great choice for a date or a get-together with friends. They show an 'eclectic' mix of movies and are keeping the traditions of American cinema alive. My first trip there was an unforgettable late-night (drunken) showing of Monty Python's Holy Grail where the entire audience recited all the lines in time. Nii Nii Nii! Not nearly enough people frequent the Brattle and so it's worth putting their name out and helping them with business as it'd be a travesty to see them close. A friend of mine bought his wife a 'named' seat for their anniversary - very romantic as it was the very seat she sat in on one of their first dates. read more

My ideal leaving-the-house-holding-hands excursion would definitely involve a visit to the BT. This little one screen movie house has charm, history and great taste in films. They show a diverse assortment, encompassing classics, obscure artsy movies and cool indie flicks. They are also one of the only theatres that use rear projection methods. It's also the only independent cinema in Cambridge, so keep the tradition alive and support. The screen is a bit small and low, so sit behind shorter people or check out the balcony for a little more privacy. You won't get away with much as the seats are rigid, but I'm sure some randy Harvard lovebirds managed during a screening of Casablanca. Did I mention during finals they have an entire Bogie week? It's rad. read more

Charmed and charming, you are Brattle Theatre. Thank you for being a cozy, hip staple in HSQ for independent film and culture. So you know, Yelpers: the schedule for movies goes up only 2 or 3 months at a time. Keep an eye on the website for special free previews. Double features are a great bargain. Student tickets for single shows are $8. The space itself is old school (like a school auditorium, haha - see earlier Yelp reviews for those comparisons), so audiences will want to stagger their seating choices in order to avoid being blocked by someone's head. This matters most when the film is subtitled and you have to read what is at the bottom of the screen. read more

I love this place! If you are a movie lover, this is the place to be. They play unique and excellent movies. I observed that the facility was very clean and organized. Every worker was also very approachable and kind. I will highly recommend your awesome and affordable Moviehouse in the whole region. Thanks much! read more

One of the best art house theaters in the US. Make that one of the best *theaters* in the US. The Brattle was founded as one of the country's first arthouse cinemas in the 1950's. While running the Brattle, the owners started a legendary film distribution company called Janus Films which basically brought filmmakers like Ingmar Bergman, Franois Truffaut, Federico Fellini and Jean-Luc Godard to American audiences for the first time. Everything about the Brattle is cool. As soon as you step through the doors you can feel the new owner's intense love and obsession with film. The programming mix is awesome blending "must see" classics with unappreciated older works alongside new films. Although you could probably get a lot of these films on Netflix, the experience of seeing them in a dark theater on the big screen, in an audience with other living, breathing people gives the films a dimension you don't get at home on your small living room TV. Anyway God bless the Brattle. I hope it is around forever. read more

Quintessentially indie. Ticket-taker in a booth. Tiny concession stand selling rarely-seen brands of soda. And only ONE theater, most likely playing an awesome indie film that's won numerous festival awards. "I Declare War" is intense. Pre-teens play "capture the flag" in the forest, but in their imaginations, this is a real war with deadly weapons & foul language. If the stage didn't remind me of my middle school "auditorium," I'd be rating Brattle Theatre five stars, but haunting Catholic school memories are slow to fade. read more

When Godzilla: Zero Wars was released, the Brattle Theater was one of the only theaters on the East coast to screen it. A man from New York came all the way to Cambidge simply to see it. That's dedication. So what am I getting at here? Most people will talk about how the Brattle is a historical landmark (recognized by the Boston Historical Society), how it is one of the few independent theaters left in the greater Boston area (there are 2), and how it still strives for support with it's Battle for the Brattle campaign. These points are all true, but the overlook the most important thing about the Brattle. The Brattle has the best film programming in all of Boston. From American independents to European cinema to rising Asian film, even silver screen classics. On any given week there is always something worth seeing at the Brattle. Who was the first screen Princess Mononoke in Boston? Who runs Muppet Marathons and Jim Henson double features including his rarely seen shorts? Who is the only theater to screen Red Doors and Linda Linda Linda to date, and brings back classics like Casablanca annually? The Brattle. This doesn't even include events such as the 1st annual Boston Define-a-thon or Oscars Party. I will admit I have a slight bias, as a friend of mine works for the Brattle. When you spend time with thse who work for the Brattle you see their passion for film and the theater, as well as the film community as a whole. I grew up seeing films at the Brattle, and having seen so much of Harvard Square's original culture change or be lost to the adaptation of time, I would hate to think of a Harvard Square without the Brattle. It just wouldn't be the same. read more

Love this theater. I appreciate the programming, although everything is not to my taste. Snacks, booze, old school seating. A staff that is really involved in running the place. A sound system that may or may not work... lol. These things add to the charm of the place. FYI: If you buy your ticket online, you still need to wait in line to get the actual ticket. This was not immediately clear to me but its a good heads up. For the ultimate date night, go to Algiers afterwards to discuss the movie :) read more

I love the Brattle and I love thats it's close to me :) They show a lot of classic old films and films for some film festivals so its a favorite spot for indie lovers. I do wish it was a bit more modern in appearance like the coolidge or kendall as well as more spacious like those. But as is it does have a certain indie appeal to it. read more

I have a love hate relationship with the Brattle. I love the fact that every year you can count on seeing Casablanca come Valentines day, I love that they show movies ranging from Citizen Kane to Bob Flannigan Super Masochist, I love that you can hit up Algiers before of afterwards, I love that they have panels with directors and actors, that there are occasionally even concerts held there. They run the gamut in showing classics, quirky classics, modern independent, forgein films, etc. I don't like the fact that the seats are torture if you see something longer than 90 minutes there. Once I went to go see The Kingdom Pt 2 there, which is like, 5 hours long (there was an intermission) and my back felt like I had gone 9 rounds with a mallet afterwards. It also irks me that sometimes a movie will stay for a week, sometimes a day, and that the place can sell out quick. But really, those gripes have more to do with my poor planning skills than the Brattle itself. The Harvard Film Archive, Coolidge Corner, Brattle, and Kendall are by far my favorite places to see movies in the city. Cause I'm a damn snob (save for my obsession with the cinematic brilliance that is Showgirls) read more

Such a gem. Old school, small with a small screen and a balcony. This place reminds me of my childhood. If the Brattle Theatre is ever in danger of closing, you can bet your sweet ass that I will protest the actions. This theater is one of the very few precious things that old Boston has left. Keep this place going folks! read more

What would we do without the Brattle Theater, one of the few remaining reasons to go to Harvard Square? The Brattle is invaluable for three reasons: 1) It often will have limited showings of new films that have not yet gotten or will never get wide release. Often filmmakers, actors, etc will also do Q and A on site after the feature. I have seen some amazing and unforgettable films that I may never have seen otherwise at the Brattle. 2) Real butter popcorn. 3) If you become a member, you can go to their annual Oscar-watching extravaganza, drink beer and react to the event in a theater full of fellow film nerds. Anyone who loves film should support and cherish Cambridge's little treasure. read more

Dang, this place is cute. It's a little theatre, but that makes it okay to sit in the front row and stretch your legs. They tend toward artier, indier, and geekier fare. I popped in to catch an afternoon showing of EVANGELION 1.0, a film remake of the Japanese anime series from the '90's. They also have all sorts of special programs; this month's included a classic films series, several anniversary showings, an even a viewing of a new print of The Ghostbusters. I was also intrigued to see that they have Doctor Who viewings where they show classic and current episodes of the show -- I wish some little theatre would do that here in NYC! Anyway, the seats are the usual, the lobby was cluttered but clean, and the concessions were affordable and well thought out -- I had a great cup of mint tea. If I'm ever in the area again, I'll definitely drop in to see what they have playing. read more

Guilty pleasure #19 - stroll over to the Brattle on a Sunday afternoon, grab a seat in the balcony, and watch a movie by myself. They program a nice balance of Hollywood classics, obscure foreign films, and contemporary independent movies. Some films stay for a week, most just show for a day. If you see a movie with other people, it's proximity to Algiers is perfect for post-screening discussions. The Brattle is one of the few independent theaters left in the country (and the only one in cambridge) so if you like that sort of thing, support it. read more

I have seen so many great films here that this could be a 20000 word review. This place is the tops. Great staff, popcorn is great, and no commercial plastered up on the screen before the film. Some notable films i have enjoyed here include: Russian Ark, Sick, Fast cheap and out of control,Fallen Angels, Blue Velvet, The wild bunch, and for 8 years in a row Me and My son have attended the Bugs Bunny Film Festival. Please people, the best way to keep eclectic, quality films around is to frequent places like this theater. do not let the Brattle fade away. p.s.--the Brattle has a balcony to sit in and watch the film. This is what theaters today are sorely lacking. read more

"The future of cinema is beer." The Brattle Theatre has so many charms to its name that it's maybe unfair to lead with this one, but I'd be lying if I didn't say it was a draw. Beer. From the CBC. And considering the mark-up at big chain theaters, you're probably paying the same for a movie and a beer here as you would for a movie and a soda elsewhere. Clearly one is a better deal. The only downside of beer is, of course, having to always leave the movie halfway through to deal with your bladder. Oh well. Abstain if you want to. I wouldn't blame you, considering the Brattle's movie line-up is so phenomenal. I think that almost every night there's a new great movie that I'd love to see playing. You could almost take their calendar and throw a dart at it without ever being disappointed. It's also usually a great pick for that impress-your-date-that-you're-not-seeing-that-new-Julia-Roberts-George-Clooney-movie movie. You don't even have to go the pretentious hipster route. Sure, I've seen Metropolis (uncut!) and Mulholland Drive there to keep up my film geek cred, but I could have just as easily gone to the Back to Back to Back to the Future triple marathon, or not-quite-as-long-and-confusing film noir festival. Plop down on the balcony with your beers in front of you and enjoy the complete absence of children or annoying high schoolers. Wait for the lights to dim, suavely slip your arm around her shoulders, and enjoy. read more

Boston doesn't quite rate with NYC, LA or SF in terms of film - whereas, say, New Yorkers are spoiled by Film Forum, Angelika, Lincoln Center, BAM Cinema, etc; Bostonians often have to wait several months for indie gems to open, if at all... That being said, the Brattle proudly holds the flag for indie film buffs in the Boston area with superb programming; the repertoire for each season, always hits home with a mixture of the latest greatest releases, concessions to the "Casablanca"/golden oldies crowd, obscure film school flicks you wouldn't see anywhere else, and retrospectives to any given towering icon of film history of the moment. Physically not the most impressive -plastic seats, not the greatest viewing angles in certain places, but more than adequate projection and sound. With indie theaters like this, funding is always an issue, but there was a recent capital campaign that put the place back on a decent financial footing...for now. read more

The Brattle is a good theatre to check out movies by yourself. If you are into that. You can win tickets from 88.1, I've been a winner many times. It's awesome! It's never been packed when I go. The architecture is lovely, the bathrooms are filled with movie posters, that are my goal to check out. Movie promoters are enthusiatic and want you to be part of the action. Gotta love the Q and A sessions with the directors. The actual staff seems a little indier than thou. I don't know if they're mad because they are working for the old minimum wage, or maybe too much delicious transfat popcorn to the head, I don't know, but I want to love them. Btw there are GOOD chocolate options. I love that I live in a place with so many independent theatres that are very T and after-hours accesible. You can spy David Wildman movie reviewer for the Dig here, besides other interesting arts buffs. I've seen some real gems here. Mutual Appreciation, and Linda, Linda Linda recently - read more

After nearly six months in Cambridge and really starting to feel like a fish out of water (where is the Super 8 club? who wants to start a garage band?) The Brattle has become something of a lifeline for me. So far I've seen Linda Linda Linda, Altman's Nashville, and The Case of the Grinning Cat; I haven't quite gotten the hang of the curation but there seems to be something at least every couple of weeks that catches my eye and that is either really worth seeing on the big screen or cannot be found elsewhere. Though the folks at the box office have always seemed a bit disgruntled (cold weather or the fact that I never remember to bring cash and have to pay with a credit card?), the volunteers taking tickets inside are really friendly. I recommend skipping the main floor and finding a seat upstairs in the balcony. And bringing a few bucks for the popcorn with real butter. Yummers! read more