River Oaks Theater
My favorite theater in Houston is the Landmark River Oaks Theater, located in the River Oaks shopping center on West Gray and Shepherd. It is by far the oldest theater in this list. Since, it was built in 1939 in classic Art Deco design, it lacks the comfort and technological advances of modern-day brethren, but it’s the best since the people there are avid-movie lovers. The theater mostly shows independent films and documentaries you’ll find nowhere else in town. Also, the midnight weekend screenings are legendary offerings ranging from handpicked classics to regular showings of cult classics such as “The Room” and the “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
It has three screens, one large and two smaller ones, as well as a small café and bar upstairs. And not only do they show some of the best movies in town but also the prices are more than affordable: $8 for matinee shows and $11 the evening. They even offer discounts for students! It lacks the comfort of a multiplex, but this theater breathes the spirit of movies. My definite number one because it’s the best choice for your weekly movie fix with a great selection of films!
2009 W Gray St
iPic Theater
Have you ever dreamed about going to a first class movie theater? Then consider visiting the iPic Theater. Right between the Galleria and Highland Village on Westheimer, the iPic theater shows the latest movies, as well as a classic here and then, but what makes it really special is its incomparably comfortable leather recliner seats. They even take this one step further by providing guests with complementary blankets and popcorn.
Yes, it’s expensive ($16 for standard, $28 for premium seats), but this is a treat you want to enjoy every once in a while. I couldn’t think of a better place
for a special movie date. Top-notch digital 4K projectors and 7.1 sound systems in all nine theaters ensure a perfect movie experience, while three times James Beard Award-winning chef Sherry Yard takes care of all of your culinary desires, all stealthily delivered to your seat before or during the movie.
There’s also a full restaurant along with a bar for a decent dinner or a nightcap before or after the movie. But beware, seats sell out quickly because of the limited seating arrangements, so make sure to plan ahead. Due to the high price (I highly recommend the premium seats) this is certainly not a weekly experience, but they also offer a membership that lowers the price for regular visits.
Indulge in pure luxury in a theatrical experience like no other in Houston!
4444 Westheimer Rd
MFAH’S Brown Auditorium Theater
My third pick is a theater most people don’t have on their radar: MFAH’s Brown Auditorium Theater in the Museum District. Instead of mainstream offerings, this facility shows foreign movies, and documentaries (often with a focus on art), as well as special screenings of classics, with monthly changing themed programs. Comfortable seats with plenty of room will make you forget you can’t buy soda or popcorn there, which makes it one of the cleanest places to watch a movie.
Often the screenings are introduced by film scholars or post-screening round table discussions, and with $9 per ticket it is more than affordable. This is a perfect opportunity to experience something different and I recommend keeping an eye out since this theater has some of the best film curating in town. This is definitely the most sophisticated theater in Houston, but don’t let
that scare you. Especially for foreign movies there’s no better theater in H-Town!\
1001 Bissonnet St
Rooftop Cinema Club
I haven’t been there yet, but Houston just got another attraction when it comes to movies: The Rooftop Cinema Club. Like the name suggests, this theater operates in the open air on top of the parking deck at BLVD Place in Uptown, which means hopes for for good weather are in order, but hey, it’s Houston after all! Comfortable deck chairs and sound via wireless headsets (no chatting or chewing neighbors to interrupt your viewing experience!) will make you feel like you’re on a vacation, something further underlined by an assortment of good cocktails.
A wide selection from cult classics to brand new releases leave nothing left to be desired and, by the way, Houston is only the fourth city in the country offering this experience.
1700 Post Oak Blvd
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