In the age of streaming services, a trip to the cinema feels like more of a treat than ever; fresh popcorn, loud as hell sound systems, and (if you're lucky) deep, comfy seats with a footrest here and there...
Sydney has a bunch of top-tier cinemas—and even outdoor cinemas—showing everything from brand-new releases to die-hard moviegoers' favourites, with projector, screen and audio technology that completely trump any Netflix and chill experience at home.
These are Urban List's picks for Sydney's best cinemas and Sydney's best outdoor cinemas.
Sydney's Best Cinemas
Ritz Cinemas
45 St Pauls Street, Randwick
Image credit: Ritz Cinemas | Facebook
Ritz Cinemas is a heritage-listed Randwick institution with eight cinema spaces (all available for private hire), all your fave movie snacks and nibbles, and a gorgeous balcony bar overlooking the street. Surrounded by restaurants and cafes, this Art Deco Sydney cinema is the perfect place if you're looking for a date spot in the Eastern Suburbs.
The Ritz caters to the deepest of cinephiles, with rotating retrospectives, movie marathons, 35mm and 70mm sessions (which show movies with a completely unique quality), filmographies of celebrated creators, and screenings of cult classics. As well as the quality mainstream and arthouse programming, the choc tops are pretty legendary…
Golden Age Cinema & Bar
Surry Hills
Image credit: Golden Age Cinema & Bar | Facebook
Initially built in 1940 as the home of Paramount Pictures in Sydney, the underground theatrette in Surry Hills' Paramount House that's now Golden Age Cinema & Bar is still brimming with its Art Deco charm. Programming at this Sydney cinema includes new releases and foreign-language picks, plus plus weekly screenings of old-school classics from around the cine-sphere and a much-loved film trivia night every Tuesday.
At the delightful, David Lynch-inspired bar you can enjoy live music on Saturday nights from 9pm with your drinks, snacks and larger plates—basically a perfect date night when combined with a movie. Golden Age is also a favourite for private hire and screening events.
IMAX Sydney
1/35 Wheat Road, Sydney CBD
Image credit: IMAX Sydney | Supplied
When IMAX Sydney was demolished in 2016, Sydneysiders lay in mourning of its plus-size screens—until its hotly anticipated return in late 2023, bringing a whopping 692-square-metres screen, state-of-the-art 4K laser screening technology, and four seating options (including recliners and private booths).
The 1.43 aspect ratio and slightly curved surface of the massive screen provide unparalleled visuals for movie buffs (or those just wanting to see Timothée Chalamet blown up as large as possible), while precision laser-aligned sound makes for a fully immersive cinema experience—and ensures there isn't a bad seat in the entire cinema. The food and beverage Marketplace has all the classic candy bar treats on the ground floor, with a full-service bar and lounge area upstairs and direct-to-seat dining too.
Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace
380 Military Road, Cremorne
Image credit: Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace | Facebook
You can't miss the giant neon-lettered sign and old-school letterboard of what's currently showing at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace. Step inside the heritage-listed, Art Deco cinema to be transported back to the 1940s, with carpets, formal uniforms, and red velvet seats to match.
The Orpheum looks after all Sydney moviegoers, from its new releases to retro classics, dress-up events, preview sessions and retrospectives, 70mm screenings, and raucous monthly showing of the infamous cult filmThe Room—they're been going for 12 years.
Palace Cinemas
Chippendale, Leichhardt, Paddington and Moore Park
Image credit: Palace Cinemas | Facebook
A family-operated cinema brand known for its premium experience and varied movie programming, all of Sydney’s fully licenced Palace cinemas deserve a spot on our list. The Central Park Mall location is a super slick cinema experience with fancy drinks and eats like cheese boards and recliner chairs in their Palace Platinum cinemas, while Palace Chauvel (in the old Paddington Town Hall ballroom) focuses on showings of independent, foreign-language films, classic showings and movies that may otherwise receive less attention.
Palace Norton Street is a favourite Inner West cinema—and the home of the yearly Italian Film Festival, and the Entertainment Quarter cinema is home to lots of Sydney's film premieres. Palace Cinemas are also known for their olive oil-popped popcorn.
The details
Palace Central Cinema Sydney: Level 3, Central Park Mall, 28 Broadway, Chippendale
Palace Norton Street Cinema: 99 Norton Street, Leichhardt
Palace Chauvel Cinema Paddington: 249 Oxford Street, Paddington
Palace Moore Park Cinema: Shop/215/122 Lang Road, The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
Dendy
261-263 King Street, Newtown
Newtown Dendy is the last remaining outpost of the indie theatre franchise left in Sydney— but with its popularity with the Inner West locals, we don't see it going away.
Regular programming across Dendy's 10 theatres includes 35mm and preview screenings, themed events and unique interactive screenings, with cult classic movies screened at 9pm every single night for just $15.
Sydney's Best Outdoor Cinemas
Mov'in Bed Beach Cinema
Image credit: Mov'in Bed Beach Cinema | Supplied
The world’s biggest outdoor cinema brings the movies to the beach in the heart of Sydney. Mov'in Bed Beach Cinema pops up yearly in Barangaroo's Harbour Park, transforming it into a sandy city oasis with 280 tonnes of white sand, a five-metre-tall, 4K screen, and 150 queen-size beds, pillows, and blankets.
You can upgrade to VIP experiences with bottomless popcorn and a dedicated butler service, or opt for bargain tickets and BYO a picnic setup to watch from the sand. Food stalls and a bar are on site for pizzas, burgers, fresh coconuts, wines and cocktails, making this beloved Sydney outdoor cinema perfect for a movie night under the stars.
THE DETAILS
When: Wednesday-Sunday Nights, until Saturday 22 March, 2025
Where: Sydney Harbour Park, Barangaroo
Cost: From $18
Tickets: Online
The Rocks Laneway Cinema
Image credit: The Rocks | Supplied
Sydney's beloved free outdoor cinema pops up over the summer and shows new releases, old-school classics and seasonal picks under the stars. There are comfy bean bags, deck chairs, and a pop-up bar, and you can bring in food from nearby restaurants for the ultimate mid-week date night.
The Rocks Laneway Cinema raises funds for a new charity partner each month through sales of popcorn, with movie titles released a few weeks in advance. While tickets are completely free, you can register to reserve a seat, or walk in from 5.30pm.
THE DETAILS
When: Wednesday nights until 26 March, 2025
Where: Playfair Street, The Rocks
Cost: Free
More information: Online
Skyline Blacktown
Image credit: Destination NSW
Sydney’s oldest—and only—drive-in cinema, Skyline Blacktown is the perfect opportunity to venture back in time and watch flicks from the comfort of your car.
While screening new releases, you can enjoy a 1950s-inspired drive-in experience; their on-site diner offers classics like burgers and milkshakes with staff serving you in typical 1950s gear. Skyline is the only year-round outdoor cinema in Sydney. Our tip: you need a working FM radio either in your car or as a portable device (unfortunately digital radio apps don't work).
THE DETAILS
When: Daily screenings
Where: Cricketers Arms Road, Blacktown
Cost: From $40 per vehicle
Buy tickets: Online
Moonlight Cinema
Image credit: Moonlight Cinema | Supplied
One of Sydney's favourite summertime events, Moonlight Cinema cranks up its projectors for balmy nights and movies under the stars. You can bring a picnic blanket and pillows, or go VIP with deluxe bean bags, food packages, and personal waiter service.
If you can't be bothered packing your own picnic (and drinks—Moonlight Cinema is fully BYO), there are food trucks dishing up tasty eats and a pop-up bar for cheeky drinks.
THE DETAILS
When: Until 30 March, 2025
Where: Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park
Cost: From $24
Buy tickets: Online
OpenAir Cinema
Image credit: Westpac OpenAir Cinema | Supplied
The OpenAir Cinema has been raising its three-storey-tall movie screen over Sydney Harbour for more than 25 years. The "world's most beautiful cinema" shows new releases, classics, and special screenings, and always amps up the dining with unique offerings from leading chefs.
Pre-movie entertainment includes DJ tunes, and there's always a pop-up bar with lots to offer, not to mention the gorgeous waterfront vibes.
THE DETAILS
When: Until 18 February, 2025
Where: Mrs Macquaries Point
Cost: From $35
Buy tickets: Online
Sunset Cinema
Image credit: Sunset Cinema | Instagram
Sunset Cinema pops up in two Sydney locations in the summertime, rolling out a huge screen showing new releases, licensed bar, and food trucks for movie snacks.
Their locations are breezy, open-air sites where you can BYO blankets and chairs, hire a bean bag, or upgrade to a premium lounge with a welcome drink included.
THE DETAILS
When: North Sydney until 15 March, 2025 and Bondi (November and December annually)
Where: North Sydey (North Sydney Oval) and Bondi (Dolphin Court, next to Bondi Pavilion)
Cost: From $27
Buy tickets: Online
Want more inspiration for things to do in Sydney? Try
- Sydney's Most Beautiful Coastal Walks
- The Massive Surf Park In Western Sydney
- The Rock's Vintage Carnival-Themed Darts Bar
Main image credit: Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace | Facebook
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