The best movie theaters and film festivals in Miami

Silverspot’s Downtown location has 17 theaters with all the bells and whistles. It includes a full bar offering wine, craft beer and signature cocktails plus a restaurant serving upscale American fare—from tuna tartare to shrimp pesto pasta. As for programming, the cinema’s 100-percent laser projection screen shows the latest flicks, plus a peppering of indie films and one-off presentations. 

Housed on the third floor of Brickell City Centre, CMX Cinemas promises a “VIP cinema experience”—and it delivers on that promise. CMX, which takes up a whopping 35,759 square feet, has 10 screens and some pretty high-tech audio courtesy of Meyer Sound Laboratories. Before the movie starts, guests can enjoy a drink at CMX’s lobby bar, which sits next to an absolutely massive screen often used for sporting events. There are in-theatre dining options, too, spanning lobster rolls to marinated ribeye.

The modern solution to dinner-and-a-movie mishaps is IPIC North Miami at the Intracoastal Mall in North Miami Beach. It never fails that dinner runs over or movies end late, making the date-night combo almost impossible to execute. At IPIC, you order dinner (or lunch) from a chef-driven menu—with options spanning loaded fajitas steak fries to spicy tuna on crispy rice. You have the option of eating at your seat or before or after the movie inside the restaurant. Plus, there’s a full bar.

The Carl Fisher-designed former City Hall hosts Miami Beach’s European-inspired cinematheque. It’s also the home of the Miami Beach Film Society, which screens independent and experimental movies, along with film classics, to an audience of just 50. Run by O Cinema, this beautiful space encompasses a theater, gallery, bookstore/library and cafe.

This 141-seat theater opens seven days a week to bring Miami’s moviegoers the finest American and international independent features. The Coral Gables Art Cinema caters to the movie buff, showing black and white versions of hits like Star Wars: A New Hope and offering Oppenheimer in 70mm. They also show much-loved cinema classics so that audiences can experience them on the big screen, and host special programs and film festival events.

This luxurious multiplex typically features blockbusters and up to three non-Hollywood films at a time. Opt for whatever’s playing at one of the four Premier screens, which boast overstuffed leather chairs, tray tables and a gourmet menu for noshing while you watch. Cinépolis’ convenient online reservation system, which lets you pick your seat in advance, makes this a favorite of holiday moviegoers and film buffs catching a selection from the annual Miami International Film Festival alike. 

Over its lifespan, Nite Owl has evolved from a members-only pop-up cinema club for 35mm film enthusiasts to one of Miami’s only drive-in movie theaters, conveniently stationed in Downtown. Depending on what’s out and the time of year, expect to find all the big blockbusters screening here, plus throwback flicks, one-offs and special screenings. They also keep their on-site concession stand stocked with lots of fun stuff like Haribo gummy bears, Warheads sours, Flaming Hot popcorn and tallboys of your favorite sugary drinks. 1400 NE 1st Ave

It’s not hard to get comfortable at CityPlace Doral’s CMX CinéBistro; the leather recliners are optimal for sinking into. But the menu is really where this theater shines with an espresso-rubbed hanger steak, wagyu beef sliders and more. There’s also a wine and cocktail selection that goes on for pages. 

Film screenings are just one of the regular events you’ll find at the historic Colony Theatre. And if there’s one on the calendar, it’s well worth the price of admission—if only to get a glimpse of the gorgeous art deco interior of this 1935 building, originally opened as part of Paramount Pictures’ cinema chain.

Named after the late Miami Herald film critic and completely renovated with funding from his family, this is a gem of an indie movie house. It’s roomier and plusher than most first-run cinemas and offers an eclectic mix of Asian, European and arthouse fare. The downside is that it’s difficult to get to via public transport. Thankfully, it’s well worth the effort. 

This open-air Miami Beach spot lives up to its name, tucked on top of a commercial building just south of Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. It’s a spot that has all kinds of themed series of showings, spanning “Spanish Subtitles” to “Y2K Tuesdays” to “Wooftop,” where you can bring your pup. Adding to the vibe are lawn games, a full bar and food menu with the likes of gourmet hot dogs and stone-fired pizza. You have three seating options here, too—an adjustable lounge seat, an Adirondack chair and a fancy double Adirondack loveseat for two.