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The most amazing cinemas you can visit around the world

Raj Mandir Film Theatre, Jaipur, India
radiokafka/shutterstock

From classic Hollywood cinema to candy-coloured Bollywood movie hall, these theaters are definitely worth traveling to.

Buttered popcorn, dim lighting, and surround sound so heavy you can feel it in your bones – for movie buffs, there’s nothing quite like a visit to the cinema, no matter where you are in the world. If watching the latest blockbuster is your favorite rainy day activity or you’re looking to take part in the local culture, watching a movie while traveling can be an unforgettable travel moment.

When I land in a new country, I research show times for an easy (and often affordable) evening. I surrounded myself in pink during a show in Singapore BarbieI watched the latest Marvel movie in Tokyo, and stuck my feet in the sand Life of Pi On a private island in the Maldives. But not every movie theater is built alike.

From cinemas in the shadows of the fjords to historic multiplexes, movie lovers will love these unique theaters around the world. So grab some local snacks and a large soft drink and settle in: these are some of the most amazing moviegoing experiences in the world.

Los Angeles, USA
It doesn’t get more old Hollywood glamor than this. It was opened in 1926 as a theater, then it was converted into a cinema in 1941 to show Orson Welles’ masterpiece. Citizen Kane. Today, the allure of the fully restored opera house and its movie-star history can be felt in every one of its 1,550 seats. Owned by Disney, it is often home to premieres of the studio’s films, a tribute to its history in Hollywood.

El Capitan’s prime location on Hollywood Boulevard and its flashing neon marquee make it hard to miss. Reserve tickets in advance and arrive early to hear the famous 2,500-pipe Wurlitzer organ play before the red curtains portion and the start of the title sequence.

Athens, Greece
Views of the ancient Acropolis, homemade sour cherry juice, and Ryan Gosling on screen… what could be better? Cine Thisio is the oldest cinema in Athens, welcoming movie lovers to its open-air rooftop since 1935.

The team works here during the spring and summer, and spends the winter watching movies, selecting a selection of beloved classics to play alongside the latest Hollywood favorites throughout the warmer months. Instead of popcorn, do as the locals do and get a tiropita, a traditional cheesecake, for a movie snack.

As you can imagine, this romantic movie site is in high demand, so get to the box office early, as tickets cannot be purchased in advance. You won’t want to miss a movie Hercules While looking at the Acropolis.

Jaipur, India
This pretty pink movie theater is a cultural icon of Jaipur. First opened in 1976, with 1,300 seats, it is one of the largest cinema halls in Asia. Home to hundreds of Indian premieres, the first film to be released here was a popular Bollywood film Charas.

Take one look at this building and you’ll understand why it has been under construction for a full decade. A series of architectural zigzags, swoops and curves form its exterior, while its palace-inspired interiors are quite eye-catching. Live bands can be seen serenading ticket holders before the latest Bollywood show, with dancing and singing all part of the fun.

Broome, Australia
The Australian outback has served as the backdrop for films such as wolf creek And The tailor. Sun Pictures, located in outback Western Australia, has been showing films like this at its park since 1916, making it the oldest operating picture park in the world.

Saturday nights, filled with local history and folklore, were once known as “Glamor Nights” for the city’s teenagers, and tidal flooding often meant moviegoers had to put their feet up to keep from getting wet. Over the past 100-plus years, the theater has changed hands several times, but it has secured a place on the State Register of Heritage Places, meaning cinema lovers will have a home in Broome for years to come.

If you’re passing through, ask for a seat under the original corrugated iron roof or a bean bag on the lawn and see the latest releases. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the stars and planes before landing at nearby Broome Airport.

Cape Town, South Africa
With a look like something out of a Wes Anderson film, the Labia Theater is the perfect place to watch the auteur’s latest film. Its colorful blue exterior with lush vegetation and old-world independent charm has been welcoming art lovers since 1949, making it the oldest independent theater in South Africa.

This is not cookie cutter cinema. Each screening room has a different design and aesthetic, but all are equipped with the latest technology for perfect presentations. Before or after the movie, head to Labia’s Coffee Bar, where inviting outdoor seating under fairy lights is a magical place to try one of their signature alcoholic puppies and mulled wine. In fact, Lapia is the only place in Cape Town where you can grab a cocktail and head to the movies. Pair it with a piece of homemade cake and Scorsese’s latest feature, and you’re in for a cinematic treat.

Sisfjordur, Iceland
The only cinema in East Iceland run by two Icelandic American film lovers. Known as one of the most creative cities in Iceland, Seyðisfjörður is a place where young artists flock, making it an ideal place for independent cinema.

This single-screen movie theater is the perfect combination of small-town quirkiness and great artistry. The building was originally built in 1956 and initially served as a community center, hosting town meetings and film screenings. The theater itself has a limited number of stadium seating and a smaller screen placed at the back, so it’s more about the experience than the obvious quality. As is customary in Icelandic theatres, there will be a break midway through the film where you can return to the concession stand for more aplsen and black licorice.

Dubai United Arab Emirates
Cinemas in Dubai, known for being a little more expensive, are no exception. Snow Cinema is one of the most amazing theaters in the world, literally. Located directly on the slopes of Ski Dubai inside the Mall of the Emirates, it is the world’s first theater in an indoor ski resort.

The big screen shows the latest and greatest movies in frigid temperatures. But do not worry; The cinema will provide you with all the necessary warm-up goods, including wool gloves, socks, shoes, hat, blanket, bag of popcorn and plenty of hot chocolate – all included in the ticket price. And while tickets aren’t exactly cheap, this once-in-a-lifetime cinema experience is worth braving the cost and cold.

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Katie Lockhart is a Thrillist contributor.