Andre TaylorIndianapolis doesn’t fall short of exciting cinemas that provide entertainment and a reel-axing experience (pun intended). We’ve got a good bunch of options, from arthouses to big chains, that are actually worth paying for.
If you miss the full-on cinema experience—because streaming at home doesn’t hit the same—then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re sharing our favorite cinemas in Indianapolis where you can watch new releases and classic titles.
We’ve got large venues, drive-in theaters, independent cinemas, and places that allow beer inside! There’s a place for every type of moviegoer, so let’s cut to the chase and escape to the silver screen!
Living Room Theatres
– Media credit: livingroomtheatresindy
Address: 745 E 9th St, Suite 810
Contact: (317) 999-9500, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
A cinema that every Indy resident has probably been to is the Living Room Theatres, a Bottleworks District spot you’ve most likely been to on a date. It brings a cool experience every time, from the exterior, the lobby, to the actual movie experience.
It’s comfortable all around, where moviegoers can watch on the big screen while getting cozy in a soft reclining seat—complete with a table for drinks and snacks. It’s not small for an independent cinema, as it has eight screens to accommodate more movies!
The best part about this cinema is the scratch kitchen and full-service bar, which serves a delicious buffalo chicken pizza (there’s really no wonder this is a popular date night place). While you’re lining up for food and drinks, you can admire the classy vibe.
We highly recommend checking out the indie and arthouse films. They don’t just stick to modern movies, you know!
| Pro Tip: If you’re running late and still don’t have food, don’t worry. There’s no need to wait for them to prepare it because you can have these delivered right to your seat. |
Kan-Kan Cinema
– Media credit: kankancinema
Address: 1258 Windsor St
Contact: (317) 800-7099, [email protected]
Restaurant Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 5 pm – 9 pm
- Friday – Sunday: 5 pm – 10 pm
Pricing: $$
Film buffs who enjoy independent productions, foreign titles, vintage movies, documentaries, and everything you can think of should walk over to Kan-Kan Cinema, a locally operated arthouse in the middle of the Windsor Park residential neighborhood.
It’s not your typical cinema, but an independent movie theater in Indianapolis where you can dress up to match the vibe of the place (skip the sweater and lounge pants), go on a movie date, and grab creative cocktails (skip the usual lagers for this round).
There’s no shortage of interesting stories to tell. You can find a good collection of movies, including new and old flicks—like a screening of a horror movie that kicks off with a seance introduction, if you dare!
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the cinema’s film festivals. It hosts plenty of events, including the Indy Queer Film Festival. |
Landmark Keystone Art Cinema
– Media credit: ltindianapolis
Address: The Fashion Mall at Keystone – 219 8702 Keystone Crossing
Contact: (317) 566-8185
Pricing: $$
The 7-screen Landmark Keystone Art Cinema is a movie theater that many Indy residents have been to. It’s the place you go to for new releases, blockbusters, and independent films. And if you enjoy special screenings, you’ll have a blast here.
It’s not the biggest theater, unlike other big chains, but that’s where its charm comes in. There’s a more relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to enjoy the films, if you don’t like big crowds, especially during the first weekend of highly anticipated movies.
Oh, and if you love movie-themed items (popcorn buckets and drink cups), you can get them at the concession stand. There’s plenty to go around, as it doesn’t get too busy, which is nice and refreshing for regular screenings.
| Pro Tip: Bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer in case you get the not-too-clean seat. The cinema’s not dirty, but there are times when the seat feels like it needs a good wiping down. |
IMAX at Indiana State Museum
– Media credit: imaxindy
Address: 650 W Washington St
Contact: (317) 233-4629
Pricing: $$$
A cinema in Indianapolis where the screen is actually high resolution, the aspect ratio is massive, and the digital surround sound system is powerful and immersive? Run, don’t walk, to the Indiana State Museum with the biggest movie screen in Indianapolis.
Movie buffs who want to be completely absorbed by the movie should never miss out on an IMAX theater. If you compare your regular cinema, you’ll notice that you get a way broader picture—it’s exactly what the director intended for the audience to see.
Superhero, sci-fi, fantasy, and animated films are usually the ones you’ll see on IMAX, since not all movies require a scale that grand—the screen is as high as six stories and 84 ft wide, FYI.
| Pro Tip: IMAX theaters generally have steeper seats to get the best viewing experience. So, stick to the center rows in the middle for a better cinematic experience. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT pick the front rows, unless you want a headache and stiff neck. |
Flix Brewhouse
– Media credit: flixbrewhouse
Address: Merchants’ Square – 2206 E 116th St, Carmel
Contact: Online contact form
Pricing: $$$
Flix Brewhouse gives you the best of both worlds: movie and dining. This dine-in movie theater in Indianapolis is where, at the push of a button, you can enjoy your favorite burger and beer—yes, there’s a brewery on site!
But how does it work? Won’t it feel too cramped with a full meal inside the cinema? Nope! Every seat gets a table that can fit food and drinks, and the staff will deliver the food straight to you with a single press—a luxury cinema experience, no doubt!
This is, hands down, one of the best cinemas we’ve been to in Indy (movie with beer!). The seats are comfy, the beers are fresh, the sounds are powerful, and the picture quality is clear.
Not to mention, you literally get a dinner and a movie date, but in a single location!
| Pro Tips: For a smooth ordering experience—and for less disruptive moments—take a look at the menu first before heading inside the cinema. See what you like so you have an idea of what to order once the movie starts. Set your phone to dark mode (the darkest to prevent disruptions during the movie), just so you’re ready to order food via the QR code. But there’s always the button, if you prefer. No flashlights, please! |
AMC Indianapolis 17
– Media credit: amctheatres
Address: 4325 S Meridian St
Contact: Online help page
Pricing: $$$
We can all agree that most of Indy film buffs have been to AMC, a large chain of movie theaters in the USA. And for us, the AMC 17 is one of the best AMCs we’ve been to in the Indianapolis area.
It’s well-maintained (more so than the other locations we’ve been to) with a consistent picture and sound quality. We never have a problem with the schedule because it always comes with nonstop show times—one movie has several screenings in a day.
It’s pretty much got everything, like IMAX, Dolby, and RealD 3D. Plus, the selection of movies doesn’t get boring because aside from the usual blockbusters (hello, Wicked), there are artisan and foreign-language films that are either dubbed or subtitled.
| Pro Tip: Save your $ and watch night screenings. If you purchase before 4 pm for an evening show time, you can slash 20% off your tickets. |
Tibbs Drive-In Theatre
– Media credit: tibbsdriveintheatre
Address: 480 S Tibbs Ave
Contact: [email protected]
Opening Season: Spring to summer
Pricing: $
Nothing beats a retro movie experience, which is still available in Indy! Tibbs Drive-In Theatre presents a totally different cinematic journey, where moviegoers get to watch the film straight from their vehicles—talk about a fun and romantic date idea!
This outdoor, drive-in movie theater in Indianapolis features all sorts ot titles—expect a mix of current titles and classic motion pictures. Think: Godzilla vs. Kong, Inside Out, and Dirty Dancing.
And during the Halloween season, it’s spooky vibes all around, which is the perfect time for scary movie cuddles! For the food, you can bring your favorite movie snacks—a whole pizza, all kinds of chips, and the best dirty soda you can mix!
| Pro Tip: If you can, purchase food or drinks at the concession stand (you can buy a candy or two). It helps the drive-in cinema stay in business in Indianapolis, and it’s always nice to support cool places like this. |
The Historic Artcraft Theatre
– Media credit: artcrafttheatre
Address: 57 N Main St, Franklin
Contact: (317) 736-6823
Pricing: $
Drive south of Indianapolis, about 30 minutes from downtown, to reach Franklin’s longest-running movie theater. The Historic Artcraft Theatre features classic Hollywood films and locally grown popcorn (that reel-y yummy, BTW).
Surely, it’s an important piece in Indiana’s cinema history, and that’s more than enough reason why everyone should grab a ticket here. It’s a place for families, friends, couples, and single moviegoers who want to appreciate timeless films.
The whole place screams retro. It’s got the vintage marquee, traditional red seating, red and yellow lighting, warmer ambience, and 35 mm film format! Any film enthusiast will love the whole vibe because it’s like being transported back to the golden age of film.
| Pro Tips: Seniors (aged 55 and up), visit on Thursday afternoon for free admission, popcorn, and a drink. Arrive early to get the best seats in the house because there’s no reserved seating here. |
Alamo Drafthouse
– Media credit: alamoindy
Address: 3898 Lafayette Rd
Contact: (317) 552-0655
Pricing: $$$
We never say no to beer and a movie, which is why Alamo Drafthouse has become one of our go-to spots when we just want a chill cinematic experience. The food and beverages are the main stars, made and sourced from local businesses.
The movie selection is a feast for the eyes as well. There are new releases, indie films, and classic productions (including black and white titles, like It’s A Wonderful Life). If you enjoy foreign movies, you can watch them here with English subtitles.
Things are always going to be cool at a cinema drafthouse, of course. Join special events and take a deep dive into the films, or watch curated collections that celebrate the seasons.
| Pro Tip: Calling all musical lovers! Drop by during Showtune Sunday (held one Sunday a month) for movie sing-alongs. |
Centerbrook Drive-In
– Media credit: The Centerbrook Drive-in
Address: 6735 IN-67, Martinsville
Contact: (317) 831-1526
Opening Season: Spring to late fall
Pricing: $
Centerbrook Drive-In is a fun outdoor cinema located about 15 miles from Indianapolis. Believe us when we say it’s worth the drive, especially if you love double features while enjoying the sunset on a well-kept lawn.
Every drive-in movie night includes two movie screenings, and they’re both included in the ticket. The films, mostly new releases and blockbusters, are almost always on theme or, sometimes, have the same movie ratings.
It’s always a good idea to support concession stands in small movie theaters in Indy, and that’s what we recommend doing here. The food won’t disappoint, both in taste and budget—don’t forget to try the popular funnel cake fries!
| Pro Tip: Arrive early because the line at the concession stand stretches long. |
