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Catch a classic film or hip arthouse release at historic Cinema 21.
Credit: Ashley Anderson

Film

The home of acclaimed directors Gus Van Sant and Todd Haynes boasts many movie houses and festivals.

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Catch a classic film or hip arthouse release at historic Cinema 21.
Credit: Ashley Anderson

Packing an impressive array of theaters, Portland almost always seems to have a film festival (or two) going — and the fact that many movie houses also serve delicious local beer doesn’t hurt, either. Read on to learn more about Portland’s vibrant film scene, then check out our events calendar to discover even more things to do on your next trip to Portland.

Film
Top 5

Historic Theaters

Discover Portland's cinema scene at these local historic attractions.

  • Hollywood Theatre

    Portland’s historic nonprofit movie theater was built in 1926 and features a striking Spanish Colonial Revival facade. The Hollywood’s three screens offer diverse programming including new arthouse releases, cinema classics, “B-Movie Bingo” and more.

  • McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub

    This 1927 movie palace, renovated by the McMenamin brothers, screens first-run films and serves handcrafted McMenamins ales, wines and spirits. The location also includes the Bagdad Theater Pub, Back Stage Bar and Greater Trumps cigar bar.

  • Cinema 21

    Originally a single-screen theater and now a three-screen multiplex, Cinema 21 specializes in art-house, foreign and classic films and serves beer, wine and pizza along with concessions classics.

  • St. John’s Twin Cinema

    Built in 1913, St. John’s Twin Cinema shows newly released films for a fraction of the price and serves beer, wine and house-made pizza.

  • Laurelhurst Theater

    Built in 1923, this Portland landmark features local beers on tap, wine by the glass, fresh pizza slices and salads, and a steady stream of second-run and revival screenings in four auditoriums.

Portland Film Festivals

Portland hosts more than 20 film festivals every year. Here's an overview of some of the city's top cinematic events.

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Upcoming Film Events

Editor's Pick
Portland Latin American Film Festival
Ongoing

Portland Latin American Film Festival

Hollywood Theatre $8 – $12

The Portland Latin American Film Festival announces its XVII Season at the Hollywood Theatre, featuring feature films, documentaries, and short films from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay and the USA. Please visit the event website for information on additional screenings. PDXLAFF is a cultural promoter under the guidance of Hollywood…

Editor's Pick
Cultural Communities
Festival
Film
Editor's Pick
FAN EXPO Portland
Jan. 12–14, 2024

FAN EXPO Portland

Oregon Convention Center $28 – $119

FAN EXPO Portland (formerly Wizard World Portland) is the ultimate place to celebrate fandom. Join tens of thousands of fans just like you and experience the ultimate playground for comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming. Three days of citywide events, family-friendly attractions and world-renowned celebrities await. Attendees can shop at hundreds of vendors and exhibitors,…

Editor's Pick
Conventions
Film
Shopping
Editor's Pick
TAG! Queer Shorts Festival
Apr. 6–7, 2024

TAG! Queer Shorts Festival

Hollywood Theatre Cost Varies

TAG! Queer Shorts Festival is your Portland, Oregon-based international festival of short film, featuring work made exclusively by queer and trans directors. We are a sponsored program of the Historic Hollywood Theatre in Portland. TAG! Is moving into its second decade with an all-new 2024 selection. Featuring live program and special streaming blocks, the next…

Editor's Pick
Film
LGBTQ+

More Portland Events

Visit our events calendar to discover even more things to do in Portland. Search by date, event type and more.

See All Events

Brew 'n' View Movie Theaters

Portland’s beloved “brew ‘n’ view” movie theaters run the gamut from funky to swanky, serving up all manner of drinks, food and films.

Cheers!