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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.

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Film in Portland

Explore Portland's best annual film festivals and local cinemas and attractions.

Crowds gather at February\'s Portland International Film Festival.

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.

POW Film Fest features women-led films, workshops and moderated panels.

POW Film Fest

Every March, POW Film Fest returns to showcase films by female and non-binary directors from the Portland area.

Cinephiles line up for a Portland Queer Film Festival screening.

Portland Queer Film Festival

Portland Queer Film Festival returns every fall with an annual showcase of narrative and documentary films from around the world.

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 nine beers on tap, fresh pizza and a steady stream of second-run and revival screenings in four auditoriums.

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!

Upcoming Film Events

Editor's Pick
Filmed by Bike Film Festival
May 20–23, 2021

Filmed by Bike Film Festival

Virtual

The festival will take place as a YouTube livestream event in 2021. Filmed by Bike is a film festival that features the world’s best bike movies. The packed weekend includes a bike ride, visiting filmmakers, six film showtimes, dozens of films, afterparties and much more.

Editor's Pick
Festival
Film