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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 pizzas and salads, and a steady stream of second-run and revival screenings in four auditoriums.

Film in Portland

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

neon lights of a old movie house marquee with movie listings and times

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.

woman holding a pink painted model movie camera

POW Film Fest

Every March, POW Film Fest returns to showcase films by female and non-binary directors from the Portland area, inviting attendees to experience cinema crafted by seasoned and up-and-coming filmmakers alike.

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.

Upcoming Film Events

Editor's Pick
Cascade Festival of African Films
Feb. 4–Mar. 5, 2023

Cascade Festival of African Films

Portland Community College – Cascade Campus Free

The Cascade Festival of African Films shows us Africa through the eyes of Africans, rather than a vision of Africa packaged for Western viewers. The films celebrate Africa’s achievements, expose its failures, and reveal possibilities for a hopeful future. Although the films cannot represent an entire continent, we hope to encourage American viewers to become…

Editor's Pick
Black History Month
Cultural Communities
Festival
Film
Editor's Pick
FAN EXPO Portland
Feb. 17–19, 2023

FAN EXPO Portland

Oregon Convention Center Cost Varies

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

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!