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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
Flicks on the Bricks
July 17–Aug. 14, 2020

Flicks on the Bricks

Pioneer Courthouse Square Free

On five Friday evenings in July and August, the Square will be transformed into Portland’s largest outdoor movie theater for the entire community to enjoy! Flicks on the Bricks will kick-off on Friday, July 17 and continue through August 14 on Friday nights. IKEA will offer movie-goers a chance to sit in the “Best Seat…

Editor's Pick
Film
Editor's Pick
H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival
Oct. 2–4, 2020

H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival

Hollywood Theatre $25-$85

Join the Hollywood Theatre for its annual H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival, the world’s most beloved horror actor. Enjoy Lovecraftian and independent films, panel discussions, author readings, art, guest filmmakers and handmade wares.

Editor's Pick
Festival
Film
Editor's Pick
Portland Film Festival
Oct. 10–18, 2020

Portland Film Festival

Theaters Across Portland $89-$219

Portland Film Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing filmmakers and audiences, and to celebrating the power of a good story. The festival focuses on the people, ideas, technology, skills and artistry behind filmmaking and provides both entertaining and educational opportunities to the public. The festival is anchored with outdoor screenings, offering its filmmakers…

Editor's Pick
Film