Denver's Best Movie Theaters
See a Flick in Total Comfort
Whether it's date night, family night or just a reason to sit in a dark, cool room, Denver has its share of modern movie complexes of 20 screens and blockbuster movies. But why settle for the usual? There are plenty of theaters where art house, independent and foreign films take the spotlight and unique flair makes the movie-going experience something memorable.
1. Starz FilmCenter
A college campus doesn't exactly sound like a center of film culture, but Starz FilmCenter at the Tivoli on the Auraria campus really is just that. Look past the seats that have occasionally broken down and pay attention to what's on the screen: independent films, foreign films, film festivals; what more could you want?Events like the Mile High Sci-Fi screening of bad movies and DocNight (documentary, not doctor) happen monthly. Other spectacles happen less frequently but draw huge cult crowds, such as the zombie film festival that occurs during the summer. One of the key attributes of Starz is its bar, where beer and wine are served along popcorn and candy. Be careful with beer bottles, the cup holders let them fall right through.
2. Mayan Theatre
Go to the Mayan Theatre for the architecture and the atmosphere, where brightly painted figures of ancient South American creatures watch over the cinema's three screens. Films tend towards the independent side of mainstream cinema, catering to a wide audience of theatergoers.The Mayan is particularly popular with our resident hipsters, as its location on South Broadway puts it close to favorite haunts like the Hi-Dive. A full bar occasionally tempts the drinking crowd to continue their binge during a film, but that's part of the culture of the theater, where worn-down seats and quality movies emphasize the grungy aesthetic that is in vogue.
