We’re big fans of streaming movies from the comfort of our home, but let’s be honest, there’s nothing like watching flicks on the big screen while munching on popcorn and enjoying the immersive sound experience at a proper movie theater. Whether you’re all about the new releases or prefer cult classics, the Portland area has seriously cool movie theaters accessible by TriMet. From historic landmarks showing 70 mm films to cinemas with kid-friendly vibes, there’s a movie theater for everyone. Here’s where to go and what bus and MAX lines to take to get there!
Clackamas County
Lake Theater & Cafe
Nestled in the heart of Lake Oswego on N. State St., Lake Theater and Cafe, is much more than a historic theater (established in 1940). You can watch movies in their “cabaret-style” (tables and chairs) seating or from the balcony. But, what we really love is their patio featuring amazing views of the scenic lake. Hungry or thirsty? Grab some pizza, burgers, cocktails, beer or soft drinks. Getting there is easy, with a bus stop just steps away, plus multiple bus line connections at the nearby Lake Oswego Transit Center.
📍 106 N State St, Lake Oswego – Plan a trip
🚌 35-Lake/Webster Rd
🚌 153-Lake/Webster Rd
🚌 Multiple bus lines at Lake Oswego Transit Center
Oak Grove 8 Cinemas
It’s easy to relax and enjoy flicks on the Oak Grove Cinema’s eight screens, especially when their movies are only $6 before 6 p.m. The price goes up after 6 p.m. to $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for children and seniors. Their concessions are also very reasonably priced, which we love, because, well, we have no shame in how much we love movie popcorn and snacks. They show a variety of films, including movies for kids. Fun fact: They’re located next to Daily Records, who we featured in our Record Store Round Up blog post!
📍 16100 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Milwaukie – Plan a trip
🚌 33-McLoughlin/King Rd
Wunderland Milwaukie Cinema
Many of us know the Wunderland arcade from our childhood, but did you know they also show first-run movies? It’s true! Their Milwaukie location shows (mostly) kid-centric movies and is served by bus and MAX. It doesn’t break the bank, either, with prices ranging from $5-9. Overall, it’s a cozy, good time with nostalgic vibes. You can also combine a visit to their iconic arcade or mini golf course before or after your movie.
📍 11011 SE Main St., #7684, Milwaukie – Plan a trip
🚌 29-Lake/Webster Rd
🚌 32-Oatfield
🚌 33-McLoughlin/King Rd
🚌 34-Linwood/River Rd
🚈 MAX Orange Line
Multnomah County
Academy Theater
The Academy Theater in SE Portland fits in nicely among everything in the Montavilla neighborhood. The pizza from the neighboring Flying Pie is hot, the drinks are cold (unless you want a coffee or tea), the air conditioning hits just right and the flicks are fantastic. The historic building is funky and iconic, with screens showing both classics and the latest movies. We like that they keep the trailers to a minimum, so don’t be late. Bonus: The nearest bus stop is only a block and a half away.
📍 7818 SE Stark St., Portland – Plan a trip
🚌 15-Belmont/NW 23rd
🚌 72-Killingsworth/82nd Ave
Hollywood Theatre
If we were to pick three words to describe the Hollywood Theatre, we’d use “iconic,” “legendary” and “rad!” If you haven’t been to the Hollywood Theatre, you need to go. They have award-winning film programming that includes performances of musicians playing along live to films, a queer horror series, a monthly b-movie bingo and movies shown on 70mm print, which is considered a superior format to digital and 35mm prints. All of which is housed in a gorgeous building that was built in 1926 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Get there by bus or multiple MAX lines. Bonus: If you’re at Portland International Airport, check out their free 22-seat microcinema at the airport’s C concourse (and we’ll note, of course, that taking the MAX Red Line to PDX is the way to go).
📍 4122 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland – Plan a trip
🚌 12-Barbur/Sandy Blvd
🚌 75-Cesar Chavez/Lombard
🚈 MAX Blue Line
🚈 MAX Green Line
🚈 MAX Red Line
Laurelhurst Theater
The Laurelhurst Theater, located at SE 28 Ave. and E. Burnside, opened in 1923. Today, it’s a Portland institution, thanks to a winning combination of historical charm, snacks, drinks and, of course, great films. Pro tip: Get there early enough to get in line for the concession stand, because you don’t want to miss your movie. It’s just steps from the Line 20-Burnside, so it’s easy to roll or walk there. Note, there are age restrictions for minors, so check their website before going.
📍 2735 E Burnside St., Portland – Plan a trip
🚌 12-Barbur/Sandy Blvd
🚌 19-Woodstock/Glisan
🚌 20-Burnside/Stark
Washington County
Jeff Punk Rock Martin’s Joy Cinema and Pub
With the name Jeff Punk Rock Martin’s Joy Cinema and Pub, you know it’s going to be a good time visiting this gem on Highway 99W in Tigard. They serve soft drinks, beer, wine, sweet treats and other food, and you’ll enjoy movies on their 29-foot screen. They also have something called the “Joy Cinema Scare-a-Thon” coming up in October, with fun and campy old school horror films. Two fun facts about the Joy: You can rent the theater for private events and they sell popcorn to go (!), which sounds way better than the stuff we’ve been making at home.
📍 11959 SW Pacific Hwy., Tigard – Plan a trip
🚌 12-Barbur/Sandy Blvd
🚌 43-Taylors Ferry/Marquam Hill
🚌 76-Hall/Greenburg
🚌 78-Denney/Kerr Pkwy
🚈🚌 Multiple bus lines and WES Commuter Rail at Tigard Transit Center
Remember:
💳 Tap your phone or contactless payment card on the Hop reader as you board to instantly pay the $2.80 Adult fare.
