Portland Independent Movie Theaters
Independent movie theaters have always been the lifeblood of horror.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Halloween, Eraserhead, The Evil Dead, Saw, Hereditary, and The Blair Witch Project, along with countless other horror films, found their audiences largely because indie theaters were willing to take risks on unconventional, low-budget, and unsettling work.
Beyond fostering vital community spaces, independent theaters are often the only places where audiences can access transgressive stories and underrepresented voices in filmmaking.
Our local theaters are no exception. From intimate first-run horror screenings at Laurelhurst to the iconic programming at Hollywood Theatre like Rotten Revival and Vault of Horror—there is no shortage of movie nights in our city. These spaces do more than show films; they create experiences, conversations, and communities that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
At Midslumber Media, we know independent theaters are essential to the future of horror, physical media, and local film culture. That is why we have compiled a master list of independent theaters in Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding areas so you can find your next unforgettable screening.
Support our local theaters and help keep these vital spaces alive!
All Theaters
99w Drive-In Theater
Drive-In Theater - Classic/Cult, Family Friendly, Niche Programming
Address: 3110 Portland Rd, Newberg OR 97132
Website: https://www.99w.com
5th Avenue Cinema
Student-Run on Portland State University Campus
Address: 4319 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215
Website: http://www.5thavecinema.com
Academy Theater
First Run, Second Run, Niche Programming
Address: 7818 SE Start St, Portland, OR 97215
Website: https://www.academytheaterpdx.com
Avalon Theatre (Wunderland)
Independent, Art-house, Foreign
3451 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
Website: https://wunderlandgames.com
Cinema 21
Independent, Art-house, Foreign
Address: 616 W 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Website: https://www.cinema21.com
The Cinemagic Theater
First Run, Independent, Art-house, Foreign, VHS Night
Address: 2021 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland OR 97214
Website: https://www.thecinemagictheater.com
Clinton Street Theater
Independent, Classic/Cult, Art-house, Niche Programming, Guests
Address: 2522 SE Clinton St, Portland OR 97202
Website: https://cstpdx.com
Empirical Theater (OMSI)
First Run, Educational/Themed Programming
Address: 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Website: https://tinyurl.com/3ebasd3b
The Hollywood Theater
First Run, Independent, Art-House, Classic/Cult, Niche Programming,
35mm/70mm, Festivals, Guests, and More!
Address: 4122 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212
Website: https://hollywoodtheatre.org
Joy Cinema and Pub
First Run, Second Run, Family, Classic/Cult
Address: 11959 SW Pacific Hwy, Portland, OR 97223
Laurelhurst Theater
First Run, Independent, Classic/Cult, Art-house
Address: 2735 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
Website: https://www.laurelhursttheater.com
Living Room Theaters
First Run, Independent, Classic/Cult, Art-house
Address: 341 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Website: https://pdx.livingroomtheaters.com
McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub
First Run, Independent, Classic/Cult, Art-house
Address: 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland OR 97214
Website: https://tinyurl.com/sw5shwc8
McMenamins Kennedy School
Family-Friendly, Classic/Cult, Special Event Screenings
Address: 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211
Website: https://tinyurl.com/5n87x6k3
Moreland Theater
First Run, Art-House, Animated Features
Address: 6712 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Website: https://morelandtheater.com
Movie Madness Miniplex
Family Friendly, Classic/Cult - Free Screenings on Sunday
Address: 4320 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215
Website: https://www.moviemadness.org
Oak Grove Cinema
First Run
Address: 16100 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Portland OR 97267
Website: https://familycinemas.com
PAMCUT Tomorrow Theater
Art-House, Independent, Experimental, Events, Guests
Address: 3530 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
Website: https://tomorrowtheater.org/pam-pam-cut/
St. Johns Twin Cinemas and Pub
First Run, Classic/Cult, Family Friendly
Address: 8704 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203
Website:
Studio One Theaters
First Run
Address: 3945 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202
Website: https://www.studioonetheater.com