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Cinema 21
616 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States
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Ja
Review №1

I went here to see the one night showing of the Gorrilaz movie and it was very fun. Nice lobby and nice seating.

Be
Review №2

FABULOUS little theater. Very friendly staff, and an excellent selection of movies. I said little but there theaters are a good size, including their Theater 1 thats absolutely monstrous. (granted Im a guy that likes to sit close enough to the screen so it fills my vision but) I even had no problem sitting in the very front row when I saw Parasite there the other day. Really good projection, room gets nice and dark, super clean, and the audience I saw it with was a very respectful one too.

Ma
Review №3

Man, I could give this place 10 stars. Its always been my favorite place to watch a movie in Portland for 30 years. The remodel has not changed its charm or its evocative spirit.And for people who enjoy popcorn, as my neighbor girl commented today, its the best movie popcorn shes ever had. They use real popcorn and real butter.I cannot recommend this place enough!!!

Th
Review №4

Would love to see it open again.

Jo
Review №5

Great little theater! The popcorn is very good, and they have some tasty brews to go with it. Will definitely return.

Da
Review №6

A gem of a theater thats locally run and appreciated. They always have exclusive previews of hard to find Indy films that are lots of fun. Feels like a theater from the 80s Olin all the right ways. The beer helps too!

ga
Review №7

I love this place. It’s so old school Portland. Even though it expanded to add more theaters over the decades, you’d never know it from looking at it. Even better, the experience feels the same, just with addition options once you’re inside.If you want an out of the way place to see some Indy films you can’t find at the Cineplex with a cool vibe? C21 has you covered.

He
Review №8

The staff was very rude, and not at all helpful when I needed to use the restroom. I am in a wheelchair and the ONLY way to get to the restroom is by a wheelchair lift. That isnt that bad, but when I brought up that I had been waiting for 18 minutes, the staff member said that I should just go outside and go around to get to the restroom.Not only should I not have to, after I got down and used the restroom, I looked around EVERYWHERE, and the only way to get to the restroom is either by the outside door where there are 4 stairs between the door and the restroom, and the wheelchair lift that goes over a few stairs also.Then, after I looked around, I brought it up to the same member and he LITERALLY completely ignored me.I highly recommend that you did somewhere else to go to see a movie.The ONLY staff member that was nice and considerate was a man that was working at the front ticket counter. He was very nice and empathic.

ac
Review №9

Cool spot! Good, unique concessions, not crazy expensive, nice staff. Pretty tiny and cramped though, not the comfiest.

Em
Review №10

Possibly my favorite theater in town in terms of programming. Big respect to the curators for bringing so much great art to Portlands film lovers.Beautiful interior, good concession stand with some proper snacks and refreshments, and staff thats passionate about cinema. The NW Portland setting is an added bonus.

Co
Review №11

My favorite little theater. Shows small releases and second run films, so dont expect to be seeing Avengers here. General admission seating so come early. Popcorn and craft beer is cheap and there are tons of other snack and nonalcoholic options. Worth the trip and walk to get to.

Br
Review №12

Not sure if any one theater is worth over an hour to find parking. I’ve literally missed shows I’ve had tickets to trying to find parking semi near this theater, even when arriving over 45 minutes early.Aside from that, great food, always love watching The Room here. Just not worth the stress of parking.

Ry
Review №13

One of my favorite theaters in town. I love the indie movie selection and especially the showings of The Room every month!

Ph
Review №14

Cinema 21 special is immensely drinkable. Staff was knowledgeable about their offerings and friendly. Balcony views of the movie were excellent.

ca
Review №15

This was such a nice theater! Has a very fun vibe. The seats were comfortable and it was clean. It has a great home town vibe and I felt like I was supporting soemthing local. They play a good variety of shows. They had cold water out and easily accessible without having to go through a refreshment line. I really enjoyed it here!

As
Review №16

Great venue for good film watching. Always a great selection of documentaries and international films. The snack are really great also!

Av
Review №17

The doorman was very nice, the concessions were varied, service was quick, and the movie was fantastic! 10 out of 10! Definitely going there again.

Ma
Review №18

One of my favorite theaters in Portland. Seats are comfortable, quality is perfect, and the popcorn is decently priced and fresh.

Ge
Review №19

My favorite theater in town. Excellent selection of movies you wont see many other places. Usually not huge crowds (although I have been to a few films in the smaller screening rooms that have sold out). The beer selection is pretty great for a theater. I buy the ticket packs now because this is where I want to see a film if I am going to see it out.

Ma
Review №20

Comfortable rocking chairs. No trouble seeing the whole screen even though Im short (under 55)

fl
Review №21

Beautiful small theater that play independent and bigger movies. Great documentaries too. Beautiful from the outside and inside!

Ch
Review №22

A wonderful theater with kind staff, cool snack options, and a big beautiful screen for viewing.

Na
Review №23

Dont Slip & Fall at this theater!!!I tripped over a step, slamming my jaw, neck & shoulder into the seats. The managers immediate response was to say hed been telling the owner to fix that step. I shifted my C1, C6, C7 in my neck & messed up my shoulder. The theaters insurance company refuses to take responsibility for the fall. They know trip & fall cases are hard to prove in Oregon and dont even have a med-pay provision to help cover my medical & treatment expenses, nevermind loss of income. So, this old theater may be beautiful, but be careful because the owner does not care.

ka
Review №24

Same experience pretty much anywhere in Portland now. Good seats, alcoholic drinks, decent pizza. Nothing special in terms of showing movies, but thats so are some great special features.

Je
Review №25

Nice new seats. They have beer as well as sandwiches and pizza that they can warm up. Clean and remodeled.

Sa
Review №26

Ticket salesman at the window accidentally sold us a movie ticket to a different movie. Although we were rushing, we patiently waited for him to actually correct my purchase. This is important because the ticket sales dictate future interest for producers. Lastly, no vegan food choices.

Ta
Review №27

Nice new seats. Concessions have lots of good options. Bathrooms clean. Unique movie choices. Definitely would go again.

Ma
Review №28

Cozy theater with great beer on tap, get the five pack of tickets.

Ch
Review №29

Very quaint little theatre and very friendly people and a great atmosphere

An
Review №30

Cinema 21 shows the films that are really well done, literary at times, but not run away hits with the general public. In other words there are a limited number of car chases & rollovers, exchanges of gunfire, or gratuitous use of sexual contact. Solid movie fare

To
Review №31

We had a great time seeing the Room. Tommy Wiseau was super nice and funny. Cinema 21 is a great theater for films not made by Disney.

C.
Review №32

Very unique! Loved the feel of the place...not a typical feel...whatever that is. Excellent sound also.

Li
Review №33

My feelings about Cinema 21 are mixed and thats why the four stars. Its another old Portland theatre-quirky architecture and a wonderful choice of movies that dont make it to the big box places. Our last visit was to see the animation shorts which was fun and the was even a Q & A afterwards. The popcorn was delicious (which is really important to me). The reason for four stars- the womens bathroom is up a long flight of stairs and the mens on the main floor. I understand this is a limitation due to the age but wonder why they dont just make the downstairs unisex. (I used it anyway ). Also, the staff could be friendlier. Both times, the ticket booth was operated by a rather surly individual. Oh and one last caveat- parking is difficult to find. Come a little earlier and be prepared to pay for a spot.

Ph
Review №34

Very good prices, a large movie theater. There is no reserved seating. They have pizza, popcorn and other food, which is all very affordable and seems tasty. The atmosphere is chill and safe feeling.

Mi
Review №35

Seeing movies here always warms my heart. First film I saw here was Beautiful Thing Just saw Hedwig and the Angry Inch with John Cameron Mitchell. So glad you guys are here

Sa
Review №36

Interesting films. Popcorn with real butter and brewers yeast. I’m happy.

To
Review №37

Nice employees, wonderful crowd, fun selection of alternative movies!

JE
Review №38

Great movie theater showing great movies.

Mo
Review №39

Great pizza and beer. Seating is comfy and tickets are cheap. The best selection of movies if you want to get away from the classic box office stuff. Staff is knowledge and friendly.

Br
Review №40

Its a pleasant walk from my place, through NW Portland, to Cinema 21, an old, but well maintained theater that features a variety of independent films. Ive never seen a bad movie there and ticket prices are less expensive than the big chain theaters. And the hot buttered popcorn they serve is the same popcorn youll get when you are watching movies in heaven.

Br
Review №41

The seats are amazingly comfortable! The service was friendly. Had a great time!

Ca
Review №42

A new found gem for me! Parking and movie selection is even great!

An
Review №43

Very cute cinema, staff is welcoming and very professional. I will go again for sure !

Pe
Review №44

Nice neighborhood movie theater with great snacks.

Sh
Review №45

Go support your independent movie theaters and really enjoy your classic movie going experience

Ma
Review №46

Great alternative movies. Pizza and beer

Ty
Review №47

Nice, small size Theater in the heart of NW district of Portland. One main theater (historical, auditorium) and I believe two additional smaller screen rooms. Ive only been in the main and one of the smaller rooms. But great, neighborhood feel. Lots of beer on tap, wine, and theater usual suspects. Good sound, and good seats!

Ka
Review №48

There are other great indie theaters in the area that dont have old, outdated seating, overpriced yet sparsely-stocked concessions, and questionable at best bathrooms. The dude at concessions who wears the white Kanye West circa 2008 glasses is also pretty serious about his job, so serious he asks you to hurry up when you take more than 3 seconds to order because his line is getting long.The owners of this place are delusional if they think their customers find this charming or endearing in any way whatsoever. There are much better quality indie theaters for the same or a better price.

Ch
Review №49

This is a fun place to watch a movie.

Fr
Review №50

One of my favorite theaters, choice film selection & amazing employees

Ma
Review №51

I really liked the intimate feel if the theater.

Su
Review №52

They bring movies I love here.

Ch
Review №53

Love this Theater. Thanks for LGBTQ+ Film Festival.

Ti
Review №54

They have the feel of an independent movie house.

Tr
Review №55

Great little cinema house. Usually not too crowded. Good variety of movies; although, no art house stuff. Theres the usual popcorn, nachos, and hot dog fare. Same with the fountain drinks and candy. The theaters are pretty small but it doesnt detract from the experience; in fact, I prefer it. Plenty of parking available. Staff is always friendly and helpful. Everyone is pretty kicked back and chill.

Da
Review №56

A favorite for date night. I’m grateful to have these films screening in my city. The prices are reasonable. But the best part for me is that the audience is always quiet and respectful. The concessions would benefit from a bit more variety (more candy options).

Du
Review №57

Nice theater with comfortable seats... however, legroom is at a bit of a premium. Concessions are about ten to twenty percent cheaper than the chains, and they use real butter on their popcorn! The staff is friendly and surrounding area has neat shops and great dining venues. The real problem however is parking, as this area has exploded in popularity these past years.

Ni
Review №58

Fantastic indie theater showing all kinds of interesting movies

mo
Review №59

Went to a 5pm showing of Mandy on a Tuesday. Not crowded. Nice seats, sound, and picture. The lady working the ticket booth was very nice and her enthusiasm about the movie made it more enjoyable.

Ca
Review №60

Enjoy the comfortable setting, easy-going atmosphere, and excellent choice of films.

Jo
Review №61

Love this movie theater! Has a balcony, cheap food and drinks, and they play movies that are hard to find elsewhere in Portland. Used to come here monthly for their The Room showings. Even met Tommy Wiseau here!

Br
Review №62

Lovely place. Comfortable seats. Excellent selection of alternate and indy movies. Good sound.

St
Review №63

Cinema 21 is one of my favorite theaters

Er
Review №64

Classic old theatre with comfortable, updated seating. Staff very friendly.

Is
Review №65

Fun and cute little theater. Popcorn is tops

St
Review №66

Great theater! Love the super large theater with a balcony and there are two quaint little ones as well for the smaller showings. They sell beer and wine there too. Good priced local movie theater shows a lot of indie films and hosts film festivals too!

An
Review №67

Comfortable classic theater with updated seating, sound and projection. The key draw is the art house and independent film that may not be available in most theater chains. They also frequently show The Room late at night for the heck of it!

Th
Review №68

Great movies, helpful staff, and real butter for your popcorn at the snack bar!

Ch
Review №69

The theater is excellent with comfy chairs. The rows are too close together. Why is the spare womens bathroom near the e trance two, steep flights of stairs up? The stalls ha e sliding chains for locks, instead of srmtandard locks. Why?

Ka
Review №70

Nice older theater showing indie films and sometimes better known movies. Friendly, decent sound and screen quality, pilrices are good.

Ad
Review №71

An old theatre with lots of history. Plays new and old films, and usually has some good indie films playing. There are multiple theaters here of varying size; some being very small (30-40 people max) one huge (200+). The refreshments are great! Fresh popcorn, local pizza and beer and candy. The prices are a bit higher than most theaters though.

Sh
Review №72

I grew up in Portland not far from here but for some reason, had never been until recently. Highly recommend! They seem to have a talent at picking out films that are interesting, entertaining, etc... Also, no overpriced food/drinks here! Decent beverage/food choices at a decent price

Dw
Review №73

Cinema 21 is theater done well. They were the single screen art house, slightly run down and holding on by a shoe string. Today, even in the age of people just sitting at home, they have revitalized and have several screens with comfortable seats. Decent food and beer and cider available to eat as well. But most critically, a long standing commitment to bringing in great films from all over the world to their theater. Do yourself a favor and subscribe to their mailing list as theyll turn you on to great cinema you might otherwise miss.

Ra
Review №74

This place is great! They have great little indie films, and they usually have one big blockbuster title, yet the price is much better than a larger cinema! They offer beer, wine, popcorn and other snacks, my one complaint is that the guys manning the snack counter are so slow and easily confused, you need to get there a little early if you want to get snacks before the show starts!

Er
Review №75

Fun experience and nice staff

ry
Review №76

Old fashioned theater, you can trip back to 80s!

el
Review №77

Best movies in town are here. Plus great beer selection, and best popcorn: I

Se
Review №78

If they ran every movie, I would only see movies here.

Wi
Review №79

Great mix of box office and Indy films in a comfortable local environment.

An
Review №80

This movie theater is one of the few places in Portland where you can see films that are considered cerebral.

Ri
Review №81

I love this movie theater - it is independently owned and provides a wonderful theater movie experience - wonderful service, clean, comfortable seats, good sound, great snacks (bear and wine), pizza etc..and is located in an amazing neighborhood!

Lo
Review №82

I put four because the service and surroundings were five but the cost of snacks always lowers theaters in my heart. I feel a disregard for the middle working persons security and economic comfort, sort of a thing. So five if I could ever give a five to six theater.

Do
Review №83

Always a great theater to go to!

Jo
Review №84

Great little theater.

Be
Review №85

Excellent indie, small studio and unique films. Full concessions with escape from ny pizza, beer, wine, cider etc and all the usual snack fair

Ly
Review №86

A favorite place to see independent film!

Jo
Review №87

Awesome indie theater with super comfy seats!

Ki
Review №88

Excellent little theater showing unique movie options. Comfy seats, concessions options available are tasty, and sound and picture quality are spot on. Definitely would go back!

De
Review №89

Its been many years since Ive been to Cinema 21. This great old cinema is now an enlarged three plex! Still showing off-beat and art films.

Ca
Review №90

Nice quaint theatre that shows great movies. Its near a lot of places to eat.

pe
Review №91

Good times guaranteeed! Super nice seats, sound and picture. Movies that are hard to find elsewhere in Portland, both indie & classic. A must visit.

Vi
Review №92

My favorite theater in Portland. Classier crowds less likely to whip out their cellphones during a movie. Great foreign and independent movies youll see nowhere else. Fun movies to wear costumes to. And plus a monthly showing of The Room packed with wild fans. Always a blast.

Si
Review №93

Simply a clean, enjoyable theater to take friends & family to see a movie

De
Review №94

A super awesome theater. We drove up from Ashland and visited our daughter and we were just amazed at what a great little theater it is. Very friendly people as well. We will be returning every time we come to Portland.

Ca
Review №95

Great place for indie films.

Ka
Review №96

My son took me to see Star Wars which is different because when he was little I took him to see Star Wars the seats are very comfortable a popcorn and soda is very horribly expensive but thats how the theaters make their money so if you want to go be prepared to pay a lot for popcorn and soda very comfortable seats

Je
Review №97

Favorite place in Portland to watch films. They always seem to view the most interesting ones.

Ba
Review №98

Cinema 21 offers a well-curated slate of movies, comfortable and clean theaters, good service and reasonably-priced snacks. Its an update on the old neighborhood movie house.

Ra
Review №99

Excellent cinema showing a wide selection of foreign and independent films.

Je
Review №100

Beer and movies go great together. Especially at a cool old theater like this. They play first run movies in addition to some of the smaller indie films and documentaries.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:616 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States
  • Site:http://cinema21.com/
  • Phone:+1 503-223-4515
Categories
  • Movie theater
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:No
Offerings
  • Food:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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