ArcLight Cinemas
6360 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; 336 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; 15301 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; 831 S. Nash St. El Segundo; arclightcinemas.com
ArcLight is know for many things, but perhaps most notable is the superior technology they use to provide patrons with the best sound and visuals, just as the filmmakers intend you to experience. They also have special 21+ screenings, and many times there are Q&A sessions with guests who were involved in making the particular movie you’re seeing (both announced and surprise). Beating the regular concession stand by a mile, the ArcLight has a bar, café and a shop where you can purchase film-themed knickknacks.

The Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theater
611 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles; cinefamily.org
Situated just north of the famous Farmers Market and the Grove is the historic Silent Movie Theatre. Founded in 1942, the movie house that once showcased Charlie Chaplin and Rudolph Valentino gems was renovated in 1999, complete with a beautiful art deco neon marquee and a Spanish patio. The theater still shows silents regularly, but the new owners have transformed it into more of a revival house that features a mix of eclectic, relatively more recent films – from an ’80s holiday-centric horror movie to “the most controversial Japanese film of the millennium” – definitely attracting a younger crowd.

Downtown Independent
251 S. Main St., Downtown; downtownindependent.com
It’s a contemporary theater where you can see hard-to-find-elsewhere indie flicks. They also have special events like December’s Die Hard & Christmas Vacation Drink-Along & Beer Pong, National Theatre Live and double features. There are luxury and balcony seating, liquor, a roof top patio and even Q&As with filmmakers.

Egyptian Theater
6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; egyptiantheatre.com
Robin Hood, starring Douglas Fairbanks, was the first-ever movie to premiere in Hollywood in 1922. It was shown in this Egyptian revival-style theater where guests are welcomed by four massive columns, a fountain, palm trees and hieroglyphics, creating a film set-like ambience that have inspired other movie theaters around the country. The original sat over 2,000 patrons in a single auditorium. Today, the main theater can hold 616 movie-watchers and a smaller auditorium, named in honor of Steven Spielberg, sits 77.

El Capitan
6838 Hollywood Blvd. elcapitan.go.com
Debuting on May 3, 1926, it was dubbed as “Hollywood’s First Home of Spoken Drama.” Limousines arrived to a view of an elaborate Spanish Colonial exterior bringing Hollywood royalty that included Jack Buchanan, Gertrude Lawrence and Beatrice Lillie to see the play “Charlot’s Revue.” Inside was a lavish $1.2 million East Indian-themed decor. Fast forward to 1989, the Walt Disney Company and Pacific Theaters restored the El Capitan. Now, it hosts live stage shows, world premieres and first theater runs of many Disney films.

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; chinesetheatres.com
Located on the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame, it opened in 1927 after the positive reception of the nearby Egyptian Theatre. Since then, it’s been declared a historic and cultural landmark with its Chinese pagoda-inspired exteriors, featuring a dragon across the front and two Ming Heavens dogs guarding the main entrance. Many Hollywood premieres have been held here, including the 1977 release of Star Wars, and continue to do so.

iPic Theaters
42 Miller Alley, Pasadena; ipictheaters.com
For those who are serious about good dining combined with the film-going experience, the California branch of iPic theaters offers a lounge that boasts carefully concocted cocktails and an in-theater menu that includes starters like Crispy Calamari Steak to sliders and desserts (Popcorn Ice Cream Sundae, anyone?). Reclining, cushioned seats complete the luxurious experience. The ticket price ($19) is relatively steeper, but it is well worth it.

The Landmark
10850 W. Pico Blvd., West Los Angeles; landmarktheatres.com
The Landmark in West Los Angeles is the flagship of many Landmark locations in the United States. It boasts 12 state-of-the-art auditoriums with reserved seating and ushers to help you to it, you know, in case you can’t find it. Plenty of validated parking is available as well, which is a rare treat in Los Angeles. There are 21+ shows that allow patrons to enjoy wine or beer at the auditorium. Their food has also won some accolades from loyal fans of the theater and the Los Angeles Times.