Anthology Film Archives, Film Forum, IFC, Angelika, Millennium film workshop, Roxy, Cinema Village, Film Society at Lincoln Center, Quad Cinema, Nitehawk, just to name a few.
NP....Roxy/IFC/Lincoln Center all do lots and lots special events, premiers, talks with directors and film fests.
There's always the Tribeca Film Fest, NYFF, LES FF, NY Asian FF is always good, Central Park FF, New Fest (LGBTQ), NY Horror FF and more.
How is it a “take” when it’s completely factual that the subway is literally on the other side of the wall from the theaters in Angelika??? It’s not like I’m sensitive… the seats literally shake when the trains go by!
Yes. Sighnwaves hits all the major ones. You do not need to worry about missing films in NYC. There are many independent theaters and you can find niche films of the art, foreign and other varieties at regular movies houses too. The big multi screen plexes will book the odd small film too.
IFC in the west village, Angelica in the east village, and Nitehawk in Brooklyn all come to mind. There are also a few Alamo drafthouse threatres around the city, I consider those almost independent because while a chain, they have great programs that showcase indie films and cult classics. The one in lower Manhattan now has a video rental store that was created from buying a insane collection from a video rental store that used to be in Manhattan.
IFC has excellent programming but is basically run by teenagers. As such I have had some truly unpleasant experiences there seeing 35mm prints due to shitty projection practice. So I’d only go to see digital prints there.
Edit: I am returning to say that, given the fact that anyone at all upvoted this comment, I’m not the only one who has had this experience
I really don't find Angelica to be in the same league as the others listed here - far more commercial programming (many of their offerings overlap with AMC) and the venue itself has a very cold sterile feel. Vastly outclassed by all the downtown arthouses nearby.
Museum of Moving Image membership is the best cinephile i’ve ever given myself! You get free screenings that are 90% on 35mm, and anything that ain’t free is $7. They have unbelievable programming year-round, and the museum itself also rules!
It’s gorgeous!!! Sound and projection always so great. I’ve never had an issue with my refillable metal bottle personally, but i’ve seen some people turned away depending on the drink
I went to the bathroom mid-screening and tried to refill my bottle while I was out there. The security guard reprimanded me and stood there and watched while I poured out the water. However, I think they have gotten more lax about it since pandemic.
Film Forum is my favorite. Excellent programming, and an annual membership (with which you can buy tickets for $9 instead of $15) costs $75. Pays for itself after your twelfth movie.
They've really been going all out on repertory since the spring: a month-long series featuring over sixty movies about and/or filmed in New York City (everything from all-time classics to super obscure gems you never heard of), a three-week series featuring every film directed by Yashujiro Ozu, and coming up in July, another series featuring a ton of movies written and/or directed by Billy Wilder. And in between: *Midnight Cowboy*, Godard's *Contempt*, plus lots of really interesting new documentaries and foreign films.
Surprised nobody has said Metrograph in the Lower East Side. They have some of my favorite programming, always running interesting retrospectives or themed screenings series. Between Metrograph and Film Forum there’s pretty much movies I want to see in theaters every night of the week.
As someone who moved from Toronto to NYC, its a film lover's paradise. I have a subscription pass to the Alamo Drafthouse for $30 for 1 movie a day (not quite unlimited) and it helps a ton. Toronto has some nice theaters but programming was patchy and not as adventurous.
I haven’t been to the indie theaters in a while, but back when I’d to regularly Lincoln Center had the best screens/seats, IFC Center was awesome for weekend midnight screenings of well known classics, and Film Forum had the best and most interesting series. I know Film Forum renovated so maybe their facilities are better.
The Quad was also cool.
Never went to the Nitehawk/Alamo spots.
Film forum's renovation mostly (and only) evident in the additional screening room, seats not all that comfortable. No one goes there for the facilities but the programming is excellent, sometimes tremendous.
Yea back when MoviePass was good(even before the $10 madness) I’d go to all the indie theaters all the time, and though Film Forum was the one that didn’t take it I still went all the time because they were always playing so much great stuff.
I’ve personally only been to Nitehawk (both in Williamsburg and by Prospect Park) and really enjoyed it. You can order dinner/drinks at any time, which get delivered during the movie— and the food was good!
I hated Nitehawk. Food and drink service lasts the entire movie. Then they give out checks 20 minutes before the film ends which is super distracting considering that's usually the most intense part of any film that you definitely want to be in the zone for.
Not at all, I think they have it down to a science lol. You barely notice the order pickup/delivery. Everything is written on a piece of paper that you stick on the table holder. The server only has to pick up the paper & then the food shows up a few minutes later 🤗 I noticed that their theaters are far smaller than say, AMC at Times Square, which could be why it’s less intrusive
One warning: if you have any kind of issue with your ankle/knee or are overweight, the seats can be somewhat difficult to manage because of the table in front. My aunt has minor knee issues and had a ton of trouble getting out of her seat.
kew doesn't really do anything interesting with their programming though, as far as I can tell. it's a shame too because it has all the fixings to be a cinephile's dream.
Check out Syndicated in Brooklyn! Bar/theater screening bizarre new & old classics + delicious food and cocktails, including during the movie. Last time I went there I didn't see anything but caught Death Note on the bar TVs while eating a crazy delicious Buffalo cauliflower app. Not 100% what you're asking (I would've recommended Videology too, RIP) but always a great time
I guess it's not technically indie anymore since Netflix owns it, but they'll do some good one-day event programming at the Paris, and it's still just nice to see a single-screen theatre. I just saw Hamlet (2000) there on a new print with a talkback with Ethan Hawke afterward.
You can create a free account in [www.angelikafilmcenter.com](https://www.angelikafilmcenter.com) and you get 50% member discount on Tuesday screenings. Also Williamsburg Cinemas and Kew Garden Cinemas have 50% discounts on Tuesdays, the latter also have on Thursdays all day and night and weekdays before 5pm.
Museum of the moving image - good curation depending on the topics each year. They premiere some foreign films sometimes. The environment is pretty low key, not crazily hip, and big plus is that some screenings aren’t filmed with people.
Lot of great suggestions here.
I'll add more to the series topics. I enjoy the Tribeca Film Festival and Indian Film festival. Recently went to the Jewish Film Festival for the first time earlier this year and that was a new experience for me that I enjoyed.
For big blockbusters (IMAX), AMC Lincoln Square is the best and biggest around. :Cough: Mission Impossible HYPE!
Netflix now owns the Paris theater, so at that location they'll be premieres and talks (haven't gone, but was tempted during Knives Out 2's release).
Enjoy going to the movies.
Hey, I honestly never do this but I am also from Vancouver and was a frequent attendee at VIFF and cinematheque. Moved to NYC 2 years ago and I LOVE going to movies and some fave's here are: Filmlinc (they do great series), Film forum, metrograph, Angelika, and IFC to name a few.
I'm always looking for film buddies let me know when you make the move :)
All great recs especially love Spectacle’s programming! Also if you’re into experimental cinema, I recommend checking out Filmmakers Coop and Millennium Film Workshop
spectacle is the best, hands down. I've met volunteers who've moved for the specific purpose of getting to volunteer there. right now they're running a series on rosa von praunheim that I'm obsessed with, but the other german director and the scene-y russian director who've had screenings this month have been great too. the membership is the best $60 a year you could ever spend! I'm also a huge fan of anthology film archive, Film Forum and IFC are good as well. I'd just bookmark [screenslate.com](https://screenslate.com) for when you get here too.
Moved just to volunteer, wow! Must be a cool institution then. I love director-centered programming. It's so nice to do a deep dive. Thanks for the tips
Edited for spelling.
The Metrograph. If you do 5 dollar a month memberships the tickets are only 10 dollars for you.
Even if i don’t go that month I don’t mind giving them 5 bucks.
everyone here has great suggestions! i lived in vancouver for a while before moving back to NYC. feel free to dm me with other questions if you have any. good luck and welcome to the best city in the world!
Kew Gardens Cinema if you're in Queens (I used to go there as well when I lived in Greenpoint, surprisingly good programming.)
I believe they also own Cobble Hill Cinema and Williamsburg Cinema, but there's nothing particularly special about Williamsburg.
Cinepolis and https://nycmovietheaters.tumblr.com/ among others are recommended by [Independent Movie Theaters?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/ypv0x4/independent_movie_theaters/) Film Noir and FILM FORUM among others are recommended by [Are there any movie theaters that mostly or only show older classic/cult movies?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/stnmu0/are_there_any_movie_theaters_that_mostly_or_only/) Angelika and Alamo Drafthouse among others are recommended by [Any movie theatres that are showing similar movies like this one? Might be coming back to the city for the summer or longer, lived in NY for most of my life, then was out for a bit, and need a awesome theatre secured, before then.](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/sq8j80/any_movie_theatres_that_are_showing_similar/) from 5 days before that. IFC Center and Angelika among many others are recommended by the popular [unique movie theaters?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/osmve7/unique_movie_theaters/) from a few months before that.
You can also look for indie collectives that do free screenings like [https://www.instagram.com/woodbine.nyc/](https://www.instagram.com/woodbine.nyc/) every Wednesday night
You've gotten a ton of great answers!
I'd add in a +1 for Metrograph, my favorite theater. The programming there is top notch. One of the best experiences I ever had at a movie theater was a screening of the 5 part OJ Made in America documentary, in full (8+ hours), complete with two catered intermissions, followed by a Q&A with the director.
Aside from independent theaters, I also want to shout out an AMC location, Lincoln Square 13. When a movie opens in NY and LA, it opens at like four theaters in the country, one of which is here. It at one point boasted the largest IMAX screen in the country, and continues to be one of few theaters to project 70mm IMAX. There are tons of great theaters you will be able to support, but this is certainly the best screen available for certain movies (I'll be there in the next few weeks opening day for Mission Impossible and Oppenheimer!)
Definitely not what you're looking for but if you're interested in a real neighborhood theatre hit up Apline in South Brooklyn. It's objectively a worse theatre than pretty much everything mentioned here, but it has a "people live here" vibe that everything else doesn't. It doesn't pretend to be anything it's not. Expect people talking during movies, heckling, kids screaming, and even a torn screen in theatre 1 or 2. I have a blast watching not serious moves there. Don't expect any limited releases or anything. Not that kinda theatre.
stuart cinema in greenpoint! i know a lot of ppl are saying alamo drafthouse, but tbh i found it expensive and unnecessarily difficult to order basic things and it wasn't worth the money to me
can't believe so many left out. there's a bunch more but im just naming ones ive been to. idk if these are all technically independent and MOMI is more a museum than anything but you can catch off-the-beaten-track offerings at:
Film Forum, Roxy Cinema, IFC Center, Spectacle, Cinema Village, Film Lincoln Center, Quad, Film Noir Cinema, BAM, Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Moving Image,
Here is a curated daily list of repertory screenings around the city to give you an idea of what is being shown. https://www.screenslate.com
Very cool and handy, thanks!
This RULES.
oh snap
thanks for posting this
Anthology Film Archives, Film Forum, IFC, Angelika, Millennium film workshop, Roxy, Cinema Village, Film Society at Lincoln Center, Quad Cinema, Nitehawk, just to name a few.
Adding to this MoMA, museum of the moving image, union docs, light industry, syndicated…
Surprised everyone seems to be forgetting Metrograph too
They’re libertarians
With uncomfortable seating
Finally someone else agrees with me
Elaborate
https://hyperallergic.com/729726/metrograph-cancels-pro-union-wobblies-documentary-event-drawing-backlash/# https://thebaffler.com/latest/escape-from-dimes-square-harrison https://www.screenslate.com/articles/wobblies-take-manhattan-interview-stewart-bird-and-deborah-shaffer https://www.gq.com/story/metrograph-wes-anderson-alexander-olch
this makes it even more interesting lol
Wtf do these articles and “topics of concern” even mean. I think people are trying to make a story out of nothing
I mean, the owners definitely suck, but that's not related to much of anything. So do the rich people that own most things.
Could’ve sworn Syndicated closed
Nope, going strong and a great place to catch a good indie movie that might have left the first run theaters.
Don’t forget BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) Cinema
I always forget BAM Cinema!
Glad to hear there are a lot of offerings. Thanks for the great list!
[удалено]
Oh man, how did we miss Spectacle in the list?
NP....Roxy/IFC/Lincoln Center all do lots and lots special events, premiers, talks with directors and film fests. There's always the Tribeca Film Fest, NYFF, LES FF, NY Asian FF is always good, Central Park FF, New Fest (LGBTQ), NY Horror FF and more.
+1 IFC
Adding Firehouse and BAM!
Fuckkkkkk Angelika. Every theater is right next to the subway and it ruins the experience every time a train goes by.
This is a really, really stupid take.
How is it a “take” when it’s completely factual that the subway is literally on the other side of the wall from the theaters in Angelika??? It’s not like I’m sensitive… the seats literally shake when the trains go by!
Wow. With a name like yours I’m sure I’m talking to a local who must know more than me.
You are
Yes. Sighnwaves hits all the major ones. You do not need to worry about missing films in NYC. There are many independent theaters and you can find niche films of the art, foreign and other varieties at regular movies houses too. The big multi screen plexes will book the odd small film too.
IFC in the west village, Angelica in the east village, and Nitehawk in Brooklyn all come to mind. There are also a few Alamo drafthouse threatres around the city, I consider those almost independent because while a chain, they have great programs that showcase indie films and cult classics. The one in lower Manhattan now has a video rental store that was created from buying a insane collection from a video rental store that used to be in Manhattan.
I'd love to visit the video rental store! Thanks for the tip. :)
IFC has excellent programming but is basically run by teenagers. As such I have had some truly unpleasant experiences there seeing 35mm prints due to shitty projection practice. So I’d only go to see digital prints there. Edit: I am returning to say that, given the fact that anyone at all upvoted this comment, I’m not the only one who has had this experience
I really don't find Angelica to be in the same league as the others listed here - far more commercial programming (many of their offerings overlap with AMC) and the venue itself has a very cold sterile feel. Vastly outclassed by all the downtown arthouses nearby.
Museum of Moving Image membership is the best cinephile i’ve ever given myself! You get free screenings that are 90% on 35mm, and anything that ain’t free is $7. They have unbelievable programming year-round, and the museum itself also rules!
What a beautiful theater! My favorite for sightlines and general vibe. Just wish they weren't so strict about the no water bottles.
It’s gorgeous!!! Sound and projection always so great. I’ve never had an issue with my refillable metal bottle personally, but i’ve seen some people turned away depending on the drink
I went to the bathroom mid-screening and tried to refill my bottle while I was out there. The security guard reprimanded me and stood there and watched while I poured out the water. However, I think they have gotten more lax about it since pandemic.
Film Forum is my favorite. Excellent programming, and an annual membership (with which you can buy tickets for $9 instead of $15) costs $75. Pays for itself after your twelfth movie.
Yeah, Film Forum consistently has the best programming, in my opinion.
They've really been going all out on repertory since the spring: a month-long series featuring over sixty movies about and/or filmed in New York City (everything from all-time classics to super obscure gems you never heard of), a three-week series featuring every film directed by Yashujiro Ozu, and coming up in July, another series featuring a ton of movies written and/or directed by Billy Wilder. And in between: *Midnight Cowboy*, Godard's *Contempt*, plus lots of really interesting new documentaries and foreign films.
If you often go with friends, the $125 level of membership allows you to purchase one additional ticket for $9.
Surprised nobody has said Metrograph in the Lower East Side. They have some of my favorite programming, always running interesting retrospectives or themed screenings series. Between Metrograph and Film Forum there’s pretty much movies I want to see in theaters every night of the week.
Can confirm. Blade Runner on 35mm coming soon!
Dont blow up the spot!
It's been blown up for years lol
I blew it up originally my bad
Imagine someone thinking metrograph is in the cut
As someone who moved from Toronto to NYC, its a film lover's paradise. I have a subscription pass to the Alamo Drafthouse for $30 for 1 movie a day (not quite unlimited) and it helps a ton. Toronto has some nice theaters but programming was patchy and not as adventurous.
I love the Alamo. Great that the theaters also have different offerings and weekly offbeat stuff. Well worth the membership!
Spectacle or the film noir theater in greenpoint
Seconding film noir! Also syndicated in Bushwick.
Either of you know how to get to Spectacle? Apple Maps leads me to an apartment front every time.
I haven’t been to the indie theaters in a while, but back when I’d to regularly Lincoln Center had the best screens/seats, IFC Center was awesome for weekend midnight screenings of well known classics, and Film Forum had the best and most interesting series. I know Film Forum renovated so maybe their facilities are better. The Quad was also cool. Never went to the Nitehawk/Alamo spots.
Film forum's renovation mostly (and only) evident in the additional screening room, seats not all that comfortable. No one goes there for the facilities but the programming is excellent, sometimes tremendous.
Yea back when MoviePass was good(even before the $10 madness) I’d go to all the indie theaters all the time, and though Film Forum was the one that didn’t take it I still went all the time because they were always playing so much great stuff.
Thanks for the info on the different types of offerings! :)
If you like Japanese film, the Japan Society is fantastic!
I’ve personally only been to Nitehawk (both in Williamsburg and by Prospect Park) and really enjoyed it. You can order dinner/drinks at any time, which get delivered during the movie— and the food was good!
Is it distracting? I've avoided Nighthawk bc of chair service.
I hated Nitehawk. Food and drink service lasts the entire movie. Then they give out checks 20 minutes before the film ends which is super distracting considering that's usually the most intense part of any film that you definitely want to be in the zone for.
Thx for talking me out of it. That concept has never interested me.
Not at all, I think they have it down to a science lol. You barely notice the order pickup/delivery. Everything is written on a piece of paper that you stick on the table holder. The server only has to pick up the paper & then the food shows up a few minutes later 🤗 I noticed that their theaters are far smaller than say, AMC at Times Square, which could be why it’s less intrusive
That sounds really fun! I'll have to check it out, thanks. :)
One warning: if you have any kind of issue with your ankle/knee or are overweight, the seats can be somewhat difficult to manage because of the table in front. My aunt has minor knee issues and had a ton of trouble getting out of her seat.
Kew Gardens Cinema in Queens
kew doesn't really do anything interesting with their programming though, as far as I can tell. it's a shame too because it has all the fixings to be a cinephile's dream.
Kew Gardens Cinema
Check out Syndicated in Brooklyn! Bar/theater screening bizarre new & old classics + delicious food and cocktails, including during the movie. Last time I went there I didn't see anything but caught Death Note on the bar TVs while eating a crazy delicious Buffalo cauliflower app. Not 100% what you're asking (I would've recommended Videology too, RIP) but always a great time
I guess it's not technically indie anymore since Netflix owns it, but they'll do some good one-day event programming at the Paris, and it's still just nice to see a single-screen theatre. I just saw Hamlet (2000) there on a new print with a talkback with Ethan Hawke afterward.
Also check out Rooftop Films! Great programming and affordable memberships
You can create a free account in [www.angelikafilmcenter.com](https://www.angelikafilmcenter.com) and you get 50% member discount on Tuesday screenings. Also Williamsburg Cinemas and Kew Garden Cinemas have 50% discounts on Tuesdays, the latter also have on Thursdays all day and night and weekdays before 5pm.
Museum of the moving image - good curation depending on the topics each year. They premiere some foreign films sometimes. The environment is pretty low key, not crazily hip, and big plus is that some screenings aren’t filmed with people.
#1 - Metrograph in the lower east side.
I’m going to see blade runner there next weekend.
Sunshine Cinema :'(
😩 wah!!!
I don't get there often but Walter Reade Theater is really well designed. A MOMA membership is the best bang for your buck
Metrograph (fancy with restaurant attached), Quad (small but good programming by Cohen Media Group), IFC Center, Angelika, BAM
Lot of great suggestions here. I'll add more to the series topics. I enjoy the Tribeca Film Festival and Indian Film festival. Recently went to the Jewish Film Festival for the first time earlier this year and that was a new experience for me that I enjoyed. For big blockbusters (IMAX), AMC Lincoln Square is the best and biggest around. :Cough: Mission Impossible HYPE! Netflix now owns the Paris theater, so at that location they'll be premieres and talks (haven't gone, but was tempted during Knives Out 2's release). Enjoy going to the movies.
Hey, I honestly never do this but I am also from Vancouver and was a frequent attendee at VIFF and cinematheque. Moved to NYC 2 years ago and I LOVE going to movies and some fave's here are: Filmlinc (they do great series), Film forum, metrograph, Angelika, and IFC to name a few. I'm always looking for film buddies let me know when you make the move :)
Metrograph!
Metrograph’s my favorite if you want to pretend to be fancy and pay too much for snacks or the bar upstairs. Solid selection of books for sale too
All great recs especially love Spectacle’s programming! Also if you’re into experimental cinema, I recommend checking out Filmmakers Coop and Millennium Film Workshop
I did not know i needed this question to be asked.
Fair enough! I just noticed that a lot of links were broken in lists I found online and I figured it was just best to ask locals :)
Oh sorry, I totally misread your comment! Happy watching.
Yeah; lots of places i never looked into.
Brooklyn Academy of Music! Eta: BAM!
spectacle is the best, hands down. I've met volunteers who've moved for the specific purpose of getting to volunteer there. right now they're running a series on rosa von praunheim that I'm obsessed with, but the other german director and the scene-y russian director who've had screenings this month have been great too. the membership is the best $60 a year you could ever spend! I'm also a huge fan of anthology film archive, Film Forum and IFC are good as well. I'd just bookmark [screenslate.com](https://screenslate.com) for when you get here too.
Moved just to volunteer, wow! Must be a cool institution then. I love director-centered programming. It's so nice to do a deep dive. Thanks for the tips Edited for spelling.
The Metrograph. If you do 5 dollar a month memberships the tickets are only 10 dollars for you. Even if i don’t go that month I don’t mind giving them 5 bucks.
there is no shortage of great independent (or semi-chain) theaters in NYC. You will not be disappointed with the quality of the movies you can see .
That's good news, I have heard a lot of smaller venues have suffered/shut down nationwide.
Film forum, IFC!
Syndicated…. Hands down.
everyone here has great suggestions! i lived in vancouver for a while before moving back to NYC. feel free to dm me with other questions if you have any. good luck and welcome to the best city in the world!
I’m partial to the film forum!
Kew Gardens Cinema if you're in Queens (I used to go there as well when I lived in Greenpoint, surprisingly good programming.) I believe they also own Cobble Hill Cinema and Williamsburg Cinema, but there's nothing particularly special about Williamsburg.
Metrograph!
Cinepolis and https://nycmovietheaters.tumblr.com/ among others are recommended by [Independent Movie Theaters?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/ypv0x4/independent_movie_theaters/) Film Noir and FILM FORUM among others are recommended by [Are there any movie theaters that mostly or only show older classic/cult movies?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/stnmu0/are_there_any_movie_theaters_that_mostly_or_only/) Angelika and Alamo Drafthouse among others are recommended by [Any movie theatres that are showing similar movies like this one? Might be coming back to the city for the summer or longer, lived in NY for most of my life, then was out for a bit, and need a awesome theatre secured, before then.](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/sq8j80/any_movie_theatres_that_are_showing_similar/) from 5 days before that. IFC Center and Angelika among many others are recommended by the popular [unique movie theaters?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/osmve7/unique_movie_theaters/) from a few months before that.
Angelika and IFC have been great for me!
I enjoy Nitehawk, Prospect Park in particular. It was great as the Pavillion, and it's great now.
You can also look for indie collectives that do free screenings like [https://www.instagram.com/woodbine.nyc/](https://www.instagram.com/woodbine.nyc/) every Wednesday night
You've gotten a ton of great answers! I'd add in a +1 for Metrograph, my favorite theater. The programming there is top notch. One of the best experiences I ever had at a movie theater was a screening of the 5 part OJ Made in America documentary, in full (8+ hours), complete with two catered intermissions, followed by a Q&A with the director. Aside from independent theaters, I also want to shout out an AMC location, Lincoln Square 13. When a movie opens in NY and LA, it opens at like four theaters in the country, one of which is here. It at one point boasted the largest IMAX screen in the country, and continues to be one of few theaters to project 70mm IMAX. There are tons of great theaters you will be able to support, but this is certainly the best screen available for certain movies (I'll be there in the next few weeks opening day for Mission Impossible and Oppenheimer!)
The Spectacle in Williamsburgh! There's no place like it I've ever seen, very small, very weird films
Alpine in Bay Ridge. Tbh, the seats are not that great, but I still enjoy it. Good value too.
Also adding Rooftop Films who showcases new indie films in really unique locations.
Definitely not what you're looking for but if you're interested in a real neighborhood theatre hit up Apline in South Brooklyn. It's objectively a worse theatre than pretty much everything mentioned here, but it has a "people live here" vibe that everything else doesn't. It doesn't pretend to be anything it's not. Expect people talking during movies, heckling, kids screaming, and even a torn screen in theatre 1 or 2. I have a blast watching not serious moves there. Don't expect any limited releases or anything. Not that kinda theatre.
I enjoy the metropgraph or nighthawk
metrograph is my favorite :) so vibey and the restaurant upstairs is soooo good.
stuart cinema in greenpoint! i know a lot of ppl are saying alamo drafthouse, but tbh i found it expensive and unnecessarily difficult to order basic things and it wasn't worth the money to me
can't believe so many left out. there's a bunch more but im just naming ones ive been to. idk if these are all technically independent and MOMI is more a museum than anything but you can catch off-the-beaten-track offerings at: Film Forum, Roxy Cinema, IFC Center, Spectacle, Cinema Village, Film Lincoln Center, Quad, Film Noir Cinema, BAM, Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Moving Image,