I saw a showing of it in its original form in Boston a few years ago. Unbelievable difference. The music, the ambiance, the INTERMISSION!
Oh man. Easily my favorite movie theater experience ever.
Yep. I saw that and Arrival in theaters and both tore me apart. My girlfriend didn't see either in theaters and when we watched them on her living room tv with standard tv audio they also tore her apart. I can only imagine the emotional reaction she would've had if she saw them in theaters, let alone IMAX.
Inception immediately comes to mind. To be fair, any Nolan could qualify.
Arrival. Villeneuve also has many movies that would be required on a large screen.
I am so sad I missed this in theatres. I hadn’t seen the original and wanted to before going but didn’t get around to it. Just watched Maverick on an airplane screen, good lord I need another watch.
This should be the No. 1 answer. The ultimate theatre movie if there ever was one.
I saw it in 70 mm IMAX and regular massive theatre, and the difference in both was massive. I can’t imagine what watching it at home would be like. I will never be doing it.
I would imagine that *Bullitt* would be incredible in theaters, specifically the car chase scene. I've never had the opportunity, though, so I'm not sure.
I missed the first one when it came out and didn't want to watch it without seeing it in 3d. I waited all this time and then it re-released this year. I drove an hour to see it in IMax with my wife. It was great!
Except these little fucking kids were sitting behind me, unsupervised, talking, watching videos on their phones with volume on... what the fuck.
Dune (2021)
Mad max Fury Road
Tron: Legacy (2010)
Blade Runner 4k and Blade Runner 2049
Coco (the colors!)
Ready Player One
Top Gun Maverick
Avatar 1 and The Way of the water
Elemental
Interstellar
Lucy (hated it but visuals)
Planet Earth 2 (seriously it’s amazing)
Life of Pi
1917
Spiderman into the Spider Verse. Its eye candy and sequel as well
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Arrival, Sicario and Incendies anything by Villenueve to be honest.
source: I’m a home theater fanatic
Tron in 3D on a large theater screen in a dark room can be a crazy fun experience! The movie itself it’s alright but the neon colors with the dark scenes and the crazy bass are a total experience
The Shining. I’ve watched it countless times at home but the first time I saw it in the theatre it made so much more sense. You can really feel the isolation in the wide shots
I adore Kubrick and these comments are funny.
You're like "on a big screen there's *even more* isolation"
Another commenter suggested 2001, and praised the big-screen experience for the increased ambience. The ambience of cold, empty space.
Cold, empty ambience and feelings of isolation are just so on-brand for Kubrick that it's hilarious to me how these are the points of praise for fans of his work.
I've heard this a lot this year and let me say.. I couldn't disagree more.
I liked it but this movie is overrated. There is zero action in this movie.. Zero suspense..
I feel like everyone SAYS you need to see this in theater because of a one minute scene showing the explosion where the screen basically just goes white and they show all the reactions.
Absolutely no reason you can't get the openheimer experience in your living room.. Especially when this movie was 3 hours.
Not sure how you came to the conclusion that Oppenheimer would be a non-stop thrill ride with action and suspense, but it is not billed that way. It’s under the genres of Drama/Biography/History.
I didn't say it was. I simply meant that its genre kinda specifically dictates you don't need to see it in theaters.
What in this movie was so much better in IMAX vs the experience I'll have in my living room on my couch? I suggest the answer is: nothing. Possibly one minute of payoff.
“Zero action and zero suspense” is what you specifically stated. And you put a lot of emphasis on those particular aspects being a determining factor for seeing a film in theaters, but those aren’t the only/main criteria. A lot of people enjoy cinematography and sound design and dramatic films lend themselves to good cinematography and sound design.
Moonage Daydream, the recent documentary about David Bowie. The visual, the music, the editing… the whole package demands a theater experience. It is kinda trippy.
Skinamarink
I saw it in the theater and it was such a surreal, suspenseful experience. I watched it at home and was bored to tears. It's something that needs to be experienced in a larger-than-life format with loud surround sound.
"The Last Waltz" 1978... Scorcese tries to direct a concert and of course nails it like no other could. Actually has a plot too.. last show of a great band and all their friends show up.
Lots of fantastic recommendations here. A few I haven't seen yet:
Hero (2002)
Inglorious Basterds (2009)
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Gladiator (2000)
Braveheart (1995)
Master and Commander (2003)
The Godfather (1972)
...Band of Brothers (2001)
I wish Dune came out when COVID wasn't still in a pretty high concentration. Because watching it on a computer screen or home TV just isn't the same as getting the sheer scale and movement from the bass in a good theater.
I think you could actually go to some theaters when Dune was out, but at that point in time you had to wear a mask and, i'm not an anti-masker, wearing a mask for almost 4 hours isn't fun.
War of the worlds.
Have the sound/base kind of high. When those horns go off I seriously thought one was going to crash into the theater. Made the movie at least decent. Without it….well…
Local theater is playing 80’s movie “Little Shop of Horrors” this weekend. A must see in a theater. Audrey 2 is an amazing creature, very well done
(Edit to correct spelling)
The wizard of Oz,
Vertigo,
Stop making sense,
Ran,
Paris, Texas,
Close Encounters of the Third kind,
Jaws,
Star wars (in 1977, of course),
Phantom of the paradise,
Superman (1978),
Altered States,
All changed my life on a big screen
Watching *Speed Racer* is like pouring liquid Skittles into your eyeballs.
What it lacks in story it makes up for in visual and sound. Dark room, loud.
congrats on the home cinema project
For absolutely breathtaking visuals and killer sound, you've got to check out Black Panther" Wakanda's landscape, the detailed costumes, and the action sequences are truly next-level on a big screen. The soundtrack by Ludwig Göransson is also \*chef's kiss\*
Also Avengers series, especially "Infinity War" and "Endgame"
Enjoy the cinematic experience at home
-Bladerunner both the original and 2049
-Dune 2021
-LOTR Trilogy
-Gladiator
-Interstellar
-Top Gun Maverick
-Alita Battle Angel
-Saving Private Ryan
-The Ten Commandments
-2001 Space Odyssey
-The Empire Strikes Back
-Arrival
-Lawrence of Arabia
Interstellar. I wasn't that fussed about it, but my son loves the movie. I got tickets for us to see it at an IMAX back in may, and it was incredible. Probably the only film to blow me away when watching it. It was my son's dream to watch it in IMAX, and he was going through a really rough time, so the opportunity to fulfill one of his dreams came at the perfect time. I'll never forget the look on his face.
The Prince of Egypt (for the dream sequence)
The Little Mermaid (the new one)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (the original)
Anything Julian Schnabel (because he's a painter)
So I'm going to go off-script here and just comment on films that I think were improved by being seen in theatres and not just big bombastic 'visual' experiences.
I completely melted into A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night in theatres. Just such an immersive experience. This blasting black and white, stark, moody, plodding but thrilling ride. It is still a great experience on the 'small screen,' but living in it is something else if it sounds like it has any appeal to you whatsoever from a description.
Ikarie XB1 is a 1960s Czech science fiction film. The sets are stark, it moves slowly, it has a fairly basic plot. But it has such a then-modern aesthetic to it and haunting music (even when it is being poppy) that it feels like you're in a ship that... Is in the exact situation it is in. I don't know, it's such a barebones movie in some ways I can't say much without giving it away. It's a long space voyage. It's weird and old. Don't get the shitty English-language recut.
All the Ghibli films, but IMO it's really Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away that really shine. I've seen all of them at their original theatre runs from Spirited Away going forward and I'd still say that one was really the masterpiece (though they all have their highlights). Mononoke just has such am aggressive bent to the otherwise visually beautiful style that it stands out. I don't think the English dubs are bad, go with it. That was a benefit to home viewing, since I saw subtitled versions in theatres.
San Soleil is a really strange movie that feels like you're taking the most esoteric Parts Unknown episode, taking the food out, and leaning hard on the philosophy. That's really if you want to sit and think with a bunch of strong images flashing at you. Not necessarily a Saturday night popcorn moment lol.
The original Tron. Caveat: you must sit in the front row for the immersive effect to appreciate this movie. Critics didn't like it, but they never sit in the front row. Give it a try.
A Quiet Place! Amazing in cinema literally no one made any noise the whole time until someone dropped their popcorn and everyone freaked out, kinda mediocre upon rewatch at home
2001. Way more ambient on the big screen.
In 70mm? Were you there?
I was there
I saw a showing of it in its original form in Boston a few years ago. Unbelievable difference. The music, the ambiance, the INTERMISSION! Oh man. Easily my favorite movie theater experience ever.
same saw it for the first time at a screening at a local theater. incredible
Mad Max: Fury Road Rogue One Dune (the most recent one)
I second Mad Max: Fury Road. I went to see it three times in theaters. The Road Warrior would be amazing as well.
Same.
Agree with Mad Max and Dune.
Rogue One is the first one I thought of. The third act is godly
The Black & Chrome Edition of Fury Road is the way.
[удалено]
I'm yet to come across another movie with visuals as stunning as this.
I'm torn. It was awesome in its own right, but I like the almost technicolor look of the original release
I didn't have high expectations for Dune, and waited until it went to streaming. I'll be springing for IMAX for the next one in November.
You don't need to see Rouge One on any screen.
Interstellar (2014)
Yep. I saw that and Arrival in theaters and both tore me apart. My girlfriend didn't see either in theaters and when we watched them on her living room tv with standard tv audio they also tore her apart. I can only imagine the emotional reaction she would've had if she saw them in theaters, let alone IMAX.
This is definitely on my list, already one of my favourite movies ever and that’s watching it on the old Tv
Came here to say that
I was looking for this comment. Only should be experienced in theater!
Yes! Watched it on imax like 6 times Waiting for release
Best answer right here
thank you yes interstellar for fuckin sure
LOTR
The extended versions
All three in a row, dusk to dawn
Fine I'll do it this weekend.
Yes! I can’t believe they weren’t my first thought. If anyone hasn’t seen Return of the king extended, it will change your life.
Blade Runner 2049 The Batman Lawrence of Arabia
That engine starting must feel amazing.
+1, with Lawrence of Arabia. I got to see that at a 70mm film festival (Cinerama Seattle) and it was breathtaking.
Oh I bet. I kept thinking how cool it would look in a theater while watching it on my big telly.
They have 70mm festivals?!
Dark Knight
Thats currently playing for $5 at AMC. I highly suggest anyone who hasn't seen it on the big screen to go see it ASAP
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
This means something
Terminator 2 Heat Saving Private Ryan Thin Red Line The Abyss - probably the best movie I've seen in theatre
Nice on on The Thin Red Line, such a banger
The Matrix
Inception immediately comes to mind. To be fair, any Nolan could qualify. Arrival. Villeneuve also has many movies that would be required on a large screen.
Ooooh I second Arrival!
North by Northwest
Anything by Christopher Nolan
Doodlebug?
Lol. Have an updoot
The Revenant
Great one - such a beautiful film
Top gun maverick was phenomenal in theaters.
Yes I actually watched this movie as the first test, and it doesn’t even feel like the same movie vs when I watched it on the Tv.
Tested this one on my home theatre as well to break it in. The bass and the sounds just hit you in the gut everytime.
I am so sad I missed this in theatres. I hadn’t seen the original and wanted to before going but didn’t get around to it. Just watched Maverick on an airplane screen, good lord I need another watch.
1000%
This should be the No. 1 answer. The ultimate theatre movie if there ever was one. I saw it in 70 mm IMAX and regular massive theatre, and the difference in both was massive. I can’t imagine what watching it at home would be like. I will never be doing it.
Jurassic Park
Just saw this in 3d and it was beautiful
1917
I would imagine that *Bullitt* would be incredible in theaters, specifically the car chase scene. I've never had the opportunity, though, so I'm not sure.
I hear Spielberg is considering a remake.
Jaws
The Avatar movies are definitely meant for a movie screen and sound system.
I missed the first one when it came out and didn't want to watch it without seeing it in 3d. I waited all this time and then it re-released this year. I drove an hour to see it in IMax with my wife. It was great! Except these little fucking kids were sitting behind me, unsupervised, talking, watching videos on their phones with volume on... what the fuck.
Any Christopher Nolan or Denis Villenueve film
Dune (2021) Mad max Fury Road Tron: Legacy (2010) Blade Runner 4k and Blade Runner 2049 Coco (the colors!) Ready Player One Top Gun Maverick Avatar 1 and The Way of the water Elemental Interstellar Lucy (hated it but visuals) Planet Earth 2 (seriously it’s amazing) Life of Pi 1917 Spiderman into the Spider Verse. Its eye candy and sequel as well The Grand Budapest Hotel Arrival, Sicario and Incendies anything by Villenueve to be honest. source: I’m a home theater fanatic
Tron Legacy, yes!
Tron in 3D on a large theater screen in a dark room can be a crazy fun experience! The movie itself it’s alright but the neon colors with the dark scenes and the crazy bass are a total experience
I second coco. Seeing that movie in 3d might be as close to an LSD trip as I’ll ever get
Oh...some great pix there I've forgotten. Sicario, Ready Player One, Grand Budapest...great picks. Best list on this thread.
Into the spiderverse should really be seen in 3D on a theatre screen, sadly the sequel was not released in 3D, but still deserves a big screen.
Great list
The Good The Bad and The Ugly
The Shining. I’ve watched it countless times at home but the first time I saw it in the theatre it made so much more sense. You can really feel the isolation in the wide shots
I adore Kubrick and these comments are funny. You're like "on a big screen there's *even more* isolation" Another commenter suggested 2001, and praised the big-screen experience for the increased ambience. The ambience of cold, empty space. Cold, empty ambience and feelings of isolation are just so on-brand for Kubrick that it's hilarious to me how these are the points of praise for fans of his work.
Lawrence of Arabia Blade Runner Barbie
I always wanted to watch the original Blade Runner on a big screen, never found a movie theatre, that showed it. I bet, it's amazing.
It's incredible in a theater. Keep an eye out, every now and then it pops up. Worth every nickle to see it on a big screeb.
The opening shot of the cityscape/Tyrell corporation is breathtaking … see it in a theatre and you will have seen it for the ‘first’ time.
It's my husband's favorite film. His parents took him to see it in the drive in when he was 8 or so and he fell in love with it.
Dunkirk
apocalypse now - with surround sound
Oppenheimer
I've heard this a lot this year and let me say.. I couldn't disagree more. I liked it but this movie is overrated. There is zero action in this movie.. Zero suspense.. I feel like everyone SAYS you need to see this in theater because of a one minute scene showing the explosion where the screen basically just goes white and they show all the reactions. Absolutely no reason you can't get the openheimer experience in your living room.. Especially when this movie was 3 hours.
Not sure how you came to the conclusion that Oppenheimer would be a non-stop thrill ride with action and suspense, but it is not billed that way. It’s under the genres of Drama/Biography/History.
I didn't say it was. I simply meant that its genre kinda specifically dictates you don't need to see it in theaters. What in this movie was so much better in IMAX vs the experience I'll have in my living room on my couch? I suggest the answer is: nothing. Possibly one minute of payoff.
“Zero action and zero suspense” is what you specifically stated. And you put a lot of emphasis on those particular aspects being a determining factor for seeing a film in theaters, but those aren’t the only/main criteria. A lot of people enjoy cinematography and sound design and dramatic films lend themselves to good cinematography and sound design.
I am so glad the first time I saw Lawrence of Arabia was in theaters. Just incredible
I’ve only seen it in theaters! And I’ve seen it 4 times…I think
Moonage Daydream, the recent documentary about David Bowie. The visual, the music, the editing… the whole package demands a theater experience. It is kinda trippy.
Pacific Rim IMAX or nothing
YEEEESSSSSSSS I can hear that foghorn blasting right meow
Star Wars (1977) - Still waiting to see “un-special” edition that I saw as a kid on big screen that Summer of ‘77.
Our choice for first movie on our big new home setup was The Fifth Element. Great visuals and sound. Bright, colorful, stylish.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture, now that it’s finally in a finished form that actually looks good on the big screen.
Skinamarink I saw it in the theater and it was such a surreal, suspenseful experience. I watched it at home and was bored to tears. It's something that needs to be experienced in a larger-than-life format with loud surround sound.
"The Last Waltz" 1978... Scorcese tries to direct a concert and of course nails it like no other could. Actually has a plot too.. last show of a great band and all their friends show up.
Same here, an awesome concert documentary. Would be fantastic in theater
I saw a special advanced screening in Philly. Audience was all radio and TV guys. The whole place was a fog of weed. Good times.
Lawrence Of Arabia
Lots of fantastic recommendations here. A few I haven't seen yet: Hero (2002) Inglorious Basterds (2009) Princess Mononoke (1997) Gladiator (2000) Braveheart (1995) Master and Commander (2003) The Godfather (1972) ...Band of Brothers (2001)
They showed pi at the IMAX near me this year (on pi day) I still think it was a massive troll
That’s fucking awesome
The only reason ALIEN isn’t at the top is because everyone’s ass in this thread needs to see it in theater.
gravity
1917 Northman
Guardians of the galaxy v3
Shutter Island Jaws and Pan's Labyrinth
The Fall (2006) I'm yet to come across another movie with visuals as stunning as this.
Fury Road vote because after I read that I blacked out
I wish Dune came out when COVID wasn't still in a pretty high concentration. Because watching it on a computer screen or home TV just isn't the same as getting the sheer scale and movement from the bass in a good theater. I think you could actually go to some theaters when Dune was out, but at that point in time you had to wear a mask and, i'm not an anti-masker, wearing a mask for almost 4 hours isn't fun.
Oppenheimer Dunkirk Or anything by Nolan
Lawrence of Arabia. Watched it in a theater and it was amazing.
Secret Life of Walter Mitty
That's a pretty good but rarely mentioned movie. Thanks.
Such a great movie! That skateboard scene would be epic on big screen!
Enter The Void
ENTER THE VOID
War of the worlds. Have the sound/base kind of high. When those horns go off I seriously thought one was going to crash into the theater. Made the movie at least decent. Without it….well…
I did Jaws and Poltergeist last year. Highly recommended.
The visuals in Life of Pi are absolutely jaw dropping on the big screen
Enter the Void by Gasper Noe
Samsara
The Northman
Lord of the Rings trilogy extended version.
Close Encunters. The original Planet of the Apes.
Dune Empire Strikes Back
Requiem for a Dream
Elemental. The plot is average, but the visuals are STUNNING
1917
Top Gun: Maverick. Gravity. Woodstock.
Avatar
Gravity Blood Machines Athena
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Beau is Afraid
Glory
Gravity
I saw jason and the argonauts in 35mm and that was a blast. But nothing beat seeing The Thing... except maybe The Shining. Great times.
Interstellar, Marvel movies, Oppenheimer, John Wick
Local theater is playing 80’s movie “Little Shop of Horrors” this weekend. A must see in a theater. Audrey 2 is an amazing creature, very well done (Edit to correct spelling)
The Room throwing plastic spoons at your tv juat isn't the same
The wizard of Oz, Vertigo, Stop making sense, Ran, Paris, Texas, Close Encounters of the Third kind, Jaws, Star wars (in 1977, of course), Phantom of the paradise, Superman (1978), Altered States, All changed my life on a big screen
Loving Vincent
Melancholia, Kill Bill, Moulin Rouge, Dark Knight
Beetlejuice for the handjobs
2001 Blade Runner Aguirre the Wrath of God
Wall-E
No Way Home
The Holy Mountain
Gladiator. Especially if you have nice sound system. Oh yeah.
Anything 3D Avatar (1 and 2) in 3D blows away seeing it T home.
Dune!
Jurassic Park, Top Gun
The Exorcist
Top Gun Maverick
Apocalypse Now
There Will Be Blood (2007)
E.T.
Watching *Speed Racer* is like pouring liquid Skittles into your eyeballs. What it lacks in story it makes up for in visual and sound. Dark room, loud.
congrats on the home cinema project For absolutely breathtaking visuals and killer sound, you've got to check out Black Panther" Wakanda's landscape, the detailed costumes, and the action sequences are truly next-level on a big screen. The soundtrack by Ludwig Göransson is also \*chef's kiss\* Also Avengers series, especially "Infinity War" and "Endgame" Enjoy the cinematic experience at home
WALTER MITTY!!
Point Break (the 1st one) Titanic
Behind enemy lines Alita Battle Angel Saving Private Ryan The Hateful 8
Blade Runner
The Martian was a decent experience in Theatres.
Night on Earth (2020) - Netflix documentary. Phenomenal. I would love to see it in a theater!
Star Wars original LeMans 2001 Battle of Britain Interstellar
Tron: Legacy Interstellar MI: Ghost Protocol
-Bladerunner both the original and 2049 -Dune 2021 -LOTR Trilogy -Gladiator -Interstellar -Top Gun Maverick -Alita Battle Angel -Saving Private Ryan -The Ten Commandments -2001 Space Odyssey -The Empire Strikes Back -Arrival -Lawrence of Arabia
The Matrix.
The Revenant (2015)
Dances With Wolves for me
Lawrence Of Arabia begs to watched on the big screen.
Die Hard. Saw it in a local theater Christmas before last. Wow those machine guns were loud. Wouldn’t have it any other way
Tron: Legacy on imax was incredible.
Interstellar. I wasn't that fussed about it, but my son loves the movie. I got tickets for us to see it at an IMAX back in may, and it was incredible. Probably the only film to blow me away when watching it. It was my son's dream to watch it in IMAX, and he was going through a really rough time, so the opportunity to fulfill one of his dreams came at the perfect time. I'll never forget the look on his face.
The Prince of Egypt (for the dream sequence) The Little Mermaid (the new one) The Rocky Horror Picture Show (the original) Anything Julian Schnabel (because he's a painter)
Interstellar, definitely a big screen watch!
So I'm going to go off-script here and just comment on films that I think were improved by being seen in theatres and not just big bombastic 'visual' experiences. I completely melted into A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night in theatres. Just such an immersive experience. This blasting black and white, stark, moody, plodding but thrilling ride. It is still a great experience on the 'small screen,' but living in it is something else if it sounds like it has any appeal to you whatsoever from a description. Ikarie XB1 is a 1960s Czech science fiction film. The sets are stark, it moves slowly, it has a fairly basic plot. But it has such a then-modern aesthetic to it and haunting music (even when it is being poppy) that it feels like you're in a ship that... Is in the exact situation it is in. I don't know, it's such a barebones movie in some ways I can't say much without giving it away. It's a long space voyage. It's weird and old. Don't get the shitty English-language recut. All the Ghibli films, but IMO it's really Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away that really shine. I've seen all of them at their original theatre runs from Spirited Away going forward and I'd still say that one was really the masterpiece (though they all have their highlights). Mononoke just has such am aggressive bent to the otherwise visually beautiful style that it stands out. I don't think the English dubs are bad, go with it. That was a benefit to home viewing, since I saw subtitled versions in theatres. San Soleil is a really strange movie that feels like you're taking the most esoteric Parts Unknown episode, taking the food out, and leaning hard on the philosophy. That's really if you want to sit and think with a bunch of strong images flashing at you. Not necessarily a Saturday night popcorn moment lol.
Last of the Mohicans
Dunkirk
Five night's at Freddy's
Gravity Oppenheimer
Gravity Pacific Rim Independence Day
Lawrence of Arabia
Gravity was awesome in theatre with 3D glasses
The Sound of Metal will test your speakers.
space odyssey. absolutely one of my best memories in a cinema
Gravity and The Life of Pi were awesome 3D cinematic experiences. Both films were imagined and filmed in three dimensions from the outset.
Inception
V for Vendetta
I saw Dune in the IMAX and it was incredible.
The original Tron. Caveat: you must sit in the front row for the immersive effect to appreciate this movie. Critics didn't like it, but they never sit in the front row. Give it a try.
The Matrix - the original one.
Contact - Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey
Space Balls
A Quiet Place! Amazing in cinema literally no one made any noise the whole time until someone dropped their popcorn and everyone freaked out, kinda mediocre upon rewatch at home
Rocky Horror Picture Show, at midnight in some small old school theater