Amsterdam has a number of movie theatres and cinemas (bioscoopen) ranging from art-house to large commercial multiplexes. The good news for visitors is that most films are shown in their original language with Dutch subtitles – only children’s movies tend to be dubbed. Note that some cinemas will have a break half-way through the film.
Amsterdam cinema ticket prices are around €12-15. Supplements are charged for reservations, long films and 3D films. Weekends can be very busy so for popular movies it is advisable to reserve in advance either by phone, online or at the box office. Some cinemas chains also offer an unlimited monthly pass.
Watch for “sneak previews” (pre-premiere films) which are shown midweek by some cinemas for a slight discount.
Amsterdam Cinemas & Movie Theatres
Pathé Tuschinski Cinema – A stunning cinema originally built in 1921 in art-deco/art nouveau style. The interior and exterior have been renovated to the original state. The 6-screen Tuschinski is run by Pathé and has hosted many Dutch film premieres. It is located in central Amsterdam at Reguliersbreestraat 26-34 (between Muntplein and Rembrandtplein). Visitors should try to catch a film here if possible.
Pathé City Theater – Just off Leidseplein is the 7-screen Pathé City cinema which first opened its doors in 1935. With its art deco facade, it today shows mainly commercial ‘Hollywood’ fare. The address is Kleine Gartmanplantsoen 15-19 (near the Leidseplein lizard sculptures).
Pathé De Munt – A large and modern 13-screen multiplex cinema in the heart of the centre showing all the latest releases. Located at Vijzelstraat 15 near Muntplein.
Pathé Amsterdam Noord – A multiplex cinema in the Amsterdam Noord district with 12 screens and 2,500 seats. The address is Buikslotermeerplein 2003 near the Amsterdam Noord metro station.
You can see the full Pathé Amsterdam agenda here
EYE Film – Spectacular film museum location on the north bank of the IJ. It has 4 cinema screens showing classic/art-house/retrospective films. It also holds temporary film-themed exhibitions as well as housing a permanent What Is Film? exhibition. Address is IJpromenade 1, take the free GVB ferry to Buiksloterweg from the back of Amsterdam Central station.
The Movies – First established in 1912, The Movies is a lovely old cinema located near the end of Haarlemmerdijk, west from Central station. With 4 screens it shows a mix of commercial and art-house films. They have a restaurant-café and offer a dinner option for moviegoers. Haarlemmerdijk 161.
Rialto De Pijp – The Rialto is an art-house cinema in De Pijp neighbourhood run by a special foundation. With origins dating back to 1921, this Amsterdam cinema focuses on classic films and world cinema. It hosts an ‘expat cinema’ theme where some films have English subtitles. The address is Ceintuurbaan 338, the nearest Amsterdam metro stop is ‘De Pijp’.
In 2021 a second location was opened – Rialto VU at De Boelelaan 1111 on the campus of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam with 4 screening rooms.
Cinecenter – 4-screen art-house cinema found in a quiet street just behind Leidseplein. Has a very nice café-bar on site. Lijnbaansgracht 236 (opposite Melkweg).
Cinema De Uitkijk – Small art-house cinema on Prinsengracht dating back to 1912. The single screen venue has a 1920s interior and shows classic and world films. They don’t sell popcorn here. Prinsengracht 452 (near Leidsestraat).
De Balie Cinema – Theatre and grand café located near Leidseplein. They have a small cinema showing art-house films. Also used as a venue for film festivals. Kleine Gartmanplantsoen 10, opposite the City Theater.
FilmHallen – Independent cinema located in De Hallen, a converted former tram shed located in west Amsterdam. In partnership with The Movies it shows a similar mix of commercial and art-house pictures. It has 9 screening rooms including the art-deco Parisienzaal (screen 7). Hannie Dankbaarpassage 12.
Bioscoop het Ketelhuis – An art-house cinema located at the Westergas (former gas works) in the west of Amsterdam. The 3-screen venue shows a variety of films including world cinema, kids films and documentaries. Large café on site. Pazzanistraat 4.
LAB111 – A cult arthouse cinema housed in a former pathological anatomy laboratory. It hosts a quirky selection of classic films and documentaries and its ‘Expat cinema’ brings foreign language films with English subtitles. Located at Arie Biemondstraat 111 in West Amsterdam.
Filmtheater Kriterion – An small arthouse cinema opened in 1945. Located at Roetersstraat 170 in the Weesperbuurt district in east Amsterdam. Sneak preview is every Tuesday night for just €5.
FC Hyena – A small boutique cinema located in Amsterdam Noord with cool views over the IJ river. It has 2 small screens with comfortable seating, a restaurant and wine bar. Aambeeldstraat 24.
Studio/K – Cinema and multi-purpose venue in Amsterdam Oost at Timorplein 62. This non-profit organisation was founded in 2007 and is run by 50 students. It shows a mix of films from arthouse and cult films to crowd pleasers and documentaries.
Filmhuis Cavia – An underground non-profit arthouse cinema founded in 1983 showing alternative, cult films. With only 40 seats it is the smallest cinema in Amsterdam. A film screening costs €5 and the cinema even accepts Bitcoin as payment. Located at Van Hallstraat 52-I in the north-west of Amsterdam.
Pathé Arena – A large 14-screen cinema multiplex located at Bijlmer ArenA. It shows mainly commercial, ‘Hollywood’ type films. Also has an Imax screen. ArenA Boulevard 600, opposite Bijlmer-ArenA station.
Unlimited Dutch Cinema Passes
Cineville is an alliance of 43 art-house cinemas in 20 cities/towns around the Netherlands. It offers the Cinevillepas (Cinneville Card) for just €22.50 per month (€18.50 for under 30s). This gives unlimited entry to all Cinneville cinemas. which can offer excellent value if you are a regular film-goer. The minimum subscription is 4 months, a Dutch bank account is required
In Amsterdam the Cinevillepas is valid at De Balie, Cavia, Cinecenter, EYE Film, FC Hyena, FilmHallen, Het Ketelhuis, Kriterion, LAB111, Melkweg Cinema (Lijnbaansgracht 234a), The Movies, Oxville Cinema Meer en Vaart 125), Rialto De Pijp, Rialto VU, Studio/K and De Uitkijk.
Pathé Unlimited is a pass which offers unlimited access to all regular screenings at the Pathé network in the Netherlands. It costs €23 per month. The first payment is made by iDeal then recurring payments are made by direct debit (foreign banks are allowed). The minimum term is 4 months.
Pathé Unlimited Gold is €32 per month and also offers free access to 3D, IMAX, Dolby Cinema and 4DX screenings.
Open Air Cinema Festivals in Amsterdam
Pluk de Nacht (Seize the Night) open-air film festival runs annually in August at Het Stenen Hoofd in Amsterdam. It shows a variety of unreleased international films, animations and documentaries. Entrance is free. The 2024 edition runs 21-31 Aug 2024.
Last updated 26 January 2024. This article was first published in 2013 and has been regularly updated.
