12 Cinemas That Are Actually Better Than Your Sofa

Let's be honest: Watching movies at home has never been more appealing. Between Netflix, HBO Now, and a dozen other streaming services, the title options are endless. Our TVs are bigger and higher-res than ever. Increasingly, movies are released via streaming while they're still in cinemas. You can be as loud and disruptive as you want: Eat pasta out of a pan, pause the movie to take a call from mum, Snapchat while you watch. And if it's not free, it's very cheap to split the cost of a rental. You have to wonder: Why would anybody get up off their couch and go to an actual cinema anymore?

We've got a few good reasons. When it comes to movie theatres, we're happy to report that there are a few gems out there. These are not your average cinemas. Each of them offers something special, something you won't find in other cinemas or your living room. From opulent decor and luxurious seating to spectacular outdoor settings and gourmet food and drink, these venues are truly worth the trip. Here are 12 cinemas that are actually better than your sofa.

**The IMAX Theatre In Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia**
The appeal here is pretty obvious. At 117 ft wide by 97 ft tall, it is simply the largest screen in the world. The curved screen shows movies using a ten times larger format than a standard cinema, and the surround sound takes it to another level.
Photo: Courtesy of Darling Harbour IMAX.

**The Rex Cinema, Berkhamsted, England**
The Rex is a 1938 art-deco theatre with plush seats, an impressive wine list, and what it claims is the "clearest, non-booming sound anywhere in the world."
Photo: Courtesy of The Rex Cinema.

**Cinespia, Los Angeles**
The setting of this LA institution is crazy-cool. Spread out on the grass picnic-style, enjoy the glorious sunset and watch movies at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. They often feature fun pre-show extras like photobooths and DJs. Plus, actors themselves show up from time to time.
Photo: Courtesy of Cinespia.

**Alamo Drafthouse Cinema**
This charming chain got its start in Austin, TX, and has since expanded to over a dozen cities in the U.S. — Brooklyn is the next lucky location. Alamo Drafthouse does hot Tex-Mex and cold beer, yes. But its their zero-tolerance for texting (they *will* throw you out), enthusiasm for costumes (like at this *Deadpool* screening) that make the experience ideal for movie lovers.
Photo: Courtesy of Alamo Drafthouse's Facebook.

**Cine Thisio, Athens, Greece**
Ever dreamed of enjoying a movie in an 80-year old garden cinema complete with perfect view of the Acropolis and the Parthenon? Then pack your bags for Athens, because the city's oldest outdoor cinema offers just that. Here, pretty much every seat is the best in the house.
Photo: Courtesy of Cine Thisio.

**Nokia Ultra Screen, Bangkok, Thailand**
Fancy a foot massage with your movie? Great, because they're complimentary here. Just recline in your cushy chair, revel in the continuous drink refills, and don't forget to enjoy the show. And, like Bangkok's numerous other luxury cinemas, the VIP lounge is worth checking out for pre-show cocktails, free snacks, and people-watching.
Photo: Courtesy of Facebook.

**Sun Picture Garden, Broome, Australia**
Why is watching movies better outside? It just is — you can ask patrons of the world's oldest still-operating outdoor cinema. It opened its doors in the city's Chinatown in 1916, and has been delighting audiences with its wonderful atmosphere and double-features in the century since.
Photo: Courtesy of Facebook.

**Electric Cinema, London**
This century-old Notting Hill theatre (don't mistake it for its less-cool sister venue in Shoreditch) is something of a London institution. It features leather armchairs, beautiful original architecture, tasty refreshments, a VIP lounge upstairs, and the option to get dinner and drinks before or after the show at the adjacent Electric Diner. But mostly? It's just a really cool spot.
Photo: Courtesy of Electric Cinema's Facebook.

Secret Cinema

So this isn't a theatre per se, and that's kind of the whole point. Secret Cinema offers immersive movie-watching experiences — complete with elaborate performances that encourage audience participation before and during the show — at different indoor and outdoor venues around the world. This Dirty Dancing screening in London, for example, attracted 12,000 fans to Hackney Downs Park, which had been transformed into the movie's Catskills resort from the film.