Cinemas in Amsterdam: our 6 favourite places

Amsterdam is just the p.e.r.f.e.c.t place for cinema lovers!

Whether it’s a cold winter’s day, a typical rainy day or just because you feel like it: a film on the big screen is always a good idea – especially in Amsterdam. The canal city is known for its rich history and can therefore boast all kinds of small, charming, independent cinemas – often in impressive settings. We reveal our favourites for your cinema date here…

Tip first: In the Netherlands, films are usually shown in their original language with Dutch subtitles. However, as a large multicultural city, Amsterdam also has some cinemas that show films with English subtitles. For all those who don’t want to miss the feeling of home on their visit to Amsterdam: If you choose a German film, it will be shown in the original language. It’s best to check the website of the cinema of your choice before your visit!

Pathé Tuschinski

The Tuschinski is one of the most impressive cinemas in Amsterdam and was
even voted the most beautiful cinema in the world in 2021! It is located in the heart of the city centre, right where the historic canal houses and the hustle and bustle of Rembrandt Square meet. This means you can perfectly plan your visit to the cinema after one of our tours. Add a few tasty Amsterdam specialities in between and you have a great cosy day in our capital city! The building dates back to 1921 and is designed in a splendid mix of Amsterdamse School, Art Deco and Art Nouveau. Even if you’re not in the mood for a film film, it’s well worth taking a look at the entrance hall of this monument: The Tuschinski is an absolute must-do!

Why Tuschinski: Impressive architecture and a cinema experience in the magnificent former theatre hall – a visit to the cinema fit for a king!

Pathé Tuschinski
Reguliersbreestraat 34

Lab 111

Lab 111 is one of the cinemas in Amsterdam that we, the city guides of Incredible Amsterdam, love to visit. In typical Amsterdam manner, history has been combined with hip modernity here: the cinema is located in the former Pathological Institute (hence the cinemas name) in the architectural style of the Amsterdamse School. Today it is an arthouse cinema, with its own superbly curated selection of films – there is something for every cinephile.
Insider tip: In summer, Lab 111 opens its beautiful garden, where you can relax and sample the in-house “Panorama” beer.

Why Lab 111: Hip laboratory flair, alternative film selection and all films are shown with English subtitles.

Lab 111
Arie Biemondstraat 111

Eye Film Museum

The extravagant and sleek design of the Eye Museum on the other side of the Ij can be seen from the Central Station. Let the wind blow around your nose on the free ferry as you travel to Amsterdam Noord in just five minutes. The name says it all, by the way, as the design of the film museum is modelled on an eye. Anyone interested in film history is guaranteed to get their money’s worth here. Of course, there’s one thing the film museum can’t do without: its own cinema! So round off your visit to the museum with a great cinema experience and choose between real classics and modern films.

Why Eye Kino: Film history meets cinema experience – there is also a cool free permanent exhibition in the basement where you can even create your own flip book.

Eye Film Museum
IJpromenade 1

FC Hyena

The extravagant name of this cinema does not come from a football club, but was created because the owner happened to have these illuminated letters lying around in his basement. Incidentally, FC doesn’t just stand for football club, but also for film club (another lesson learnt!). This 80s gem is now something of an institution in the city. In summer, you can sit in front of the Amsterdam cinema right by the water and enjoy one of the many speciality beers. In the evening, the indoor area becomes an elegant restaurant. What makes this Amsterdam highlight perfect? That’s right: the two cinemas hidden at the back. Both cinemas are furnished in a very special way. If you’re lucky, your film will be shown in the room with the sofas: ideal for a romantic and cosy evening for two!

Why FC Hyena: Individual, charming flair and a first-class dinner beforehand. Perfect for a date à la Amsterdam.

FC Hyena
Aambeeldstraat 24

Film halls

The Filmhallen are the perfect balance between a blockbuster and an arthouse cinema and they are located in the heart of the West district. By now you already know that Amsterdam likes to use classic buildings for unconventional purposes. The chic film halls are located in a former goods station, the “Covent Garden” of Amsterdam, so to speak. Here, too, film art is combined with international cuisine. In the same building you will find the Foodhallen, a cool concept with lots of individual food stalls where everyone can find something. The food halls are therefore ideal for groups and families who don’t want to settle on one restaurant: Everyone can get whatever they fancy and then sit down together at a table and enjoy their meal before or after their visit to this Amsterdam cinema.

Why Filmhallen: The best place to feast without restraint before enjoying a large selection of current films!

Film halls
Hannie Dankbaarpassage 12

So, lovelies: Have fun at the cinema and maybe we’ll see you on tour!