VIBE

From humble beginnings in the 1970s (when they had one projector, 50 folding chairs, and an annual budget of USD 19,000), Film Forum has grown into one of the city’s premier independent cinemas. Its thoughtfully curated program focuses on indie, art house, and foreign films, as well as a smattering of documentaries and Hollywood classics. This is the only nonprofit cinema in the city.

GO HERE WITH

Cinema buffs

WHY WE LIKE IT

Great selection of independent, foreign, art house, and classic films. A good choice if you’re not in the mood for a blockbuster.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

There are only three screens, so tickets sell out quickly.

GOOD TO KNOW

They’ve got a fab snack bar with goodies like freshly baked cookies by Jacques Torres. The box office is cash only. No admittance after the first 30 minutes of the film. Tickets are available online seven days in advance, and online sales are closed 30 minutes before the start of the film.

CLOSEST COMPS

Angelika Film Center (New York); ArcLight Cinemas (Los Angeles)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.