The 9 Best Movie Theatres in Ottawa for a Star-Studded Movie Experience (Without the Hollywood Price)
My friends and I have an unspoken weekend rule—when in doubt, we just go to the movies. It’s basically autopilot now, and no one even argues anymore.
The funny thing is, over time we’ve gotten picky about our movie spots. Some theatres go all-out with the IMAX Avengers experience, while others offer cozy Friends vibes for a chill night.
If you’re here, you’re likely facing the same dilemma. Doesn’t matter if you’re with your crew or going solo for a movie binge, I’ve got you covered with the best theatres in Ottawa that we personally vetted over countless movie weekends!
1. Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne and VIP
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Website: https://www.cineplex.com/theatre/cineplex-cinemas-lansdowne-and-vip
Location: 25 Marché Way Unit 107
Contact Details: (613) 232-2770
Business Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday & Friday: 2:15 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday: 11:15 AM – 11:00 PM
Why you should go: In-seat food service
Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne and VIP delivers an elevated movie experience in the heart of Ottawa, perfect when you want your night out to feel a little special.
You should come here for their VIP section. It features reclining seats and in-seat food service that’s not really typical for most cinemas, but it’s what makes this place stand out.
The theatre has screened everything from blockbuster hits like Avengers: Endgame to intense dramas like Joker, plus a mix of indie films and special events like live sports or concerts.
Of course, no movie is complete without snacks. Alongside the usual popcorn and candy, the VIP menu goes all out with burgers and flatbreads.
Pro tip:
Want the best seats? Book your tickets online in advance.
VIP screenings fill up fast, so grabbing those prime middle-row seats is key for the best viewing experience.
2. Scotiabank Theatre
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Website: https://www.cineplex.com/theatre/scotiabank-theatre-ottawa
Location: 2385 City Park Drive
Contact Details: (613) 749-5112
Business Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday & Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Why you should go: Screens a wide variety of movie genres
Scotiabank Theatre offers a top-tier movie experience in the heart of the city. With its comfortable seating and massive screens, it’s perfect for enjoying blockbuster films.
Like us, we’d love for you to experience their IMAX and UltraAVX options too. They deliver enhanced sound and stunning visuals, offering a cinematic magic you won’t find just anywhere.
Aside from that, movie geeks will love their wide variety of movie genres, including the latest action-packed releases and indie films. There are also special event screenings that you can enjoy in 3D.
As for concessions, Scotiabank Theatre has all the classic movie snacks, including freshly made popcorn, drinks, and a variety of candy. This makes it the perfect spot for a complete movie night.
Pro tip:
Scene+ members rack up 5 points for every dollar spent on tickets (pre-tax). It’s an easy way to build up points toward free movies and snacks, so make sure to use your membership!
3. Mayfair Theatre
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Website: https://mayfairtheatre.ca/
Location: 1074 Bank Street
Contact Details: (613) 730-6552
Why you should go: Extensive movie lineup
The Mayfair Theatre is more than just a movie theatre—it’s a time machine that takes you back to 1932, when going to the cinema was an event in itself.
Built during the thick of the Great Depression (yep, when money was tight and movies were a sweet escape), this gem is among the oldest independent movie houses in Canada.
Fun fact: it has never been owned by any of the big cinema chains. So yes, it’s the definition of indie cool.
The theatre was designed as an “atmospheric cinema”. The medieval-style wrought-iron lamps, iron spears, and ornate molding are all part of the decor. It’s almost like a movie set in itself.
Their best feature is their lineup of indie films, classics, cult favorites, and documentaries you won’t find anywhere else. It’s definitely a must-try if you’re a fan of good, old-fashioned cinema magic that goes beyond the mainstream.
Pro tip:
You can give the gift of a Mayfair night! They sell gift certificates in $10 and $20 increments, perfect for movie lovers.
4. ByTowne Cinema
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Website: https://www.bytowne.ca/
Location: 325 Rideau Street
Contact Details: (613) 789-4600
Business Hours: Sunday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Why you should go: Great membership perks
ByTowne Cinema is where the past and present vibe together in perfect harmony. It’s so old, some younger folks might call it “olde” (fancy, right?).
When it first opened on February 10, 1947, the ByTowne was a big deal. The first film, Johnny Frenchman, didn’t last long (two weeks, tops), but the cinema itself was here to stay.
Fast forward to today, and the ByTowne is still a go-to spot for Ottawa’s film lovers. With its vintage charm and single-screen setup, it’s evolved into a hub for indie flicks, foreign films, documentaries, and throwback movie nights.
The community is the heart of ByTowne. Memberships offer discounted tickets, and you’ll feel good knowing you’re supporting local cinema.
More perks? You bet—for just $14.82 per year, you’ll get $4 off the regular ticket price and even enjoy a free movie during your birthday month. It’s a deal that’s hard to resist.
Pro tip:
While the ByTowne has an awesome concession stand, they’re also pretty chill about letting you bring your own snacks—just keep it low-key and respectful, of course!
5. Ottawa Family Cinema
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Website: https://www.familycinema.ca/
Location: 815 St. Laurent Boulevard
Contact Details: (613) 722-8218
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Why you should go: Top-notch Dolby Digital sound system and large screen
The Ottawa Family Cinema has been making movie magic since 1977. It started in the cozy Alexander Community Center but quickly outgrew its space, moving to bigger venues as its fanbase grew.
Today, this place is rocking a large auditorium, a killer Dolby Digital surround sound system, and a big ol’ cinema screen that my friend and I can’t get enough of because it makes every movie feel like an epic event.
And they’ve gone all fancy with state-of-the-art 3D projection gear, thanks to a little help from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Yep, they’re keeping things modern, but still family-friendly.
Feeling snacky? Don’t worry, you won’t need to take out a loan. Snacks here start at just $1.50—yes, really! They offer classic popcorn, chips, candies, and warm hot chocolate.
Pro tip:
Want to save more on movie nights? Grab a family membership for ticket discounts, birthday party deals, and even free admission to select shows!
6. Ciné Starz
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Website: https://www.cinestarz.ca/movie-theater/stlaurentcentre
Location: 1200 St. Laurent Boulevard
Contact Details: (613) 688-0685
Business Hours:
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Monday, Wednesday & Thursday: 12:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Tuesday & Friday: 12:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Why you should go: Budget-friendly movie ticket
Ciné Starz at St. Laurent Centre is the perfect spot for a budget-friendly movie night—and honestly, you should totally give it a shot.
But take note, it’s not the plush, reclining-seat experience—think simple seats, smaller theatres, and a nostalgic vibe like the classic cinemas of the past.
On the plus side, the smaller theatres create an intimate vibe, so you won’t be drowning in a sea of moviegoers. It’s like having a personal movie screening, minus the butler serving champagne—you know, budget-friendly.
The lineup typically offers a mix of family-friendly flicks, intense thrillers, and indie gems. There’s always a variety, so it’s worth checking the schedule to see what’s playing next.
Pro tip:
Love a good deal? Head to Ciné Starz on Tuesdays, where all tickets are just $5.00 all day. It’s perfect for a midweek movie fix without spending so much.
7. VIP Roxy Cinemas
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Website: https://vipcinemas.com/roxy-cinemas
Location: 827 La Salle Street
Contact Details: (815) 433-1816
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Why you should go: Open to private screenings for events
VIP Roxy Cinemas has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. Originally opened its doors around 1910 as the Gayety Theatre, it started as a vaudeville house, entertaining audiences with live performances.
Today, VIP Cinemas runs the show at Roxy Cinemas, offering first-run films in a historic setting while keeping up with the times. You’ll find an exciting variety of films for every taste.
I like that you can book group gatherings, corporate events, or even fundraisers at VIP Roxy Cinemas. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a movie with my crowd, all while having the theater entirely to myself.
Pro tip:
VIP Cinemas gift cards are the perfect gift for any occasion. It’s available from $10 to $100 and you can use them for tickets, snacks, or drinks.
8. The Gladstone Theatre
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Website: https://thegladstone.ca/
Location: 910 Gladstone Avenue
Contact Details: (613) 233-4523
Business Hours:
- Saturday to Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Why you should go: Accessible and affordable film screenings
The Gladstone Theatre has been bringing drama (the good kind!) to Ottawa since 1982, starting as the first permanent home of the Great Canadian Theatre Company.
When the GCTC packed up and moved, the theatre got a glow-up in 2008, reopening as The Gladstone under the care of Marilisa Granzotto and Steve Martin.
In 2011, local indie theatre folks transformed The Gladstone into a shared creative space, making theatre more accessible and affordable. By 2016, it became a not-for-profit, and by 2018, it was officially a registered charity.
Today, it’s all about bold, diverse productions—and keeping that welcoming, drama-filled vibe alive. They occasionally mix things up with film screenings where you’ll find indie films, documentaries, and the classics.
Best of all, The Gladstone Theatre’s standout feature is its unmatched creative freedom. With a prime location and 200+ seats, it’s the perfect stage for bringing productions to life—a must-visit for theater lovers and creators.
Pro tip:
Donate to The Gladstone Theatre and unlock perks like free tickets, drinks, name recognition, and even named seats!
9. Capital Pop-up Cinema
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Website: https://www.capitalpopupcinema.com/
Location: Popping up’ around Ottawa all summer long
Contact Details: [email protected]
Why you should go: Free screenings
If you love surprises, Capital Pop-up Cinema is for you! For over a decade, they’ve been bringing movies to unexpected places around Ottawa, starting as a simple backyard movie night with friends.
Their first official screening? In the parking lot of the original SuzyQ doughnut shop in Hintonburg. Since then, they’ve partnered with 20+ local businesses and hosted 100 free screenings, delighting over 50,000 movie lovers.
Founded by Isobel Walker, a proud member of the neurodiverse community, Capital Pop-up Cinema continues to make every movie night a fun, community-driven experience.
But here’s the real kicker: they’ve got a fantastic mix of films—everything from family favorites and timeless classics to those cult hits you secretly love. And the best part? Screenings are totally FREE.
Pro tip:
Bring a blanket! Outdoor screenings can get chilly, so stay cozy while enjoying the movie under the stars.