Flicks recently polled Auckland’s movie-goers on what they thought was the best cinema in their city. Read on for the overall winner, best central, suburban and multiplex – and an overview of the others around the city.
If you’ve never been to one of these championed film palaces before, it’s worth giving them a go.
Best Cinema in Auckland – Matakana Cinemas
As voted by the people of Auckland, the best cinema in the city is worth a one-hour drive north from the CBD. Matakana Cinemas screens a wide selection of films, catering to both the general audience and the art house crowd while hosting their own mystery movie nights and specialty film festivals.
Perhaps what makes this cinema such a treasure is the community of film-lovers it cultivates. Doesn’t hurt that it’s also super close to pubs, Omaha, and one hell of an ice cream shop.
Find movie times & tickets for Matakana | See map & full info
Best Central City Cinema – Academy Cinemas
If you’re looking for central Auckland’s cinephile oasis, Academy Cinemas is the spot – tucked away downstairs below the Central City Library. The runner-up in the overall poll, and most popular city cinema, Academy Cinemas shares Matakana Cinema’s invaluable ability to cultivate a loyal community, not only by screening a wide array of films but by also playing hosts to Auckland Film Society screenings, cinema quiz nights, classic film screenings, movie marathons, the New Zealand International Film Festival, and even their own curated film fests (they just recently wrapped the Dystopian Film Festival).
And with $5 Wednesdays, they might have the cheapest movie tickets in New Zealand.
Find movie times & tickets for Academy | See map & full info
Best Multiplex – Reading LynnMall
On a similar train of thought, Reading LynnMall made a big impression when it first opened in West Auckland boasting $10 movie tickets. That alone might have been good enough to earn the people’s praise, a game-changing move that forced the competition to rethink their own price tags.
However, it’s a classy multiplex in its own right, complete with luxury cinemas and the impressive-sounding Titan XC Cinema armed with Dolby Atmos.
Find movie times & tickets for Reading | See map & full info
Best Suburban Cinema – Capitol Cinema
There’s also this cinema jewel of Dominion Road, backed by a rich history and a love for storytelling over blockbusting.
And you won’t find a better array of dumplings than the restaurants dotted along Dominion Rd, right on the Capitol’s doorstep…
Find movie times & tickets for Capitol | See map & full info
Where to find Auckland’s other cinemas:
Central
Chain Cinemas: Event Newmarket (pictured left), Event St Lukes, Event Queen St
Other Cinemas: Rialto Newmarket (pictured right), Lido Cinema
North
Chain Cinemas: Hoyts Wairau Park (pictured left), Event Albany, Hoyts Hibiscus Coast
Other Cinemas: Bridgeway (pictured right), The Vic, Berkeley Takapuna
East
Chain Cinemas: Hoyts Botany Downs (pictured left)
Other Cinemas: Monterey Howick (pictured right), Berkeley Mission Bay
West
Chain Cinemas: Event Westgate (pictured left), Event Westcity
Other Cinemas: Hollywood Avondale (pictured right)
South
Chain Cinemas: Hoyts Sylvia Park (pictured left), Event Manukau
Other Cinemas: Cinema 3 Pukekohe (pictured right), Hawkins Theatre Papakura
