The Seven Best Cinemas in Wellington

Going to the movies is more than seeing a film. It has become an all-encompassing experience where the type of snack combo you buy is as important as the film you watch. As the film capital of New Zealand we are spoilt for choice when it comes to where we want to see a Friday night flick. From their cafe menu through to their seating arrangements, these cinemas listed offer their unique spin on what they consider to be the ideal cinema experience.

7. Lighthouse Cinema Cuba

Nestled amongst the bustling Cuba Street district you'll find the Lighthouse Cinema Cuba. An inviting, relaxed atmosphere filled with plenty of intimate spaces and cosy seating, the Lighthouse is perfect for lounging out and unwinding with a glass of wine or cup of coffee in hand.

The seating inside the cinema are more couch-like than your normal cinema seats; so although you may not have a slot for your drink, you do have extra room to put you feet up and get comfy. Their brilliant selection of foreign and art house films make Lighthouse cinema the go-to cinema for the underground film-seeker, so if your in the mood to watch something a little different this is the place for you.

29 Wigan Street, Te Aro

6. Embassy Theatre

From its marble staircase, to its ridiculously large screen (one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere), the Embassy knows how to be extravagant and grand. It has become an iconic building for many Wellington locals not only because it is one of the oldest running cinemas, but it also has been the host for events such as the 48 Hours Film Competition Wellington Finals and Peter Jackson's world premiere of Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. The cinema's classical design succinctly permeates the entire building - the wooden features, marble stairwell and tiling in the restrooms all an ode to the bygone '20s era in which it was built.

Embassy Theatre offer a range of art house and mainstream films that suit a wide range of film-goers. With a glass of wine in hand, watching a film at the Embassy is one of the classiest cinematic experiences you'll have in town.

1 Kent Terrace, Mount Victoria 

5. Paramount Theatre

Hidden between the high-rise buildings on Courtenay Place lies Paramount Theatre. What Paramount lacks in popcorn, it makes up for in character and history. Taking the title of Wellington's oldest cinema, Paramount Theatre is a local favourite, playing host to the Wellington Film Society and regularly screening classics such as cult favourite The Room every first Friday of the month. The shared space between the cafe and waiting room creates the perfect intimate and relaxed setting for functions and venue hire too. While you wait for your film in one of the three cinemas, grab a cup of coffee and make your way out to the balcony where they have a great view of the cityscape that surrounds the building.

25 Courtenay Place, Te Aro 

4. The Roxy Cinema

You can find The Roxy Cinema in the heart of New Zealand's leading filmmaking neighbourhood, Miramar. Initially established as The Capitol Theatre in 1928, and then converted into a shopping mall in the 1960s, the Art Deco-styled Roxy Cinema only opened its doors in 2011 but quickly rose to acclaim - winning the 'Best Cinema in the New Zealand Award' by the Australian Independent Distributions Association in 2013.

In terms of films on offer, retrospectives of respected auteurs like Stanley Kubrick and Alfred Hitchcock as well as blockbusters show at The Roxy. For those feeling a little peckish, take a seat at their generously sized 60-seat restaurant and cafe, Coco at the Roxy. Extravagant, elegant and housing the most extensive wine and beer list I have ever seen in a cinema complex, the in-house Coco at the Roxy takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to "going out for a movie and dinner".

5 Park Road, Miramar

3. Reading Cinema

Within easy walking distance to many restaurants and bars, the populist Reading Cinema is the most central cinema in Wellington (closely followed by Paramount and Embassy a few hundred metres down the road, but still). Its ten screens, 1,000 space parking lot, and extensive list of films also means Reading has the capacity and means to offer a wide range of films to a wide range of people.

The snack bar exhibits all the house favorites, but if you are in the mood for something a little different the food court is conveniently located on the floor below. They have a variety of deals available including cheap Tuesdays and group deals. If you really want to take your viewing experience to new heights, treat yourself to a Gold Lounge pass where you not only get to enjoy your film in the comfort of your own armchair, but you also have full access to the lounge bar and food menu where you can choose from a wide selection of drinks and food to purchase.

With their wall-to-wall screens and explosive sound system, Reading Cinema is our go-to spot to watch that new release of Mad Max.

100 Courtenay Place, Te Aro

2. Penthouse Cinema

It is worth the journey to venture to the suburb of Brooklyn and pay a visit to the Penthouse Cinema. Retaining its old fashioned charm after many years of renovations, it has become a luxurious escape for all types of movie-goers. Penthouse offer a selection of event nights that cater to more specific demographics. These events include Senior Sneak Peaks on Wednesday nights (for senior citizens), and Thursday Babes in Arms day where mothers are invited to attend screenings with their young ones. Their cafe menu and snack bar offer a range of delicious meals and treats, and they also provide in-house catering for those who'd like to hold a private screening at the cinema.

Their newly built parking lot right next to the cinema means that if you do decide to take a trip out of the city you will be able to find a parking spot in no time.

205 Ohiro Road, Brooklyn

1. Time Cinema

Down a suburban street in Lyall Bay you will find this antiquated hidden gem. Coated from top to bottom with old cameras, projectors and film reels, this space is more than just a cinema, it's a hidden wonderland that will make any film lover melt at first entry. Privately owned by John and Margaret Bell, the cinema consists of one theatre with 32 seats, a small snack bar and a seating area with its very own pinball machine (!). As the cinema is privately owned, the films screened are not announced publicly and the only way to see what's showing is to give them a call in person or subscribe to their newsletter. Having a passion for old school cinema they only screen a range of films dating back before my time.

If you get the opportunity to stumble into this charming and historical cinema, do spend a decent amount of time looking at a few of their prized possessions - which include the world's only handmade projector and an entire 35mm film reel of Jackson's Return of the King.

N.B. You can also hire the building for private functions such as birthdays and staff parties where you have the opportunity to screen a film from their 1000 plus catalogue and enjoy a meal both John and Margaret have prepared.

191 Sutherland Road, Lyall Bay