Honestly, if you’re just heading to the nearest AMC because it’s the only place you know, you’re kinda doing it wrong. Don't get me wrong—there is a time and a place for a $20 bucket of popcorn and a screen the size of a billboard. But movies in Fort Lauderdale have become this weird, wonderful mix of "church-turned-cinema" vibes and high-tech holographic dinosaurs that most tourists completely breeze past.
You’ve lived here a while, or maybe you’re just visiting, and you want to see a flick. You probably think your options are limited to the big malls. But the local film scene is actually thriving in the cracks between the luxury recliners and the sticky floors of the 90s-era megaplexes.
The Arthouse Church and the $5 Secret
If you haven't been to Savor Cinema, you’re missing the literal heart of the local film community. It’s tucked away on SE 6th Street in what used to be a Methodist church from the 1940s. It’s got this incredible history—it survived a monster hurricane, served as a records depot, and was even used for narcotics storage back in the day. Now? It’s the headquarters for the Broward County Film Society.
It feels more like a private club than a theater. There’s a courtyard where you can grab a drink before the show, and the programming is wild. You might see a South American indie one night and a "Candlelight Concert" the next.
Then there’s the Gateway Cinema.
Basically, it’s the oldest movie house in Broward. It’s got that mid-century modern look that people try so hard to fake nowadays. They’ve kept the retro marquee and the searchlight vibes, but they’ve actually upgraded the sound systems.
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- Pro Tip: If you're looking to save some cash, Paradigm Cinemas (which runs the Gateway) does a $5 movie day every Tuesday. That’s cheaper than a latte on Las Olas.
- The Rocky Horror Factor: They still do the midnight screenings of Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live shadow cast. It's chaotic, loud, and exactly what Fort Lauderdale needs more of.
Big Screens and Holographic Dinosaurs
If you really do need that "blow my ears out" blockbuster experience, you aren't stuck with basic screens. The AutoNation IMAX at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is a beast. It’s the largest screen in South Florida. But the real news for 2026 is their new HoloTheater.
It’s the first custom-built holographic theater of its kind. You don’t even need those annoying 3D glasses. They’re running a show called Dinosaur Discoveries right now that uses spatial audio and panoramic visuals. It’s 25 minutes long and honestly feels like a fever dream in the best way possible.
What's Happening with FLIFF 2026?
We’re coming up on a huge milestone. The 40th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) is hitting the city from February 20th to February 28th, 2026.
This isn't just a "sit in the dark" kind of festival. It’s ten days of red carpets, beach parties, and about 60 different films ranging from student shorts to Oscar-bound features. They’re spreading the love this year across Savor Cinema, Cinema Paradiso in Hollywood, and even some spots in Deerfield Beach.
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If you’re a local, this is the time to actually engage. Most people think film festivals are just for industry elites. Nope. FLIFF is notoriously accessible. You can walk in off the street, buy a ticket for a random documentary, and end up having a beer with the director in the courtyard afterward.
The Reality of Luxury Cinema
Let’s talk about the "luxury" side of things. Places like Silverspot and the AMC Dine-In Coral Ridge 10 are the go-to for date nights.
Is it worth the $25 ticket?
Sorta.
The AMC Coral Ridge 10 is actually pretty solid because of the MacGuffins Bar and the delivery-to-seat service. But keep in mind, the prices for concessions are getting a bit out of hand. You’re paying for the convenience of not having to move your legs for three hours.
If you want the luxury feel without the corporate "soullessness," Silverspot is usually the better bet for a slightly more curated experience. Their sound systems are generally better calibrated than the big chains.
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Moving Beyond the Blockbuster
The mistake most people make when looking for movies in Fort Lauderdale is only checking Fandango for the big hits like Avatar: Fire and Ash or the latest Zootopia sequel.
There is a whole world of "micro-cinemas" and pop-up screenings happening if you know where to look. Keep an eye on the NSU Alvin Sherman Library or the African American Research Library—they often host screenings for FLIFF that are way more intimate and usually involve a deep-dive discussion afterward.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Movie Night
- Check the Arthouse Schedule First: Before you default to a multiplex, look at the Savor Cinema or Gateway Cinema calendar. You might find a cult classic or an indie gem you’d never see elsewhere.
- Join the Loyalty Programs: Paradigm Cinemas has a rewards program that actually gives you free drinks and popcorn fairly quickly. AMC has the Stubs program, but it's only worth it if you go at least once a month.
- Tuesdays Are King: Between AMC's Discount Tuesdays and the Gateway's $5 deals, there is zero reason to pay full price for a movie in the middle of the week.
- The FLIFF Poster Reveal: If you're reading this in January, get down to Savor Cinema for the poster unveiling. It’s a great way to get a "sneak peek" at the festival lineup while enjoying an open bar and live music.
Fort Lauderdale's movie scene is a lot deeper than the neon signs on the highway suggest. Whether you're into the high-tech holographic future at MODS or the "sticky-floor-but-make-it-historic" charm of the Gateway, there's always a screen waiting.