The 9 Best Cinemas in Barcelona

With an average of 2,524 hours of sunshine a year, we don’t blame you if sitting in a pitch black cinema theatre is the last thing on your mind when you come to Barcelona. But just like Spanish punctuality, the weather here can be unpredictable too.

So whether you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day, or you just can’t wait until you’re home to watch the latest release that you’ve been oh so looking forward to, here are some of the best cinemas in the city.

VO Cinemas – Films shown in their original language

Version Original cinemas can be found in most neighbourhoods in the city, and offer movie buffs the chance to watch both newly released blockbusters, and also art house classics.

Yelmo Icària Cinema

Close to the port of Barcelona, Yelmo Icària cinema is the best place to go to see any latest releases. It is situated in the El Centre de la Vila shopping centre and has 15 screens!

Metro: Ciutadella Vila Olimpica (L4)

Ciné Melies Cinema

A two screen arthouse cinema in the city, head to Ciné Melies for international and local films. Sundance festival, eat your heart out!

Metro: Urgell (L1) or Hospital Clinic (L4)

Cines Verdi

Those that live in the quirky and independent Grácia neighbourhood, boast that once you’re in Grácia, there’s no need to leave! And with their very own 5 screen cinema Cines Verdi, showing both blockbusters as well as art house classics, we think they might be right…

Metro: Fontana (L3)

Filmoteca de Catalunya Cinema

The Filmoteca de Catalunya offers slightly cheaper prices than the rest of our picks so far, and regularly hosts cinema seasons like Werner Herzog season or 70’s USA film season. The cinema is owned by the city council and their website is only available in Catalan.

Metro: Liceu (L3) or Paral.lel (L3/ L2 )

Renoir Cinema

With a site in Floridablanca, Renoir cinema offers films that might appeal more to an art house crowd.

Metro: Sant Antoni (L2)

Cinema Maldà

Opened in 1945 in the Maldá galleries (the first commercial galleries in Barcelona), Cinema Maldá is the oldest cinema in the city and has one screen. It is situated in Barcelona’s Old Town, hidden between art galleries, chocolate shops, and bodegas.

Metro: Liceu (L3)

Other Cinemas

Sala Phenomena Experience

One of the largest cinemas in Spain, Sala Phenomena has hosted premiere events, conferences and presentations, as well showing the latest films and releases in VOSE (the original language but with Spanish subtitles).

Metro: Sagrada Família (L2) or Alfons X/Joanic (L4)

Sala Montjuic- Open-Air Cinema

At the foot of Montjuic’s magnificent castle lies its spectacular outdoor summer cinema. From the 28th of June to the 2nd of August, Sala Montjuic will be showing a great selection of films accompanied by live music performances beforehand! Basic entrance to the cinema is €6, and you can rent chairs if you forget your blanket.

Metro: Espanya (L1/L3)

L’Illa Diagonal- Open-Air Cinema

If you don’t fancy trekking all the way up Montjuic hill, head to L’Illa Diagonal shopping centre for their open-air cinema season. Every July, the gardens behind the shopping mall are transformed into a fabulous outdoor movie theatre which shows a variery of feature length and short films.

Metro: Les Corts (L3)

Top Tip! If you’re feeling flexible, head to the cinema on a Monday night. Many cinemas offer half price tickets on a Monday so if you want to save money, this is the best day to go. But remember to check the cinema website before you go, to see if they’re taking part in the deal.