Love the atmosphere of the cinema and the more off-beat movies that they choose to show. Just... could someone PLEASE remind me that I don't like their popcorn? I make this mistake every. single. time. Something about the oil - dunno, just doesn't taste quite right. Stick to candy, self. Stick to candy. read more

Saw a movie here for the first time a couple weeks ago. Pretty cool old school theater, good location

From the marquee to the screen, this place is old school. The Avon has one theatre, a beautiful old fashioned movie house theatre. They serve the basic movie fare along with.... wait for it..... frozen candy - charleston chews included. I don't remember the last time I had a frozen charleston chew, but it is something I connect to my childhood summers and it was the perfect treat for this movie going experience. As expected the sound system and video quality is not up to the standards of the new multiplex theatres, but that's not why you go to the Avon, and that's not why you'll come back. The Avon works to bring in smaller budget movies that are more about the story line than the graphics, and for these films, the old fashioned charm of the Avon is perfect. read more

This is a nice old theatre that has character and charm. I like the movies they play, they are usually international firms or have one independent awards. The seats aren't super comfortable, so if you have a bad back, then you might have a hard time sitting through a 2 hr movie. read more

I had my first Avon experience the other night and was overall pretty pleased. One thing I will complain about for just a second were the two guys working out front. I was in the area about an hour before the show started so I went in to buy my ticket and the guy looked at me like I was either annoying him by asking for a ticket or crazy for being there an hour before the showing... which doesn't seem that odd to me. Next I asked where the restrooms were. Now I had never been to this theater before so I really had no idea that it just opens up to this one big theater and that the bathrooms are upstairs and that you have to walk through the back of the theater to get there. This is when the atttude of annoyed intensified. I clearly don't know and have never been here before, guy. Just be helpful. Other than that I loved the theater. I loved that the curtains have to fully open and that they still play the old clips before the movie. I loved that they played old music while waiting for the previews. Yeah, it smells like an antique store a little bit but the buidling is an antique. Overall, I liked it and will be seeing other movies here. read more

Watching a movie at the Avon literally brings me back to my childhood because I did in fact go there growing up although I went more when I was old enough to appreciate the more film festival and cult films they tend to show. As others have so accurately described, a trip to the Avon is a voyage to a theater of the past. The seats are not particularly comfortable, the screen is small, there is nowhere to put your cup, you are crowded in, the person in front of you might block your view and the journey up the narrow staircase to the two stalls men's room which is more of a closet than a rest room can be a bit of a hassle right after the show when you and many others have to go! And be forewarned, although the art deco 1950's tiles are cool, when I went in it smelled like an old bathroom - not a good thing. I forgot to ask if they have a handicap accessible bathroom and when I called to ask, all I reached was a recording. On the other hand the sound system is fine, admission prices are reasonable, the people who work there are friendly, the concessions are noticeably less expensive than the competition and at the top of the stairs outside of the men's and women's bathrooms is a 50 cent candy machine which in itself is reason to visit. So yes, I'm a fan! read more

Avon is worth a visit for the beautiful mid-century look, as well as to see quality films that might be more difficult to find in other theatres. Tickets are very reasonably priced as well! I didn't have a chance to check out the concession stand, but other reviewers seem to be able to vouch for it pretty well. Aisles and seating were spacious and well kept, but cup holders would be nice. Their selection of movies was limited to two, but based on current and upcoming selections, they keep it varied, but consistent in terms of quality! Definitely come early to watch the previews, they have the old-timey ones for concessions and such! Tl;dr: neat atmosphere and good films! read more

Not the fanciest theater, nor the hippest. But I love its no-frills ambience and its selection of foreign and indie films. Never change.

Absolutely abysmal. Their whole "old-timey" aesthetic is kinda cute, but their commitment to it comes as a major detriment in most other areas. Right off the bat, they only give you change in obsolete dollar-coins. If you're going to take the bus home, this is far from helpful. The popcorn is stale and gross, so don't even bother. The bathrooms are tiny and cramped. In lieu of a real ticket stub, they give you one of those little ticket stubs you get from an arcade game or at a carnival. Good luck keeping track of it, and since they're ostensibly marketing themselves to cinephiles, how do they not realize that a lot of people like to keep their stubs? This has seemed like a disorganized review so far, so let me get a little more detailed. When I saw "12 Years a Slave" last year, the ushers allowed an elderly couple to wander in during the final scene. The couple loudly complained about something or other, and if you've seen the film you know how disastrous this must have been for the viewing experience. There is only one set of doors to get in, and the entire theater staff is within a couple feet of it. Why would they let these people in before the film had ended? The theater's website is also a nightmare. Their "coming soon" section displays only two films, and it never says the dates that they'll be playing. This is probably because these films get swapped out at random with no explanation. The film "Birdman" was advertised as "coming soon" for a while, but this week it suddenly vanished with no indication of when the theater would actually be showing it. In other words, you don't know what film will be playing (and they rarely show more than one film at a time, by the way) until a few days before it opens, and that can be weeks after the film has opened at other art house theaters. The picture and sound quality are both acceptable, but that's the most I'll say in this theater's favor. It's heartbreaking that this is the only place to see most popular indie films. Any films that are more mainstream will be at the mall multiplex, any that are less mainstream will play at the Cable Car. Both of those theaters offer infinitely more pleasurable experiences than the Avon Cinema, but it's the only place to see those in-between movies (aka Oscar contenders). If you're looking for a quality indie theater in Providence, the Cable Car is just a short walk from the Avon. And the Providence Place Cinema in the mall is a generally adequate option for more mainstream films. There is nothing to recommend about this theater. It fails in almost every possible aspect. I will only go there as a last resort. I advise that you avoid it entirely. read more

My friends and I watch a movie here every Friday. Really great movies, decent prices, and pretty clean bathrooms. Everything is very retro and it's makes you feel like you're really going to the movies in the past. It's very cozy. It makes me happy to go to Avon and everyone is just really sweet here. Talk about A+ hospitality. read more

I was lucky enough to have met the owner. What a wonderfully appointed little single-run theater right in the heart of thayer street. Place is historically preserved with great care. The people running this place really know how to pay attention to detail. Thank you for being a part of the community. Wish there were places like this back home!!! read more

i love this theater... not because you have extra leg room or because the seats are comfy.... it is ity bitty... i love it because it is a piece of history. watching a movie here makes the experience precious + its not gonna be in 3D with an over priced 75L cup of diet coke + butter with a side of popcorn. you go here to watch the movies that not everyone watches... you go here to get lost. you go here to get a bottle of your fave soda... you go here because you want to. if you like to experience a gem from the past with your movie, this is your kind a place. read more

Great Theater. I love the old fashion feel. Wish they played or just had a day once a week where they where able to play old fashion movies. Awesome place great staff. read more

Lovely little Art Deco theater that dates back to 1938. It has been kept in good condition and now shows about three movies, usually of the more highbrow variety, every week. The theater space itself clean with nice seats and good snacks, but the screen is surprisingly small. It's a little short on bathroom space as well, but that's to be expected in an older building. Ticket prices are pretty reasonable. I've never been able to figure out their scheduling or rotation, so check local listings or their website to find out what's playing and when. read more

The Avon is cool, don't get me wrong, it just isn't as cool as the Cable Car. I went here to see Midnight in Paris a couple of weeks ago and I was a little let down. I was really excited to visit the Avon, but there just wasn't anything particularly special about it. I liked the look and feel of the old building, but the atmosphere just didn't do it for me. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I don't think I will be returning any time soon unless I am paying matinee prices (or if a movie I just absolutely must see at a later time is playing there only). To be honest, I think if they sold beer they may have gotten another star. read more

What a cute little cinema. I love the history of it and the fact that its survived for so long. Located right smack-dab in the center of Thayer St., this indie theater plays an amazing selection of films here. I watched the "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" and "Florence Foster Jenkins" here and both occasions were a delight. There's only one theater in here, so you have to wait in the lobby until the theater is ready. My favorite part is actually the music that they play before they start showing the previews - it's this nostalgic, lovely music from the 50s and it's just perfect. read more

I love this place I guess mainly for the fact that it's an excuse for me to go to Providence and see movies that Seekonk/New Bedford/Randolph do not normally have playing. Yes, the seats are uncomfortable, but mind you this isn't a Showcase Cinema with rocking chairs with 3 feet of space or whatnot, nor is it couches (like Cable Car ;P), but it's good for what it is. Plus I love the super tacky "no smoking/etc" things shown at the beginning. Clearly have not been updated since the 70s/80s, but it amuses me every time. read more

The Avon cinema is a Thayer Street staple. Though they lack a wide selection of films at any one time, what they do offer to the PVD public are beautifully filmed independent movies that leave you entertained and enlightened. Prices are fair, especially if you invest in their 6 ticket pass for a reasonable $51. read more

This is a cozy little theatre tucked between a pizza place and a more casual restaurant with outdoor seating. When you walk in you might feel a bit nostalgic seeing the old red velvet carpeting and a whole fridge filled with old fashioned glass Coke Cola bottles right in front of you as you get your ticket. The theatre is usually clean, and most of the time you can get a good seat. The movies shown here are art house or foreign. The Avon is a cool place to go if you are trying to pass the time. read more

It might not have the amenities of the Providence Place mall's theaters, but I'd take the Avon Cinema theater over it any day. I love the old-timey look of the screen with the big red curtains, the cushy seats, the old-fashioned advertisements for the snack bar (that serves really reasonably priced refreshments) and the selection of films I'd have to drive all the way to Coolidge Corner in Cambridge to see if the Avon weren't there. If there were one thing I'd change about the theater though, it'd be the too-small bathrooms. If the generic MegaPlex has one thing over the Avon, it's plentiful restrooms. I had to wait ten minutes in line during a movie once to use the facilities and missed more than I thought I was going to when I got up for a quick bathroom break. Besides that, the Avon is my favorite theater in Rhode Island and maybe the world, for that matter. read more

Nice little theater to see the latest Sundance selection. Tickets aren't too bad (7.50 - 9.50), and it's a nice walk from my apartment in Smith Hill over to Thayer. read more

Wonderful independent theater with THE BEST popcorn. I always prefer to see a movie here than the big commercial theaters, though the Avon tends to have artsy films rather than the big blockbusters. Come early for some vey intersting previews that you won't see anywhere else. Love the scratchy vintage welcome reel as well :) read more

I'm rounding up to three stars. I'd give it two if I could. It's nice that they show alternative films, that you won't see at the mall. But sadly the seats are really small and clumped together. I'm 5'11 / 170 lbs it's hard for me to fit in a seat. And also sadly the acoustics are bad. Hard to hear. But other than that lol.. read more

I always leave the Avon with a pep in my step. The amazing movies that the Avon selects to grace it's screen always deliver the feeling of time well spent. The old school vibe of the place is great and is like stepping back in time for a couple hours. Upstairs, an old pull knob vending machine doles out favorite small candy like Lemonheads, next to which is a stand up metal ashtray like I remember seeing at theatres as a kid. Downstairs, check out the collage of old movie star photos on your way out. Not to mention the lovely room the movie is screened in. The one small negative about the Avon is the popcorn is not very good, but the fact that they sell soda in old timey small glass bottles makes up for it in my book. I know some prefer the Cable Car (another great theatre) to the Avon, but there is just something about leaving a movie and stepping out on to bustling Thayer St. that adds that little somethin' somethin' that makes me love this place a little bit more. read more

Came here to see our daughter Madeleine Heil in the premiere of "Two Hearts". Wonderful that the theatre lets Brown University use its facilities - allowing the students see themselves on the "Big Screen". Definitely a treat and a step back in time to sit in this vintage cinema! read more

Great place to catch movies that may not hit other theatres. It's not really much cheaper than big cinemas though, and the screen and sound system is very sub-par, but it's a local icon. I won't stop coming, but just know it's nothing fancy. read more

I really enjoy coming to this cinema. I get that 70's vibe from it. Clean, prices are reasonable and good quality picture and sound.

This theater is phenomenal. Great selection of films at reasonable prices. Get the 6 tickets for $51 deal because you will surely return! The Avon is a charming place with a vintage feel. A wonderful place to escape with a movie for a couple of hours! read more

This place takes me back in time. I love this theater. Are the seats the most comfortable for someone on the tall side no but they sure make up for it. They play movies not every theater shows nor does everyone watch. You'll mostly get a confused looked when you tell someone you just saw this great movie at the Avon followed by "I've never heard of it". The movies they show are different, they are a piece of art and sometimes you love a piece of art while other times you sit in your seat for a good 10 minutes afterwards wondering what you just watched, but no matter what art always gives you something to talk about. The people that work there are always super nice and seem happy with their job which honestly is nice to see. The only thing I wish the Avon would do is some classic movie nights/showings. The theater is perfect for settling to watch Gregory Peck or Ingrid Bergman or to show "It's a Wonderful Life" during the holiday season. Maybe they do this and I just always miss but if they don't they should I'd be first in line. Keep up the good work Avon! read more

By far my favorite movie theater. They aren't going to play any garbage over-hyped blockbusters, just good movies that the rest of us can appreciate. I love the classic feel of the theater. Plus their popcorn is served with real butter (I probably shouldn't be as thrilled about that as I always am). read more

Very cool retro style movie theater. I would not have tried out this place on my own but my friend Jay wanted to catch A Most Wanted Man at this theater on a Tuesday night. Turned out to be a pretty cool experience. Retro style tickets at the box office and Concessions. Not a retro price for tickets and snacks but right on target with an average theater. The seating as others have mentioned are older and of course smaller. Not too bad a seat for the couple of hours to see a movie but you wouldn't last much longer than that. We were lucky on a Tuesday night it was not packed or it would have felt a bit tight . The movie was good and I thought the sound quality was fine. We sat closer than we would normally because the screen is not as big as the other theaters. I liked the retro start to the movie like lets go out to the lobby song lol. I think they went' digital at some point for movies because I didn't hear the click of a reel style projector. I said to my buddy Jay that would be a nice touch. Nice experience and if there is another movie worth checking out it would be a fun night out and maybe grab a bite on Thayer Street. Oh yea parking was not too bad on a Tuesday night I parked a couple of street over and it was a nice walk to the theater. read more

The facilities are nice. As in the decoration is appropriate and it's not filthy. The seats are a bit hard and narrow, however I'm a larger guy so that may be different to the average viewer. The reason I only gave it 3 stars is because it's built a name for itself as an art-house cinema and it has only shown films that you can see at any mainstream cinema. I haven't visited in a while because of that. I live in south county and I'd pass at least 3 cinemas as long as I could see an Indie or foreign film. It's alright if you're on thayer street anyway. read more

I have been going here for 40 years and it's not perfect but I love it. You don't have to go to Boston or Newton to watch foreign films. I'm grateful it's here and it is charming but bathrooms could use a remodel. Enjoy and grab a quick bite on Thayer or Wickenden St. Also, please support Brown bookstore which has remained independent. read more

I need to correct a few comments I made about the Avon in a review written about the Cable Car Cinema down the hill. I wrote that "the Avon plays funky films," but meant nothing bad. The Avon plays many "boutique studio" films - Focus Features, etc - and often premieres eventual Oscar winners - SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, THE KING'S SPEECH, THE HURT LOCKER - but often shows films like Sean Baker's TANGERINE, or PERSEPOLIS, as well. That's all I meant by "funky," which is usually the type of film for which I haunt the Cable Car. The Avon is great. Last night, I was there for the Berklee Silent Film Orchestra, performing live during two Lois Weber films and of course BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN. I also wrote that I liked the "real food" at the Cable Car over the standard movie house fare at the Avon, but the truth is, I like both and love the variety. Popcorn, candy and sodas are sometimes the only profit margin for art house cinemas like the Avon, and all movie lovers need to insure these treasures remain extant. If you're reading this out of town, come see us in Providence this summer for a Waterfire event; stay in a boutique hotel like the Hotel Providence or the Dean; ride public transit down to Newport for the beach, the mansions, and the Jane Pickens (another great cinema house); check out the Cable Car and the RISD Museum (free on Sundays; the French Impressionists' rooms are not to be missed); but above all visit the Avon and keep it going, as it has been a real special place for me over the years, as it has for so many others since 1938. David R. Posman read more