Please list the movies and times for Burns Court Cinema. Your faithful patrons can easily walk to the theater. We love the film selections, and the lemonade is delicious. read more

We are members now, and stopped in for our first film - See How They Run - a takeoff of an Agatha Christie whodunit. An annual membership for two is $50. The theater is small, running three films, but everything about this is like stepping back twenty years in time. Ok, it's not recliner seating and massive screens with state of the art sound systems. Save those IMAX and cinematic blockbusters for the multiplex theaters. But come here for drama, comedy and documentary films. They also run themed reruns - like Heroes - which run the gamut from A Few Good Men to Stripes. Free membership appreciation films. Meet the filmmaker night. A true community theater. Start with the cost for a weekday afternoon -$6 per seat, a drink and popcorn included! Friendly staff, clean theater seats, a huge selection of treats and snacks priced at half of what the chains now charge. Drinks, including wine, beer and mixed cocktails for sale. A unique popcorn flavor station tops off the list of things that make this theater, and its twin in Lakewood Ranch, a neighborhood gem! read more

See all

Love this theater. Great movie content, food is good. Public parking within one block.

Take me back to my fabulous past of movie watching! This cinema has 3 theaters. The choice of art films and new releases always pleases. This is my second time attending a Film Festival there. It has been awesome to see films that are not main stream and are often very surprising and rival the blockbusters. The quaint theater tucked in besides a row of amazing original Burns Court homes is a gem to be preserved for all art movie lovers. It's not a big box theater, but you will definitely appreciate the setting. Burns Court & Lakewood Ranch Cinemas are run by the nonprofit Sarasota Film Society, committed to delivering quality films at affordable cost. Memberships are available with AWESOME Perks! Check it out. It's a crowd pleaser read more

Burns Court Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

See all

We love this theater! We are members of the Sarasota Film Society, because we want to support non profit theaters. The theater is only open Fridays - Sundays now. As far as parking goes, I recommend arriving very early, or better yet, hire an Uber to and from. Come and enjoy all old and new films, and delightful special events!! It's a small and intimate atmosphere! (Prices $10 tickets, $6 with a membership.) read more

Love this boutique style theater right in the downtown Burns Square neighborhood. Excellent selection of fascinating movies, just saw 'The Menu', wow! Popcorn and the butter the use was the best! Two of us are the whole large bag, could have gone for another;) serves beer and wine. Nice date night or going it alone. read more

Burns Court Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

I've been coming to Burns Court forever and have seen so many films here I've lost count. Moving back to the area, I finally joined as a member and wanted to let the world know all about the perks of supporting this wonderful space. Tickets at Burns Court are always affordable. They play host to so many films you can't see anywhere else in the area and have a fantastic concession to boot! Sound up your alley? Live in the general area or visit enough to see maybe 3 films a year there? Join as a member. Membership is around $30 annually ($50 for two folks joining together!) and you get so much bang for your buck: - $6 movie tickets to any film - this ain't just at Burns Court! It's for the Lakewood Cinema as well as online films - discounts on certain concessions I love being a member and am frequently seeing double features these days, including hard-to-catch options like Tragedy of Macbeth, Licorice Pizza, and so many more art house option you can't even catch in Saint Pete or Tampa! Honestly, they have some of the best titles in the state. As most of Florida has been trending, Covid protocols are touch and go. Luckily this space is a liberal hub so wear your mask and you'll see others doing so too. Cons: not a ton to mention but be aware this is God's waiting room. A lot of the older folks who come will be coughing, phones will ring, omg they can't not make noise. They may not have the newest tech or recliner chairs but this spot makes me feel like I'm in Cinema Paradiso, enjoying a film for the right reasons. I'm here for the art, not the comfort. Very typical complaints of a theater, but there are so many great reasons to go these are easy to look past. The staff is phenomenal, it's super clean, and everyone there seems to be a cinephile. Beyond this, the Burns Court area is romantic and adorable. It's a wonderful date spot and is right next to Owen's Fish Camp, The Fountain, and Project Coffee. Parking is on the street and usually easy to come by but if it's crowded check a block over as there is a free parking area provided by the city. Day date for yourself? Drive over to the lot, have a great hour to two reading a book at Project Coffee, have lunch there too, catch the early showing at Burns. Night time romantic date? Have an early dusk walk around the cute shops in the area, see the evening showing at Burns with a glass of wine, grab a table at Owen's Fish Camp or make a reservation and have a walk to Boca over by Main St. Support this wonderful nonprofit in the new year as your resolution. read more

FIRST run films on smaller screens with less seating that today's chain theaters but it works. Ticket prices are very reasonable even for those on a fixed income. Based on my experience, I recommend you arrive early, use the limited facility bathroom, and enjoy a first run film on a smaller screen. This is theway "films" should be viewed. read more

Burns Court Cinema is an intimate venue that plays films you won't find anywhere else. Today I saw Breakfast at Tiffany's, one of many classic films they are currently running as theatres open up again. I hope they continue to show the 20th century classics, even when new movies are released. The ticket prices are extremely reasonable, popcorn is decent, and the neighborhood is delightful. Support local! read more

Nice content selection and love the fact it's not run by a major theater chain. One down side is that the seats are a little right for big and tall people read more

Had a lovely afternoon viewing Echo in the Canyon. I will return. Restrooms immaculate, seating comfortable, just the right temperature. Sunday I found street parking, 3 hours free. More inviting than huge newer theaters. read more

Beware when something is described as "charming," "quaint" or "quirky." They are code words for "its a dump but I like the films it plays.". Undoubtedly the worst cinema theater in Florida. The positive reviews are for the movies. The theater itself is an embarrassment- tiny theaters, bad sound, sound leaking between theaters. The theater is dated, the staff would rather be somewhere else and the management doesn't care, They (apparently correctly) think if they play independent films, they can get away with everything else being sub-standard. The purpose of Yelp is to rate the facility, not the films- there are film reviews for that. If the movie you want is also somewhere else, go there. Otherwise, wait for Netflix. read more

Misleading opening times, says open today but on the telephone, it says only open Friday through Monday.

I love this theater! I'm gonna miss it so much when I leave Sarasota. It's in the cutest little plaza in downtown SRQ. They play quirky indie films and the tickets are 5.00!! The staff is friendly and it's just nice to find an independent theater. They are so rare and they always play quality films. The facilities are a bit dated, but who gives a F***? I'm not there to get pampered, I want to watch a good film! two thumbs up read more

I love this theater. The staff is so friendly and helpful. Cozy place . It's kinda old but cared for, like me. Glad there are people who care. Go to Owens next door for dinner after the show. Great food read more

Best movie prices in town. Theater is old and small. The screens are not large but the seats are comfortable. Parking nope, on your own there.,it does offer films that would not be shown at the bigger places. Concessions are ok. read more

Very cute little theater showing films of the more artsy persuasion. My Grandma and I wanted to see Brooklyn, and Burns Court was one of the only places showing it. They don't have much in the way of parking which was a bit of an issue for my Grandma who can't walk far, but we made it eventually. I enjoy that a small popcorn here is actually small, I could eat it all without having to share! What a concept! lol They also had a good selection of wines and beer. The theaters themselves were very small and a little dingy but it got the job done. The seating could definitely use an upgrade, though. read more

One of our favorite things to do in Sarasota is to catch an independent film at Burns Court. We've been going for years. It's a great way to enjoy a more intimate viewing while avoiding the craziness at Hollywood 20 - there are hardly ever any kids and I've never seen anyone hanging their feet over the seat in front of them. The film selection is terrific - plenty of foreign films and independent films that you might not see in a bigger theatre. Burns Court served alcohol way before any of the others, so Linse and I have a long tradition of enjoying a beer or glass of wine with our flick. Everything is clean and the staff have plenty of recommendations. Parking can be a challenge sometimes, so we arrive a little early and have a drink at Burns Court Cafe or the Fish Camp. The screens are small, so feel free to sit near the front. My only complaint is that sometimes the volume is a bit too low. Otherwise, this little gem would get five stars. read more

Great independent films and clean.- so did not give it 3 stars that it deserves for all the rules for patrons. It would be nice to relax the language of their endless policies. No water , no outside food- I had one item in my purse put away and one of the workers almost insisted on looking inside my purse! Really? No eating inside theater is clear enough. Also , a warning before the movie about recording and if you open your phone in the movie theater- they will ask you to leave! Who records a movie these days? A nice reminder to turn the phones off and be courteous would suffice . Just a bit too any rules - feels like you are in "1984" Orwell's novel! Leaves a bit of an unpleasant aftertaste ... read more

The only reason I would go to this theatre is because they are the only one around that shows the Oscar nominated shorts movies. We called on Thursday night since their movie times for Friday were not displayed on their website. Instead of just telling us the times for the Oscar shorts he told us where to go online and then abruptly hung up. How rude! You are lucky you are the only ones with this showing or we wouldn't have patronized your theater. The theatre is old, but has decent prices. Don't think you will get a comfortable seat or a good view. Plus parking is not easy. Time for an upgrade. read more

Ok so if you have an issue with the decor, shuddup. It doesnt matter. What matters is the fact that they only show films they get off hard drives. Their projector is digital. I cant believe that a supposed art house cinema doesnt have a 35mm projector. Lame read more

After driving around for 15 minutes looking for legal parking, in the pouring rain, I arrived to the theater at 5:17 for a 5:15 movie. The young kid selling tickets told me that his cash register will not allow him to sell a ticket after the movie has started. I explained that I drove around for 15 minutes not knowing that the theater did not have parking. Then I told him to sell me a ticket for the next showing so that I could join my friend in the theater. He said, "No, it's your fault, you should have been here on time. It is rude to open the doors after the movie has begun." I was shocked. I had no way of getting in touch with my friend, and this little kid would not let me into the theater to tell her. A young man, with a big attitude scolded me for being 2 minutes late for a movie! In an age of 20 minute movie trailers that is ridiculous. I would never go to this theater again. I love the Cinebistro. It's a little more expensive, but not that much. The theater is very attractive, the attendees are kind and professional, and the food is great. Shame on you Burns Court Cinema for hiring little kids with power-monger attitudes. read more

Go here. Support this business. I wish all cinemas were like this. Save the Cineplex 12's for the mall rats. Everyone else head to Burns Court. This is truly one of Sarasota's gems. Beer, wine, snacks, a cool vibe, all tucked away in this quaint district of Sarasota. On street parking is pretty easy and convenient. Never a big hoof if you get their a little early. Go tonight. Thank me tomorrow. read more

Beer and indie Movies... what a way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Burns Court Cinema is a unique cinema in Sarasota... places like this are all over Austin, Providence, San Francisco, etc... but to have this place in Sarasota... Get your butt there now and support these folks and those filmmakers who make rad, weird, crazy, out-of-the-ordinary films. read more

Great, tucked away in a charming neighborhood indie theater. The downsides are small screens and sound bleeding over from the two theaters. That said, the film line up is usually exceptional. I always look forward to spending part of my Sarasota getaways at Burns Court Cinema. read more

I love Burns court the theatre is small and quaint. This is the only venue that plays foreign films. The wine is drinkable!

Tiny little independent theater with wine/beer, it's the best. Only old people know about this place, so be patient while you wait in line for the elderly gentleman in front of you to pick our his candy, and go early because it gets packed quickly. If you're in the mood for that non-blockbuster film, go here. Get some concession food to support them as they're non-profit, and become a member, tickets are cheaper. read more

Great foreign and "artsy" movies, often same or close to NYC release dates, customer friendly staff, small and charming place;a gem

Saw The Imitation Game here not too long ago. A cozy little whole-in-the-wall theater with only three screens, I believe. The screening room itself was a little dingy and the seats were a little cramped, but everything else about the experience was great. Good sound quality and concessions, including a nice beer selection. read more

I went to this theater last night on a whim, as there was a meet-up group going to see the final James Gandolfini and Julia Louis-Dryfus movie. The Burns Court sections is a very cute little area I was unaware of but pleasantly surprised with. I would definitely love to go back to the Owen's Fish restaurant. As to why I am only giving 3-stars for the movie theater, by the time I was able to find parking and get to the theater there was a huge line and the seats were sold out for the movie (I'm assuming because the theater is pretty small) I was going to see. Silver-lining though: I went to see 'In a World' which was a pretty decent movie with a stellar cast. read more

I love this little theater, yes it's small and it's old, so what? I feel so comfortable going to Burns Court Cinema, all by myself to enjoy a movie and escape. It just has a very intimate comfortable atmosphere to me. Buy a membership and you get a free pass and $5.00 movies for the year, not a bad deal. I have yet to run into little kids or teenagers at this theater, it's pretty much all just older adults, which is fine by me. I realize there are some nice restaurants within walking distance of the the theater, heck Owen's Fish Camp is right next door, however I wish they had a better selection at their concession stand. I love that you can get wine and beer, but other than that nothing but candy and crackers. I would like it if they would maybe have some cheese trays to go with the wine, or least some hot dogs. read more

Wonderful place to see a good quality movie!! You can get the great popcorn and even order a beer! Great service!

I had an experience similar to Robin's (three reviews down). I went last week to a 1:45 pm show. Normally, it is no problem to arrive at this small theatre 15-20 minutes early, but on this particular day, despite the fact that the inside counter (with three people working) was relatively quiet, they had everyone lined up to buy tickets at the outside "ticket office" with only one person working. The result was a 20 minute wait to buy tickets, running me right up against the beginning of the film. Ticket in hand, I went inside. Because I was on my bicycle, I had my leftovers from the lunch I had just eaten with me. I had done this several times in the past without incident. I set the bag on a table inside the theatre before i went to the ladies room. When I came out, the bag was gone. I was told by another patron that the manager had taken the bag outside. I went out to find him and the bag. I found the bag on the theater's back patio. I grabbed it and went back inside. I was stopped by the manager, who told me that I could not come inside with food. I assured him that it was leftover Pho (soup) from my lunch and that i had no intention of consuming it on site. I also explained that I was on a bicycle and had nowhere to store the bag. He said that it didn't matter, it was not coming inside with me. I asked if I could please leave it on the counter behind the concession area where it would at least be safe and out of the Florida heat. He said that he would give me a refund for my ticket and the glass of wine that i had purchased at the concession stand. I was flabbergasted. I understand that theaters want to force you into buying their food and beverages, in fact, I had made a purchase at the concession stand, but the rigidity with which this rule was enforced is, as Robin put it, off-putting, and that is being kind. My plan that day was to see two films at Burns Court, with an hour to browse the nearby galleries in between. This "manager" ruined my entire day. I am staying in North Port temporarily looking after my father following my mother's death. It takes a 90-minute bus ride one-way for me to get to Sarasota. I then use my bike to get around the city. My escape days are few and far between and are well-planned. I do this so that I do not take the car away from my father for the day. I quickly looked up showtimes at the downtown AMC Hollywood theater and was able to see a movie there. The ticket-checker there did not give me any trouble about my leftovers. However, because Burns Court is the only game in town when it comes to Independent and foreign films, it was not the same movie. And that is really the problem, they have a monopoly on these films, which seems to "entitle" them to act rudely without consequence. This theater is part of the Sarasota Film Society, which claims to be a non-profit entity, however, I sincerely doubt the legitimacy of that claim as most not-for-profit agencies are extremely customer-centered and logical in their behaviors. By the way, I did follow up on this incident with the managing director, Nick Caras. He was extremely helpful.....his suggestion, "Maybe you should have finished your lunch at the restaurant." Gee thanks! read more

Having lived in Sarasota for 5 months now, I can honestly say that we have not had one single really negative thing to say about this town until last night when we went to Burns Court Cinema. I have been bringing my own water bottle to movies for as long as I can remember. All movie theaters say that no outside food or drink is allowed into theater right? I never try and hide my water bottle. I have never had a theater tell me I can't bring it in. Well, Burns Court did and not only that, they wouldn't even hold it for me at the concession counter so I could get it after the movie or allow me to empty it and just keep it. It is a fancy insulated bottle that I did not want to lose. We had walked to the theater so didn't have the option to put it in a car. The rigidity and attitude of the place was so off putting as was the small size of the screen, the not so comfortable seats, the sound was low(I do not have any hearing issues) and we could hear the movie next to us from time to time along with an extremely loud air conditioning unit. Fortunately my water bottle was sitting outside on a ledge when we got out of the movie, which again boasts highly for this wonderful little city in Paradise, but we will do all we can to avoid returning to Burns Court Cinema. Come on water?? Really??? read more

The movies are great, the theaters are fine, but do NOT order tickets online. We did, got to the theater a half hour before showtime, went inside (line outside was buying tickets) and were told to go back to the line outside so the ticket office could scan our printed receipts. For this we paid $2.00 extra and wound up getting into the theater AFTER everyone else had bought their tickets. Not at all happy with the way it was handled, and we do hope the cinema trust the guy taking tickets with a scanner in the future. read more

A delightful little theater with unusual films that are well selected...become a member to support the program and get tix for $5 for most shows. Some screens have closed loop hearing which is a big benefit. Enjoy a wine with he film... read more

Everyone makes a big deal about this cinema... it's a movie theater that shows independent films. And "mainstream" independent films. Doesn't every city have one? read more

I recently went to Burns Court to see A Man Called Ove. The theater is small and cozy, seats are comfortable, staff is friendly and helpful. Yes, it's true that parking can be an issue. It wasn't yesterday and walking the neighborhood is an added attraction. Burns Court gets films that you might not find anywhere else. I'd go back there in a flash. read more

I am a fan because of the movie selection. And everyone is very nice. But don't come late, because they won't sell you a ticket. Even if there are tickets and seats available. Something about the computer not letting them sell you a ticket if you are 15 or more minutes late. Really? That's weird. read more

We finally found a theater we love coming to! We love the charm and the movies Burns Court Cinema shows. Relax and enjoy the show!