It would be a 4 if not for the brash and unwelcomimg young lady that works inside selling popcorn and drinks. You would know who she is. Tall and slender, heavy glasses, long black hair with white bands. She doesn't explain anything, just tell you what to do, like if you are some kid. She acts like she's in a hurry and you there to bother her. This is not the first time she acts like that towards me and my wife. I honestly don't understand the attitude. read more

Admittedly, I went here only once when I was 14 or so, and so I don't remember much of it. However, even though it has been so many years since attending I still remember it fondly. It was the first movie theatre I went to with "an upstairs". I saw Mr. Holmes here Perks: -an upstairs as previously mentioned -local -old Less perky: -genuinely don't remember anything bad although there was only street parking I think read more

How have I not reviewed this theatre before? The Fine Arts Theatre is located in Downtown Asheville. There are two screens here, one downstairs and another upstairs. I was at the upstairs screen so you do have to walk up the stairs to get there. But the stadium seating made for a great view of the screen. The ticket prices are reasonable as are the concessions. The theatre has first run movies as well as the independent films. Unlike the other theatres I have been to lately this one is well kept and very clean. So I wish it was closer to me so I could go more often and see the independent films. But I can support this place while in Asheville. read more

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Christmas day, most establishments closed, and we wanted to go out since we were on vacation. We had seen this small theatre on one of our drives downtown and decided to give it a chance. They were playing 2 movies we wanted to see so either way would be a win. When we got there, the lady at the box office asked for ID and proof of vaccination. Got our tickets and went in. Right on the lobby is the concession counter with a good variety of snacks and drinks to choose from. No butter for popcorn but it was still good. The theatres are small but well kept. The only thing, and this might be because I'm used to bigger more spacious chairs and rows, the seating here was a bit crammed. Thankfully that day the theatre wasn't full so we were able to sit more comfortably. Sound and screen were great making you forget you are not in a big/ chain theater. Definitely a nice place to visit and support the local business. read more

Fine Arts Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

It was a shot in the dark that going to this small local theater would be a good time. Some aren't kept up well and others have bad screens and worse seats. But not the Fine Arts Theatre! We walked right up and bought 2 tickets. You have to provide proof of vaccination but we were good there. The concession was nice, as was the small lobby at the front. They had some good popcorn which we got, along with many beverage options including a couple local beers, which is what we went with. The place was spotless clean. I could tell plenty of care went into this place to maintain its original movie theater feeling. It seems it must be at least 50 years old. Our theater was on the 2nd floor. Half way up though(quite a few stairs), there was a nice common room and some bathrooms too. I checked out the old projectors and editing machine they had there, pretty cool. The theater itself had one upgrade that is mandatory these days, stadium seating. I think even those of us that like a retro-theater still like a unobstructed view of the screen. The sound and screen were great. I forgot that we were in a small local theater, which is the biggest compliments I think you can give really. If they are playing the movie you like, definitely go to the Fine Arts, and support the small theaters. read more

Fine Arts Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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A laid back atmosphere, friendly staff, and believe it or not, reasonably priced concessions make this a great place to catch a movie! You can find standard Hollywood fare here, but they also show smaller production, limited engagement art films, documentaries, and foreign films. Keep your receipt for a discount at nearby Chestnut Restaurant. read more

I am so sad to post this review for a theater I have loved coming to for over a decade. It seems to have gone downhill since Covid no more discount nights. I overlooked that because I wanted to support them. Small seats with no leg room downstairs that need to be replaced.. I overlooked that because I wanted to support them. Steep stairs to get to the other theater that has slightly bigger seats and more legroom. But I overlooked that because I wanted to support them. Tonight, however, was different. I had had a really long day doing disaster, relief, listening to heartbreaking stories, and trying to help in any way I can. I wanted to get my mind off things and had not eaten all day so I grabbed a piece of pizza across the street to go when I got to the theater just in time for the movie to start the kind man in the window said I could not take the pizza into the theater I said, OK I understand I could just go sit in the lounge halfway up (since I would probably need to rest halfway up anyway ) he said OK. I went inside to order a drink before going up the stairs and the lady said hand me your box I said oh it's just a slice of pizza and I'm going to eat it in the lounge upstairs before I go into the theater she said no you can't take it up there you have to sit on the bench where I can watch you eat it!!!!! I said I'm not taking it into the theater. I'm just going into the empty lounge room to eat and was told that would be OK. She said well it's not OK and you have to sit here and eat it I said OK well can I just order a beer then? To which she answered...."No! You seem like you've already had a drink and you're being aggressive and belligerent so I'm not going to sell you a beer!!!" What??? Because I questioned her and asked if it would be OK to eat my slice of pizza in the lounge alone without being watched, she said I was being belligerent! I have never encountered someone in public service as rude as she was, and insulting in my life. I was speechless and went straight back to the window and asked for a refund. He offered me a pass and I said OK I guess so if I can return when she's not here and he said she's not here on Mondays or Tuesdays. And she overheard and yelled, "I'm here every day!" What a nightmare. read more

Thankful to find a place that prioritizes health over profits. I enjoyed the screening of The Worst Person in the World - definitely will return here again the next time I'm in town. read more

Fine Arts Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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The Fine Arts Theatre in Asheville is one of the BEST art house cinemas that I have been to. They are the only venue in the city that gets the foreign and independent films with critical acclaim. I have had my first experience with some of my favorite films at this theater: Amelie, The Motorcycle Diaries....so many films that I never would have seen in a movie theater if it were not for the Fine Arts. The box office only sells tickets 30 minutes prior to the showtime. This causes a few problems with hits...the line can sometimes stretch down the street. They accept cash, Visa, and Master Card (no checks). There are two screens in the theater. The best and most unique one is downstairs. The one upstairs is like a screening room with stadium seating. Both are small screens, but with a great projector and good sound. The concessions offered include the obvious theater fare: popcorn, soda and candy...but they also have beer on tap, wine and European sodas like Orangina and Limonata. There are ample nearby restaurants to enjoy before or after a showing. You can park on the street, the nearby lot or in a garage up the street. There will always be somewhere to park. Even if a film is showing at the nearby theaters, I would go here first in a heartbeat! read more

love this location go grab some dinner or lunch, and then go relax at the movies love that they have wine available just wish it didn't have that smell to it--almost like you can smell all the old cigarettes that people once smoked in there read more

Nice old school theatre in the heart of town..Saw Isle of Dogs.. $8 matinee. ..They have fresh made popcorn , beer, wine & snacks.. $5 Tuesday nites!! Hope to return.. read more

Fine Arts Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Fine Arts is a great movie theater because they show independent, contemporary movies all the time. Not once in a while or only at certain select shows- Fine Arts is all about the movies and it has really made us regular movie viewers again. The two theaters are always clean and well kept and comfortable. The downtown location is so accessible and easy to get to and the movie selection- it's great! Hats off to the staff for the thoughtful and well considered selections that are playing every week read more

Ah....Fine Arts, how I love thee.....this little art house cinema adds a touch of culture to my hometown and the only gig in town for unique movies that mainstream just doesn't show. There are two screens so you'll have a selection to what is showing. This place is intimate in size which I think adds to the character. This is located in the center of town and has plenty of music, food, and bars within a stones throw and even more within a good tee shot (3 wood of course). Now what many folks don't realize is this use to show porn films back in the day (think decades) and Fine Arts meant something entirely different to the folks of Asheville. It was the kind of place you wouldn't be caught dead near for fear of someone seeing you and the gossip that would follow. But those days are long gone, but still interesting nonetheless. read more

Not so many years ago, when the entirety of downtown Asheville was a place of ill repute, this theater used to show skin flicks to a darkened auditorium of amorous moviegoers. Presumably, they've reupholstered since then. But the interior of the theater is still kind of barebones, early 80's. No stadium seating here. The sound is passable (stereo, not mono), but has made no gesture towards technological improvements from the last 20 years. The last movie I saw here was The Imitation Game. It was a packed theater. I was in a middle seat. It was uncomfortable physically. The couple to my left was on a date. I felt like I was experiencing their date first-hand. That was uncomfortable, psychologically. On the whole, though, I love this experience, and I keep going back. First off, for matinees, you're likely to have a bit more room to stretch your legs and hog the armrests. That's a nice feeling. Second, they show independent movies from small studios, and I like to support movie theaters that do this. Third, they're in close proximity to some very good restaurants and night spots, so a Fine Arts movie is a perfect addition to any grand night out. Fourth, they serve good beer at reasonable prices. Fifth, the ads they run before the previews are funny!! All local. For over a year, some local hand-thrown pottery studio has been advertising some kind of microwave bacon contraption that probably costs 50 bucks. For reasons I can't explain, this kills me. Sixth, interspersed with all this heartfelt and sincere local advertisements are photographs of the movie theater throughout its long history. So, with a sharp eye, you can see for yourself some of the adult fare it used to post on its marquee. Seventh, I'm old enough to remember when all movie theaters had crappy seats and minimal sound, and there's something very nostalgic about the experience for me. I actually had a fit when all of the major theater chains started getting stadium seating and huge subwoofers. I felt like a part of history had disappeared. At the Fine arts, that bit of history is alive and well. In conclusion: There's plenty of other artsy fartsy theaters in driving distance, but this one is the one I always go to. Because it's downtown where the action is, and its fun history adds to the charm. read more

Wow, this is the second movie theater I've been to in 2 days that serves alcohol. Either Asheville is full of a bunch of alcoholics or the rest of America just needs to catch up to this progressive system (I for one am going with the latter). The seats are comfy (I hate stadium seating because I like to slouch, which these seats allow for), the beer is reasonably priced ($4 for any alcoholic bevvy) and it's centrally located next to a bunch of good downtown Asheville restaurants and bars. The movie selection is limited, but much better than the megaplex fare. My single complaint was that the screen was kind of small. But then again, this isn't a megaplex. And they have Sno-Caps (god's gift to movie goers) for $2. Every movie theater in the world should be required by law to carry them. read more

If I could give this place a fifty-five, I would! You know why? History, it's a local business, good movie selection, and my personal favorite, THEY DON'T GOUGE FOR CONCESSIONS!! I got a beer, a bottle of water, AND a popcorn for less than $10! read more

Fine Arts Theatre - Old reel camera - Cinema Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

My favorite Asheville cinema! They play movies that you can't or say won't see in the mainstream theaters! The selection is great and it would not be the first time I just read the title of a movie and go see it because I trust the guys that run this place enough to know it's going to be at least ok! They have beer and wine here and a selection of local and Lindt chocolates as snacks and hands down just the best popcorn for my taste, not too greasy not too salty, just right. Parking can be a little challenging although after 6 pm most meters don't have to be fed anymore and behind the building is paid parking for 3 bucks. There are two screens. If you have time whenever then go on Tuesday all tickets are $5 , when did you pay that for seeing a movie in a theater last?! They host several little film festivals and are ready to give you all the information you need about them. read more

The Fine Arts Theater is a cool little theater downtown. They've got three or so screens and have a good selection of smaller independent films, foreign films, and documentaries. They've got an eclectic mix of snacks and drinks. Good beer, wine, even sake if you're in a weird mood. The only knock on such a cool place is that their lineup tends to be a little safe. They lean toward Oscar nominated dramas. It's rare for a genre film to pop up, unless one is so great it breaks through, like It Follows did recently. You won't find the off-beat comedies or violent pictures that Carolina will show in its smaller rooms. But for a two movie at a time lineup, they do a great job. read more

AMAZING INDEPENDENT MOVIE THEATRE!!!! I watched a fabulous film that was inspiring and beautiful. I loved the space, the culture, and the vision that this theatre represents. read more

Fine Arts Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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This a great little theater with comfortable seats. The screening room we were in was set up in such a way that no one else's head gets in your way. The concession and ticket prices seem reasonable/comparable. read more

The Fine Arts Theater is a great little independent theater where you can catch 'art house' films that don't come to the major corporate theaters. I've seen dozens of films here, and I really enjoy their laid back attitude and (relatively) inexpensive pricing on concessions. The downstairs theater is a little larger, but the upstairs theater has stadium seating. I'd recommend you find out where your film is showing beforehand, in case you're not a fan of one of those seating types. My only complaint is that it seems as though their films cycle at a relatively random rate. Sometimes they'll have the same film for 3 weeks, and other times it will only be there for one week--and I've missed a few films I wanted to see because of this. They have $5 movies on Tuesdays, which is wonderful, and they do participate in Go Local. If you have one of these discount cards you can get half off a drink or concessions item with the purchase of a ticket. read more

I've been here a lot over the years and I love the vibe. I like how they curate selections so sometimes they have more popular movies and other times I see something I haven't heard much about. read more

One of the only places you can catch a foreign or indie film in the AVL. Nice selection of snacks and drinks... owned by the same dude who runs Blue Spiral next door! Alas... it bothers me that the Fine Arts theatre only accepts cash! read more

I have loved this theatre since the Day One. I danced in the aisles to The Full Monty here, Cheered my heart out at Shine, munched popcorn during Babette's Feast, sighed breathlessly at Cinema Paradiso and Laughed Sooooo Much at Midnight in Paris! Please keep these Priceless Treasures of Film Culture coming Our way downtown in Asheville. Thanks,John! Your Best Gift to All of Us!!! Judith read more

Probably the last of a generation of classic theaters. Perfect for those amazing movies that rarely play in commercial chain theaters. It's old, classic, well managed and clean. You won't find modern reclining stadium seats, but they were comfortable anyway. You will find beer, wine and some of the best theater popcorn around. You can also enjoy that being near pack square, there is no shortage of amazing restaurants and bars. read more

Decent two screen movie theater in the heart of Asheville. The movie I watched was on the second floor so I didn't get into the main screening room. I'm used to more ornate independent movie theaters and this one didn't really fit that bill...it was overall plain and a little boring. But I loved the fact that they actually play independent movies. A lot of such theaters show more commercial films and only do independent on "special nights." Not the case here. The focus really is on independent film, which is fantastic and worth supporing. Next time I am in town I will definitive catch a movie again. read more

Peanut Butter Falcon was a great flic. Made for a lovely, lazy afternoon to start our vacation (which turned into an evacuation plan from Hurricane Dorian). read more

Favorite place in Asheville to see movies. They bring in the best selection, sell sake, and have $5 movie nights. What else could you want?

This place is great. A touch of old time movie charm. Lots of independent shows. They serve beer! Yes it's small but who cares it's a small local theater in the middle of downtown that serves beer, has great popcorn, and shows neat movies that don't play at the other theaters. read more

I went to see The Grand Budapest Hotel and it was a lot of fun. I showed up right before the movie started, so I had to sit in the back. The screen seemed really small and the sound was a little quiet. Also the bathrooms in the basement are a little creepy and run down. But it's great overall. read more

In downtown Asheville, this is a wonderful art house that runs foreign and independent films...it is surrounded by lots of wonderful restaurants and shops too which makes it even more of an attraction for out of towners. The concession stand is only open for a little while but the prices are reasonable. The seating, both upstairs and down, are comfortable and the screening rooms are intimate in size. We've had great experiences every time we've been to a movie here. read more

Nice theater. Very comfortable chairs for the age of the place. I love old time theaters. Prices ok but very convenient location to walk to. Good luck with parking... read more

This is a great movie theatre which shows many independent and foreign films. You won't find the mindless crap that plays at the mega-plexes.There are two movie screens. Seats are comfortable, and they sell the usual movie snacks,drinks, and beer. Although it's downtown, there is a parking garage right nearby. Beware though- movies don't usually stay too long. Sign up for their e-mail newsletter-it's helpful. read more

They bring the right stuff to town with the vibe to match. Plus, they have the finest popcorn around. I'm not kidding.

They show cool movies that you can't see in mega theaters. They serve beer and wine. They have my stamp of approval!

When I moved back to Asheville in 1987 the "Fine Arts" was a boarded up porno theatre....as was the rest of downtown...totally dead. IF there was a shop..such as a hardware store.. it closed by noon. A free thinking individual was convinced he could restore the downtown to much cynical complaints from residents. It worked...look around the downtown area..it is alive. Thank God for a person with vision and ability to deal with naysayers. read more

One of my absolute favorite places to visit and relax. No, it's seats are not all that comfy (and are actually tightly placed), not to mention not being at all handicap accessible which means some of my friends and family cannot attend, but I absolutely LOVE the shows they bring in and the option to get something different from a movie theater. Priced right. Thanks. read more

Defiant Requiem was a beautiful experience depicting the Verdi Requiem being the harbinger of good in amiserable cocentration camp and the filming, acting, survivors, music and whole story (true) was fantastic. read more