This is an awesome independent cinema right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. They even have that old school marquee which gives it that authentic old school feel. They have a great selection of indie movies and sometimes just regular new ones, the place has a great vibe and is a must for any local movie lover. read more

I did not know that Gateway hosted the premiere of Where the Boys Are. I only found out because I heard it from the author who wrote about the making of the movie. For all of the times I have been there I might have sat where Connie Steven's sat. They did an over haul of this theater and I'm not sure if it's for the better.Sometimes leaving history alone is where it should be. My friend and I like coming here because it isn't crowded, the popcorn tastes great, and we can see an oldie but goodie or something a mainstream theater isn't interested in showing. read more

Gateway Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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The theater is a bit outdated but it's clean and the screens are clear and the chairs are comfy. The have recliners so you can really relax while you watch your movie. It's a hidden gem of Fort Lauderdale. Not big but plays all the top movies out and is always playing rocky horror picture show. read more

great old school movie theater comfortable seats and plenty of concessions to choose from. I believe they still have discount tickets on tuesdays read more

Gateway is such a cool theater with old school vibes! They are currently remodeling some of the theater. I love that they offer a bunch of actual food options aside from normal popcorn and candy. Prices there are very reasonable and it's one of the only theaters that still does ROCKY HORROR midnight showings. Located by several restaurants and bars as well, this place is great for a date or a fun afternoon movie! read more

Gateway Cinema - Sneak peek at Imaginary - Cinema Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Always enjoy seeing a movie at the Gateway when visiting Ft Lauderdale. Now it's even better thanks to much-need renovations to lobby and especially the washrooms. What's more, thank you Gateway staff for holding onto my water bottle for pick up a day later. Good movies, good staff ... go Gateway! read more

A wonderful place to see a movie. Small and intimate. Often has limited release films and even classics. A definite plus for the neighborhood. Sensory opening under different management, greatly improved food options. One big negative: the men's bathroom is absolutely disgusting. I don't think the urinals have been cleaned for a century. Please attend to this. read more

This is a cinema with four distinct theater rooms. A total of about 690 seats. They pride themselves on showing movies from the past and the present. This theater hosts many specialty films like foreign and International Film festivals. During regular movie showings, they have $5 day on Tuesdays....all day. There's free parking in the back of the theater. The concession area is small but it has the basics...popcorn, candy, chocolates, pizza, drinks, etc. Nice staff, comfy chairs. read more

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The Gateway theater is being renovated and is under construction. The Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival is showing a lot of films there this year. The concession area sells food (chicken nuggets, etc. ), popcorn, candy, etc read more

Gateway Cinema - Ft. Lauderdale international film festival - Cinema Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Let's be clear here - there's a shortage of movie theatres catering to classic, foreign, and independent films. There... I said it. We can go on now. Bearing the aforementioned, it's with real pleasure that I introduce to you The Classic Gateway Theatre or Gateway Cinema as it's sometimes referred to as. This cinema has been around for I don't know how long, but what I do know is that it makes up a trio of cinemas in Broward County all catering to not your usual run-of-the-mill movies. The other two cinemas part of this group are Cinema Paradiso and Savor Cinema for those that are curious. Anyway, this place has something going on for it that I haven't seen in years for this type of specialized theatre. What is it? FREE PARKING! Yes folks, you can park for free in the back. Or if you rather be closer, go and pay at a parking meter. You have options. As for tickets, well - get them at the front or just get them online. If you get them online, know they'll e-mail you your tickets. They'll also text them to you an hour before showtime, which is pretty convenient in this modern age. Inside the theatre, you have reception in the center. They direct you to where you need to go, as I do believe there are multiple rooms inside for different showings. When I went last weekend, I went to see Parallel Mothers, which happened to be in the first room near the bathrooms. At the same area of reception, you have some snacks available for purchase. I didn't bother with any, but it's nice to know they're there. Something unique about this theatre is that they're welcome to commentary. Once the movie was over and done with, I walked out and found myself in front of a corkboard asking my opinion on the film. You can literally grab an index card and a pencil, write what you wish, and then tack it onto the corkboard. Made it a very memorable evening and one which I intend to repeat soon. read more

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Such a classic scene here. Reminds me of the super theater growing up. Along with the typical popcorn and fries they also carry food menu with items such as chicken pasta alfredo , sandwiches, pizza etc. They were kind enough to prepare a marinara pasta meal minus the meatballs with garlic bread. It was pretty freaking tasty. If you're a fan of the cinemas this is definitely a stop for you. If we are just looking in for a good deal on a movie this is also your stop. I went here for a movie screening and left with a great impression, ready to come back for a date night. Oh, also, there is free parking after six! That's a pretty good offer considering the location. read more

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Man, you want to talk about a blast from the past! We recently attended a birthday party at the gateway to see Jungle Cruise. We have grown accustomed to the theaters with big, leather, reclining seats. Theaters with snack bars that serve wine, beer and full menus! Theaters that have stadium seating that fits hundreds of people in them. This... is not that! :) What the gateway lacks in frills, it more than makes up in that classic theater experience. The smells of fresh popcorn, the look and feel of walking into my childhood, the flapping noises everytime you get up from your seat. This theater instantly brings me back. It has been a while since we had been a theater and the gateway was a great first trip! read more

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Theater seating is OK. Bathrooms have not been cleaned in MONTHS. This theater has so much potential but seems to have lost its way!

July 2024 I am not a bot, but I did revise my text. It has been a few years since I've been here, and decided to give it a try since we were in the area. We were very disappointed with the current state of the outside and inside of the theater. I am sorry I didn't take pictures to post here. The exterior of the theater was not up to par and there , were visible signs of wear and lack of upkeep. The entrance now appears run-down, which set a negative tone even before entering. Inside, the seating was a letdown, and the floor was not cleaned before we arrived inside. The popcorn was just ok. The only positive thing about the theater was its staff, they were very friendly. I doubt we will be coming back here again. But don't let me sway you, check the place out for yourself and be the judge. read more

BATHROOMS!!!!!!! Port-o-potties at construction sites are like the Four Seasons restrooms compared to the sesspool of disease at this theater. After buying my ticket I went to use the restroom before the show. The stench of stale urine hit me from the hallway and I literally had to hold my nose at the urinal while I watched flying insects circling my legs. As another reviewer pointed out, they sell food there. The health department MUST shut this place down before someone gets sick! I was so disgusted and disturbed by what I experienced I can barely remember the movie I saw. Gross!!!! read more

Established in 1951, this movie theater cinema features first run and independent films. This renovated vintage theater doesn't have the new type of recliner seats but it is a nice viewing experience. read more

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The Gateway is the only cinema to watch movies that are not part of the standard rotation that you fins at AMC or Regal and I have always appreciated this. Unfortunately, the theater has deteriorated over the last few years to the point that it is losing patrons. The men's room is so disgusting that my partner never wants got to Gateway again. A friend watched a rat scurry across the front of the theater while he was watching a movie. It is very sad to witness the decline of a Fort Lauderdale landmark theater. read more

We were watching a movie when another patron screamed "RAT!" in the middle of the film. We all rushed out of the theater, and the rat seemed to follow us into the lobby. I was disgusted and waited outside for my husband to get a refund. He spotted another rat down the hall, so it's clear that the theater is infested! read more

Dirty, smelly bathrooms and filthy toilets. I have complained in the past, but they still don't clean them. It's a shame. I loved this theater under previous management. An overhead light in the men's room has been not working for several months. The newest owners are awful. They just don't seem to care. read more

This theater lives up to its "classic" name as it's been in operation more than 60 years. It's a landmark in Fort Lauderdale cited often for hosting the premiere of the movie "Where the boys Are" which was filmed locally and is allegedly responsible for Fort Lauderdale becoming the over the top spring break destination of collegiate America. It's now known for its showings of indie films, art films, and LGBTQ films. If your friends in NYC or San Francisco's tell you about a great little film in limited release, chances are it will eventually come to the Gateway. It gets many films not shown at most other theaters although there are a mix of new "regular" releases. You enter and immediately smell the scent of pop corn and see signs and photographs and movie posters. When you pay at the outside window, they take your ticket stub there if it's not very busy. The individual theater itself has been renovated --- I do remember going not that long ago when some of the chairs were broken and you could see it's age in the floor and the upholstery. There are now 4 small theaters inside and the seats seemed modern and felt more comfortable. There was also sufficient leg room between the rows. I've also been there with my husband when we were the only "mixed" couple (male/female) in the theater. Years ago it was one of the few places gay couples could feel comfortable holding hands, etc. at the movies. Prices are about the same as most other theaters. The matinee showing was $9 when we went. Parking is convenient in their large free parking lot on the back and side of the theater. You can walk between the stores/restaurants to the box office facing Sunrise Boulevard. read more

Gateway Cinema - Popcorn and drinks.... - Cinema Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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For many years, I have traveled to Fort Lauderdale and always look forward to going to the Gateway theater. After moving here had heard it had been renovated.Went to try out a movie there today. Upon entry it had changed. The old charm of the theater had gone and basically not even a poor attempt had been made at updating. I normally would let it slide. BUT! Upon entry to the restroom was met by something akin to the worst service station I have ever been in. The urinals had not been cleaned in years. There was congealed urine with dirt and grim at the base of all the urinals. With the lay out of the floor drains if anyone had slung a mop or bleach over it my sheer run off it would have been cleaner. I don't know what to say about this or about management that would allow this to happen. Does it speak to the over all character of Fort Lauderdale. Food is served at this establishment as well. I really have no words. It deserves no stars. Amazing. read more

Feels good to go retro sometimes, old school, homey like I'm an 8 year old again ................... went last night, I love the hodge podge charms of this great old place. Unpretentious ! Staff thats well informed cine-philes that add another welcoming warmth to the experience. Parking is a tad wonky compared to the jumbo cinemas with stadium parking , but Decent capacity free parking out back. & for a wild throwback, 'Rocky Horror' on some midnights! Haven't seen this relic in a theatre in 45 years, but it's always tempting to see how the 3rd generation 'interprets' the zany antics?!!?! Variety of dining options right there, as it's an old retail section with several shoppes including a stellar high end kitchen showroom next door, ha! read more

Since the fire which isn't their fault the entire theater smells of smoke. At least notify guests before they purchase the tickets. Next beef is they advertised recliner seats for our movie and they are not. They are the same or Seats they have had for years. False advertising. The place is a mess. So disappointed to see how it has deteriorated. read more

Really pleased to see this place reopen. I love coming here with my friends to see less mainstream more independent and foreign films. They do carry regular films too. I saw Cruella here Friday. The first time I've seen a movie out in over a year. I wore an N 95 mask even though I'm fully vaccinated and no masks are required and there were only 4 people there besides my group. It was a pleasant experience as always. It's good to see the neighborhood coming back again! read more

Went to see Haunted Mansion movie and great movie . But they let the kids talk and run around up and down . I talk to the manager to let him know and he told me it's a kid movie , so deal with it . read more

Went to see a movie today.. very reasonable price and snack bar was really reasonable... you'd pay double for any of the items at other theaters... the only problem was the sound in the theater was very low. Couldn't hear some of the dialog. Was there a few weeks ago and didn't have this problem. Got frustrated so I walked out 3/4 thru the movie and figured I'd just watch it on cable when it comes there. Only speakers that were working from what I could tell were those up front and not the ones on the walls... and I was in the 3rd row. Normally movies are very loud.. not this one! read more

I've been coming here for years and realized I've neglected to review, so here goes. My spouse and I are fans of FOREIGN AND INDIE FILMS and thus, The Gateway has always satisfied our viewing preferences. We stayed away for awhile, prior to their recent renovation, as the seating was uncomfortable, and the film quality and sound left much to be desired. Now, we are back. With new [installed in early 2014] leather-like SEATS which rock, a new sound system and digital projection, new carpeting, much has improved, and there is good reason to return. The vintage movie posters remain on their walls, which is great. An area for posting comments (3x5 cards) about the films often contain witty and insightful assessments. A word of caution on the AC - sometimes it is not working, so if you are traveling to the theater from outside of the area [we live in East Boca], I'd suggest a quick call to the box office. Many have remarked that they have the best pop corn, I'm not a maven on pop corn, but I'll take their word for it. The fountain candy is standard fare, nothing overwhelming. I'd love if they offered some hard candy, everything is chewy and gooey. In addition to the strength of their film offerings, they sponsor various film festivals throughout the year. This is our go-to theater for the Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, occurring yearly in October. See http://www.flglff.com, which is always well attended. A note about the AUDIENCE: A lot of the viewing experience we receive while viewing a film is the reaction of the audience. The Gateway appears to attract more serious film viewers, of various ages, who don't talk or ask questions of each other during the film. And they laugh at really funny lines, as opposed to silence. That is always a plus, as it can be very disconcerting if you're watching a foreign film and there are folks around you who can't follow the sub-titles and keep asking "huh, what? blah blah". Or you're watching a Woody Allen film and the audience is silent. Duh? That doesn't occur here. So if you're into the type of films they show and live in the area, you'll appreciate the Gateway. NOTE, they had a YELP offer which provides a free ticket when you buy a $50 gift/loyalty card. You accumulate points on the card for your ticket purchases, as well as concession food, which can then be traded for free food or a ticket. Worth getting the YELP offer. Enjoy the films, boyz and girls... read more

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The Theater that all cinephile's wants to give 5 stars too. South Florida is short in cultural hubs such as Art museums, and Great local music rock clubs, but it does have a few independent movie theaters that keep us in circle of great cinema towns. The Gateway is one of the theaters to cherish. I go often, and enjoy the marquis and small theater vibe that is rarer every day. The Gateway is an eclectic neighborhood, with 5 star restaurants nearby like Canyon that can be a great pre or post movie hangout. No It doesn't have the best sound, seats, concession options and has been accused of having a musty odor. But it feels like a place that is about the movie and not the "experience". Don't get me wrong, I love going to The Ipic and being in a recliner with a mixed drink soaking up waves of extreme sound. It can feel like your own personal movie theater. But the Gateway is about the movie, and by playing popular movies it has helped keep smaller movies on screens locally. Go, and support the small Independent theater. Why not 5 stars? With small improvements on some of its short comings I will immediately update, as this theater deserves it read more

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I went here for one of their Rocky Horror Picture Show performances and it was so so good!! The theater is so fun, the snacks are good, and the staff was so friendly!! read more

I think what I love about this place is probably what the average person wishes would change. Vintage is the ideal word to describe this place and I'm not using it negatively at all. This is truly a charming theater that I'm thankful to have in my area. I decided to give the Gateway Theater a couple weekends ago on a whim. I got there for the first showing. The doors were locked. I didn't realize until I got there that you have to purchase tickets outside via the ticket box. Something about this was great to me. Inside the theater was just as I imagined: old. Again, I don't mean that in a bad way, but old; classically old, but still old. The theaters are not fancy. You're not getting the IMAX experience when you go here. You're getting a movie theater. No frills. Just your classic movie theater. I felt like I was taking a trip back in time. A matinee was $8 so I'll definitely go back for that if anything else. I feel like changing this place would be a crime. There's nothing wrong with an an update here and there, but this place is truly a gem. read more

What I like about this theatre: -Comfortable rocking stadium style seats -Loyalty program for $6.50 tickets before 3pm M-Th. -Large popcorn with free refills only $6.75 -Easy parking behind theatre -Don't need to reserve a seat in advance -Friendly staff -nice restrooms -Unique films Dislike: -$11 for a 5pm movie!!! I can pay that at AMC Coral Ridge and get a recliner. -Next time I need to ask for less butter on my popcorn. I only could eat a little bit because it was too greasy. I guess I am use to the fake butter oil at other theatres. -Walls are thin between theatres so you can hear the other movies I would go back for a movie before 3pm for the low price. Otherwise, I would prefer to go to a theatre with recliners for similar pricing. read more

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I just love the retro cinema. They used to be more quaint now at least the past couple of times they have been lax in the personable customer service area:/ A lot of gay literature on the tables, a forum to pencil your review, deco vibe, retro marquee all make this a unique venue ... Then the staff braiding each other's hair at the snack bar and the filthy bathroom when there is no public in the theater even. That needs to be addressed. He box office never smiles ever. Neither did es the ticket taker. I just now realized it feels you are bothering them coming here. Still they are a convenient and quirky option for art and independent film. Maybe this and other reviews will get them on their game? read more

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Have you ever subjectively liked a place when you have every rational reason not to? Well, that's my situation with The Classic Gateway Theater. Though rather old (it is the movie theater "Where the Boys Are" was first shown) it is fairly well kept up to date but not enough to loose its "old theater" feel. It has a great location with a relative ease of parking. Unique compared to other theaters is that it offers many movies not generally shown at the Mall movie theaters and also often attracts what generally appears to be a more knowledgably base of movie goers along with a critical review board upon which patrons tack up notes of what they thought about the movie they saw. Some of the comments are nothing sort of hilarious, many containing single four letter monosyllabic word criticisms. It may be that I have become the stereotypical old curmudgeon, but one of the things I enjoy about the Gateway is that it doesn't attract the boisterous forever jabbering frolicking around teenybopper age groups. And, yes, it does offer a decent $8.00 senior ticket even on prime movie going nights. Gateway is also located within an easy distance and practically adjacent to several very good restaurants which lends itself well to my habit of dining out either before or after a movie. read more

September 2022 we wanted to go to the movies for date night. We prefer movies at home or the drive in theater because of the privacy factor and we can eat, drink and smoke what we want. We despise major theaters and had seen Gateway Cinema countless times driving past it so I did my research and decided on this independently owned cool vintage/retro theater to watch Woman King. They have a private parking lot at no cost in the back, we purchased our tickets online ($11 for 2 adults for 7pm showing) and selected our own seats. We didn't understand on the website the seating chart versus where the screen was so we looked up photos of inside the theater and chose the middle closest to the aisle which worked out perfectly, we did however move to the very back by the door before the movie started. The venue was under renovations which was fine, we walked right in, printed out tickets on their computers with our confirmation number as the scan QR wasn't working for some reason (not a huge deal), there was little to no wait to purchase snacks and got to our seats. The snacks were priced as you would expect them, we spent about $15-$20 for 1 goobers candy, 1 medium popcorn w/lite butter, 2 nachos/cheese and 1 large drink. They has a menu coming with real food by the way which we look forward to the next time we go. The guy running the counter was extremely friendly, professional and thoughtful. At one point before the movie started, we went outside as the movie was going to be 2 hours and 25 mins and he was concerned for our happiness asking if everything was ok which it was. The theater seats are super plush, comfortable and recline w/the arm rests adjustable to go up or down. I personally don't want them to switch them out but the black leather ones that are coming look sleek, modern and comfortable....it might lose that vintage/retro feel is my concern. There was roughly about 10 mins of previews and 9 others including us two watching the movie (right amount of people ). Everyone was respectful, quiet, phones off, no kids, and a few talking with one another prior to movie. We had a great time and we look forward to returning in the near future. So if we don't stream a movie at home, it's the drive in at the swap shop which is currently under renovations too through December 2022 otherwise it's Gateway Cinema. A lot of people think Gateway only features old flicks or something and that's not the case. read more

the theater had a recent renovation but it it is still shabby and smell awful in the lobby. they added new seating who is nice but left the lobby just as yukky as it has been for years. So sad it could be a lovely presence in Ft. Lauderdale read more

It pains to give the Gateway a bad review - the 3 stars are credited by nostalgia. Who chose to destroy the vintage lobby? Replaced by an awful and awkward counter. Even the floors have been tiled over (again, who chose this tile?) Gone are the posters, artwork and glossy headshots of the movies. The bathrooms have not changed - and they should not - but can someone mop the floors? Especially in front of the urinals? Back to the lobby - the curtained area which serves as a backstore is shameful. The signage unnessary for a building which holds only 4 theatres. The walk-up box-office was not in use when we visited. The seats are the same (mine was comfortable). Don't mess with nostalgia!! read more

So I've been going to the Gateway Cinema here and there over the years and surprised that I never did a Yelp review. I recently went to see a screening of the chrome edition of Mad Max: Fury Road, and it was great to see this film on the big screen. I love movies and equally loved old movie theatres, like the Gateway Cinema, which opened in 1951. I use to live in Los Angeles and been to tons of old movie theaters like the El Capitan, Grauman's Chinese, Cinerama Dome, The Egyptian, Los Angeles Theatre and Million Dollar Theatre plus local legends on Miami Beach like the Cameo Theatre, Roosevelt Theatre, Lincoln Theatre, Cinema Theatre, Beach Theatre and etc. I love coming to Gateway Cinema cause it's the last operational "old" movie theatre around South Florida. The Tower Theatre in Miami closed its doors early this year, so that sucked. Other old movie theaters around town have been turned into stage performance theaters or something worst like a shopping store. So if you want to feel nostalgic then come to Gateway Cinema with its big old marquee and its 1950s style and catch a film but there a few things which were off for me. For one, they remodeled the lobby. In my opinion, it was cheaply done. It could have been done better. It's definitely NOT that vintage 1950s style anymore. TBH it's an eyesore. Again, I've been to tons of old movie theatres and many kept its concession stand the same and some spruce it up a bit but didn't change the style of it. The food selection is cool but the popcorn was bland and I was shocked they actually served pasta like spaghetti. Typically, a movie theatre should have just have a hot dogs, popcorn, soda and candy. But times have changed and many serve pizza, nachos, and chicken nuggets but spaghetti! It's so messy so imagine patrons spilling spaghetti sauce on the theater chair and floor. Yuck! Mind you, I've been to some fancy modern movie theatres like the CMX and O Cinema theatres in Miami where they served some fancy meals but this the 1950's Gateway Cinema and they should have keep the menu simple. Now, the lobby decor is mediocre. Again they remodeled this 1950's lobby and went for the cheap route. Gone is the old feel to this classic movie theater when you enter it. The place looked dark before but now it's very bright! Now, the auditorium looks like the old 1950s style for sure. The seats are old style and nothing modern with reclining options at all. I don't mind that cause I came to Gateway Cinema to feel nostalgic. The sound and screen were great. I had no issues in that area. I was very pleased. When I saw Mad Max: Fury Road, I was completely engulfed in the movie experience and enjoyed watching it at the Gateway. BTW, the staff was very friendly and professional. They were great. They all deserve a raise!!! I will be coming back for sure because I love old movie theatres. I just wish they didn't butcher up the vintage lobby and concession stand. read more

The Gateway Cinema is a fantastic venture for Rocky Horror Picture Show. I won't go anywhere else!

I've been a patron of the Gateway for over 25 years! This is my favorite theater and I will drive 20 minutes out of my way just to see a movie here. First, there are no "assigned" seats, so if you want to see a movie on whim, come here! The popcorn and drinks are priced better than large corporate theaters and the seats are comfy. Some of the smaller theater rooms have off center seating, but it's not too noticeable once the movie starts. read more

Very cute cinema, especially for an experience like the midnight showing of Rocky Horror Picture show. The staff is very friendly and the theaters are clean. There is free parking in the back, which is just a short walk from the entrance. read more