Bought 2 tickets in Jan for myself and daughter visiting from Colorado-situation arose where we couldn't go. I'm a senior with mobility issues-don't get out as much as I'd like. At time of purchase, checked refund policy-said you could put price towards a new show as long as you called at least an hour ahead, and there was room. Just got off phone with less than congenial manager. "Those were bought more than 2 months ago-sorry, that's our policy." Nowhere does it state there is a 2 month cutoff. Pretty shabby way to treat someone who would have liked to become a regular patron-to treat customers generally. It would have cost them nothing to let me use the tickets, following THEIR policy. read more

I recently spent a really solid Saturday at the West Newton Cinema. It is a super charming historic theater. The small theater space is charming and intimate. It is neat to experience a film in a small room of strangers. The larger theater was larger than I expected. Both theaters had adequate a/c and old style theater seating. It's not a luxe experience but for me, that's better. I love a vintage space. The prices are typical for a non-luxe theater (like $10 to 12), for the show and for concessions. The bathroom is clean and kept up and decorated cutely! And they get both art films and bigger films. They have some vintage entertainment too. A Coin feed weight machine and Nickelodeon. Good shit! I am so glad a donor has saved the theater. There are a lot of closed businesses in the neighborhood. But there are still some good restaurants nearby. I hope the whole neighborhood bounces back. read more

See all

It was ... interesting, and not negative, to return here yesterday and discover the cinema was exactly the same as I remember from occasional mid 1990's through early 2000's visits. It seems the management is in transition to a non-profit community arts center model and I hope they will be a success. There was little evidence of immediate enhancements, and the place has maintained a certain retro charm. However, the street facing marquee had not been updated to reflect the latest titles and the interior upstairs showings were no longer noted on the mini marquee. I hope cinema staff will continue to take pride in what they have and work together to maintain this historic community resource. read more

This is a dangerous place for seniors. I had to walk up three flights of stairs (no elevator) to get to the screening. Inside, the movie had begun, and it was pitch black! I had to use a flashlight to try to find a seat. The closed caption device was too loose to fit into the cup holder, which wasn't provided in most seats in theater 5. In the event of a fire, exit would be challenging. Don't go until they have renovated it. Also, there is only metered parking, which the city limits to 2 hours. How is one supposed to see a movie within that time limit? read more

Super cute/classic movie theatre in Newton that has been around decades. We caught "Barbie" and the screen, sound, and seats were great. There aren't many theatres of this size and vintage aesthetic anymore. Gotta love it. read more

I appreciate that it's a community theater, but it might be time to pack it in. The theater I was in smelled moldy/wet. So it's a sad place. I went to a movie and the credit card machine hadn't been taken out of the drawer yet, so that was a wait. And then the butter for the popcorn hadn't been turned on yet, so that was going to be 25 minutes. 45 minutes later, still not ready, so ai gave up. Those are minor things, definitely, I'll admit, but don't help the cause of the worth of keeping on with this location just for nostalgia's sake. Oh, and the volume wasn't turned on, so someone had to get up and tell the kids that. read more

Old school theatre. Cozy and pleasant. Your friendly neighborhood movie theater. In danger of being shut down so please support the place.

Tried to go to a 3:00 show today for which the theater was selling tickets online. I arrived at the theater around 2:37 and decided to buy the tickets inside rather than online. When we tried to get in we found all the doors were locked and no one was around. I tried calling to find out what was going on with no luck of having someone answer. This poor older gentleman was also trying to go in. I felt bad for him so decided try calling one more time. My biggest issue is the fact that they are taking money online for shows they are not providing. They should be ashamed of themselves. This was my first time trying this theater and will be my last. read more

Been coming here for years and always found it to be a solid indie theater. They show some major films, but generally best for small art house stuff. Decent food and drink selection, reasonable prices, can buy tix online. Seats were new and comfy, sound could be louder read more

An excellent indy cinema that carries many current indy films, as well as a more mainstream film once in a while. Hope they can open up after the pandemic subsides. read more

There was actually a mouse running around the floor and squeaking during the movie. First heard the squeaks and then observed the mouse running. Wasn't there long enough to wreck the movie, but c'mon... They don't take credit cards Less leg room than modern theatres The place is dilapidated read more

Good staff, good movies good popcorn, good cinema. Definitely worth the money. Come here now

Diane F, as a disabled person who can not make it up the stairs, it is not whiny to be upset there is no elevator. I shouldn't have to call to see which floor the movie I want to see is being shown. This theater is the first one I went to when I moved to Massachusetts and I have a soft spot for independent theaters. And I have no problem with paying cash. But if I am going to pay $12 while I am on a limited income and the huge profits they make on the concession stand, there is no reason the owner can't invest in the bare bones minimum in terms of upkeep. I haven't been to the theater in several years and given a choice between seeing a movie here or the Embassy, I choose the Embassy (which I will be doing tomorrow, especially since tickets will be $6). read more

Wow I was surprised to see all the great reviews here! I should have been tipped off when the sign said cash only and no refunds. I thought hmmm that is odd, why would a movie theater be cash only; but, I can get over that because it's a small cinema that doesn't want to get hit with the credit card fees. The no refunds thing, that should have been what really made me hesitant to hand over the cash. They must have posted the sign about no refunds, well, because a lot of people were asking for refunds! The sound and picture quality were really bad, like, awful. Maybe this is a great place to see Indie movies but if you are looking to see a major blockbuster definitely find a different theater. Moral of the story kids: Movie Theater + Cash Only & No Refunds Sign = Please Turn the Other Way. Unless you want to see an Indie movie that can't be seen elsewhere, then I could understand your trip here. read more

Movies: great inde films that you would not find in the bigger theaters But... only if you are prepare to: -Go to a outdated movie theatre -Place is dirty, smelly, and has gnarly staffs -Seats are tiny tiny uncomfortable seats -Place is located in a cute little town -Watch movies with people who are well over 70+ and you are consider young if you are under 60! lol -Theatre lobby is like a flea market gone wrong -Cash only (which I don't get? If you can claim a loss every year and not report your earnings, at least clean the place up! I came here with a good crowd, so I enjoyed my movie experience. But if you are expecting AMC, Edwards or IMAX like...look somewhere else my friend. read more

This is a theatre whose glory years were in the 60's and 70's. It's pretty dated and old. We came here to see First Monday in May. From what I can tell, this is one of those theatres that show art films, documentaries and foreign films. The theatre is cash only. For the two of us, it was $24 to see the movie on a Wednesday evening. We got a medium popcorn, medium Diet Coke and a box of junior mints: total bill $16. The staff was friendly and helpful. The actual theatre/screen in which we saw the movie is small and dated. Seating was fine--none of the fancy reclining chairs that one is used to nowadays. There was also a strange smell though out the facilities. The restrooms were dated and old as well (one of the two sinks was broken). There is only street parking. Make sure you bring quarters. Meters have a one hour limit and are free after 6:00 pm. read more

See all

No senior discounts. Since most of the audience is seniors, they ought to lower the basic price- which is now quite high for uncomfortable seating. And no elevator. If you are upstairs, better pee first, because by the time you get to the basement bathroom and return, you will miss 1/2 the movie, unless you are a sprinter. (There is a handicap bathroom on the main level). Place could be spruced up. Otherwise- ok. read more

I love old movie houses. They transport us to a time that we may only see in pictures. I've passed by this place at thousand times and have glanced at her marquee of films I've loved or desired to see. Me and a friend went to see a film after dinner but we could not decided. The staff was very informative and filled us in on each one, helping us make a decision, which was a great choice. Parking is a premium here on the street but the neighborhood is good and very quaint. The theatre itself is cozy, the popcorn is fresh and has real butter on it!!! Beyond that it is not that memorable. The decor is layered from other decades and not that distinct. The movies are why you come here. Great films at a great price. I hope places like this last but from the small crowd the night we went, they are only doomed to pass into time with the soda jerks and penny candy stores. read more

West Newton Cinema - SUMO!!!! - Cinema Near Me - Newton, Massachusetts

Student tickets are only $7.50 and although you have to buy tickets from the concession stand (they're a little under-staffed), the ticket lady is very friendly and efficient (the long line moves quickly). Although buying from the concession stand makes it more tempting to scoop some popcorn, nachos, etc. which I would never do otherwise. Also, there's this weird wood chip covered tube above the concession stand that we couldn't quite understand until my friend figured out it was a giant nut-covered chocolate popsicle...grossly unappetizingly but pretty cool. The theatre smells weird but you get used to it and the seats are pretty comfortable - they're thickly padded and actually recline a bit. I love the indie feel and Lumiere's right across the street. Parkings tough to find but we managed to park across the street in the children's day care parking lot and were lucky not to get towed or ticketed...good luck. read more

West Newton Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Newton, Massachusetts

See all

This is my neighborhood theatre and they show great films. I wish I could go back but I can't ever after my last experience. There is a severe rodent infestation. I thought the loud squeaking during the film was someone's chair until it grew closer and louder. While watching the movie a rodent appeared on the headrest directly in front of me. I got up to leave and discovered there were several mice all over the floor running around. Traumatizing and needs to be closed until they treat entire facility. read more

Poorly managed. They really don't give a sh*t about the experience and you can tell. - Terrible movie selection (even for indie films) Coolidge Corner has a way better selection. - Apathetic employees - What movie theater closes concessions @ 9:00pm?! - Some of the theaters are uncomfortable and outdated - Pricey tickets for such outdated equipment/screen size/sound This place has serious potential, but it's going nowhere under the current owner/operator. Skip this place, and go to Landmark Embassy down the road in Waltham instead. read more

This place smell like urin no elevator no ac the lights did not dim mother seats are broken and lumpy 12 for a movie this place needs a major re hall The sound sound like something out of the 1950 the screen is no bigger then my projection tv the rug is so smelly and warn out read more

I went to see a show over the weekend and was so happy to visit an old world theatre again. It is homey and welcoming and the staff is very friendly and helpful. It was a very hot day the cooling system was awesome. My show was in the large theater with very comfortable seats, great screen and sound. I am so tired of the huge generic unfriendly theaters with the blasting sound systems that I will definitely be coming here now in future. Not sure why people say cash only, I used a credit card with no problem. read more

Tldr: MICE. I am so sad to be writing this- this movie theater has been one of my favorites my whole life. It's old and charming and you can see so many independent movies that you won't find in the new SuperLux Cinemas. Plus, delicious popcorn. However I just *RAN* out of there an hour into the movie I went to see because a mouse was running around next to my seat and squeaking. At first I thought that I was hearing things so I got up and moved some rows back, but the rustling and squeaking continued. I am petrified of rodents so there was no way I could tough it out nor do I think I should have to. After coming on yelp I see that someone posted the same thing about a week ago. Farewell West Newton Cinema. read more

In a world where AMC and Showcase reign, there's something really nice about going to a local theater. Not as historic-feeling as Coolidge Corner, but nice to have in Newton nonetheless. Cozy and unique theater read more

Well, I wish I had read the reviews before going to this dump. No senior discounts on MLK day, seats were gross, dirty, & lumpy in all the wrong places. After an hour of swishing around in the dirty seat with a dip in the coils, I moved to a different seat; it was no better. I don't mind paying $12 for a movie, but I want comfort and cleanliness. Never ever ever ever go to this dump read more

This is so sad and frustrating. For years this was our 'go to' theater. We liked it because they show great films and we can walk there. But, I'm done. I went to see a film on a quiet Monday night, we saw the exact same cycle of ads five times and when we went to complain the person working there said there was no projectionist and she didn't know how to interrupt the ad cycle and get the film started. UNBELIEVABLE! The film we went to see was scheduled for 8:20 pm and at 8:40 the film still hadn't started, the same cycle of bad ads was still playing and we left. No movie night for us. And we will not return! read more

Went here last night. Now I remember why i don't go often. I am a senior, but senior rates only good Sun. to Thurs. CASH only. Condition. The owner is raking in the cash for a dump of a theater. The ONLY good thing are the movies they show. I guess I will allow more time and go elsewhere, if I want an unbroken seat. The upstairs theaters are the worst!!! Good for kids, as the place is already trashed. Thread bare carpets, so so snacks, broken seats, no soap in the washrooms. read more

I rented a screen for my wife and I to celebrate Valentine's Day. The theater is small and older older however that is not a negative. It maintains a charm of yesteryear with its wide oak entrance and quaint viewing rooms. With theaters today focused more on extras it was refreshing to find this gem that allows you to enjoy and focus on the main attraction, the movie. Dave whom assisted me was very kind and helpful. He was also able to play a movie I provided on dvd. The evening was perfect and will be a memorable experience! read more

This place is a gem! A lovely neighborhood cinema with that old school style you just don't see as much anymore. Good snack selection- less expensive than a chain cinema that's for sure! I hope this local institution stands forever. read more

I went once and that was it for me. This place hasn't been renovated or fixed since it opened many, many years ago. I feel like it's a fire hazard, and overall, it's just not a comfortable place to go and watch a movie. I have nothing against old school charm, but the negatives of this hole in the wall far outweigh the positives. read more

It really is puzzling to see such low ratings. We saw a Star is Born here last night and the whole experience was great. We ordered our tickets through fandango and breezed right through into the theater. The seating was tight, but everybody was quite good about shuffling around to accommodate. (Tip at end of row on aisle if you can) Sound system and screen were excellent. The 1920s Art Deco decor is still present - fun touches. We are lucky to have an indie theatre like this still operating. Everyone's support is needed to keep vibrant, independent venues - including Dedham Community Theatre in Dedham Square. read more

Inefficient, poorly run cinema with uncomfortable seats. They do not accept credit cards, an out-dated policy. Wouldn't it make sense to renovate this dilapidated building and offer a comfortable setting for which Newtonites can be proud? read more

West Newton Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Newton, Massachusetts

If you like art movies, or slightly-arty movies, you feel obliged to say something nice about this theatre; and the two stars I throw up there are based on this principle. I don't mind a bit of attitude or indifference in the staff, and a bit of chaos in the managing of the site; I guess you can consider it a quirk. But it's hard to ignore the discomfort of the seats. And the theatre takes handicapped unfriendliness to extraordinary levels; no elevator and three flights of steps for many films; inside the theatre, every seat requires managing steeply-pitched steps; once you get into your seats, small aisles make it a challenge to place a walker or cane; and then for someone with leg issues, there are the seats themselves -- more cramped than coach in a budget airline. I like some of the films, but the exact same line-ups are being shown elsewhere in the boston area at much nicer venues. So I am hoping this place will decide it cannot depend on unconditional support based on showing independent cinema. read more

Whatever you do - DO NOT COME HERE. Rude staff, projectors don't work. Was screamed at by the staff for asking them to fix the screen and have the lights off. NEVER AGAIN read more

This place is a dump. I certainly can respect that it's an old establishment, but that is no excuse for not upkeeping the basics -- the doors, the seats, the ceiling, the bathroom are all falling apart or dingy/disgusting. Not to mention the theaters are TINY and weird seat layouts. Avoid! read more

The only movie they should play here is "Grumpy Old Men"! The owner/manager is so rude, rude, rude. It's cold here in winter and stifling in summer. Stale popcorn. Lumpy seats. Bad sound system. "Be afraid. Be VERY afraid." read more

Some of these negative reviewers would probably visit ancient ruins and complain that they're too old and should be renovated or demolished. "Ew, this Colosseum really needs some work. Maybe we should just tear it down and start over." "OMG, cash only?! How offensive!?" There's only 5 million banks down the street where you can easily withdraw cash. Or, you know, you could show up with cash to avoid having to walk 5 steps to an ATM. "Showing an ID as proof of age is really insulting!!!" It could be a compliment; maybe you don't look old enough to be a senior. Embrace a compliment on your youth at this cinema- unless you're under 18 and you're trying to sneak in. P.S. Getting carded is a legal matter. Deal with it. "This place is too expensive." Well, thank you for confirming that because of people like you, small, local business owners have no chance in hell. If you are complaining about contributing to your local economy, then you suck. Go enjoy the comforts of corporate corruption!!! AND, by the way, don't complain to the employees about the pricing. They did not set the prices and they have no power over them. If you don't want to pay, politely say, "I'm sorry, I've changed my mind," and then leave. Because there's no point in staying if you're unhappy with something from the start. They show interesting movies and they have good popcorn. It seems that if you adjust your attitude and expectations, things in life aren't too bad. Apply that to this cinema and you will probably be content. read more

I like local, small cimenas with history. With that, you can get older seats, stairs to climb and tired carpets. I am okay with that and the West Newton Cinema had that. They also had cool art deco décor all around. But, I saw a movie that was not played anywhere else - I liked that. I will go back. I came to eat popcorn, be with friends and see a movie - and I did just that, happily. But, parking is awful (so get there early enough to drive around and find parking). Notes: Street parking meters only let you put coins in for up to one hour. The cinema only takes cash. The Large Soda DOES NOT fit in the old wooden seat cup holders. DO NOT put a dime in their old machines - they are for show only and DO NOT work. read more

Despite what I've read in other reviews. I feel cash-only is a major inconvenience. The seats and theatres are uncomfortable after awhile. The air is dry. The movies there are the hard to find ones. A plus is the concession prices are less than most theatres. Parking at night can be a challenge. Try next to the police station. The staff their moves with no sense of urgency. read more