There’s a magic that happens in the darkness of a movie theatre. The scent of buttered popcorn hangs in the air, the lights dim, and for a few precious hours, the world outside fades away. For Toronto film lovers, that experience is best found within the walls of a treasured landmark.
Recently, readers revealed their favourite historic movie theatre in the Greater Toronto Area: The Fox Theatre in The Beach. This isn’t just a cinema; it’s a living piece of Toronto’s history, continuously operating since 1914 – making it the oldest continuously running movie house in the city.
Built for a modest $15,000, the Fox has witnessed decades of cinematic evolution. Originally known as the Prince Edward Theatre, a subtle nod to royalty remains in a stained-glass panel bearing the former prince’s name, preserved during a 2007 restoration. That renovation also brought 250 plush, reclining red seats, complete with cupholders, enhancing the viewing experience.
The theatre’s current team understands its legacy. They are dedicated to preserving the spirit of independent and art-house cinema, building on over a century of film history. Every patron, they say, is vital to keeping that tradition alive, and they expressed deep gratitude for the recognition.
But the Fox isn’t alone in captivating audiences. Coming in at number two is the Kingsway Theatre in Etobicoke. This Art Deco gem opened in 1940 and remains a beloved independent, single-screen cinema, offering a curated selection of films.
The Kingsway faced a period of closure and uncertainty, but a 2008 heritage designation and a 2009 reopening breathed new life into the space. Today, it boasts a smaller, intimate 28-seat screening room alongside its main theatre, showcasing a diverse range of films.
Further afield, in Uxbridge, lies The Roxy Theatre. Originally the RIO Theatre, built in 1949, it transformed into a meticulously restored two-screen cinema in 1996, complete with refurbished 1950s seating. Currently, the owners are seeking to pass on their passion for film to a new generation.
Toronto’s oldest operating cinema, the Revue Cinema, claims the fourth spot. Opening in 1912, it underwent a stunning Art Deco reconstruction in 1936. The Revue has navigated periods of closure and revival, ultimately reopening as a not-for-profit, community-driven theatre in 2007.
Its recent struggle against eviction even drew the attention of acclaimed director Guillermo Del Toro, who publicly urged the city to help save this vital cultural space. The Revue stands as a testament to the power of community and the enduring love of film.
Rounding out the Top 5 is the Royal Cinema in Little Italy. Built in 1939, this Art Moderne venue has evolved over the years, once featuring a roller-skating rink and dance hall. Today, it’s a vibrant event space and cinema, offering a unique blend of film screenings, live shows, and a quirky lobby that doubles as a bottle shop.
These theatres aren’t simply places to watch movies; they are repositories of memories, community hubs, and guardians of cinematic history. They represent a connection to the past, a celebration of the present, and a promise of captivating stories yet to come.
