Movie Magic in Amsterdam

Language No Problem

Dutch cinemas screen all movies in their original language version, with Dutch subtitles. As many films are in English, there is a lot to choose from. Also, some Dutch movies are released with English subtitles and in recent years there have been some excellent offerings, such as Paul Verhoeven’s “Black Book” (Zwartboek) and "War Winter” (Oorlogswinter).

Fabulous Film Festivals

Film buffs should plan an autumn visit when Amsterdam is host to numerous film festivals. Two of the biggest are the IDFA and Cinekid.

International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA)

It’s a good thing that November is a bit wet and windy – it’s IDFA month and the perfect excuse to spend all day indoors feasting your eyes on documentaries from around the world. If you dare, buy a “Docs around the clock” ticket and stay up all night for a marathon screening before being treated to breakfast. The IDFA is the largest documentary film festival in the world , held annually in the last two weeks of November.

Cinekid Festival

Younger members of the family are not forgotten either. The annual Cinekid Festival is a film, television and new-media festival for children. Every October more than 50,000 children and international guests visit one or more of the five hundred media productions that Cinekid has to offer them. On the CinekidStudio.nl website, children can make their own short films, news broadcasts, video clips or cartoons throughout the year.

Film History

If you have a more in-depth interest in cinematography, then the Eye Film Instituut Nederland is worth a visit. The museum's collection covers the whole history of cinema from the very first silent films, dating from the late 19th century, up to the latest contemporary digital productions. The museum also acts as distributor of classics and contemporary, independent films. Located in the Vondelpark, the museum’s terrace was once voted the most beautiful in the world and is a great place for a drink or snack in the summer.

Good viewing

No matter your mood or taste, there is something for everyone. With over 50 movie houses, Amsterdam’s cinema’s range from mainstream multiplexes to original art-houses or filmhuizen. For an authentic experience, head to Het Ketelhuis (Westergasfabriek, Haarlemmerweg), The Rialto (Ceintuurbaan) The Movies on Haarlemmerdijk (the oldest cinemas in Amsterdam) or the Film Museum (Vondelpark). An absolute must if you like Art Deco interiors is the Tuschinski, a 'grande dame' of a cinema, which incongruously also shows Hollywood blockbusters.

Outdoor Movies

While the success of any open-air cinema is unfortunately dependent on the behaviour of the weather, during the months of July, August and September, Amsterdam is particularly abundant with opportunities to catch a film in the great outdoors. Sometimes it’s classics, sometimes a new smash hit, and even sometimes a sneak preview of a movie expected to do well later in the year.

Popular cinemas in the centre of Amsterdam

• Pathé Tuschinski
  Built by a Polish immigrant, Abraham Tuschinski, the cinema opened in 1921 and its Art Deco interior makes it a worthy venue for star-studded film premieres and other events.
  Pathé Tuschinski; Reguliersbreestraat 26-34, 1017 CN Amsterdam
  For reservations call: 0900-1458

• Cinecenter
  Cinecenter; Lijnbaansgracht 236, 1017 PH Amsterdam
  For reservations call: 020-623-6615

• Eye Film Instituut Nederland
  The Eye Film Instituut Nederland is located in a big villa in the Vondelpark and you’d half expect a movie star to actually live there. Apart from the museum, it also screens classic and art-house movies.
  Filmmuseum Vondelpark, Vondelpark 3, 1071 AA Amsterdam
  For reservations call: 020-589-1400

• Het Ketelhuis
  Located in the former municipal gas installations, the Ketelhuis often screens Dutch movies and thought-provoking documentaries.
  Ketelhuis 4, Westergasfabriek, Haarlemmerweg 8-10, 1014 BE Amsterdam
  For reservations call: 020-684-0090

• Kriterion
  A student cinema, run by well, students of course. Usually shows off-beat art films.
  Kriterion; Roetersstraat 170, 1018 WE Amsterdam
  For reservations call: 020-623-1708

• The Movies
  The Movies, dates back to 1912, and is the oldest movie house in Amsterdam (est. 1912). It has also a restaurant and a café. The Movies, Haarlemmerdijk 159-165, 1013 KH Amsterdam
  For reservations call: 020-638-6016

• Pathé de Munt
  A modern multiplex located near the Munt tower and the Flower Market.
  Pathé de Munt; Vijzelstraat 15, 1017HD Amsterdam
  For reservations call: 0900-1458.

• Rialto Filmtheater
  This old art house has interesting programming, often scheduling reruns of lesser-known artistic movies.
  Rialto Filmtheater, Ceintuurbaan 338, 1072 GN Amsterdam
  for reservations call: 020-676-8700

• De Uitkijk
  Prinsengracht 452, 1017 KE Amsterdam
  For reservations call: 020-623-7460

More information and reservation

All cinemas and most cafés show a playlist of current movies. For reservations in advance go to belbios (Dutch).

For more information on actual screenings and film listings, see What’s on.