Grapevine’s Best Of 2016: Best Place To See A Movie

Reykjavík is a relatively small city, but even so, sometimes you need a bit of local advice to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a good people-watching spot, somewhere to see some contemporary art, or the best place to catch an Icelandic movie. Don’t worry, friends—we’ve got you covered via our Best of Reykjavík 2016 series. Here are some of our favourite spots in Reykjavík, for all kinds of super-fun days and nights out. Enjoy! And if you try our list, you can let us know what you thought of the selections via letters@grapevine.is.

Best Place To See A Movie

Winner: Bíó Paradís
Hverfisgata 54
This independent cinema on Hverfisgata is a palace for indie-film fans. They run a great programme of arthouse cinema from all around the world, as well as showing Icelandic films on rotation during the summer, with English subtitles. They sometimes show retro sci-fi and horror movies, whether cult B-movies or well-known classics. There’s an art gallery, a cafe, and some comfy sofas to hang out and drink coffee. Bíó Paradís, you’re doin’ it right: we salute you.

Runner Up: VIP Theaters
Sambíó, Álfabakki 8
Smárabíó, Smáralind
If you wanna see a blockbuster popcorn movie (and let’s face it, who doesn’t from time to time) then the VIP Theater has got you covered. You can sit in a la-z-boy, and there’s a bottomless vat of popcorn to dip into. Perf.

Runner Up: Háskólabíó
Hagatorg
As lot of visitors to Reykjavík are probably on foot, or using public transport, a handy option to see the latest Hollywood product is Háskólabíó. It’s located in the university complex just across Tjörnin, and so walkable from downtown, and it’s always showing whatever has just come out.

Previous Winners:
2015: VIP Theater
2014: Bíó Paradís

Read more of our Best of 2016 lists here.