With so many good films coming out soon, we think this post is needed. Here is a list of cinemas in Tel Aviv where you can just relax, unwind and escape reality for a few hours. We will split the list into three tiers: the high-level Cinematheque, the somewhat small inner-city cinemas, and the out-of-town multiplexes.
Let’s begin.
The Tel Aviv Cinematheque
The Cinematheque is not just a cinema, but a cultural landmark in Tel Aviv. Located on the end of Ha’Arbaa street, the place opened its doors in May 1973 with the unique vision of offering the Israeli public an intimate and profound experience of the art of cinema. Since then it is home to many Israeli films and filmmakers and serves as a gathering place for industry professionals and cinephiles alike.
With over 1,500 different films screened each year, The Tel Aviv Cinematheque’s rich program features fresh releases alongside cult classics, fiction films, and documentaries, screened in five luxurious auditoriums. There is also a coffee shop and a restaurant.
The Cinematheque hosts a variety of film festivals, including Doc Aviv (the International Documentary Film Festival), the Animix festival of animation, the Jazz Festival, the International Children and Youth Film Festival, The Icon Festival for Science Fiction, Fantasy and Role-Playing, and TLVFest (the Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival).
The Cinematheque is open all week and welcomes 60,000 visitors monthly. Featuring an exclusive program of classic, experimental, and arthouse cinema, the Cinematheque is the true film lover’s alternative to commercial movie theatres.
- Shprinzak 2 ,Tel Aviv
- +972-3-6060800
- Website
Tel Aviv City Center Cinemas
Tel Aviv has two smaller cinemas located in the center of town.
Lev Tel Aviv
Located on the top floor of the Dizengoff Center, the Lev Dizengoff cinema is open seven days a week, has six screens, and shows many of the top box-office films.
- 50 Dizengoff st., Tel Aviv 3rd floor
- Website
Rav Chen Dizengoff
Located in Dizengoff Square (Kikar Dizengoff), actually not far from the “Lev” Cinema, the Rav-Chen theater is open seven days a week, has six screens and shows mainly global blockbusters. Its largest hall holds over 700 people, but the others are quite small.
- Ben Ami Street 16
- Website
Out-of-town Large Complexes
If you are looking for huge multiplexes, complete with VIP areas, huge 3D and IMAX screens, and food and shopping areas nearby – a trip to the suburbs of Tel Aviv will be necessary. Most of these cinemas are easily accessible with public transport or have a huge parking space in case you prefer to drive.
Cinema City Glilot – Located just outside of Tel Aviv, near Herzliya Pituach, this huge Cinema City complex is the first one that opened in Israel and has a shopping mall adjacent to it. It is open seven days a week, has 25 screens, and has special VIP cinemas which include a buffet, drinks, and comfortable seats. The complex is located on the main road (#2) which makes it accessible by many public buses, almost all that is headed north.
- 03-741-4541
- Website
Yes Planet Ayalon – Located in the Ayalon Mall in Ramat Gan, the Yes Planet complex has 15 screens and is open seven days a week. It is accessible by many buses but can be difficult to reach on Shabbat without a car.
Yes Planet Rishon LeZion – the Yes Planet is Rishon LeZion is the largest cinema complex in Israel, with 26 screens and over 3,600 seats. It also has VIP areas, IMAX screens, and it operates 7 days a week. It is accessible with public transport but difficult to reach on Shabbat (But has plenty of parking if you drive there).
