Toronto's Top 5 historic movie theatres according to Sun readers
· Toronto Sun
There’s nothing quite like having a bag of freshly-buttered popcorn on your lap as the lights go down in an old movie theatre and the film’s opening credits begin to roll in the dark.
And Toronto Sun readers seem to enjoy the experience, too.
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In the latest Top 5 poll, they’ve chosen the Fox Theatre in The Beach as their favourite historic (and active) movie theatre in the GTA.
1. Fox Theatre
The second-oldest cinema that is still in use in Toronto has operated since 1914 and, as a result, is the oldest continuously operating cinema in Toronto.
Built for $15,000, its single screen shows a mixture of new releases, independent and foreign films, and classical Hollywood cinema.
Past names have included the Prince Edward Theatre, but after Edward’s 1936 abdication from the British throne, the theatre was renamed the Fox Theatre.
However, a stained glass panel with Prince Edward’s name, located over the doorway from the lobby, still remains after a 2007 restoration that included 250 new plush reclining red-finish seats with cupholders.
“As film enthusiasts, our goal is to continue the independent, art house cinema tradition and to continue to build on that rich history since the Fox first opened in 1914,” Eric Lavigne, the Fox Theatre’s marketing manager, said in a statement to the Sun .
“We thrive on the incredible support of our community; every person who walks through our doors is the beating heart of the Fox Theatre, keeping the independent cinema tradition alive. We are grateful to be recognized as the best historic and active movie theatre in the Greater Toronto Area. This honour inspires us and reaffirms our deep commitment to this community. Thank you all!”
Here’s the rest of the Top 5 that you voted for:
2. Kingsway Theatre
This vintage Art Deco theatre in Etobicoke has been a community fixture since it first opened on March 5, 1940, and it remains one of the few independent, single-screen cinemas in Toronto.
Between 1980-2006, the Kingsway was a key member of the Festival Cinemas chain and following the death of the Festival Cinemas owner in 2004, the chain eventually collapsed, leading to the Kingsway’s closure and a 2.5-year period of vacancy. In 2008, the theatre received official heritage designation and reopened in 2009 as a renovated space.
It operates as an independent venue showing a mix of foreign films, documentaries and select blockbusters, and it now includes a smaller 28-seat screening room on the second floor.
3. The Roxy Theatre (in Uxbridge)
Originally built in 1949 as the RIO Theatre in Uxbridge, about an hour northeast of Toronto, it was renamed The Roxy in 1951. After operating as a drug store during the 1970s and 80s, it was bought and meticulously restored to a two-screen cinema in 1996 with 1950s refurbished seating.
Since then, the Roxy was a full service, first-run movie theatre with new and old movies screening seven days a week, with matinees on weekends and holidays. It was listed for sale in 2025 at $3.5 million with current owners Cathy and Mark Christoff saying they’re hoping to “pass the torch to new ownership,” ideally to “individuals who have the same passion for movies as we do.”
4. Revue Cinema
Toronto’s oldest operating cinema opened in 1912 in the city’s Roncesvalles neighbourhood and got an extensive Art Deco re-construction in 1936.
In the ‘70s, it became known as a premier art-house and in the ‘80s joined the Festival Cinemas chain and became a repertory and second run cinema. In 2000, the wooden seats were finally replaced with the current seats, but it closed in 2006 after the death of the Festival Cinemas owner.
Following the Toronto Preservation Board’s historic designation to the Revue’s facade, it was reopened in 2007 by the Revue Film Society as a not-for-profit, community-driven theatre, and in 2014 the cinema renovated the lobby and interior.
A decade later the cinema was almost evicted until a five-year lease deal was reached with the building owners. The dispute even got the attention of Oscar-winning Mexican director (and part-time Toronto resident) Guillermo Del Toro who asked Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow to help save it.
5. Royal Cinema
This Art Moderne event venue and cinema in the heart of Little Italy was built in 1939 and was originally called The Pylon and included a roller-skating rink at the rear of the theatre, and a dance hall on the second floor.
In the 1990s, the theatre was renamed The Golden Princess and since early 2007, it has operated as The Royal. It’s mission statement is “offering a platform for film screenings, festivals, live shows, conferences, and project sound mixing through our state-of-the-art mixing facility. A quirky lobby adds to the charm, doubling as a bottle shop during the day and a concession stand offering limited edition and exotic snacks during events.”
Hey Toronto Sun Readers: What should our next Top 5 be?
Don’t be shy about letting us know what subject you’d like to see of a future Top 5 poll and vote.
The subject can be anything from local – like your favourite swimming area – to Ontario – like favourite places for weekend getaways – or even favourite ways of distraction online, be it entertainment, sports or lifestyle.
Please send your ideas to [email protected].