Kriterion Movie Theatre – Bestest cinema in town

When do you deserve to be called a regular? Do you need hang out somewhere more than three times a month for at least 5 years? Should you have spent mornings, afternoons and evenings there, or whole days for that matter? Should you have taken tiny power naps on their couch without anyone noticing? Too often have been asked to leave when everyone else has gone? Would you have written on their bathroom doors, laughed there, fought there, even cried there? 

If so, Kriterion would be high on my list. One of the city’s best arthouse cinemas opened its doors in 1945. It was started by wartime students tired of having to depend on their parents’ wages, and it’s been run by students ever since. This means the bartenders might need some training at times, but it also means there are few other places in town as relaxed and fun as Kriterion. The crowd, thankfully, doesn’t consist solely of students, as the theatre has one of the nicest bars and the best independent releases, specials and festivals in town.

One of the reasons why I come here weekly is the Sneak Preview on Tuesdays, during which the audience is shown a surprise film that hasn’t been released yet (cue booing, walkouts or ecstatic enthusiasm). 

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Kriterion Movie Theatre | Art & culture, Bars, Cinemas, Coffee & tea | Sneak Preview € 5
Roetersstraat 170 | +31206231708
Mon – Thu & Sun 10:30 – 01:00, Fri 10:30 – 03:00, Sat 12:30 – 03:00