Cinema

The people of Munich love the outdoors, which is very apparent during the warm summer months when virtually everything is enjoyed outside.

One of my favorite summer activities is going to see a movie at one of the open air movie theaters, which themselves appear as if they should be in a movie. It’s a great place to take a date – or a romantic place to be surprised with one.

People curl up in blankets on the lawn (€ 6), or in the comfortable lounge chairs (€ 10) for a few Euros extra, to enjoy watching recent blockbuster hits. Provided the weather cooperates, each evening there is a showing of something new. If it’s a 3D movie, glasses cost € 2.

Similar to the biergarten concept you can even bring your very own picnic minus the drinks, as they must be purchased on the grounds. There are also food options available – typically curry wurst, french fries, and of course the more traditional movie snacks – popcorn and candy.

By booking online you are able to choose your seats, so you don’t have to arrive early to get a good one in the center.

Blankets can be rented, but don’t forget bug repellant – there can be many mosquitoes due to the nearby lake.

Gates open at 20:00.

All movies are in German unless noted (OV=original version, OmU= original version with German subtitles).

Other locations to enjoy outdoor movies in Munich include:

Westpark Seebühne

Königsplatz

This one of the highlights of the summer and oh, so romantic!

I love cinema but I hate one thing: dubbed films!

Therefore going to the cinema in Germany is a challenge for me. I discovered Museum Lichtspiele cinema while looking for cinemas where films in original version are shown.

This is one of the oldest cinemas in Munich, opened in 1910. It lies in a very beautiful corner of Munich, close to the Deutsches Museum, next to the river Isar. When it comes to the decoration and atmosphere: it definitely does not have munch in common with the big multiplex cinemas. Contrary to the impersonal, cold, modern decoration, this cinema looks like it comes from another century.

It consists of three halls with different decorations. My favourite one is Kino 2 the ‘cultest’ room of all. With its dark red seats, the big chandeliers and the copy statue of Michelangelo’s David in natural size with the red painted lips, the room offers a unique atmosphere.

It is the best place to watch the famous cult film “Rocky Horror Picture Show”, which has been shown – in original version, of course! – non-stop for the last 30 years, every Saturday at 23:00. It is a must-see, even for those who have seen the film, as there is not a better place to enjoy a cult film like this!

I consider Werkstattkino the most unusual cinema in Munich. Before you go there, make sure that you have checked the address and the way to get there – although it is on a central and busy street, you can easily miss it. All you will see is a big wooden door that opens to an inner yard. Once you are in, turn right and follow the stairs down to the basement. You made it!

This looks more like a handmade small cinema: at the cinema’s foyer, a small table is the box office, and don’t expect any big luxury inside the room – but this is part of its charm, anyway.

The cinema features mainly non-mainstream films, so no room for blockbusters here. Cult films are the stars: – there are also different theme-nights, theme -weekends or festivals. You can see anything: Japanese B-movies, gay porno, b-cut thrillers from the 70s, documentaries, the list is big…

On the website of the cinema, there is no mention of the program; the best way to find out what is on is to call or go there and be surprised!

Small neighborhood cinemas have a unique charm. Studio Isabella is one of my favourite ones. This cinema is mainly dedicated to Spanish and Latin-American films, but non Spanish-speaking films are equally not excluded.

A very simple, family-run cinema surprises you with its film choices: here you can enjoy the film-winner of the Palme d’ Or in the Cannes festival, along with the film that was a big hit in Argentina last season. All films are shown in original version with German subtitles. You definitely do not need to speak Spanish to come here.

This is by far the most perfect place to see films you would not be able to see anywhere else, to get to know new directors, actors and stories and at the same time refresh your Spanish!

If you live in Munich or you plan to stay longer here, ask to be included in their newsletter list. You will be receiving their weekly free newsletter by email with cinema news and the program of the next few weeks and make sure that you never miss a screening again!