Written by Sophia Koch
There is just something about movie theater popcorn, an ice-cold coke, and relaxing in the cinema chairs, preparing to watch a movie on the big screen. There really aren’t many options in Florence to watch Original Language English movies unless you want to sit in the comfort of your own bed and rent a movie off of Amazon Prime or dig through the Netflix catalog.
In Florence, opportunities to catch English-speaking movies on the cinema’s grand display are limited. However, there’s a spot that reignites the enchantment of cinema, evoking a cozy, home-like atmosphere—Giunti Odeon. Located next to Palazzo Strozzi, the theater was built in 1922 and has kept its original style since. Odeon offers films only in their original language, which are mostly English. Along with showing movies, the building also has a bistro to enjoy a cappuccino or a spritz. To top it all off, below the theater seats on the ground floor, guests can browse through a variety of bookshelves that were just added when the theater reopened in 2023.
Cinema La Compagnia is located at Via Cavour 50/r and offers a schedule that is extremely diverse with movies shown in their original languages from all over the world. They host many events in addition to movies and documentaries, such as international festivals and press screenings. There is always reduced entry for students, and normal tickets usually cost 6 euro.
Another theater offering original language movies is Goldoni Cinema, located at Via de Serragli 109. Every Thursday, the theater shows a movie in its original language. Spazio Alfieri, located at Via dell’Ulivo 8 is where cinema lovers can find movies that are combined with drama, music, food, design and visual arts. Here, you can find original language showings, with a wide selection, such as Hollywood movies, art films, documentaries and others screening at the same time. If foreigners want to go to a place to enjoy a movie but also meet locals, Cinema il Portico is a great place to go because all movies are available in original and Italian versions. The theater is located at Via Capo di Mondo 66/68, and they also offer concerts and shows.
While living in Florence, and if you miss the cinema magic that being in your home city brings, try one of these theaters during your time here. Whether you want to stroll through bookshelves, enjoy a drink at the bar, or meet locals and other cinema lovers, these theaters have what you are looking for.