Discover Cinemas in Berlin: Our Top 5 Movie Theaters 2025
Photo by Felipe Bustillo
For decades, Berlin has been a magnet for film enthusiasts — not just because of the Berlinale that is around the corner, but also thanks to its remarkable cinema culture. Established in 1951 as a "showcase of the free world," the Berlinale has grown into one of the most important film festivals in the world. It not only reflects Berlin's political history but also underscores the city's significance as a global film hub. 13 -23 Februar
From glamorous premiere venues to charming arthouse cinemas, Berlin boasts a unique cinematic landscape that attracts film lovers from all over the world. Here are our Top 5 Cinemas 2025 in Berlin, perfect for soaking up Berlinale vibes and enjoying great films all year round.
1: Delphi Lux – A Modern Arthouse Experience
Opened in 2017, the Delphi Lux is the youngest addition to the Yorck Kino Group and has quickly established itself as one of Berlin's most exciting film venues. Located near Zoo Station, it enriches the cultural landscape of the historic Kurfürstendamm area with its innovative cinema experience.
The award-winning architecture firm Bruzkus Batek designed its seven individually styled screens, each featuring unique materials and colors that make the cinema a visual delight. For this groundbreaking design, the cinema was honored with the prestigious FRAME Award.
The Delphi Lux is not just about design—it’s also a programmatic standout. Only two years after opening, it won the top prize for best annual film programming at the German Federal Film Award in 2019. Offering a mix of arthouse gems, international productions, and crowd-pleasers in both original and dubbed versions, the Delphi Lux caters to every taste.
For more info on the Delphi Lux cinema Berlin, click here!
2: Passage Kino – Nostalgia in Neukölln
Gold leaf, red velvet, and over 100 years of history make the Passage Kino one of the most charming cinemas in Berlin. Originally opened in 1910 as the "Excelsior Light Theater" in a newly built social hall, its grand hall was initially designed for both theater and film. By 1920, it had shifted entirely to film screenings and adopted the name Passage.
The cinema survived two world wars but fell victim to the television boom and Berlin Wall construction, closing in 1968. For 20 years, it served as a furniture storage space before the Yorck Kino Group revived it in 1989 with a stunning renovation.
Today, the historic Hall 1 shines in its original splendor with gold leaf, red velvet, and an ambiance reminiscent of cinema's golden age. Three additional screens and a modernized foyer and café, redesigned by Batek Architects in 2021, seamlessly blend tradition with contemporary elegance.
For more info on the Passage Kino in Neukölln, follow this link!
3: Rollberg Kino – Historic Roots, Independent Spirit
The Rollberg Kino sits on historic ground. In 1927, the majestic Mercedes Palast opened at the site on Hermannstraße, offering 2,500 seats and becoming Berlin's largest film theater of its time. It was a place where the working-class population of Neukölln could enjoy affordable entertainment. However, the palace was destroyed during World War II, and post-war attempts to revive cinema at the location were short-lived.
In 1996, the Rollberg Kino brought cinema back to the neighborhood as part of the newly built Kindl Boulevard. Since 2010, the cinema has focused exclusively on original-language films, supplemented with English subtitles for non-English films. Its legendary Creepy Crypt horror film series, held late every Saturday, has gained an international cult following. With its mix of international arthouse, indie films, and sophisticated Hollywood productions, the Rollberg Kino celebrates its cinematic legacy while offering a diverse program.
For more info on the the Rollberg Kino, click here!
4: Sputnik Kino – A Hidden Gem in Kreuzberg
Although now firmly rooted in Kreuzberg, the Sputnik Kino has its origins in Wedding. Founded in 1984 in a run down cinema building, the venue was lovingly restored by a collective led by Stefan Arndt and Anna Fuchs. Named after the Sputnik satellite during the Cold War, the cinema embodied experimental and cultural innovation.
The Sputnik Kino relocated to Kreuzberg in the 1990s, finding a new home on the 5th floor of a historic commercial courtyard near Südstern. Its two screens—one featuring brick seating rows and another with sofas for a cozy, living-room vibe—offer a unique atmosphere.
Find out more about the Sputnik Kino by following this link!
5: Neues Off – Cozy Charm in Neukölln
Just steps from Hermannplatz, the Neues Off offers one of Berlin’s most charming cinema experiences. Opened in 1919 as a variety theater, it became the "Rixdorfer Lichtspiele" in 1926 and was later repurposed as an erotic cinema in the 1970s. In 1979, the Yorck Kino Group took over, giving it a new name—Off—and a focus on high-quality arthouse programming.
The 1990s brought a major renovation, earning the cinema its current name, Neues Off, and restoring its stylish 1950s flair. Modern upgrades, including a 4K projector and advanced sound systems, ensure a first-class cinematic experience, while the carefully curated program of international and indie films reflects its commitment to quality.
More info on the Neues Off can be found on this page.