Best Indie Movie Theaters In DFW

In a world of Hollywood blockbuster films, it is a growing trend to see independent films and documentaries shown in historical, exquisitely decorated and designed, private non-megaplex theaters. Here is a listing of some of Dallas' finest indie movie theaters.

The Angelika Film Center Dallas is one of the premier movie theaters that specializes in showing independent films. This theater, located in Mockingbird Station above a progressive shopping and dining area, boasts its own café and movie goers can enjoy stadium seating in one of eight intimate viewing rooms. The Angelika has been part of the Dallas arts community since it opened in 2001 and participates in community discussions and film festivals.

The Texas Theater is synonymous with Dallas history. The 83-year-old theater, once owned by billionaire Howard Hughes, is located in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas. The theater would have been long forgotten except it was made famous when 15 police officers stormed inside looking for Lee Harvey Oswald who was wanted in connection with the shooting of police officer J.D. Tippit and later President Kennedy. This beautifully decorated theater has retained its opulence over the years and has updated to state-of-the-art projection and sound equipment. It shows independent films and classic movies.

The three screens with digital projection is just one of the reasons people flock to the Inwood Theater. Another is the seating. Couches, loveseats and beanbag chairs are in the main screening room on the main floor where movie-goers can enjoy viewing independent and foreign language films. The lounge is one of the largest in Texas with a full-service bar.

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Located in trendy Uptown of the West Village, the Magnolia Theater offers a sophisticated atmosphere and intimate screening space. The theater was built 12 years ago but underwent a huge renovation just two years ago. Now, it has leather seats, Barco digital projection and an updated digital sound system to its five screens. This isn't your run-of-the-mile theater. The Magnolia Bar offers specialty cocktails and gourmet concessions including hummus and naan, steak and cilantro empanadas and pizzas from Campisi's restaurant. The Magnolia shows the newest documentaries and is made for the serious film aficionado. This is a perfect theater for date night.

The Lakewood Theater's 76-year history in one of Dallas' well-established neighborhoods is one steeped with love. Its 100-foot-tall art deco tower is a beacon to the neighborhood welcoming all who are looking to escape the outside world. While many movie houses experienced an uncertain future when the dollar theater wave occurred in the 80s, Lakewood survived very well and found a way through caring owners to reinvent itself. The single-screen movie theater shows independent films, hosts runs of cult-followed films like the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" and is a venue for special events and live entertainment.

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