Dubbing is a marvelous invention, but sometimes you just need to see a film in original version!
On our days off we love nothing more than heading to the movies, and there’s nothing better than a tapa or two before seeing the show, followed by a cocktail or two after. But the old reliable dinner-and-a-movie becomes a little more difficult in Spain, where almost all of the films in theaters are dubbed over. Luckily, quite a few cinemas in Madrid now offer films in versión original (V.O.)!
Here’s our favorite English language cinemas in Madrid where you can enjoy your film in English while learning some new Spanish vocabulary from the subtitles below!
Photo Credit: Mark
Cines Verdi
With a mixture of older films and brand new releases, Cine Verdi shows films in original version from all over the world. The inside of the movie theater is adorable, with plush red couches in the café to sit and relax in while you wait for the show. All of their show times and ticket prices are online, so you can buy your ticket ahead of time, show up, and enjoy!
Address: Calle Bavo Murillo, 28
Price: About 6 euros during the day and 8 euros at night
Cine Ideal
Yelmo Cines runs Cine Ideal, located downtown near the Plaza Mayor and Sol in a beautiful cream-colored building with columns and stained glass windows. The cinema is one of the oldest in Madrid, dating back to 1916. It is now home to eight mini-theaters and specializes in original version films, making it one of the best English language cinemas in Madrid. The plaza outside is always bustling with activity, and the building itself is lovely.
Address: Calle Doctor Cortezo, 6
Price: Approximately 6 euros during the day and 9 euros at night
Cine Doré
Cine Doré is a wonder to behold inside and out. The façade of the building shines gold and red, while the theaters inside takes you back to a time long ago. Classy red seats and gold filigree can hardly distract you from the classic films this theater specializes in, and the cine stays true to the versiones originales, which means that if you aren’t careful, you’ll end up seeing a classic German movie instead of a James Bond film by mistake. Run by the Spanish government, you can find out which film is playing on which day of the month online.
Address: Calle Santa Isabel, 3
Price: A very reasonable 2.50 euros per person
Cines Renoir
With locations all over the city of Madrid as well as Barcelona, Tenerife and Guadalajara, it’s easy to find a Cines Renoir theater near you. They too specialize in V.O. films in many languages aside from English. Browse through the films online, buy your ticket, and take someone special out to the movies.
Address: Calle Narváez, 42; Calle Princesa, 3; Calle Martín de los Heros, 12
Price: Tickets start from about 6 euros
I have tried watching at Cine Ideal, near Puerta del Sol, a couple of times, and every time, it was a great experience. Of course, I enjoyed watching the an American feature in English, and what’s more, it’s cheap, since it’s half-priced on Wednesday.