There is a unique magic to settling into a plush seat with a bag of freshly-buttered popcorn as the lights dim in an old movie theatre and the opening credits begin to roll in the darkness. Toronto Sun readers clearly cherish this experience, as revealed in their latest Top 5 poll, where they have selected the Fox Theatre in The Beach as their favorite historic and active movie theatre in the Greater Toronto Area.
The Fox Theatre: A Century of Cinema
Topping the list is the Fox Theatre, which has been a cinematic landmark since 1914. As the second-oldest cinema still in use in Toronto, it holds the distinction of being the city's oldest continuously operating movie theatre. Originally built for $15,000, this single-screen venue showcases a diverse mix of new releases, independent and foreign films, and classic Hollywood cinema.
Originally named the Prince Edward Theatre, it was renamed the Fox Theatre after Edward's abdication from the British throne in 1936. A stained glass panel bearing Prince Edward's name still adorns the doorway from the lobby, a remnant preserved during a 2007 restoration that introduced 250 new plush reclining red-finish seats with cupholders.
Eric Lavigne, the Fox Theatre's marketing manager, expressed gratitude in a statement to the Sun: "As film enthusiasts, our goal is to continue the independent, art house cinema tradition and to build on that rich history since the Fox first opened in 1914. We thrive on the incredible support of our community; every person who walks through our doors is the beating heart of the Fox Theatre, keeping the independent cinema tradition alive. We are grateful to be recognized as the best historic and active movie theatre in the Greater Toronto Area. This honour inspires us and reaffirms our deep commitment to this community."
The Rest of the Top 5 Historic Theatres
Here are the other four historic movie theatres that earned spots in the Top 5, as voted by Toronto Sun readers:
2. Kingsway Theatre
Located in Etobicoke, the Kingsway Theatre is a vintage Art Deco venue that has been a community fixture since its opening on March 5, 1940. It remains one of the few independent, single-screen cinemas in Toronto. After being part of the Festival Cinemas chain from 1980 to 2006, it closed following the chain's collapse but reopened in 2009 after a renovation and heritage designation. Today, it operates as an independent venue showing foreign films, documentaries, and select blockbusters, and includes a smaller 28-seat screening room on the second floor.
3. The Roxy Theatre
Situated in Uxbridge, about an hour northeast of Toronto, The Roxy Theatre was originally built in 1949 as the RIO Theatre and renamed in 1951. After serving as a drug store in the 1970s and 80s, it was bought and meticulously restored to a two-screen cinema in 1996, featuring 1950s refurbished seating. It operated as a full-service, first-run movie theatre until it was listed for sale in 2025 at $3.5 million, with current owners Cathy and Mark Christoff hoping to pass it to new ownership with a passion for movies.
4. Revue Cinema
Toronto's oldest operating cinema, the Revue Cinema opened in 1912 in the Roncesvalles neighbourhood and underwent an extensive Art Deco reconstruction in 1936. Known as a premier art-house in the 1970s, it joined the Festival Cinemas chain in the 1980s. After closing in 2006, it was reopened in 2007 by the Revue Film Society as a not-for-profit, community-driven theatre following historic designation. A lobby and interior renovation in 2014 and a five-year lease deal in 2024 helped secure its future, with support from figures like Oscar-winning director Guillermo Del Toro.
5. Royal Cinema
Built in 1939 in the heart of Little Italy, the Royal Cinema was originally called The Pylon and included a roller-skating rink and dance hall. Renamed The Golden Princess in the 1990s, it has operated as The Royal since early 2007. Its mission is to offer a platform for film screenings, festivals, live shows, and conferences, with a quirky lobby that doubles as a bottle shop by day and a concession stand during events, serving limited edition and exotic snacks.
Reader Engagement and Future Polls
Toronto Sun readers are encouraged to suggest topics for future Top 5 polls, ranging from local favorites like swimming areas to Ontario weekend getaways or online distractions. Ideas can be sent to torsun.online@sunmedia.ca, fostering ongoing community interaction and celebration of Toronto's cultural landmarks.
