Most movie theaters switched to digital projection between 2010 and 2015, and film projectors are now rare
The short answer: almost no. Major theater chains in North America and Europe completed the shift to digital cinema projectors over the past decade. A theater showing 35mm film stock today is unusual enough that cinephiles often seek them out specifically. The transition happened because digital projection is cheaper to operate, easier to maintain, and lets studios distribute movies as encrypted files instead of shipping physical film reels.
That said, film projectors have not vanished entirely. Some independent theaters, art house cinemas, and a handful of multiplexes still own working 35mm equipment. A few studios and directors — notably Christopher Nolan — continue to shoot on film and push for theatrical film releases. But the infrastructure that once supported film projection nationwide has largely been dismantled. If you want to see a movie on actual film, you will need to know which theaters in your area still have the equipment and are willing to book film prints.
Key Takeaways
- Digital cinema projectors replaced 35mm film projectors in most multiplexes between 2010 and 2015, driven by lower operating costs and easier distribution.
- Film projection survives mainly in independent theaters, art house venues, and a small number of specialty screenings at major chains.
- Studios stopped manufacturing film prints in large quantities, so even theaters with working projectors may struggle to book film releases.
- Directors like Christopher Nolan still shoot on film and negotiate theatrical film releases, but these screenings are exceptions rather than the standard.
Why theaters abandoned film projection
The economics of digital projection made the switch inevitable. A 35mm film print costs $1,500 to $2,500 to manufacture, and studios had to produce hundreds of copies for wide releases. Each print degrades with use, so theaters had to replace them regularly. Digital files, by contrast, cost studios almost nothing to distribute once they are encrypted and delivered to a theater's server.
Maintenance also favored digital. Film projectors require regular cleaning, calibration, and repair by trained technicians. Digital projectors need less hands-on upkeep and can run for years with minimal intervention. For a theater owner, the labor savings alone justified the capital investment in new equipment. Studios also preferred digital because they could control where and when a movie played more tightly — a digital file can be remotely locked or unlocked, preventing unauthorized screenings.
The transition accelerated after 2009, when the major studios agreed to stop subsidizing the cost of digital projector installation. Before that, studios had been paying for some of the equipment to speed adoption. Once that support ended, theaters had to absorb the full cost themselves, but the long-term savings made it worth the upfront expense. By 2015, the conversion was essentially complete in North America.
Which theaters still have working film projectors
Independent and art house theaters are the main holdouts. Venues like the Alamo Drafthouse, some Landmark Theatres locations, and locally owned single-screen cinemas often maintain 35mm equipment because their audiences value the film experience and because they book older movies and repertory releases that may only be available on film. These theaters tend to have smaller seating capacities and loyal audiences willing to seek them out.
A handful of major chain locations also keep film projectors operational, usually in one or two auditoriums. AMC and Regal have a few theaters that still book film prints for special releases, particularly when a major director insists on it. However, these are exceptions. Most multiplexes removed their film equipment years ago and have no plans to reinstall it.
The real constraint is not the projectors themselves — many still work — but the supply of film prints. Studios stopped manufacturing them in volume. If a theater wants to show a film print today, they often have to special-order it, which is expensive and time-consuming. Some films are no longer available in 35mm at all, only in DCP (Digital Cinema Package) format.
How digital cinema projectors compare to film
Digital projectors produce a brighter, sharper image with more consistent color from show to show. They do not flicker or degrade the way film does. For most viewers, the difference is invisible — digital projection is technically superior in measurable ways. However, film has a different visual character: it has grain, slightly softer focus, and a quality of light that some viewers and filmmakers prefer. This is a matter of taste, not image quality.
Digital projection also allows theaters to show content beyond movies — live sports, concerts, theater performances, and video games. A film projector can only show film. This flexibility has made digital projectors valuable to theaters beyond their use for theatrical releases.
Where to find film projection in your area
Start by checking the websites of independent theaters and art house cinemas near you. Many list their equipment and upcoming film bookings. The American Cinematheque in Los Angeles, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and similar institutions often show 35mm prints. Local film societies and university film programs may also have working projectors.
For major releases shot on film, check the studio's website or the director's social media — they sometimes announce which theaters will show the film in its original format. Christopher Nolan's films, for example, often have a small number of 70mm film screenings at select IMAX locations, though even these are becoming rarer as IMAX transitions to digital.
You can also contact independent theaters directly and ask if they have film projection capability and whether they would book a specific title on film. Some will special-order prints if there is enough audience interest.
The future of film projection in theaters
Film projection will likely remain a niche offering rather than make a comeback. The infrastructure to support it — manufacturing plants, distribution networks, trained technicians — has shrunk too much to reverse. However, the fact that some directors and audiences still value it means a small ecosystem will probably persist indefinitely, especially at art house and repertory venues.
Digital technology continues to improve, and newer projectors offer better color accuracy and brightness than earlier models. This makes the visual gap between film and digital smaller than it was ten years ago. For most viewers, the distinction is becoming less relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch a new movie on film in a theater near me?
Rarely. Most new releases are only available in digital format. A few directors negotiate film releases for their work, but these are limited to a small number of theaters. Check the studio's website or the director's social media to see if a film release is planned. If not, your only option is digital projection.
Is film projection better than digital?
It depends on what you value. Digital is brighter, sharper, and more consistent. Film has a different visual character — grain and softer focus — that some viewers prefer. Neither is objectively better; they are different formats with different qualities.
Why do some directors still insist on film?
Directors like Christopher Nolan argue that film captures a quality of light and detail that digital cannot replicate, and that the format forces more intentional filmmaking. Others value film for its history and tradition. It is partly technical preference and partly artistic philosophy.
Are old film projectors worth anything?
Some are. Vintage or rare projectors can have value to collectors or institutions. However, most theater-grade 35mm projectors from the 1990s and 2000s have limited resale value because there is little demand. A theater looking to dispose of old equipment should contact local film societies, universities, or museums first.
What is a DCP, and why do theaters use it instead of film?
A DCP is a Digital Cinema Package — an encrypted digital file that contains the movie, sound, and metadata. Theaters use it because studios can distribute it when ready and securely, it does not degrade with use, and it costs almost nothing to replicate. It has replaced film as the standard distribution format.