Rio Theatre Review

Great indie movies and shorts. Classic Vancouver location.

Go here frequently and support the business if you have the chance, it's always fun and they really are something special

Cards against humanity improv was more of a cry for help than a comedy show. I like the venue, but that was a pretty terrible show.

Hadn't been here in ages, but recently saw a showing of Dunkirk. Great theatre, and really awesome staff. Unique alternative to watching a film in one of the many chain Theatre locations.

Inside not much has changed since it was the dragon theatre, and for those who have Ben here across the ages, the place will invoke the familiar but different feel as you step past the entrance. Foyer is still a packed and exciting location and the balcony is at the just high, but perfect for the screen height, while the lower levels at ol'skool flat and level.

Adult drinks are available, but not allowed up top (we can be responsible!) and the independent ownerships runs quirky ads and promos to let you kill the preshow time. Beverages and snacks are cheap compared to your main cinemas and it's appreciated but patrons.

Come for the art house or non mainstream release and experience a by gone era

A good place to watch foreign movies . The speaker system is not that great

We love The Rio!!! It's always an amazing time. SAVE THE RIO!!

Wow, brings back a lot of fond memories! Remembered in the 90's, this theatre shows Chinese (Hong Kong) movies. I can remember watching movies there every weekend with my mom.

Awesome place to watch some of the most memorable movies ever made...

They have more alternative movies that are important for a balanced cinema scene.

Great venu, great vibe, eclectic mix of entertainment

Great old movies, nerdy events and a different selection of food without the normal elevated prices that you d expect from a movie theatre!

Cool place! Went to watch a documentary and had a great time. Really felt like stepping back in time to childhood when you step through the front doors. Stocked concession stand and big comfortable seats await inside. Great picture but the audio was quite lacking in bass.
Would definitely come back to watch more movies!

The Rio is great! They always have cool independent films playing and even some old classics. The best part is they don't bombard you with obnoxious loud ads before the film. They do have some local ads, but it's quiet enough that you can still have a conversation and can ignore them if you like.

This theatre is pretty dingy, dirty carpets and slightly sketchy bathrooms. But the shows they have are awesome, really great second run things and also there's a stage for live shows. You're allowed drinks in the theatre, and considering it's a concession the drinks are pretty reasonably priced. Staff is always friendly and happy to help out if anything goes amiss.

Love this theatre! Whether it's for a movie, show or burlesque night, always a good time popcorn is great and booze is served!

Theater claims to be inclusive, but didn't allow comedian Owen Benjamin to perform.

Liberalism is a mental disorder.

Friendly staff, great films and a wonderful time. If you're attending a lot you can join their rewards club scheme. This allows you to get free refills of popcorn and soda as well as 2 dollars off each ticket.

Really cool smaller space for movies or shows. Get there in time for a drink or two before.

Excellent entertaining and performance arts center. Brings in some excellent mind expanding acts. Wish the decor was spruced up a little, and the place was a little cleaner. Distracting when the floor is sticky from spilled drinks every time you move your feet.

Bar? Check. Good movies? Check. Accessible location? Check.

Independent, tasty food, BEER in seats, local events, interesting movies, what more could you ask for?

Wonderful place to come see movies or shows!!! Please help keep the Rio open!!! One of the coolest places I have been to see a show!!! Rio has been a landmark in Vancouver for well prob my whole life if not longer!!!!!! If you come for a show you will not regret it! Buy tix in advance.

Heart of East Van. Mekke for cinema lovers. Keep it alive! Keep it the way it is.

We were SUPER impressed with your Covid and distancing measures! You are AMAZING! KEEP OUR OLD SCHOOL AND NOSTALGIC THEATER GOING!

shows classic movies and worth it for cinema buffs interested in checking non- mainstream movies.

The Rio theatre is an amazing building that was saved from the brink of extinction by the help of many wonderful people (Kevin Smith and Ryan Reynolds to name a couple.). It's an amazing venue that I hope lives on for many years to come.

Local spot for quality first run movies and beyond. Oh, and they serve alchohal!

Love the retro and the best concession Ever! The grilled cheese is delicious.

I understand this place has a lot of history and people are trying to save it, but this spot needs an update.

Love the theatre but the staff are hot and cold. Practically give you the evil eye if you ask for anything "extra". Ie they said coffee and sugar were on the side (which they werent) and when i had to ask for them they gave me loads of attitude unfortunately this is the case with customer service in Canada nowadays

I love the Rio! One of the few independent, local cinemas left and a true East Van gem. I've seen so many great film festivals here as well as variety shows, burlesque, comedy and lots more. Love the warm and welcoming East Van vibe.

Best theatre in Vancouver for a wide range of eclectic shows, and movie fest's

Local theatre off the Drive that features so many great films! They run season flicks, film fest movies, and documentaries plus live shows. Rio also serves alcohol (wine, beer, and specials), grilled cheese sandwiches, and your usual movie fare of candy and popcorn.

Not just a movie, but a true cinematic experience. My first time here I saw Spice World...with a LIVE PROFESSIONAL DRAG SHADOW CAST, my life was SPICED UP (girl power). If Cineplex was a sentient entity i'd tell it to go get hit by a bus.

Friendly staff, good concession with selection of alcohol, nice theatre, good lineup of movies and live entertainment.

Love this theatre, I hope Vancouver learns to keep landmarks like this spot. Always a good time. Great variety of shows and love that they play classics.

Local gem! Such a great piece of Vancouver s heritage right here! Constantly has interesting, offbeat/cult screenings with friendly staff & a cool vibe overall. Rly enjoy coming here!

Hadn't been for a while and man this place is the best, especially since they replaced the seats! Now I want to see everything here

Loved it!!! Everytime my husband and I go we have an amazing time!!!

Happy to find that in an increasingly homogenised world, the Rio Theatre still exists.

This historic theatre is a gem and a must-frequent if you live int he area! Small, intimate yet spacious at the same time - every seat is a good seat and the selection of films is wonderful. This is the classic "movie night out" that modern theatres just don't offer. Also the price is right!!!

Great spot for some alternative entertainment! Loads going on and a great venue

Awesome venue for independent movies, fun theme nights, funky shows and silly trivia.

Love this place, trendy, cheap, great entertainment

This place has such great atmosphere, the staff are really friendly, and it serves alcohol! Throw in some cult classic movies, and what more could you possibly want in a theatre?

Everybody loves the Rio! I really wish they had more vegan friendly options, I know a bunch of people would hit up this place for a movie and vegan snacks rather than going out for a dinner or something. Other than that, always try to make an effort to go here as much as possible!

Awesome discovery on the Drive ! Saw the DeLorean documentary here, it was great. They also have live shows

Great shows (Critical Hit Show, Improv Against Humanity, many more) at good prices. Friendly staff, right by Commercial Broadway Skytrain, and licensed if that's your thing.

A completely classic venue for Vancouver. Brilliantly alternative

If you need to read this it means you don't know what you're missing!! Don't like what's on? Give it a week. So much more than a cinema.

Not bad as a movie theatre...seats and floor could be cleaner....

Definitely the most friendly and down-to-earth theater I've ever seen

It's nice to be able to drink a beer and eat a grilled cheese sandwich while watching a movie.

Have a beer and watch a good movie. Skip the expensive cinemas that show the blockbuster superhero flicks and step back.

Love this place. No where better to see an old movie or sing Grease lyrics at the top of your lungs. Excellent spot to get nostalgic.

Dissapointing. Doug Stanhope event didn't have reserved seating so we ended up on the balcony...the barrier was so high I couldn't see the stage...very weird set up...

Awesome and authentic movie experience specially when they show cinema classics

Really a gem of Vancouver. A great old theatre with so much charm. Not only can you catch a film here, but you can find comedy shows, burlesque performances, plays, and improv. Nice little concession as well with popcorn, drink, and a good selection of candy. Just an overall cool place with a lot of character.

Just a fantastic venue for our neighbourhood - an eclectic mix of first run movies, live music, burlesque, comedy and more. We never go to the mainstream movie theatres any longer, and are really happy the Rio is showing first run mainstream movies like The Campaign and Batman Rises, along with great cult and second run movies.

Prices cannot be beat, either for admission, for the food and beverage offerings, and for the beer and spirits offerings. Staff is ALWAYS friendly, whether you're some hip 20 something or some old fart like me lol. The owner is very sociable and community involved. Really glad this is part of our neighbourhood and community.

We love the Rio. Wish I had lots of money to save it

Very chill. And they butter the popcorn all the way through.

Funky, friendly, old school theatre playing unique shows and movies! The Groupon makes for a great night out with friends (check page for the specific show you're seeing to make sure it's good for that event)

Best theater in Vancouver. "An experience you can't download" says it all

It's like a beautiful classic movie theatre that you can drink at. They have a full concession at a reasonable price unlike regular movie theatres. I was there was a live show that was spectacular and plan to return to watch a film at a later date.

Went to watch Critical Hit Show, super fun. Walking into the theater you get a "blast from the past" feeling that i love. The smell of fresh popcorn, the look and atmosphere, a great experience. The show itself was great and i would recommend checking out one of the many things going on at this place.

Love to see movies & anything else put on here, it's magic & fun & licenced!!