Love the Rio, they show some really unique movies and would highly recommend one of the burlesque shows that happen there! It's really the only place in town you can see some of these movies on the big screen and it is so cool.
Small and intimate, it was a great venue for the acoustic concert in attended (The Naked and Famous on their Stripped tour). Just had some trouble finding the merch table!
Most fun and unique theatre around. They have exciting special events, great movies, and amazing drinks. Guaranteed good time every visit.
A great place to watch obscure or older movies arthouse movies. Recent digital projection upgrades and surround sound have made the Rio even better then it was before. Their grilled cheese is a great snack to eat while sitting down to watch a movie.
I loved the movie 'Jane' and the fact that they serve beer. It's an old theatre hall, expect less and you won't be disappointed.
A really fun quirky theater that's always got something fun going on. I love coming to the Critical Hit Show every month!
My wife and I went here for the first time and saw the film, "Lucky". It was a wonderful time, and is a great place to enjoy cinema. We didn't care for the brand of cider they carry, but the popcorn was perfect. We also learned about a lot of cool places up and down the drive from the rotating ads on the screen before the show. We are stoked to head back again soon!
Great independent movie theatre showing a myriad of films and events from VIMFF/mountain film festival, old classics, cult hits, art house, comedy nights etc. They serve a selection of beers, cider and excellent butter popcorn!
Why do people keep coming back here? Is it the fact that it actually feels like a movie theatre? Is it because it s cozy? Maybe it s the selection of classic and nonchalant films that would otherwise only be found by your scrummaging online? Maybe they come for the live performances and special events. Whatever the reason, you can be assured that if you come you re helping keep an old and historic establishment enjoyed by countless vancouverites alive. Along with very fair pricing, good popcorn and nice seats, check out their website once in a while to see what s playing and take a friend or loved one with you, even if it s just for that one time. You might find a classic playing that you just otherwise wouldn t find.
Cozy theatre space to watch a great selection of movies and shows. I love how their pre-movie ads are creatives, they tickle my funny bones. They also have good smelling popcorn because it's real butter, served by friendly staff.
Great shows and great staff. Love the popcorn and flavors too!
I couldn't love this place more. The gem of East Van.
The Rio Theatre is a staple of Vancouver culture. They are a great small, local theatre which has an eclectic mix of old classic, cult, family, and other films. They also have reasonable rates for rentals so, there is loads of other programming; from burlesque to comic festivals.
One of my favourite places in town. To me everytime it's like stepping into a time machine, back to the best parts of my childhood watching all my favourite movies. I'm a regular there on date nights and nights out with family and friends. Turn off your phone and enjoy.
Great theatre that has charm, amazing staff, and awesome movie picks!
So proud this venue exists, amazing location and I just love movies!!!!!
Classic building. Lovely theatre. May have disability challenges due to its age. Right across from commercial Broadway skytrain
Rad. Awesome rotating options of films, the audience is always enthusiastic and you can drink beer at the theatre.
A beautiful piece of Vancouver's art and history. You can enjoy your classical movie with a cold beer at the theater
This place is a gem !
They show amazing movies and host amazing events that are very reasonably priced.
They serve beer and other alcoholic drinks, not at ludicrous prices either.
They also have good coffee, and awesome grilled cheese!
And popcorn of course
A sense of community and tradition. A Vancouver that is slowly fading
There's no other place with such ecclectic and great taste for films, shows and events.
Great venue and having a glass of wine with my popcorn brought the movie culinary experience to a whole new level.
Watched How I Met My Mother, a Back to the Future parody by the Geekenders... a great time!
A great mix of entertainment from movies to improv to rock concerts to burlesque. Grilled cheese and beer at the concession is very nice.
The Rio is the cultural gem of Vancouver. Also the best popcorn. One suggestion: improve bicycle parking. The space for bicycles isn t enough for ever-growing number of cyclists in the region.
A van city classic. The food and drink options are great.
Beerb and a grilled cheese while I watch an old favorite? Yes please.
It's an old school theatre. Very cool vibe from the place, the staff are wonderful, there is food and alcohol served with really good pricing.
Such a fun place to go and so many great shows . Could use a little fixing up though .
Neighborhood staple. Always great programming and staff!
One of my favorite things in or near Vancouver. Proper theater with balcony and bar. They do late night showings and niche films. Super awesome local cinema.
We 7 friends went there for stand up comedy show and the name of comedian was Vir Das. I am thankful to RIO and event management company that they invited Vir Das. We had a great time.
Great theatre. Lots of interesting showings and they serve booze!
Went for the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and it was amazing. Generally just a common little theatre/cinema, but the event was a highlight of my whole travel to Canada. Recommended.
I love the Rio. Easily the best independent theatre in the lower mainland. Whether for an indie flick like Mandy, old classics like The Big Lebowski, live shows and podcasts like Kevin Smith, burlesque, D&D, the list goes on and on. This is a Vancouver institution and we're all better off for its existence. I've never had a bad time and really, when you can get beer and drinks while watching Space Jam, how could you?
Amazing venue for watching old and new movies and live podcasts. Staff is friendly and helpful. And you can get alcoholic drinks while you are here!! BONUS :)
Was a decent night out. It wasn't what I was expecting but, all in all, it was worth the $20
Best popcorn in Vancouver, hands down. They also have a movie suggestion box if you want to have your voice heard on what to play next. Very classic movie theater feel, also a great place to catch a live music performance or event. They play classics like The Big Lebowski every once in a while. One of the places in Vancouver that you should visit at least once!
i saw The Room here and what a fantastic moviegoing experience! lovelovelove the vibe plus the margaritas are legit
I will never forget my first time here. It was during the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) about 7 years ago, and when I entered the building, it smelled like a giant urinal. Then I had to sit in there for more than 2 hours, so one can imagine how dirty I felt. The movie had a lot of explicit intimate scenes too, so that just made the whole experience worst.
Later experiences are much better, mainly because the smell is finally gone, but I will never forget the first time.
Good movies but expensive drinks. A lot of good comedy shows and other events in a very informal, casual environment
The best place for weird movies and weirder experiences.
One of the last independent theaters in Vancouver. Friendly staff. Good Popcorn. Booze!
Nice place to see non-box office movies! cozy and rustic.
Love going to the Rio! They show movies that the chain theaters don't show and do fun things like a sing a long for Sound of music or playing the lord of the rings trilogy- all 3 extended versions!!
riotheatre.ca
