Tampa Bay has seven independent theaters. This year brought the biggest box office weekend ever, pulling in $410 million. Spider-Man: Brand New Day grabbed $360 million during its opening weekend, which broke every record for domestic debuts, per That’s So Tampa.
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey collected $51 million in its third weekend, while Toy Story 5 sailed past the $1 billion mark and Project Hail Mary proved Ryan Gosling still brings crowds to theaters.
Tampa Theatre sits at 711 N Franklin St. It opened in 1926. Right now, it’s getting a $30 million makeover before its 100th anniversary this October. On weekends, a 1,400-pipe Mighty Wurlitzer organ performs before films start, all beneath a hand-painted ceiling that looks like stars.
Sun-Ray Cinema operates at 12332 University Mall Court. Tim and Shana Massett run the biggest independently owned theater in the country. They borrowed $1 million through a small business loan, then transformed a shuttered 14-auditorium space at University Mall into something special — first-run blockbusters shown alongside a menu featuring kimchi hot dogs and vegan milkshakes.
Green Light Cinema opened in 2020 at 221 2nd Ave. N. in St. Petersburg. Mike Hazlett’s 80-seat art house became a nonprofit and has since added a lounge plus kitchen next door.
The Beach Theatre in St. Pete Beach sat empty for 13 years. Hannah Hockman and her family purchased the 85-year-old venue at 315 Corey Ave. for $1 million, survived Hurricane Debby while renovating, and then reopened it in July 2025 as a single-screen spot for indie films and live performances.
Plant City Premiere Lux 8 & Pizza Pub at 220 W. Alexander St gives you reclining seats, reserved ticketing, and a full Pizza Pub.
Ruskin Family Drive-In opened in 1952 at 5011 N U.S. Hwy 41. It’s the only drive-in left in Tampa Bay. Hurricane Milton destroyed their screen in 2024, but they rebuilt. Admission runs $7 cash for two first-run movies in one night, with sound coming through 89.3 FM.
Gigglewaters at 737 Main St. in Safety Harbor is a restaurant that screens classic and cult movies.