Middle Tennessee, a region known for its rich history, lush landscapes, and vibrant music scene, is also home to a handful of treasures that transport visitors back in time: historic movie theaters. In an era dominated by multiplexes and streaming services, there’s a unique charm in visiting a theater that has stood the test of time, offering glimpses of bygone eras while still delivering modern cinematic experiences.
These theaters, with their ornate designs and storied pasts, remind us of a time when going to the movies was an event, a grand affair. Fortunately for those in the know, Middle Tennessee has preserved several of these gems, ensuring that the magic of the past still flickers on the big screen.
Historic and Unique Movie Theaters of Tennessee
| Theater Name | Location | Date Opened | No. of Screens | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belcourt Theatre | Nashville | 1925 | 3 | Restored independent cinema; National Register of Historic Places. |
| The Franklin Theatre | Franklin | 1937 | 1 | Originally a movie house, now hosts live music and stage performances. Art Deco marquee. |
| Sparta Drive-In | Sparta | 1943 | 1 | One of the few remaining drive-in theaters in Tennessee. |
| Roxy Regional Theatre | Clarksville | 1983 | 1 | Located in a building from the 1910s, it’s a live performance theater with occasional film showings. |
| Capitol Theatre | Lebanon | 1949 | 1 | Historic theater that now serves as an event venue with occasional classic films. |
| Palace Theatre | Crossville | 1938 | 1 | Oldest movie theater in Tennessee; Art Deco interior. |
| Princess Theatre | Harriman | 1926 | 1 | Restored theater that hosts movies, live performances, and community events. |
| Gem Theatre | Etowah | 1927 | 1 | Originally a silent movie theater, restored in the 1990s. |
| Pink Cadillac Drive-In | Centerville | 1950s | 1 | Classic throwback to the 1950s drive-in experience. |
1. Belcourt Theatre
- Location: Nashville
- Date Opened: 1925
- Number of Screens: 3
- Website: Belcourt Theatre
- Facebook: Belcourt Theatre FB
The Belcourt Theatre, originally opened as a silent movie house, stands as a testament to Nashville’s dedication to independent cinema. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the Belcourt has undergone multiple restorations to maintain its vintage charm while offering a diverse range of film programming.
2. The Franklin Theatre
- Location: Franklin
- Date Opened: 1937
- Number of Screens: 1
- Website: Franklin Theatre
- Facebook: Franklin Theatre FB
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Franklin, The Franklin Theatre began its life showcasing movies and has since evolved to be a premier venue for live music and stage performances. Its Art Deco marquee is a town landmark, and the theater continues to be a hub of entertainment in the community.
3. Sparta Drive-In
- Location: Sparta
- Date Opened: 1943
- Number of Screens: 1
- Website: Not Available
- Facebook: Sparta Drive-In FB
As one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in Tennessee, Sparta Drive-In offers a nostalgic experience. With its large outdoor screen, viewers can enjoy movies under the stars, reminiscent of a bygone era.
4. Roxy Regional Theatre
- Location: Clarksville
- Date Opened: 1983 (in a building from the 1910s)
- Number of Screens: 1
- Website: Roxy Regional Theatre
- Facebook: Roxy Regional Theatre FB
Situated in a historic building from the early 20th century, the Roxy Regional Theatre offers a blend of live performances and occasional film showings. As a cornerstone of Clarksville’s downtown area, the Roxy provides a space for artistic expression and community engagement.
5. Capitol Theatre
- Location: Lebanon
- Date Opened: 1949
- Number of Screens: 1
- Website: Capitol Theatre
- Facebook: Capitol Theatre FB
The Capitol Theatre, once a bustling cinema, has transformed into a sought-after event venue in Lebanon. With its historic ambiance, it occasionally showcases classic films, transporting viewers back in time.
6. Palace Theatre
- Location: Crossville
- Date Opened: 1938
- Number of Screens: 1
- Website: Palace Theatre
- Facebook: Palace Theatre FB
The Palace Theatre, boasting the title of the oldest movie theater in Tennessee, enchants visitors with its Art Deco interior. The theater serves as a testament to the architectural and cultural history of Crossville.
7. Princess Theatre
- Location: Harriman
- Date Opened: 1926
- Number of Screens: 1
- Website: Princess Theatre
- Facebook: Princess Theatre FB
A gem in Harriman, the Princess Theatre underwent restoration to reclaim its past glory. Today, it hosts movies, live performances, and community events, standing as a beacon of arts and culture in the area.
8. Gem Theatre
- Location: Etowah
- Date Opened: Not Available
- Number of Screens: Not Available
- Website: Not Available
- Facebook: Not Available
The Gem Theatre in Etowah, with its historic roots, remains a significant part of the town’s heritage. While details about its current operations are limited, its storied past and architectural significance make it a noteworthy mention on this list.
9. Pink Cadillac Drive-In
- Location: Centerville
- Date Opened: 1950s
- Number of Screens: 1
- Website: Not Available
- Facebook: Pink Cadillac Drive-In FB
The Pink Cadillac Drive-In in Centerville is a classic throwback to the 1950s, providing families with a unique drive-in experience. Named after the iconic car, the drive-in is a testament to a time when such venues were a staple of American entertainment. Today, it continues to offer movie-goers the chance to relive those golden days under the stars.