Where to Watch Movies in English

February means it’s time for the Oscars in the U.S. and the Goyas in Spain. (Alas, we’ve missed the British BAFTA and Catalan Gaudí awards in January…!) Here’s where to watch movies in English on Barcelona’s big screen. Remember to double check the movie listing for “V.O.” or “V.O.S.E.,” which indicates that it’ll be screened in its “original version” — unless, that is, you don’t mind listening to often hilarious dubbed versions of actors like Viola Davis and Bradley Cooper.

1. BLOCKBUSTERS

To watch those mega-multi-million dollar celebrity-laden movies whose ads you see on Passeig de Gràcia and along Gran Via, there are two commercial theaters to check out: Balmes Multicines in Sant Gervasi-Sarrià (C/ Balmes, 422-424 near Av. Tibidabo) and Yelmo Cines Icaria in Vila Olímpica (C/ Salvador Espriu, 61 near Marina). The first is part of newer and more modern local chain, whereas the second is part of a national chain and also offers films in 3D, as well as international live screenings from the Metropolitan Opera, Bolshoi Ballet and more.

2. INDIE FILMS

When you’re in the mood for something a little less mainstream, Barcelona gives you a handful of options: Cines Renoir in Sant Antoni (C/ Floridablanca, 135 near Casanovas); Méliès Cinemes in Eixample Esquerra (C/ Villarroel, 102 near Aragó); Filmoteca de Catalunya in El Raval (Plaça Salvador Seguí, 1-9 near Rambla del Raval); Cinemes Girona at the top of Eixample Dreta just before Gràcia (C/ Girona, 175); and last but not least Cines Verdi (C/ Verdi, 32 near Plaça del Diamant).

3. NOSTALGIC

While you can likely catch an occasional classic film, too, at one of the aforementioned venues, there’s one Barcelona movie theater that makes it a priority to screen oldies but goodies: Phenomena Experience (C/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 168 between Sagrada Família and Sant Pau Recinte Modernista). Go on their website to vote on which nostalgic movies you’d like them to add to their roster.

4. MUSICALS

Picture a group karaoke, where everyone sings to their favorite movie musicals together against the big screen. Every few months, that’s exactly what goes down at Multicines Aribau (C/ Aribau, 8-10 near Universitat) during the “Sing Along” series from Grup Balaña. Previous screenings have included “Hairspray,” “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Mamma Mia!”

5. OUTDOOR

We recognize it’s too soon to consider outdoor movies, despite the relatively mild winter. That said, when it’s time to make plans for summer in the city, keep in mind these open air cinemas, which often feature titles in English: Sala Montjuïc (Fossat de Santa Eulàlia - Castell de Montjuïc); L’illa Cinema a la Fresca (Av. Diagonal 557, near Turó Parc); Gandules series at CCCB (C/ Montalegre, 5 in El Raval); and head to the beach for Cinema Lliure a la Platja (multiple locations).