A historic Dublin cinema has earned global recognition after being named the second-best cinema in the world by leading culture publication Time Out.
The Stella Cinema in Rathmines secured the silver spot on the magazine’s newly released ranking of the world’s greatest movie theatres, compiled by Time Out’s Global Film Editor Phil de Semlyen. The list highlights what the publication describes as “a definitive list of perfect picture houses, cosy indies and cult cinemas, from London to New York and Jaipur to Seoul.”
Only one venue ranked above the Dublin landmark: the legendary TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, widely known for its historic premieres and location on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In its praise for the Stella, Time Out described the venue as offering an unforgettable cinema-going experience.
“Whether it’s the fabulous façade or the orderly queue of excited patrons that entices you in, one thing’s for sure at The Stella: this is a cinema experience like no other,” the magazine wrote.
Originally opened in the 1920s, the cinema has been carefully restored to reflect its historic glamour. Time Out highlighted the venue’s distinctive atmosphere, noting how visitors are greeted by a lively bar and foyer filled with the sounds of jazz and surrounded by classic Art Deco features.
“Gloriously restored to the glitz and glamour of its 1920s heyday, the bar and foyer buzzes to the sound of big band jazz as twinkling chandeliers and velvet ropeways usher you through,” the publication said.
The experience continues inside the cinema’s grand auditorium, which once served as a dancehall and ballroom. According to the magazine, the space combines historic architecture with luxurious seating.
“A stunning spectacle awaits at the end of the hall, with the cinema’s vast auditorium boasting ornamental reliefs, a coved ceiling and rows of plush leather chairs and footstools, all lit up by a fleet of tiny orange lamps. Moviegoing has rarely felt so luxurious.”
Guests can even order drinks and cocktails directly to their seats, adding to the theatre’s vintage charm. “Feeling decadent? Order a cocktail named after Citizen Kane or Dirty Harry and have it delivered right to your seat for a touch of old-school extravagance,” Time Out added.
The Stella was not the only Dublin venue to make the global ranking. The Irish Film Institute in Temple Bar also featured, placing 35th on the list.
Time Out praised the institute for its role in celebrating Irish cinema, describing it as “hidden behind an unassuming façade” and home to three intimate screening rooms in former Quaker meeting rooms.
The publication also highlighted its dedication to showcasing local productions, including the Oscar-nominated Irish-language drama The Quiet Girl.
Rounding out the top three cinemas in the world was Film Forum in New York City.
The latest accolade adds to the Stella’s growing international reputation. Last year, Time Out ranked the Rathmines venue 14th on its list of the world’s most beautiful cinemas, cementing its status as one of the most distinctive movie theatres anywhere in the world.
