Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: movie (23) experience (18) movies (17) TIFF (16) good (15) seats (12) film (12) theatre (12) great (12) Toronto (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Chase E. 9 months ago on Google • 560 reviews
    One of the absolute best movie watching experiences I've ever had! The seats are so comfortable and the sound is absolutely perfect!! It's going to be hard for me to watch a movie anywhere else now. The shop is also amazing especially if you're a movie lover, this is the place for you! Will be recommending to everyone visiting Toronto
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter H. 2 years ago on Google
    The best curation of films, and the standard of film viewing in Toronto. A must visit if you live or are visiting here.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 SRIRAM S. 11 months ago on Google
    I recently visited the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and had the pleasure of watching the Tamil movie "Ponniyin Selvan". The entire experience was unforgettable! The theatre was spacious, comfortable and provided an excellent view of the screen. The film itself was a masterpiece, with its breathtaking cinematography and captivating storyline. The festival was very well organized and the staff were friendly and accommodating. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with TIFF and would highly recommend it to any movie lover. Whether you're a fan of international films or mainstream movies, TIFF is a must-visit event. It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of cinema and experience the magic of the big screen. I can't wait to attend again next year - Although I wish the screen was bigger!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rahman H. 3 years ago on Google
    This was my first time to TIFF. I went to see the king. The seats were comfortable and you can bring beverages in with you to watch the movie. Nice size screen and a good sound system. then i become a volunteer in tiff, it was an amazing experience, stuff are good, everyone there are so nice and helpful. All said it's great place to catch movie
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anokh S. 1 year ago on Google
    The theatre is amazing and has a very nice viewing podium. Therefore even if you are in the front the movie doesn't look so close. The movie selections are really good as movies which don't get released elsewhere are present here. Members also get to watch movies for free too and the price of a ticket is also very affordable as well. Definitely make a trip to watch international acclaim movies without fail.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rajasekar M. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to this place to watch Tamil movie Ponniyin Selvan-1 and really enjoyed. The ambience was really good and CN tower is nearby right after stepping out from theatre.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Peter S. 2 years ago on Google
    Don’t buy a membership to the Lightbox. I had a membership for 2 months and then the pandemic happened. They refused to honour it when they reopened stating that they offered online perks. I signed up for a theatre experience, not for some lame membership meet-ups.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jay A. 4 months ago on Google • 162 reviews
    TIFF is a great place to be introduced to new voices, films, and perspectives. It plays host to many local film festivals and screenings. Facilities are clean and the theatre seats are comfortable. Many places to sit and relax. They also have some restaurants, cafes, and a concession stand. I encourage locals to Toronto and visitors to explore this space, be inspired, and learn something new.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark G. 8 months ago on Google
    This is a great theatre! I really like how the space is laid out and the different movies that they show. I’ve always had a positive experience here. It also holds a special place in my heart as this is where I watched the Raptors win the NBA championship in 2019 as they were airing the games on their big screens. Therefore, I’ll forever love this place because it is associated with one of the happiest times of my life
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike M. 2 years ago on Google
    Best place in Canada, and maybe even all of North America, to see a film. Beautiful quality from picture to sound to seating. Great, respectful crowds. And A+ popcorn to boot
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 D C. 2 years ago on Google
    The staff are amazing, friendly, warm and very eager to help you! The utmost of care and attention to cleanliness is awesome! Sincere accolades to everyone! ♥
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mia A. 2 years ago on Google
    Delighted to be here every time. The staff is amazing. And so are the films!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex C. 1 year ago on Google
    A not for profit organization that screens more artistic movies than the big budget Hollywood extravaganzas we are used to. This location has multiple screens for large showings (250 or so) to some smaller theatres that seat 20 viewers. The staff and volunteers here are very friendly and always look forward to the big September festival that brings a worldwide cast of talent to showcase their goods for all to enjoy
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Samantha d. 1 year ago on Google
    A beautiful theater with comfortable seats and air conditioning. Lobby area on first floor also has several places to sit and read. Nearby is a store with shirts, bags, books, and other film related gifts.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fabiano D. 6 months ago on Google • 282 reviews
    The best place for the 7th art lovers. The building is a cathedral of movies and entertainment. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 james e. 4 months ago on Google • 177 reviews
    Nice and modern movie theatre. 6-7 screens showing all sorts of movie-house and Indy films along with the blockbusters. Seats were comfortable, but a bit tight. All seats have great sight lines. Concessions were fairly quick Popcorn was quite good. Alcohol can be purchased….beer and wine for sure…not sure about spirits. Parked in the underground of the building…not too expensive on a Thursday.

  • 5/5 stephen d. 2 months ago on Google • 108 reviews New
    Our favorite bolt hole for cinema going. We especially love the special screenings, old movies, 70mm...but new movies too. The chairs are comfortable and the food and drink choices are as good as Cineplex. Less crowds and a wider choice of movies...we love it.

  • 5/5 Cedric 3 months ago on Google • 99 reviews New
    Amazing place for all movie lovers to gather ! TIFF has a long history in cinema and you can feel it inside from the various displays and decorations. The theaters themselves are very nice and spacious, although I do wish the seat rows and numbers were marked a bit more clearly, especially in the dark for those who enter late. You'll have people waving flashlights around at the beginning of movies for the stragglers who are coming in a few minutes late. Ticket prices are reasonable for Canadian standards and all those under 25 get the membership for free. Must visit !

  • 5/5 World C. 7 months ago on Google • 54 reviews
    Great place to experience diverse types of movies. 10/10 would reccomend if you are a film lover. Toronto a nice city as well. As a travelling entrepreneur I really enjoyed TIFF 2023. Got to see a couple of movies with Ruthless

  • 5/5 Annie S. 5 months ago on Google
    Amazing interior, super cool and easy to navigate around. Staff were all very friendly and helpful!

  • 5/5 Sai G. 11 months ago on Google
    This theatre reeks of class. Sound quality and acoustics were excellent, temperature setting was perfect, picture quality as well. Truly an international film theatre that critics can feel good in. For the discerning, the popcorn is very very good too.

  • 3/5 George O. 9 months ago on Google
    One of the best venues to watch (quality) movies in the city...but what is with the washrooms??!! Since when do they think is comfortable for women to share washrooms with men and vice-versa? When we visited, nobody was comfortable...

  • 5/5 Andrea B. 4 years ago on Google
    Love this venue. It’s so large and airy. I’ve been before and enjoyed the show and food and drink. Will come again.

  • 3/5 Beth C. 8 months ago on Google
    It is very quiet during the day. The movie experience was fine but nothing more. Eating options after the show did not look appealing

  • 5/5 Lianna A. 7 months ago on Google
    Volunteers were great. Assisted patrons with disabilities. The crowds however pushed past with little regard.

  • 5/5 shivam d. 7 months ago on Google
    I volunteered at tiff bell light box and I would say this is the best volunteer experience. Tiff Bell's light box has 5 cinemas as per my knowledge. And they all are well maintained and staff is really good. On floor 2nd you have a special seating area if you can't stand in line. Box office line is right in front as you enter the building. They have few lounges as well. I may not be aware of entire building but what ever I have seen is worth to visit.

  • 5/5 Anita W. 4 years ago on Google
    A beautiful light and airy space to see films that don't play just everywhere. Afterwards you can enjoy the beautiful facilities and have a drink, while enjoying the expansive view of King Street below.

  • 5/5 Heather R. 9 months ago on Google
    Had a really nice movie going experience. The tickets were reasonable, the seats were comfy, and they have a selection of films not found elsewhere. Would definitely visit again!

  • 5/5 Andrew K. 5 months ago on Google
    First time here - what an enjoyably refreshing experience. The screens may not be the fanciest or biggest and the theatres may not be the most eye-appealing, but the raw movie experience more than made up for it. The theatres are so acoustically designed we were blown away by the quality of the sound. We thought people were talking around us during the movie, but it turns out it was just the movie itself. The smaller screen (compared to bigger establishments) didn't make that much of a difference, and you are able to focus a lot more rather than constantly dotting your eyes around the screen. Seats could use improvement, and they're pretty close together, but again it's part of the experience. Popcorn was literally better than any other movie popcorn I've had as well. Would definitely visit again and recommend, and it's such a gem that smaller movies get their deserved spotlight.

  • 3/5 Martin A. 5 months ago on Google
    A quality cinema facility that's centrally located and worth visiting, provided that something interesting is playing. Unfortunately, the screening selections have not been especially compelling since the venue's reopening after the pandemic. They might have lost a few quality programmers who used to program bold, original work or niche classics. I haven't had much reason to return lately, but I hope that changes. Also the primary screening site of the Toronto International Film Festival.

  • 5/5 Saulo de Arruda A. 4 months ago on Google • 11 reviews
    Watched the movie "The Hijacking of Flight 375". Movie Theatre was clean ans tidy, no line to purchase popcorn and the washroom was clean as well. Definitely a great place that I'd like to be back soon.

  • 5/5 Kevin X. 4 months ago on Google
    Definitely a step up in viewing experience than most Cineplexes. Picture are noticeably sharper and higher contrast. Dialogue is crisp and base isn't over blown.

  • 1/5 Kenjuu 2 years ago on Google
    This was my favorite movie theater, but now they require proof of vaccination, so I won't be returning.

  • 5/5 Farah M. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, modern and comfortble space for viewing special movies, right in the heart of downtown TO.

  • 5/5 Vicky G. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, modern building! It has a really nice vibe to it. Visites during TIFF 2021 and was very happy with COVID screening, mask policía, hand sanitizing stations, and social distancing in the theatres. I would definitely love to come back soon for some of their year-round screenings. Comfortable seats, amazing surround sound and huge screens. I'm in love with this place!

  • 3/5 Michael S. 2 years ago on Google
    It's been a few years since I attended a screening at the Bell Lightbox, and I have to confess that it didn't take long before I remembered why. To say that this facility is not living up to it's potential would be an understatement. Don't get me wrong, I'm rooting for it to succeed. But I'd be lying if I didn't say that it isn't without it's fair share of issues.

  • 5/5 Ryan G. 1 year ago on Google
    Every time I'm at this cinema I adore it. This atmosphere, the dedication to film projection, the film's shown in such pristine quality and care. The events! It doesn't get any better in Toronto than the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Pictured below is from my latest visit

  • 5/5 c k. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my favourite theatres in the city. Super clean, for serious filmgoers who want to see the latest prestigious international indie releases. The staff are very professional. Most visitors are polite but occasionally I have bumped into catty, rude people who seem to be there to be seen rather than to enjoy the films.

  • 5/5 Sophia Z. 1 year ago on Google
    I was there for Hot Docs. Bright, modern, airy building. Every seat in the theatre was a good one. Comfortable seats. Lots of volunteers to offer directions. Many stalls in the washroom. Parking underground.

  • 5/5 Ben H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to watch a film. Whole atmosphere is fun and there's other events that happen here. Red carpets, festivals, etc. Nice lounge space while you're waiting for your show too.

  • 5/5 Barry M. 1 year ago on Google
    Attended a screening of NANA'S BOYS a must see!! Thought provoking, deep issues, LOVE, passion, and all the feels! Great space! Beautiful theatre! Clean, friendly staff. Great experience over all!!

  • 5/5 Disha K. 1 year ago on Google
    I was fortunate enough to attend TIFF..In conversation with Taylor swift! The best thing ever happened to me, I love TayTay & had been waiting from so long to see her & FINALLY❤️ I loved the theatre, audio-visual were on point & made a great experience for attendees.

  • 5/5 J A C. 1 year ago on Google
    Great venue of Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), featuring the latest cinematic technology of large screens and surround sounds, beautiful, elegant setting to present the best and latest in film.

  • 4/5 Kanchan K. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent seating arrangement and ambiance. The sound is amazing, I felt the screen size is a bit smaller compared to the regular Cineplex though . Excellent location at the heart of Toronto's Entertainment District.

  • 4/5 Rajdeep c. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice clean facilities. Attended a corporate event, the theatres are quite good. Taking off one star for the food options and the seat comfort. Lots of nice places around this place and shows a very different view of Toronto! The staff was very respectful and efficient. I can see myself going there again when a film festival happens.

  • 5/5 Glen E. G. 1 year ago on Google
    First time in and loved the ambience and the screening rooms. Quite spacious and friendly ushers to direct you as needed even if it's just getting to the restroom. Not privileged enough to get into the lounge so had to settle for the smaller cafeteria experience. Gift shop offered many TIFF assortment of purchase options and very informative staff. Very clean, well maintained.

  • 4/5 Praveen R. 1 year ago on Google
    Decent Theatrical experience! Best is to book seats in the middle but even the back rows have great view to the screen. You can book by calling them or online.

  • 5/5 Brian 2 years ago on Google
    A place for movie lovers. The comfy seats, the always on-point projection and sound quality, knowledgeable staff... unlike the chains, it's clear that this place prioritizes movies over popcorn sales (although the popcorn IS pretty good too!). I've been here many times both during the yearly festival and outside of the festival and it's always a great experience.

  • 4/5 Vimal V. 1 year ago on Google
    Came here for a movie and it was my first time seeing a movie at TIFF. Parking might be a problem but if you are familiar with downtown parking spots you can park there and take a walk. I went for Ponniyin Selvan 1 which was in high demand and caused an excess of crowd to show up at the theaters. The staff were extremely friendly and handled the crowd efficiently. The theater seats were awesome as even the fourth row seats felt comfortable and not a huge strain on our necks. The only gripe is the restrooms. For a huge downtown TIFF with multiple screens the restrooms were hardly enough. There was a huge line up of people outside the restrooms and if you are in hurry good luck holding it in. Otherwise the theater was good, audio was awesome and well laid out space.

  • 5/5 Lesley N. 2 years ago on Google
    I went to the TIFF Bell Lightbox for the first time in a year and a half to see a wonderful film called "Subjects of Desire", about how Black Women are seen in our society. It was great to be back. Erica was at the door checking Proof of Vaccination, it was nice seeing her again. I felt very safe. And it was great using my favourite washroom in the city. Take care stay safe.

  • 4/5 Julian L. 9 months ago on Google
    Amazing to have a dedicated Toronto Film Festival location where you can see films all year long from around the world that you don’t have access to in regular cinemas. The projection quality is great but the facilities themselves are a bit austere and the reservation system online is a bit awkward at times. However, Toronto is lucky to have this!

  • 5/5 Tony M. 2 years ago on Google
    Awsome Experience! So Proud to work for TIFF 2021!

  • 5/5 Kumar R. 11 months ago on Google
    One of the best theatre's I've been to. The picture and sound quality are top notch. Very good ambience and location. The ticket pricing is very reasonable too.


Call +1 416-599-2033 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Food
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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