About once a month you can see classic movies in big-screen theatres. These classic movies are hosted by Fathom Events and Flashback Cinema and are shown in hundreds of theatres nationwide. The complete 2023 classic movie schedule is below, ordered by date.
NOTE that this article is about the 2023 classic films schedule; for the 2024 schedule see: Classic Movies in Theatres in 2024
Roman Holiday 70th Anniversary – Sunday, January 22 and Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Fathom Events
Celebrating 70 years – ROMAN HOLIDAY features a legendary, Oscar®-winning performance from Audrey Hepburn (in her first starring role). Nominated for a total of 10 Oscars®, including Best Picture, it’s the story of a modern-day princess who, rebelling against the royal obligations, explores Rome on her own. She soon meets an American newspaperman (Gregory Peck) who pretends ignorance of her true identity, in the hopes of obtaining an exclusive story. Naturally, his plan falters as they inevitably fall in love. Featuring Eddie Albert as a carefree cameraman pal, a classic Dalton Trumbo screenplay, expert direction from William Wyler, and featuring Edith Head’s Oscar®-winning costumes, it’s a timeless romantic comedy considered to be one of the greatest films from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Groundhog Day 30th Anniversary, Thursday February 2 and Sunday, February 5, 2023. Fathom Events
Snowed in during a trip to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to cover the annual Groundhog Day festivities, television weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) finds himself stuck in time, endlessly repeating February 2nd. His world is inhabited by the same people every day, but they don’t know Groundhog Day is repeating itself. That gives him a certain advantage: He can find out what a woman is looking for in a man, and then the “next” day behave in exactly the right way to impress her. Luckily there is a woman closeby to practice on. She’s Rita (Andie MacDowell), Phil’s long-suffering producer, who has had to put up with his tantrums, demands and surliness. Gradually Phil is able to see the error of his ways and improve his behavior until, finally, a Groundhog Day dawns when she finally likes him.
Casablanca 80th Anniversary, Sunday, March 5 and Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Fathom Events
Casablanca is a 1942 American romantic drama film directed by Michael Curtiz, and starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Paul Henreid. Filmed and set during World War II, it focuses on an American expatriate (Bogart) who must choose between his love for a woman (Bergman) and helping her husband (Henreid), a Czechoslovak resistance leader, escape from the Vichy-controlled city of Casablanca to continue his fight against the Germans. The supporting cast features Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, and Dooley Wilson.
You can also see the restoration at home by purchasing the DVD, which has a 4K, Blu-Ray, and digital version. It’s on sale for about $20 at Best Buy and Amazon: Casablanca DVD on Sale – Best Buy / Casablanca DVD on Sale – Amazon
The Big Lebowski 25th Anniversary, Sunday April 16 and Wednesday, April 20, 2023. Fathom Events
“The Big Lebowski” is a cult classic film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, released in 1998. It follows the story of Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, a laid-back and unemployed slacker, who becomes embroiled in a kidnapping plot when he is mistaken for a millionaire also named Jeffrey Lebowski. Along with his bowling buddies, Walter Sobchak and Donny, The Dude sets out to unravel the tangled web of misunderstandings, betrayals, and mistaken identities that make up the film’s plot.
The film has gained a dedicated following over the years and is known for its quirky characters, memorable quotes, and surreal humor. It has also been praised for its intricate plot, which rewards multiple viewings, and its use of music, which includes classic rock, country, and jazz.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 20th Anniversary April 13-20, 2023. Fathom Events
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is a 2003 epic fantasy adventure film directed by Peter Jackson. It is based on 1955’s The Return of the King, the third volume of the novel The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien.
Prior to the film, audiences will be treated to an introduction from Elijah Wood (Frodo) discussing the impact of the LOTR trilogy and why fans return again and again to immerse themselves in this storyworld. With recent footage captured at LA Comic Con of the World Premiere of the brand new LOTR Roleplaying tabletop game, Elijah takes audiences through this limited fan event with a celebrity cast to raise support for Extra Life for Kids, a program of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Flashdance 40th Anniversary Wednesday April 26 and Sunday April 30. Fathom Events
Delivering an electrifying mix of music, drama and dance, Jennifer Beals stars as Alex—a fiercely determined 18-year-old with one all-consuming dream to study at the Pittsburgh Conservatory of Dance. Working during the day as a welder and at night as an exotic dancer, she bravely pursues her dream and undertakes an unforgettable journey that reveals the power of her convictions. Featuring the Oscar®–winning* song “Flashdance… What a Feeling,” performed and co-written by Irene Cara, and the iconic global hit “Maniac.”
Grease 45th Anniversary, Sunday May 14 and Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
The kids are cool, the cars are hot, and the tunes are always rockin’ and rollin’ when one of the most beloved comedies of all time comes back to theaters to celebrate its 45th anniversary! Good girl Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) is new to school, but ready to join the Pink Ladies. Bad boy Danny (John Travolta), the leader of the T-Birds, has just discovered their summer lovin’ wasn’t just a passing fling when they’re reunited at Rydell High School.
Hairspray 35th Anniversary – Sunday, June 11 and Wednesday, June 14, 2023.
Hairspray: It’s Baltimore, 1962, and a rebellious teenager with the biggest bouffant on the block attempts to win the coveted “Miss Auto Show” crown as she fights against racial discrimination in this film created and directed by John Waters and featuring Divine in his/her last role.
National Lampoon’s Vacation 40th Anniversary– Sunday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Fathom Events
The all-American Griswold family just wants to go on an all-American vacation. Everyone is packed. The route is planned … And absolutely everything goes wrong as a simple trip quickly becomes a madcap cross-country odyssey and heroic quest in search of National Lampoon’s Vacation. For the Clark W. Griswolds of Chicago, 50 weeks of work and routine will soon be rewarded with a fortnight of frenzied freedom. Mom and the kids would rather fly, but Dad (Chevy Chase) insists on driving west to Walley World. He’s programmed everything on the family’s PC–from tire wear to best routes, from choice sights to the finest AAA-recommended lodgings. With such planning everything should go right … Wrong!!From director Harold Ramis and screenwriter John Hughes.
Heathers 35th Anniversary – July 30. Fathom Events
Veronica (Winona Ryder) is part of the most popular clique at her high school, but she disapproves of the other girls’ cruel behavior. When Veronica and her new boyfriend, J.D. (Christian Slater), confront clique leader Heather Chandler (Kim Walker) and accidentally poison her, they make it appear a suicide. Soon Veronica realizes that J.D. is intentionally killing students he does not like. She races to stop J.D. while also clashing with the clique’s new leader, Heather Duke (Shannen Doherty).
This exclusive anniversary event will also include Poor Little Heather – an interview with actress Lisanne Falk (Heather McNamara)
Enter the Dragon 50th Anniversary – Sunday, August 13 and Wednesday, August 16, 2023. Fathom Events
Bruce Lee explodes onto the screen in the film that rocketed him to international superstardom, Enter The Dragon. Recruited by an intelligence agency, martial arts student Lee (Lee–Fists of Fury, The Chinese Connection) participates in a brutal tournament at a remote island fortress in an attempt to gather enough evidence to convict the international drug-trafficker responsible for the murder of Lee’s sister. In the now-classic fight-to-the-death finish, two men enter a mirrored maze, but only one will exit…NOTE: Though uncredited, future superstars Chuck Norris, playing a messenger, and Jackie Chan, as Oharra’s henchman, appear in this 1973 martial arts spectacular.
American Graffiti 50th Anniversary – Sunday, August 27 and Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Fathom Events
From director George Lucas (Star Wars) and producer Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather), American Graffiti is a classic coming-of-age story set against the 1960s backdrop of hot rods, drive-ins and rock n’ roll. Starring Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Cindy Williams, Mackenzie Phillips and Suzanne Somers in their breakout roles, this nostalgic look back follows a group of teenagers as they cruise the streets on their last summer night before college. Nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, American Graffiti features the howling sounds of Wolfman Jack and an unforgettable soundtrack with songs by Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys and Bill Haley & His Comets.
They Live 35th Anniversary – Sunday, September 3 and Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Fathom Events
Horror master John Carpenter directs this heart-pounding thriller about aliens who are gaining control of the earth by masquerading as humans and the one man determined to stop them.
The Goonies – Labor Day Weekend and Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Flashback Cinema
This 1985 adventure comedy presented by Steven Spielberg, with music by Cyndi Lauper and REO Speedwagon, finds a group of young friends searching for buried treasure.
The Terminator – Sunday, September 10 and Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Flashback Cinema
Director James Cameron’s 1985 sci-fi thriller stars Arnold Schwarzenegger (“I’ll be back!”) as a cyborg assassin sent from the future to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), whose unborn son is destined to save mankind.
Christine 40th Anniversary Sunday, September 10 and Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Fathom Events
Based on the novel by Stephen King, CHRISTINE tells the horrific story of a 1957 Plymouth that is bought by a misfit student (Keith Gordon) and refurbished, and takes on human characteristics. Christine, as the Plymouth is called, exacts revenge on everyone who treated her owner badly at school and then gets even more possessive and goes after Gordon’s girlfriend.
This special anniversary event will feature an exclusive intro from director John Carpenter.
Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (extended edition) – Sunday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 20, 2023. Flashback Cinema
The first chapter in director Peter Jackson’s landmark trilogy, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy novels. In the mythological world of Middle Earth, a ring lost for centuries must be found and destroyed to prevent the dark lord who created it from enslaving the world. Presented with additional footage not seen in the original theatrical version. Directed by Peter Jackson, the original release was in 2001.
Rain Man 35th Anniversary – Sunday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 20, 2023. Fathom Events
Charlie (Tom Cruise) just discovered he has an autistic brother named Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) and is taking him on the ride of his life. Or is it the other way around? Raymond first pushes hot-headed Charlie to the limits of his patience and then pulls him completely out of his self-centered world. And what began as an unsentimental journey for the brothers becomes so much more. Winner of four Academy Awards®, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Hoffman) and Best Director (Barry Levinson).
Legally Blonde – Sunday, September 24 and Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Flashback Cinema
Reese Witherspoon stars in the 2001 hit comedy about the intersection of fashion, beauty and jurisprudence. Sorority girl Elle Woods is seriously in love, but her boyfriend doesn’t think she’s serious enough to marry. The solution? Apply to Harvard Law School! (“What, like it’s hard?”) Getting in proves to be only half the battle, as she must overcome stereotypes to win the respect of her classmates.
The Exorcist 50th Anniversary – Sunday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 4. Fathom Events
The 1973 classic, called by many the scariest movie of all time, has a 50th anniversary showing in hundreds of theatres on Sunday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
This extended version contains an additional 12 minutes to the original theatrical version.
As part of the Warner Bros. Studio 100th Celebration and to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of The Exorcist’s theatrical release, Warner Bros worked closely with the director, the late William Friedkin, on a 4k restoration of this iconic film. This newly remastered version was created from the original camera negative and features audio masterfully remixed by Atmos. Below is a preview.
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (extended edition) – Sunday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 4. Flashback Cinema
In Chapter Two of the epic adventure, presented with additional footage not seen in the original theatrical version, Frodo Baggins and the other members of the Fellowship continue their sacred quest to destroy the One Ring. Along the way they meet Gollum, a grotesque creature who owned the ring for 500 years and is obsessed with getting it back. (“Must have the precious. They stole it from us!”) Directed by Peter Jackson, the original release was in 2002.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse – Sunday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 11. Flashback Cinema
The drama continues as 18-year-old Bella (Kristen Stewart) remains torn between her vampire boyfriend Edward (Robert Pattinson) and her hunky werewolf friend Jacob (Taylor Lautner). As if that weren’t enough, a malicious vampire is trying to destroy Bella. Can Edward work with Jacob to protect her? Released in 2010.
The Hunger Games – Sunday, October 15 and Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Fathom Events
The Hunger Games is a 2012 American dystopian action film based on the 2008 novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins. It is the first installment in The Hunger Games film series. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, and Donald Sutherland. In the film, Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Hutcherson) are forced to compete in the Hunger Games, an elaborate televised fight to the death consisting of adolescent contestants from the 12 Districts of Panem.
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (extended edition) – Sunday, October 15 and Wednesday, October 18. Flashback Cinema
In this thrilling climax to the trilogy, armies mass for a final battle that will decide the fate of the world. And one member of the Fellowship of the Ring is revealed as the noble heir to the throne of the Kings of Men. Winner of 11 Academy Awards®, including Best Picture and Best Director (Peter Jackson), and presented here with footage not seen in the original 2003 theatrical version.
Back to the Future Day – Saturday, October 21 and Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Fathom Events
From the Academy Award-winning filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis comes Back to the Future – the original, groundbreaking adventure from 1985 that sparked one of the most successful trilogies ever! When teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is blasted to 1955 in the DeLorean time machine created by the eccentric Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd), he finds himself mixed up in a time-shattering chain reaction that could vaporize his future – and leave him trapped in the past. Powered by innovative special effects, unforgettable songs and non-stop action, Back to the Future is an unrivaled adventure that stands the test of time.
The 1985 film will be shown in hundreds of theatres on Oct. 21 only. Back to the Future day is celebrated on October 21, because that is the date Marty McFly originally travels to the past and sets in motion his undoubtedly existential adventure.
Beetlejuice 35th Anniversary – Sunday, October 22 and Wednesday, October 25. Flashback Cinema
“It’s showtime!” Michael Keaton is Beetlejuice (“the ghost with the most, babe”) in this 1988 supernatural comedy from director Tim Burton. Ghosts Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis need help scaring off an unwanted family, so they hire the bizarre “freelance bio-exorcist” Beetlejuice. With Winona Ryder in her breakout role as a teenager obsessed with the afterlife.
The Shining –Sunday, October 29, Tuesday, October 31 and Wednesday, November 1. Flashback Cinema
Stanley Kubrick’s1980 horror classic, based on Stephen King’s best-selling novel. Jack Nicholson (“Here’s Johnny!”) is the caretaker of a closed hotel with a really…bad…past. He and his family are virtually alone in the spooky old building. Or are they? Shelly Duvall, as Nicholson’s distraught wife, discovers her husband is turning into someone she barely recognizes. (“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”)
The Last Waltz 45th Anniversary – Sunday, November 5, 2023. Fathom Events
It started as a concert. It became a celebration. Join an unparalleled lineup of rock superstars as they celebrate The Band’s historic 1976 Thanksgiving Day farewell performance. Directed by Martin Scorsese, “The Last Waltz” is not only “the most beautiful rock film ever made” (The New Yorker)…it’s “one of the most important cultural events of the last two decades” (Rolling Stone)! Featuring Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Ringo Starr, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters and more.
This event includes a never-before-seen introduction from Robbie Robertson providing a quick look into the genesis and impact of Martin Scorsese’s “The Last Waltz,” the concert film that changed the genre forever. With his unique perspective as a member of The Band and a Scorsese collaborator, Robertson unveils the untold stories and emotions that made this legendary farewell concert a monumental moment in music history.
In this 1984 classic a man visits a mysterious Chinatown shop and finds the perfect Christmas gift for his son: a cute, cuddly creature called a “mogwai.” It’s a terrific pet…so long as certain rules are followed (“Never feed him after midnight!”) Billed as a horror comedy, some violent scenes prompted the creation of the PG-13 rating for future films. A preview is below.
Scarface 40th Anniversary – Sunday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Fathom Events
In the spring of 1980, the port at Mariel Harbor was opened, and thousands set sail for the United States. They came in search of the American Dream. One of them found it on the sun-washed avenues of Miami…wealth, power and passion beyond his wildest dreams. He was Tony Montana. The world will remember him by another name … Scarface. Starring Al Pacino as Tony Montana along with Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Robert Loggia, Scarface has become a cultural phenomenon brilliantly directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone. Below is a preview.
Saving Private Ryan 25th Anniversary Sunday, November 19 and Monday, November 20. Fathom Events
Internationally acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, Saving Private Ryan, directed by Steven Spielberg, is an unforgettable film achievement that has had a profound and lasting impact throughout the world. Winner of five Academy Awards® – including Best Director (Spielberg) – Saving Private Ryan also garnered two Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture (Drama) and Best Director. In the last great invasion, of the last great war, the greatest danger for eight men … was saving one.
Go behind the scenes with Steven Spielberg and the cast of SAVING PRIVATE RYAN as they recount their memories of the grueling ten day boot camp they underwent to prepare for the film. Below is a preview.
On Christmas Eve a boy takes a mysterious train bound for the North Pole, in this adaptation of the beloved children’s book. The performance-capture animation used by director Robert Zemeckis made it possible for Tom Hanks to play six roles, including the conductor (“Tickets, please!”) and Santa Claus. (“The true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.”) From 2004.
With comedy, romance, and of course, Bing Crosby singing White Christmas, this musical favorite is full of wonderful Irving Berlin songs (“Snow…snow…snow!”). Crosby and Danny Kaye star as World War II vets and Broadway performers who stage a show at a Vermont inn, with Rosemary Clooney and Vera- Ellen as the singing Haynes Sisters. From 1954. A preview is below.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Sunday, December 3 and Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Fathom Events
Discover the magic of the Mean One this holiday season! Oscar-winning director Ron Howard and Oscar-winning producer Brian Grazer bring Christmas’ best-loved grump to life with the help of the irrepressible Jim Carrey as The Grinch. Why is The Grinch (Carrey) such a grouch? No one seems to know, until little Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) takes matters into her own hands and turns both Whoville and The Grinch’s world upside down, inside out… and funny side up in her search for the true meaning of Christmas.
Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, an elf who is, well, different from the other elves. When Papa Elf (Bob Newhart) informs Buddy that he was adopted, he sets out to find his real father (James Caan). A modern Christmas classic, thanks to Ferrell’s endearing performance as Buddy (“Son of a nutcracker!”), whose childlike Christmas spirit softens the most cynical of hearts. (“Santa, HERE? I know him, I know him!”). From 2003.
A Christmas Story 40th Anniversary – Sunday, December 10 and Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Fathom Events
It’s the final days before Christmas in early 1940s Cleveland, and 9-year-old Ralphie wants one thing from Santa more than anything else: a Red Ryder Carbine Action Air Rifle. As he trudges through the snow to school, faces the neighborhood bully and visits a malevolent department store Santa Claus, Ralphie connives, conspires and campaigns for the most fabulous Christmas present ever in this heartwarming, hysterical and sweetly nostalgic holiday film. Based on stories by Jean Sheppard. A preview is below.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – Sunday, December 10 and Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Flashback Cinema
Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is determined to have a “good old-fashioned family Christmas,’’ but Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and a house full of wacky relatives don’t make it easy. Chase and Quaid are joined by fellow Saturday Night Live alumni Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Brian Doyle-Murray. Beverly D’Angelo is Clark’s always supportive wife, Ellen. (“We checked every bulb, didn’t we?”). From 1989.
It’s a Wonderful Life – Sunday, December 17 and Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Flashback Cinema
Frank Capra’s classic is a cherished Christmas tradition for countless families. Building & Loan owner George Bailey (James Stewart) is all that stands between the good people of Bedford Falls and the wicked miser Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore). When misfortune strikes on Christmas Eve, George realizes, with the help of an angel, that he truly has a “wonderful life.” (‘No man is a failure who has friends.”) From 1946.
Classic Movie Schedules
Here is the complete schedule for 2023 Fathom Events Big Screen Classics: Fathom Events Movie Classics Schedule
Here is the complete schedule for 2023 Classics from Flashback Cinema: Flashback Cinema Movie Classics Schedule
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