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  Popcorn (1991)

  As pop culture historian Joe Bob Briggs sagely proclaimed, the drive-in will never die – and neither will the late-night horror host. So it’s time to welcome High Priestess of Horror, Roxy Midnite, back from the crypt as the Roxy Horror Picture Show comes to its new home at the Violent Crown. Grab your popcorn as she unreels Mark Herrier’s 1991 tribute to the work of exploitation pioneer William G. Castle. You know, the guy that put buzzers under seats and flew ghosts around the theatre? Now, imagine if those stunts were a real killer… – Richard Whittaker

  Thu., May 29

  Violet Crown Cinema

• Film

  Special Screenings

  

  American Graffiti (1973)

  One of the biggest myths in Hollywood is that George Lucas became a big deal with Star Wars. Well, only if you don’t count the massive critical and commercial success of his five-time Oscar-nominated ode to the teenage California car culture in which he grew up, all set to a diegetic soundtrack of the best of early Sixties American pop. Its seemingly aimless anti-structure, set across one night in Modesto, was a precursor to Slacker, and it matches Dazed and Confused for a packed cast of future stars, including Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Suzanne Somers, Joe Spano, and Ron Howard in his first major “grownup” role after growing up onscreen in The Andy Griffith Show. But beyond the revving engines and that soundtrack, relayed to the world by legendary DJ Wolfman Jack, it’s Lucas’ most touching eulogy for the dying American dream. – Richard Whittaker Read a full review of American Graffiti.

  May 28 - June 1

  Doc's Drive In Theatre

• Film

  Special Screenings

  

  Paramount Summer Classic Film Series

  Cinephiles are sure to feel Breathless about another summer of bangers at the historic Paramount Theatre – and we’re not just talking about the opening night 35mm presentation of Jean-Luc Godard’s French New Wave classic, celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. Hold on to your party hats: Other anniversary screenings on the lineup include Jaws and The Empire Strikes Back.

  May 22 - Aug. 31

  Paramount Theatre

• Film

  Special Screenings

  

  Ran (1985)

  In the last 30 years, The Austin Chronicle has only given two films a five-star rating: The 1997 re-release of Fritz Lang’s German Expressionist masterpiece M, and the 2000 re-release of Akira Kurosawa’s bushido King Lear adaptation, Ran. What does five stars mean around here? That a movie is as perfect as a film can be. That’s Ran, now remastered in 4K. – Richard Whittaker Read a full review of Ran.

  May 24-29

  AFS Cinema

• Film

  Special Screenings

  

  ATX TV Festival

  As the small screen continues to get bigger and bigger, the ATX TV Festival keeps its finger on the pulse with its 14th fest. The weekend-long event brings premiere screenings, cast reunions, informative panels, and more so you can learn all about your favorite TV moments. Highlights include a chat with late-night host Seth Meyers, Brett Goldstein taking about writing for Shrinking, a reunion of The Leftovers cast and creators, and much more. – Blake Leschber

  May 29-June 1

  Downtown Austin

• Film

  Special Screenings

  

  Perfect Days (2024)

  Wim Wenders’ films, through wildly different settings and characters, tend to focus on similar existential questions: How do we deal with loneliness? What does love provide us? How to find joy in a senseless world? But his 2023 character study of a Japanese toilet cleaner seems to posit an answer rather than a question: Hirayama, though spending most of his days alone doing an unglamorous job, seems content finding meaning in being present for the small pleasures of living. It’s an ancient answer owed to Zen Buddhism, but Perfect Days has reinvigorated it for a generation of productivity-obsessed dissociative phone-zombies. If what you seek is a harmonious existence, there may be nothing you can do to achieve it – you might just have to choose to see it. – Lina Fisher Read a full review of Perfect Days.

  Thu., May 29

  Hyperreal Film Club

• Film

  Special Screenings

  

  Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

  Where better to enjoy Tom Cruise running than on the chill waters of Lake Austin? Obvi you’d be roaming the lakeside sips and seating Mozart carries year-round anyway, but with on-the-water viewing options like paddleboard rentals ($20) or two-person floater chairs ($30), this’ll make for splish-splashing time at the movies. Plus, Mozart’s offers concessions so your hunger for popcorn will be satisfied as well as your hunger for indistinct patriotism. – James Scott Read a full review of Top Gun: Maverick.

  Thu., May 29

  Mozart's Coffee Roasters