If you are a movie freak or cinéfilo as we say in Spanish then you will be happy during your retirement days in Costa Rica. Most first- run movies premier here about the same time they do in the States or shortly after at a fraction of the price. Movie theaters are very popular, and have become part of the daily entertainment of Costa Ricans. On top of that, all movies are in English with Spanish subtitles except for children’s movies since they cannot read. We even have an iMax movie theater in Escazú. Some of the newer theaters have stadium seating just like in the U.S.

In the old days most movie theaters were in downtown San José or Heredia. Now most theaters are located in shopping malls. The majority of the old theaters have been demolished.

Every year more and more movie theaters are being built in Costa Rica. Most are located in the Central Valley around San José and its suburbs. CCC Cinemas and Nova Cinemas just announced plans to expand their chains. The former has 37 theaters in Costa Rica. Cinéplois which is another company that operates movie theaters here has also plans to build more new theaters in Costa Rica. Furthermore, many of the older movie theaters in shopping malls are being remodeled and upgraded with better projectors and other equipment.

To find what movies are playing in Costa Rica look at the local newspapers or go on line.

Don’t despair! If your favorite movie doesn’t come to Costa Rica you can always rent the DVD here or wait until we get it on cable or satellite TV. You can also buy movies through Amazon.com and have them brought here through one of the private mail companies.

The bottom line is that by moving to Costa Rica or retiring here, you won’t be missing out on their favorite flicks from home.