Tropic Cinema
416 Eaton Street,
Key West,
FL
33040
416 Eaton Street,
Key West,
FL
33040
2 people
favorited this theater
Related Websites
Tropic Cinema (Official)
Additional Info
Functions: Movies (Classic), Movies (First Run)
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
305.396.4944
Nearby Theaters
The tide has turned. Out of the “remnants” of an old carpet warehouse, the Key West Film Society has built a beautiful, intimate triplex with 250 seats, opening in 2004. The theaters show first run and art features.
In 2009, a fourth screen was added.
The Tropic Cinema is THE place to see movies in Key West.
Contributed by
David Mikelberg
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Recent comments (view all 13 comments)
I’ve a question, if anyone can answer it: at Eaton and Simonton, about a block off Duval, heading away from the Tropic, is a long-closed movie theatre which is, right now, unoccupied. Does anyone have any idea the name of this forgotten cinema? Can anyone tell the years it was in operation and, if possible, its history? It doesn’t seem to be listed among the Key West movie houses here.
Well, folks, that butter topping I wasn’t too sure about? REAL BUTTER. Can you imagine?? Honest-to-goodness real butter! Their fresh-popped popcorn – none of that pre-popped stuff others use – is delicious plain but the butter makes takes it to another level entirely.
Also, they have now opened a fourth auditorium, the Peggy Dow, located near the entrance to the main lobby.
And as for the staff? Volunteers! Think about this: when’s the last time you encountered staff who are at work because THEY WANT TO BE? They really love this place and that loves shines through very clearly.
I can’t urge you enough to visit the Tropic…OFTEN!
The Tropic is a great little cinema and quite a bargain to boot. Photos from 2011: Facade, Marquee
Felt like I should take the time and update my original entry here, made about 18 months back:
The ‘waiting’ area inside the lobby – where one can sit and wait for one’s movie to begin or just relax – has been redone and, in addition to the small tables and chairs it had before, now has a curving, blue, cushioned seat that extends for, perhaps, 10 or so feet and is incredibly comfortable, with big, puffy pillows to lean against.
Also redone is their concession area: no longer are the snacks and bottled drinks simply lined along the far wall at the end of the concession stand; candies are placed directly in front of the stand and to its side, with a cooler for bottled beverages and cold snacks down a bit. As you approach the concession counter you pass an island, with its black, sleek, curved design, now home to a Keurig (K-cup) coffee/tea maker. Gone, however, are the Help Yourself food items, though the managers are in talks with other small, local restaurants to provide some appropriate nibbles.
The Saturday Family Films series seems to no longer be there but the Monday Classics remain and are a real treat; each film is led by someone who tells a bit about the film, about its making, and the information substantially increases the enjoyment of the feature you’re about to see.
The prices for admission HAVE risen, yes, but only a small amount and even then it’s still worth it. (Let me take this opportunity to urge any and all residents – full or part-time – to take advantage of their membership, which provides TERRIFIC discounts!
Since I wrote my last update, I’ve become a volunteer there myself and continue to marvel at the great amount of love and care and all-out JOY everyone has there, not only for movies in general but for the Tropic in particular and the people who patronize the theatre. Being volunteers, it really IS “a labor of love”.
I also urge you to not only experience the Tropic Cinema but TO SPREAD THE WORD if you’ve enjoyed it! I work at Fausto’s Food Palace, just a block away from the Tropic, and am always suggesting to people – especially tourists – to try it, and why. It continues to be a truly, truly remarkable place.
My wife and I caught “La La Land” here yesterday. Pictures to come!
As one of the House Managers of the Tropic Cinema, I’m thrilled that as the 2018 Oscars approach, we’re currently showing 5 of the 10 nominees for Best Picture: “The Shape of Water”, “Phantom Thread”, “Three Billboards”, “Darkest Hour”, and “The Post”. (Collectively, 34 nominations in all!) And, as always, we’ll be having our annual Oscars Gala, which is huge fun and promises to be as equally successful as our previous years' festivities!
We continue to feature what we think is the best popcorn you’ll find at ANY cinema – served salt-free – AND as much REAL, honest-to-goodness butter as you wish. An extensive – and FREE – popcorn seasonings bar (with blending bags to make it taste even better!) is on hand, too.
Also on the menu are Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, fresh-baked every day and a quarter-pound each!
opened 2004
I don’t live anywhere near this cinema, but I admire the programming and policies.
The cinema is now at 3 screens, with “The Peggy Dow Theater” having been closed off and used by the retail space next door. The Tropic is also going to be closed for the summer of 2026.
I was one of the floor managers and the volunteer coordinator from May 2012 until August 2018. After my departure from the cinema, there was remodelling of the lobby area, and they discontinued selling fresh-baked cookies. Installed were a soda dispenser for patrons to use. Remaining was the wide selection of toppings for your popcorn. I left Key West in January 2020 and miss both the city and the Tropic Cinema more than I can possibly say!