art house

American  

[ahrt hous] / ˈɑrt ˌhaʊs /

noun

1. a movie theater specializing in the exhibition of art films.

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art house British  

noun

1. a cinema which specializes in showing films which are not part of the commercial mainstream

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adjective

1. 1. of or relating to such films or a cinema which specializes in showing them

   2. ( as modifier )

      the surprise art-house hit of the season

Etymology

Origin of art house

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Pierce Brosnan starred in 1999 art house caper The Thomas Crown Affair, which itself was a remake of a 1968 film of the same title.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Hanlon agreed that niche players such as Curiosity Stream, which specializes in documentary programming, and art house film specialists Criterion Collection, can continue to chug along as the bigger players battle it out.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

But the acclaimed filmmaker behind pictures such as “Tangerine,” “The Florida Project” and “Red Rocket” is also among the great champions of the art house theater experience.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2024

Speaking at a Southwark Council licensing meeting, Mr Burke said the venue would give visitors "access to art house and independent film".

From BBC • Sep. 19, 2024

Audiences also tune out when the academy voters celebrate smaller art house films not widely known to the broader TV audience.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2024