Yes! Vienna is very German-speaking in daily life, but there are plenty of options for English-language films and theater if you know where to look:
🎬 Cinemas Showing Films in English #
In Austria, films are often labeled either “OV” (Original Version) or “OmU” (Original with German Subtitles). Look for these when booking.
Best-known English-friendly cinemas in Vienna:
-
Votiv Kino (9th district, near Schottentor) → Arthouse & indie films, many in English OV/OmU.
-
Burg Kino (1st district, Opernring) → Classic cinema, famous for showing The Third Man (set in Vienna) several times a week in English. Also screens new releases in OV.
-
Artis International (1st district, near Schwedenplatz) → Mainstream Hollywood films, all in English OV.
-
Top Kino (6th district) & Schikaneder (4th district) → Trendy, artsy, often English OmU.
-
Haydn Kino (6th district, Mariahilfer Straße) → One of the most reliable for English-language blockbusters.
🎭 Theater in English #
While most mainstream theaters (like the Burgtheater, Volkstheater, Staatsoper) perform in German, there are dedicated English-language venues:
-
Vienna’s English Theatre (VET) → Founded in 1963, it’s the oldest English-language theater in continental Europe. Professional productions (plays, comedies, dramas, sometimes musicals) performed entirely in English.
-
Open House Theatre → Contemporary productions in English, with a mix of modern plays and classics.
-
TAG (Theater an der Gumpendorfer Straße) → Sometimes stages international or English-language productions.
🎶 Other English-friendly Performances #
-
Opera & Classical Music → Even if in Italian or German, most major venues (State Opera, Volksoper, Musikverein) provide surtitles in English.
-
Comedy & Improv: Some English-speaking stand-up shows pop up, often at smaller clubs like Spektakel or expat events.
✅ In short:
-
For movies → head to Haydn Kino, Artis International, or Burg Kino for English films.
-
For live theater → Vienna’s English Theatre is the go-to.
-
For opera/classical → surtitles in English make them accessible.