An audience member sitting in an empty cinema An audience member sitting in an empty cinema

The best cinemas in Manchester

Film fans are spoilt for choice when it comes to cinemas in Manchester. Whether you want to see huge on-screen hits in luxury and comfort, prefer to sit in historic cinema surroundings, or want indie spaces to see edgy films and cult classics, this city truly delivers. Whatever kind of films you're into, we'll point you towards the coolest spaces in town. This is our guide to the best cinemas in Manchester.

In this guide
  1. Cool cinemas in Manchester
    1. Indieflicks – Unique short film fest
    2. Home – Manchester's cultural hotspot
    3. Backyard Cinema – Turning cinema into something else
    4. Cultplex – Cult cinema classics
    5. Chorlton Film Institute – Pop-up experience in Chorlton
    6. Everyman – Luxury viewing
    7. Leigh Film Factory – Effortlessly cool indie cinema
    8. The Light Stockport – Modern Stockport cinema
    9. Regent Cinema – Old-school cinema experience
    10. The Savoy Cinema – Glamorous classic cinema
    11. The Block Cinema – Bringing cinema to South Manchester
    12. Stockport Plaza – Historic Art Deco surroundings

Cool cinemas in Manchester

Indieflicks

Unique short film fest

Indieflicks takes place each month at Ducie Street Warehouse. This unique cinema event is dedicating to screening festival-quality short films made around the world. This budget-friendly event shows a range of films each time and the audience can vote for their favourite and have their questions answered by film experts. Food and drinks are available here.

Home – Cinemas
Home
Home – Cinemas
Home
Home – Cinemas
Home
Home – Cinemas
Home
Home – Cinemas
Home
Home – Cinemas
Home
Home – Cinemas
Home
Home – Cinemas
Home

Home

Manchester's cultural hotspot

Located in the city centre, Home is an impressive cultural hub that boasts five different cinemas, in addition to gallery space and two theatres. This modern spot screens a diverse array of films ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to indie productions. You can also explore a bookshop, restaurant, and two bars at the venue.

Backyard Cinema

Turning cinema into something else

You'll experience film in a new way at Backyard Cinema. This innovative activity turns film into something immersive, aided by on-theme locations and decor as well as live performances and visuals that bring it all to life. The Manchester branch has shown hits like Barbie, The Little Mermaid, and Romeo+Juliet. Food and drinks are served too. 

Cultplex

Cult cinema classics

Head to Cheetham Hill to see cult classics for an affordable price at Cultplex. This down-to-earth and cool cinema screens a diverse range of fan-favourite films, plus it hosts a variety of other events. You can take on the cult film pub quiz, visit a market, or join music events dedicated to classic cinema scores.

Chorlton Film Institute

Pop-up experience in Chorlton

Chorlton Film Institute, a guerrilla cinema collective, runs a monthly pop-up cinema at St Clement's Church. The goal is to make cinema affordable and accessible in the local area. Throughout the year, you can check out a diverse array of films from around the world. The varied line-up includes something for everyone.

Everyman Altrincham Everyman Manchester St. John's
Everyman Altrincham
everymancinema.com/venues-list/x11dp-everyman-altrincham
Everyman Manchester St. John's
everymancinema.com/venues-list/x11np-everyman-manchester-st-johns
Everyman Altrincham Everyman Manchester St. John's

Luxury viewing

Everyman offers an enjoyable luxury cinema experience, letting you watch a film in absolute comfort. Each venue boasts a number of cinema screens, kitted out with distinctive decor and plush seating for the audience. You'll also find an on-site bar and burger kitchen, as well as lots of sweet treats to enjoy whilst you watch the action.

  • 74-78 George St ABC Building, 23 Quay Street, Manchester City Centre/Castlefield
    Everyman Altrincham
    74-78 George St
    Everyman Manchester St. John's
    ABC Building, 23 Quay Street, Manchester City Centre/Castlefield
  • Everyman Altrincham
    everymancinema.com/venues-list/x11dp-everyman-altrincham
    Everyman Manchester St. John's
    everymancinema.com/venues-list/x11np-everyman-manchester-st-johns
    Everyman Altrincham
    0123-355 56 42
    Everyman Manchester St. John's
    0123-355 56 42
  • Everyman Altrincham Everyman Manchester St. John's

Leigh Film Factory

Effortlessly cool indie cinema

Try Leigh Film Factory when you're looking for a cool cinema in Manchester. This indie cinema is housed in a Grade II-listed mill, equipped with air conditioning and enhanced technology to offer an impressive viewing experience. A diverse array of films are screened here and fans are welcome to suggest films they'd like to see.

The Light Stockport

Modern Stockport cinema

A state-of-the-art modern cinema in Stockport, The Light Stockport features 12 screens with recliner seats to offer total comfort. See the latest hit films here, with drinks and snacks to enjoy whilst you do. The site also has a diner and bar, plus other fun activities like bowling, darts, karaoke, and arcade gaming.

Regent Cinema

Old-school cinema experience

A popular local cinema with a cosy feel, Regent Cinema's retro style makes it a distinctive local landmark. Expect old-school friendly service and a traditional vibe when you visit. New releases and films suitable for different age ranges are screened here, plus you can hire out the venue for a special event of your own.

The Savoy Cinema

Glamorous classic cinema

You'll notice The Savoy Cinema Heaton Moor thanks to its glamorous and eye-catching exterior complete with dazzling lights. The cinema boasts almost 200 seats, including sofas for two and luxury seats for the height of comfort. You can see the latest films, filmed live performances, and special cinema events here. Memberships are available.

The Block Cinema

Bringing cinema to South Manchester

The Block Cinema makes film accessible and affordable in Wythenshawe. This independent community cinema and film club shows a wide variety of films from various decades and countries, with a different film on each week. Buy a ticket for something specific or get a membership for discounted rates. Refreshments are included in the price.

Stockport Plaza

Historic Art Deco surroundings

See a film or live performance in cool historic surroundings at Stockport Plaza. This Art Deco building dates back to 1932. You can go on a tour of the building, as well as join screenings of classic films, plus musicals, comedy, and dance shows. There's also a glamorous café here that serves lunch and afternoon tea, plus the cinema is a popular events venue.

Send suggestion

Did we miss something in this guide?

Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.