Best Cinemas in Manchester
Going to the cinema is one of Britain’s favourite pastimes, with something to suit every movie taste.
Like most cities, Manchester is teeming with different film-screening venues to choose from. What makes Manchester so special is the overwhelming adoration for its independent small-scale cinemas that know how to create the cosiest atmospheres.
What’s also great about non-chain cinemas is that you’re more likely to catch them airing cool cult films or indie flicks you wouldn’t have otherwise been able to see on the big screen.
So whether you want to see your favourite iconic film for the 500th time or if you’re interested in seeing the latest student film, make sure to give one of these cinemas a go.
Chapeltown Picture House
50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4HF
If you have a really niche film taste, this is the cinema for you. Chapeltown Picture House is the type of place that will play anything at least once, showing films that would feel out of place at chain cinemas.
At Chapeltown, you’ll find showings for everything from the classic cults like Rocky Horror, iconic crowd pleasers like Mean Girls, and more obscure movies like Andy Samberg’s Popstar (watch it, if you haven’t already).
Despite being film-focussed, you’ll find more than movies at Chapeltown. They host regular pop culture quizzes, gaming leagues, and comedy nights, so be sure to keep an eye on their ‘what’s on’ listings.
Adult tickets are usually £5 each, which is such a steal for their legendary listings.
Mini Cini at Ducie Street
Ducie Street Warehouse, Ducie St, Manchester M1 2TP
If you haven’t been to Ducie Street Warehouse yet, you need to try it for the Lobster Mac and Cheese. Whilst you’re there though, why not see if there’s anything going on at the Mini Cini?
Within the venue, there’s a small movie screen showing a great mix of content. Their major selling point is their dog-friendly screenings, where you can bring your pooch along to share the popcorn with. Seriously, how cool is that?!
The Mini Cini also has some other kooky features, including their music screenings which let viewers sink back in their chairs and fully experience the sounds in the calm of the pitch black cinema surroundings.
Ticket prices vary greatly depending on the content and type of showing, but Adult tickets usually start from £5.
HOME
2 Tony Wilson Pl, Manchester M15 4FN
Described as Manchester’s centre for contemporary theatre, film, art, and music, HOME is a real northern treasure. It boasts a varied programme of cinema screenings, theatre performances, exhibitions, and skill-building sessions, so you’re always spoilt for choice for activities.
Cinema tickets start from £5.95, and there’s always a great mix of screenings to choose from. You’ll find a couple of the latest blockbusters in the programme, but mainly you’ll be greeted with iconic old-school films as well as independent flicks from the next generation of filmmakers.
The food offering at HOME always gains some stellar reviews, with keen foodies raving about the sunday lunch in particular.
The centre has some impressive accolades including being named in TimeOut’s Best Cinemas in the UK and Ireland (2021) and Lonely Planet’s Britain’s Best Arts Centres (2019). Everyone should try and give this cinema a visit at least once.
Everyman Manchester St. John's
ABC Buildings, 23 Quay St, Manchester M3 4AS
There’s also the Everyman Cinema, which boasts a more luxury experience complete with matching price tag. This cinema has an awesome bar area for pre-show drinks and the seats in the cinema are premium and spacious. At £15 a pop for an adult ticket, it’s not an everyday cinema, but one to maybe bookmark for a special date night or when your favourite film comes out with a sequel that nobody asked for.
Battle of the chains: Odeon vs Vue
Okay, we know this is all about non-chain cinemas but some people are more comfortable sticking with a format they know. In the city centre, you can find two of the big chain cinemas: Vue and Odeon.
If it’s a toss up between the two, we’d normally head towards Vue for the £4.99 showings alone. Vue is also perfectly located for a cheeky nandos pre-showing.
However, the Odeon is carefully tucked away at the back of Great Northern, making it the quieter of the two chain cinemas. Its location is you’re after a bit of a date day, with Whistle Punks Axe Throwing and Almost Famous Burgers located right on the cinema’s doorstep.
235 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN
Adult tickets from £6
The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, Manchester M4 2BS
Adult tickets from £4.99
Written by Meg Cushnahan