It’s time to go to the movies and enjoy all the latest new movie releases out now in theatres!
In a city as big and bountiful as Philly, there are so many local movie theaters near you to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. Just searching “movie theaters near me” is overwhelming AF––what’s the difference between one theater and another? Is it worth the trek into the Fashion District to go to a local movie theater with reclining seats versus the one around the corner? Do I want to ball out and get drinks served at my seat, or keep it chill at an independent movie theater with drinks and unique food offerings?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help make your decision easier. We’ve narrowed it down to 10 of our favorite local movie theaters in Philadelphia to help you make the most of your Philly movie theater experience.
Grab some movie theater popcorn and get comfy as we dive into our Philadelphia movie theater guide!
Not in Philly? Check out our New York City movie theater guide here and all of our other local movie theater guides. Want one for your city? Let us know on Twitter.
Philadelphia Movie Theaters: AMC DINE-IN Fashion District 8
Located near Center City is the AMC DINE-IN Fashion District 8. This AMC theater allows guests to order from a menu of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees and have their food delivered right to their seats! Moviegoers can also order traditional snacks on the AMC Theatres app ahead of time to pick up at the concession counter.
The AMC DINE-IN Fashion District 8 offers beverages from the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, so guests can customize their soft drinks. If you’re looking to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, you can help yourself to the selection of drinks at MacGuffin’s Bar. One reviewer on Google said, “Great updated reclining seats and the food options are also really good. The theater allows you to have an overall relaxing and satisfying movie experience.”
This AMC theater has AMC signature recliners with trays attached to hold food. Some of the auditoriums even have heated seats! The theater offers PRIME at AMC, which features surround sound, a clearer movie image, and reverberating seats.
AMC DINE-IN Fashion District 8
1001 Market Street Suite 3050
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Philadelphia Movie Theaters: Landmark’s Ritz Five
The Landmark Theatre Ritz Five is located right down the street from Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. According to its website, this theater first opened its doors in 1976 and was one of the first theaters to bring arthouse films to Philadelphia. In addition to Hollywood blockbusters, this theater’s five screens show independent films, foreign films, and documentaries.
The Ritz Five has long theaters with traditional seating that is first come first serve. The concession stand offers typical fare, but one unique aspect of the counter is that there is a variety of teas that movie-goers can order. The theater has a single-person ticket booth, and guests have the option to purchase tickets online and scan them on their phones upon arrival.
The Landmark Theatre Ritz Five is not modern but is well-maintained. Reviewers describe it as a classic, timeless movie theater with a friendly staff. One reviewer on Google described the Ritz Five as a “Nice, intimate theater with a good selection of films,” and said, “its location in Old City is convenient and beautiful.”
Landmark’s Ritz Five
214 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Philadelphia Movie Theaters: Prince Theater
Located in Center City, the Prince Theater is home to the largest movie screen in Philadelphia, according to its website. The theater has been operating as a movie theater since 1921. Since then, it has held several Hollywood premieres including Adam’s Rib (1949), and has been a venue for the Philadelphia Film Festival since 1999. The Philadelphia Film Society acquired the Prince Theater in 2015 and it is now part of the Philadelphia Film Center.
The Prince Theater has both a main stage and black box theater, with the capability to show live performances and movie screenings. One Google reviewer who saw a movie in the Black Box theater wrote, “I watched a film in the black box and was impressed. The sound system is awesome. The seats are quite comfortable, with four to a table.” The theater is able to screen 35mm films and 2k digital film projection, with Dolby Digital surround sound.
Guests can purchase tickets online or in person for a movie at the Prince Theater. The theater offers traditional concessions such as candy, popcorn, and soda for moviegoers to enjoy in the spacious theater.
Prince Theater
1412 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Philadelphia Movie Theaters: Cinemark University City Penn 6
Located right near the Univerity of Pennsylvania, the Cinemark University City Penn 6 offers comfortable stadium seating for guests looking to enjoy a new movie on the big screen.
What sets this theater apart from others is its expanded menu, full bar, and Rhythm Room cocktail lounge.
Guests can pick their seats in advance, meaning there is no need to rush to the theater for a good spot if you parched your tickets ahead of time. One Google reviewer said of the Cinemark University City Penn 6: “Such a great theater, the staff is very friendly and welcoming and the theater is super clean.”
Cinemark University City Penn 6
4012 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Philadelphia Movie Theaters: Regal UA Grant Plaza
The Regal UA Grant Plaza is located in the Krewstown neighborhood of Philadelphia. The theater offers leather lounging recliners in its theaters and seating is reserved ahead of time for those who don’t want to arrive early to snag a good seat.
The Regal UA Grant Plaza offers traditional movie theater fare with the addition of hot options like chicken fingers and cheeseburgers. Reviewers noted that the theater is always clean and gives guests a cozy feeling. One reviewer on Google described it as a “Very small movie theater, nice and clean… the sound system is super loud. Overall a nice place to go.”
Regal UA Grant Plaza
1619 Grant Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19115
Philadelphia Movie Theaters: The Secret Cinema
The Secret Cinema in Philadelphia offers a truly unique experience to moviegoers. Founder Jay Schwartz started the project in 1992 to show new audiences under appreciated films from all genres. Facebook The Secret Cinema’s page describes it as “A floating repertory cinema series presenting unique and rare films and Philadelphia and beyond since 1992.”
The Secret Cinema does not have a specific location but shows films at a variety of locations throughout Philadelphia including nightclubs, coffee shops, museums, bookstores, and art galleries. The project’s film presentations are shown in 16mm film or larger. One reviewer on Yelp said, “This is a ‘must do’ for any film lover and vintage junkie as the weird & funny shorts, cartoons, industrial, educational & rare films shown are something you can’t see on YouTube.”
The Secret Cinema events are currently on hold, but if it reopens this year it will be its 29th season showing films. The next event The Secret Cinema is planning to hold a screening on And the Envelope, Please: Oscar-Winning Short Films at the Philadelphia Praise Center. It is unknown when this will take place, but you can check for updates on The Secret Cinema’s website and Facebook page.
Philadelphia Movie Theaters: Drive-In at the Navy Yard
The Philadelphia Film Society created the Drive-In at the Navy Yard to welcome back film lovers to socially distant viewings. This location has two screens and can welcome up to 180 cars per viewing. It is currently open Friday through Sunday.
Guests must purchase their tickets online the Wednesday before their desired viewing and present the confirmation email upon arrival. The lots open one hour before showtimes, and there are limited concessions and restrooms available. One of the best parts of viewing a movie from your car is that you can bring whatever type of food you want!
One reviewer on Google called the Drive-In at the Navy Yard “The best movie experience [he’s] ever had” and said the “staff was very polite and helpful.”
Drive-In at the Navy Yard
Admiral Peary Way & League Island Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19112
Philadelphia Movie Theaters: Hiway Theater
The Hiway Theater is about 10 miles outside of Center City in Jenkintown. After being temporarily closed due to COVID-19, the theater reopened on June 4 with a plan to show two films a day Friday through Sunday.
The Hiway Theater first opened in 1913 as the Jenkintown Auditorium. According to its website, it is a “nonprofit, community-based movie theater, specializing in independent, art, and foreign films.”
The Hiway Theater offers screening events of classic films, virtual discussions with filmmakers, and outdoor screening events at the Abington Art Center. The theater recommends that you purchase your tickets online, but they are also available to purchase at the box office.
One reviewer on Google wrote, “Love the Hiway. This is where Bradley Cooper, the actor, fell in love with the movies if I’m not mistaken. Very community-oriented. Spacious seating. Reasonably priced snacks and drinks.”
Hiway Theater
212 York Road
Jenkintown, PA 19046
View Hiway Theater movie showtimes and buy movie tickets here.
Philadelphia Movie Theaters: Bryn Mawr Film Institute
The Bryn Mawr Film Institute is a movie theater and fim education center that screens independent, international, documentary, alternative classic, and new movies, often rying to project on 35mm film. According to the Institute, its mission is to promote “shared experiences that entertain, engage, and educate audiences through a diverse range of independent-minded films… and an extensive program of special events.”
The Bryn Mawr Film Insitute is home to the Seville Theater, which first opened in 1926. Despite the name change, the theater still gives off a classic feeling to its visitors. Guests can buy tickets online only, as the box office is currently closed. The theater offers typical movie fare like popcorn and soft drinks. There is also a coffee shop in the same building you can visit!
One reviewer on Google said, “Love visiting Bryn Mawr when we’re in the area. Plenty of fun events and screenings for movies I can’t find anywhere else. Plus, a very clean and inviting facility!”
Bryn Mawr Film Institute
824 W Lancaster Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Philadelphia Movie Theaters: Regal UA King of Prussia 4DX & IMAX
About 20 miles outside of Philadelphia, the Regal UA King of Prussia 4DX & IMAX offers a high-quality viewing experience for its guests.
According to Regal Cinemas, 4DX is “widely considered to be the biggest innovation in cinematic technology to date.” The chairs often move with the action of the film, and audience members may experience elements from the movie such as water and fog. Guests also wear 4D glasses to further immerse themselves into the film. IMAX also offers an immersive experience with curved screens, a clearer image, and improved sound quality.
The Regal UA King of Prussia 4DX & IMAX has large auditoriums with stadium seating. Reviewers say that the concession stand offers a good variety of snacks including typical movie theater food and some hot options. One reviewer on Google wrote, “Great theater! They play all of the big hits as well as some of the lesser known titles that other local places don’t. Highly recommended!”
Regal UA King of Prussia 4DX & IMAX
300 Goddard Boulevard
King of Prussia, PA 19406
We hope this rundown of some of our favorite Philly movie theaters inspires you to go out and see all of the latest new movies out now in theaters.
