Craving a cozy movie night with friends, but the television just won’t cut it? Enjoy your favorite flicks in style with these six theaters in Manila.
Movie theaters took a major hit during the pandemic, and many are still finding their footing. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s this: in an age of endless streaming options, going to the cinema now feels more special than ever. Sure, you can watch a film on your laptop or massive flatscreen, but nothing quite matches the magic of seeing it unfold on the big screen—the way it was meant to be experienced. It’s also the perfect excuse to hang out with friends or family. Even better? Some spots in Metro Manila let you take it up a notch by hosting private screenings or renting out an entire theater for that unforgettable movie night (or morning, or heck, even afternoon, there are no rules).
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The Mall List
The Metro’s beloved malls have theaters that allow you to host some premium watch parties that’ll have your guests remembering more than just the movie itself.
A-Luxe Cinema Glorietta
Ayala Malls’ Glorietta recently got a big refresh, and that includes its cinemas. The refreshed Glorietta cinema and entertainment lobby has been reimagined with an even more elegant and modern vibe, as well as equipped with upgraded technologies. Its newly launched A-Luxe cinema offers an exclusive and intimate setting that’ll keep you and your guests comfy throughout the film.
The theater features 60 motorized recliner seats with a generous width of 710 mm and plenty of legroom, each equipped with a personal tablet and USB charging port. Wider spacing between seats also adds extra comfort. Meanwhile, cutting-edge laser projection delivers sharper, more vivid images, while an immersive Dolby Atmos sound system elevates the viewing experience.
Wolfgang’s Premiere Lounge
Another fairly recent addition to this list is Wolfgang’s Premiere Lounge at Gateway Mall 2. Steak and the movies? Might seem like a volatile combination, but the new theater knows how to cook up a storm without leaving you smelling like someone’s smoky dinner thanks to its top-notch ventilation system, as we’ve shared in a previous feature.
Here, guests can enjoy dishes like USDA Prime Roast Beef Sliders, Reuben Sliders, or Grilled Picanha Steak & Fries, all designed for easy enjoyment during a film. Inside the screening rooms, comfort takes center stage with La-Z-Boy recliners, individual dining tables, and USB charging ports. The experience is seamless: no concession lines, no disruptions, just exceptional food and film in a thoughtfully designed space.
SM Director’s Club Cinema
For years, the SM Director’s Club Cinema has been a place to be for movie lovers. Its premium viewing experience lets you enjoy the latest films in plush leather recliners, paired with an in-house butler service and an exclusive food menu crafted specifically for guests. It’s an easy choice for private screenings that need that touch of understated panache.
With seven locations nationwide—including SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, SM Megamall, SM BF Parañaque, S Maison at Conrad Manila, SM CDO Downtown Premier, and SM Seaside City Cebu—the brand continues to remain accessible while setting the standard for luxury cinema, with plans to expand to more regions soon.
Independent Theaters
Metro Manila is also home to independent movie theaters that offer intimate spaces for private screenings. Bonus: these venues regularly present a diverse lineup of films, so even if you’re not in the mood to rent out a whole theater, you can still discover (or rediscover) cinematic faves and hidden gems.
Sine Pop!
Sine Pop! was once a post-war home built in 1948, but it has since been converted into a charming boutique theater located at 14 St. Mary Street, Quezon City—just a short distance from Gateway and Cubao Station. Rent the theater for private screenings and enjoy your favorite film within its inspired interiors (eco-brutalism comes to mind). On regular days, the theater typically screens both local and international independent films, so you’re bound to discover something new and interesting. Just be sure to check their Instagram for the latest updates.
Cinema ‘76 Film Society
The Cinema ‘76 Film Society has been a mainstay among moviegoers as well, especially since it moved into its fairly new home at Tomas Morato corner Scout Borromeo Street, Quezon City (which miraculously opened in 2022’s pandemic era). This microtheater can be rented and features communal, couch-like seats that are fun with a group of close friends. Its accompanying Cinema ’76 Café also offers a selection of food and beverages in case you want to enjoy a meal without leaving the vicinity.
The cafe is open until 12 AM from Sunday to Thursday, and 230 AM from Friday to Saturday, which means you can have those late-night post-movie processing sessions over drinks. On most days, the theater offers fresh screenings of everything from award-winning works to lesser-known masterpieces, both from the Philippines and abroad.
Videotheque and Cine Adarna at UPFI Film Center
Frequent screenings of international and local titles (with selections that will no doubt have your cinephile friends nodding in approval) make the UP Film Institute (UPFI) Film Center in the University of the Philippines Diliman another place to find your next favorite flick. You can also host your private viewings by renting their Videotheque theater, which has a seating capacity of 50 to 60. However, if you’re really looking to mount a big film screening event, its large Cine Adarna theater can accommodate up to 745 audience members.
