Whether you’re looking for a the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy afternoon with a classic, there’s no shortage of cinema screens ready to cater to Manchester’s film fans. Venue-wise, Manchester has everything from bespoke arthouses and DIY micro-cinemas, to huge multiplexes and historic picturehouses — each with their own distinctive programmes.
In addition to its bar, restaurant, theatres and art gallery, HOME’s showcases the best in contemporary and classic cinema across its five purpose-built screens. Look out for curated film seasons and exciting festivals, often accompanied by guest introductions and live filmmaker Q&As.
With only 11 screens (only!), this is one of the smaller multiplexes in Greater Manchester – but its advantage is its location in the lush surrounds of Didsbury, not far from a roster of good bars, cafés and restaurants.
A little outside of Manchester, but worth the trip, Stockport Plaza is an Art Deco gem dating back to 1932 and painstakingly restored to the condition it was in on opening day. It now hosts films, theatre, comedy and more in stunning surrounds, as well as having a highly-rated café.
This purpose built mini cinema is a hidden gem with a real DIY, indie vibe. Located inside of street food venue GRUB, with it’s revolving stable of food vendors and secret garden, visitors can expect cult classics and special events alongside gaming nights and stand up comedy.
Everyman St John’s is a luxury venue designed to impress, with plush seating and an up-market food and drink offering.
A straight-up multiplex here, Vue Manchester Printworks is comfortably the biggest cinema in the city with 23 screens – including one huge 70mm capable IMAX. Sometimes all you need is popcorn and a blockbuster.
Opened in 2001, this huge American-style multiplex cinema in Manchester’s Great Northern Warehouse boasts 16 screens and over 3,000 seats. The Deansgate location means that there are plenty of bars and restaurants right outside for those of you looking to make an evening out of it.
Did you know Ducie Street Warehouse has its own cinema? This ultra slick lounge-cum-restaurant has all kinds of pop-up events, from supper clubs to creative workshops. But it also hosts a tiny mini cinema showing everything from kids films to grown up horror movies.
Ducie Street Warehouse’s new menu is full of hearty dishes, large and small.
Offering a packed schedule of events and things to do, HOME Manchester is one of the city’s leading hubs for arts and culture.
Billing itself as Manchester’s home of cult films, video games and cool nerd stuff, Cultplex is a small cinema offshoot of indie street food destination Grub Manchester.
Established in 1914, Altrincham Garrick Playhouse presents a variety of performances and screenings, as well as hosting term-time drama classes and a popular summer school for young people.
Altrincham’s Everyman is a supremely comfortable boutique cinema showing all of the latest blockbusters, independent hits and big screen events.
Experience luxury moviegoing at this three-screen boutique cinema and bar located close to Spinningfields.
Located within the historic Grade 2 former railway goods distribution warehouse, the Odeon Great Northern is a 16 screen multiplex cinema.
Formerly run by Odeon, Vue Manchester Printworks is the biggest cinema in Manchester with a whopping 23 screens capable of seating 4,472 people. The programming covers all of the latest…
A mainstream chain cinema showing a mix of new releases and blockbusters. Located in The Great Northern Warehouse complex.
With only 11 screens (only!), this is one of the smaller multiplexes in Greater Manchester – but its advantage is its location in the lush surrounds of Didsbury, not far from a roster of good bars, cafés and restaurants.
Volunteer-run cinema
Make the most of the sun in one of Manchester's many top-notch beer gardens.
Fancy some Japanese food? We've uncovered the five best restaurants in Manchester.
Manchester is still a great place to watch new and innovative music – so here’s a guide to where to watch the best live music in the city.
Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.
It's hard to think of a more varied and reliably delicious food than Italian cuisine. Check out our expert guide to Manchester's very best Italian restaurants.
Looking for somewhere to eat outside in Manchester in these hot summer months? Here's our guide to the restaurants in Manchester with the best areas for al fresco dining.
Where in Manchester can you find the best gins, the best gin cocktails, or just those unusual little bottles that you might not find anywhere else? Here's our guide.
Manchester's best secret, hidden and hard to find bars - here's our guide.
Head over to Manchester's Chinatown and you'll be spoilt for choice. That famous Faulkner Street arch looks down on some of the city's most exciting eateries. Here are five of
Look outside Chinatown and you'll find everything from little backstreet haunts, to celebrity-packed multi-million-pound mega-restaurants. The one thing they have in common is excellent food. Here are the city's best
Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.
Take me there
Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.
The sun is shining in the North, so use our guide to get out there and eat, drink and be merry in it.
Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.
July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.
From environmental to experimental, our poetry and prose picks from around the North are focused on the unusual and the fun.
Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.
Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.
This month's guide is truly eclectic - from free family festivals, to food events, circus school and more!
