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.
The world's at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.
Best roof terrace in Manchester? We know the lot, and we're willing to share our hard-earned information.
Looking for the finest luxury multi-course restaurants in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best tasting menus in the city - just make sure you have deep pockets.
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.
Looking for the finest roast dinners in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best Sunday dinners in the city.
Manchester is strong with the breakfast force, and has some impressive form where brunch is concerned. Here’s our pick of the city’s morning glories.
There are more green spaces in Manchester than you might think. We've picked out some of the best parks and gardens in and around the city.
Looking for a laugh? Here are Manchester's very best comedy nights.
The best new bars in Manchester, plus some old favourites for good measure.
Check out our top picks of shows previewing in the North West before heading to Edinburgh Fringe Festival later in the summer.
Take me there
Gearing up for a sunny July? Take some eating-out tips from this month's guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.
Make bread, throw axes, learn costume design and drink beer like you've never done before in this month's Tours and activities guide.
All-dayers make a strong showing in our latest music picks, from dance music marathons to vibrant showcases of South Asian artistry.
School year, complete! And as we say goodbye to what seems like a rather long summer term, we can look forward to the summer holidays, with lots of exciting activities...
This month we look at Indie Horror Summer, outdoor movies, and a brand new film festival in Sheffield.
Interactive circus, arts festivals and new writing, our guide features a show-stopping selection of theatre happening indoors and outside.
In between working out, then working through, your holiday reading pile this summer, find inspiration for your next bookish acquisitions from our selection of live events and exhibitions.
Virginia Woolf and lasers, environmental recovery through wildness and thoughts on motherhood - all this and more in our exhibition top picks!
Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.
