Netflix is great, but we all need to get out of the house at some point! Nothing beats a visit to the good ol’ cinema – stepping into a dark theatre and nestling into a plush seat with a fizzy fountain drink and a bucket of buttery popcorn. If you need a little help in finding the best cinemas in Singapore for both blockbusters and indie flicks, here are some suggestions for where to catch the latest movie screening in town, including Golden Village Singapore, Cathay Cineplexes, and more!
Golden Village Singapore
There are so many Golden Village cinemas in Singapore, from Suntec City to the heartlands in Bishan. Moviegoers can look forward to spacious and comfy seats, and state-of-the-art screens and sounds; the GV Max hall at VivoCity has a Dolby Atmos sound system and one of the largest screens (22.4 metres) in Asia! For a treat, book into Gold Class, which offers classy leather recliner seats as well as food and wine.
Golden Village Singapore also offers the iGV app, which allows you to buy tickets on the go and keeps you up-to-date with promotions. To make things even easier, the Quick Tix feature (an e-ticket using a QR code) means you can directly enter the theatre instead of lining up for a hardcopy ticket when you arrive.
Where: SingPost Centre (Paya Lebar), Tiong Bahru Plaza, Suntec City, VivoCity, Plaza Singapura, Tampines Mall & more
Cathay Cineplexes
Another go-to cinema chain is Cathay Cineplexes, with eight locations across the island. Again, you can expect the latest technology, with Dolby Surround Sound systems and advanced projection screens. Its special edition at Parkway Parade also includes an Assistive Listening Device system for the hearing and visually impaired, so you can enjoy movies with loved ones with disabilities.
Where: Cineleisure, Causeway Point, AMK Hub, Downtown East, West Mall (Bukit Batok) & more
Shaw Theatres
The popular Shaw Theatres have been in Singapore for the longest time of all the cinema chains. It currently operates seven cinemas, boasting the latest technology and comfy seating. Selected locations (Shaw Theatres Lido, JCube and Waterway Point) also offer an IMAX movie screening with even more spectacular visuals and sounds. Seats are sloped steeply to allow unobstructed views of the screen.
Upgrade your experience with a movie screening at Shaw Theatres Premiere, including snacks and even a full meal while you enjoy the film.
Where: Lido (Shaw House), Nex (Serangoon Central), JCube, Shaw Plaza (Balestier), Waterway Point (Punggol) & more
WE Cinemas by Eng Wah
If you live in the West, this cinema in Singapore can offer a great viewing experience. Homegrown cinema operator WE Cinemas offers ten spacious halls at its Clementi property. (Older outlets at West Mall and Suntec City have closed.) It also has a premium movie screening experience called First Class, allowing you to enjoy all-day brunch, wines and even high tea, or to treat your little ones to a kids’ meal.
Where: 321 Clementi Avenue 3, #03-03
Carnival Cinema
Formerly known as Rex Cinemas, Carnival Cinema is your go-to place for Hindi and Tamil films (In the past, it screened mainstream films of other languages, including English ones.) Bollywood fans will love this one!
Where: Beach Road, #03-00 Golden Mile Tower
The Projector
Are you more of an indie film enthusiast? Head to The Projector at Golden Mile for a great selection of alternative films, cult favourites, arthouse and foreign films. The venue houses two halls, the 230-seat Green Room and the 180-seat Redrum. Make sure you snag one of the bean bags! Pick up some popcorn or a draft beer from the Golden Bar and stay on for the post-screening afterparties. This is no doubt one of the best cinemas in Singapore for indie flicks. Another venue at The Cathay, known as Projector X: Picturehouse, opened in 2022.
Where: 6001 Beach Road, #05-00 Golden Mile Tower; 2 Handy Road, #05-01 The Cathay
Filmgarde Cineplexes
Founded in 2007, Filmgarde is known for its cinematic technology, being the first cineplex in Asia to be fully fitted with immersive 3D sound. A range of films is shown; the company is careful not to define itself as either a commercial or arthouse cinema.
Additionally, Filmgarde’s first hall with premium seats, Primo, is now open at Leisure Park Kallang Level 3! The specially designed Privacy Cocoon allows you to watch movies without disturbance, in the comfort of Leatherette recliner seats.
Where: Level 3, Kallang Leisure Park, 5 Stadium Walk
EagleWings Cinematics
EagleWings is an independent movie theatre that not only aims to bring blockbuster films for entertainment but also faith-based films that are family-friendly and inspirational. Their motto is “Light Your World” from the Bible passage “you’re the light of the world”. There are films to enjoy here, whether you’re religious or simply looking for an uplifting time.
Where: 9 King Albert Park, #01-58
Oldham Theatre
If you’re into Asian arthouse films, this movie spot is a must-go. It’s located at the National Archives of Singapore, and you can catch regular film programmes run by the Asian Film Archive here. From local indie flicks to classics by Asian directors dating back to film noir days, film buffs are in for a treat.
Where: 1 Canning Rise
Alliance Française Singapour
Join Ciné-Club at Alliance Française Singapour and discover the wonders of French cinema, from famous films featured at international film festivals to indie films that can be hard to come across. Don’t worry if you don’t understand French; the movies are screened with English subtitles! Films are shown on Tuesday at 8pm, or bring your little ones along for screenings by Ciné-Kids on selected Sundays at 4pm.
Where: 1 Sarkies Road
Movies by the Beach
Looking to switch it up from indoor movie screenings? From 3 February to 18 March 2023, you can enjoy free outdoor movies by the beach on selected Fridays, weekends, and public holidays! Bring your friends along to this evening entertainment under the stars, featuring both Hollywood’s 90s classics and blockbuster films. No registration is required, so just show up and have fun.
Where: Palawan Green, Sentosa
Like this? Check out more fun things to do around Singapore, or check out our latest City Guide!
