Wondering where to watch your next movie? Take it under the stars or go independent at these top cinemas in Singapore.
This may be a cliché combo, but dinner and a movie should still hold importance to any culture vulture. Sure, it’s convenient to wait for the latest blockbuster to appear on streaming services so that you can have a cheeky sesh of Netflix and chill at home. But, you might want to put a fresh spin on the usual casual hang with friends by heading to the movie theatres around Singapore. And come on, we should at least step it up a notch on date night. If you’ve forgotten what a cinematic experience feels like, let us remind you with our list of the best cinemas in Singapore.
Best cinemas in Singapore
1. Golden Village
The grand doyenne of cinemas in Singapore – that’s how we’d describe this establishment. This well-known cinema operator first opened in Yishun before expanding to other neighbourhoods across the island; it has stood the test of time and even survived Covid. Besides screening blockbusters, Golden Village also runs film festivals showcasing indie and award-winning movies.
Golden Village, multiple locations including Orchard and Paya Lebar
2. Shaw Theatres
Moviegoers who lived through the 1990s and 2000s will be familiar with this cinema chain. How can anyone forget about the iconic Shaw House? We’ve spent countless hours watching horror films and enjoying late-night movie dates here. The Lido lobby is one for the books thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer panoramic views of Orchard Road. It’s no surprise the Shaw outlet is often regarded as one of the best cinemas in Singapore.
Shaw Theatres, multiple locations including Punggol and Jewel Changi Airport
3. Cathay Cineplexes
Cathay used to be synonymous with all things hip. Its former premises at Cathay Cineleisure and The Cathay were testaments to the brand’s coolness. Even though it’s relegated to neighbourhood malls nowadays, that doesn’t dampen its cinematic impact in Singapore. Who hasn’t experienced the magic of the movies at Cathay Cineplexes? We hear the cinema chain is returning to the Orchard district with a new outlet at Scape. And honestly? We can’t wait.
Cathay Cineplexes, multiple locations including Woodlands and Tampines
4. Filmgarde Cineplexes
This cineplex believes good films should be shared with an audience and wants to be an advocate of film literacy. Those are lofty ambitions, but Filmgarde has been pulling all the stops to meet its vision and mission. Besides big-name blockbusters, Filmgarde also plays little-known movies as part of its exclusive screenings. It participated in the recent Singapore International Film Festival and Mental Health Film Festival too.
Filmgarde Cineplexes, Level 3, Kallang Leisure Park, 5 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397693
5. WE Cinemas by Eng Wah
Formerly known as Eng Wah Cinemas, this cinema operator has screened movies since the 1940s. Its notable achievements include being the first to launch a digital cinema system and implementing a mobile ticketing service. Anime fans can watch the latest films on the big screen at Clementi, WE Cinema’s only outlet in Singapore.
WE Cinemas, #03-03, 321 Clementi Avenue 3, Singapore 129905
6. EagleWings Cinematics
Home to two standard halls and two premium ones, this cinema in Bukit Timah features blockbuster flicks alongside indie faith-based films. Things are kept family-friendly and wholesome here, so if you’re looking for an entertaining and educational evening, head this way.
EagleWings Cinematics, #01-58, KAP Residences Mall, 9 King Albert Park, Singapore 598332
7. Salt Media & Entertainment
This movie theatre in Tanjong Pagar takes pride in showcasing inspirational content from across the globe. It screens flicks that give you feel-good vibes with themes like courage, hope, and family. Need a little encouragement or a heartfelt boost? Restore your hope in humanity here.
Salt Media & Entertainment, Level 9, Capital Tower, 168 Robinson Road, Singapore 068912
Premium cinemas in Singapore
8. Golden Village Gold Class
Movie-watching, but make it luxurious. Yes, you can experience all that at Golden Village’s Gold Class cinemas. It’s our favourite go-to for a fancy night out at the movies. Each theatre only houses a small number of seats, so you can enjoy the experience without the crowds. Imagine relaxing on leather-clad recliners, snuggling up with the comfy blankets provided, and noshing on sumptuous meals while watching the newest Deadpool flick or a romantic indie film. Ooh, better not forget the wine! It doesn’t get any more classy – sorry, we mean gold classy – than this.
Golden Village Gold Class, multiple locations including Katong and VivoCity
9. Cathay Platinum Movie Suites
One gripe we have about standard movie theatre seats is the lack of legroom. Don’t you agree? Particularly when the film you’re watching is two hours long (or more), and you can’t move around much. Well, you won’t experience that problem at Cathay’s Platinum Movie Suites. These plush recliner seats offer wider legroom, so you can stretch your pins anytime. You can also get personal blankets if the aircon’s getting to you. Ah, bliss.
Cathay Platinum Movie Suites, Level 5, Jem, 50 Jurong Gateway Road, Singapore 608549
10. Shaw Theatres Premiere
Anyone bored of the standard popcorn and soda combo? When you get tickets for Shaw’s Premiere experience, the feasting starts before the movie. Head to the prescreen lounge, where you’re treated like royalty with a plethora of food options. We’re talking about all-day brekkie options, roti prata with chicken curry, creme brulee, and more! Oh, and the luxe movie seats have a charging port, so you can juice up your phone while your eyes are on the screen.
Shaw Theatres Premiere, #04-64, Nex, 23 Serangoon Central, Singapore 556083
11. WE Cinemas First Class
Imagine getting first-class treatment at the movie theatres. You’ll get that premium experience at this cinema in Singapore. What to expect: an evolving menu prepared by executive chefs, wine served to your seat while you’re watching the latest release, and blankets and cushions available upon request. Ah, we could get used to this…
WE Cinemas First Class, #03-03, 321 Clementi Avenue 3, Singapore 129905
Outdoor cinemas in Singapore
12. Films at the Fort
One of Singapore’s most iconic outdoor cinemas, Films at the Fort is held every August at Fort Canning Park. The event encourages all film buffs to unwind on the grassy knolls over a picnic basket and a glass of wine. Its curated film programme often features a mix of award-winning movies, comedies, and heart-thumping action flicks. Tickets usually sell out fast, so get yours as soon as they’re released!
Films at the Fort, Fort Canning Green, Singapore
13. Hendrick’s Sunset Cinema
Every year around late April, Tanjong Beach at Sentosa opens its arms to welcome outdoor screenings on its sandy shores. The easy, breezy event takes place under the starry night sky, which makes for an idyllic evening of relaxation (especially when you’ve got a cocktail in hand). Film audio is broadcast through wireless headphones, which moviegoers will receive upon entering the venue. No more overhearing pesky conversations during the show!
Hendrick’s Sunset Cinema, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Singapore 098942
14. The Sundowner
How about an intimate movie night or a private screening with your gang? This rooftop farm offers many things, and it’s a unique destination to watch all kinds of films. Just load your chosen flick on your phone or laptop and enjoy the movie. What about nibbles? You can take away food from nearby eateries or fire up the BBQ and chow down on smoked meat. When you’re done, continue the night with some drinks.
The Sundowner, 705A East Coast Road, Singapore 459062
15. Be My Kaki Bus
Bringing back old school community vibes, Be My Kaki Bus is a fun and retro way to watch films – with the whole neighbourhood! Popping up in parks, town centres, common public spaces and private estates around Singapore, it brings family-friendly movies into the heartlands. It’s all about chill vibes with this outdoor cinema, but since it’s currently on a break, you’ll have to keep track of its Facebook page for updates on what’s showing next in your ‘hood.
Be My Kaki Bus, various locations
Alternative cinemas in Singapore
16. Oldham Theatre
This one’s for true Asian film buffs. Did you know there’s a movie theatre hidden within the National Archives of Singapore? Oldman Theatre, named after Bishop Oldham (aka the founder of Anglo-Chinese School), runs regular screenings of classic and contemporary Asian movies. We spy restored films that hark back to the 80s and beyond, beloved P. Ramlee comedies, and shorts by local auteurs.
Oldman Theatre, National Archives of Singapore, 1 Canning Rise, Singapore 179868
17. Carnival Cinemas
Any Bollywood and Kollywood fans in the house? Those in the know are regular patrons of this alternative cinema in Singapore. For everyone else, here’s the skinny on Carnival Cinemas. It’s the only movie house to screen Indian films of all genres exclusively. Besides typical musical extravaganzas, filmgoers can look forward to psychological thrillers, action flicks, and more. P.S. don’t expect to stay seated and quiet for too long. This ain’t no typical movie theatre!
Carnival Cinemas, #03-00, Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Road, Singapore 199589
18. Festive Arts Theatre
Golden Village and Cathay Cineplexes may occupy prime spots in Tampines‘ malls, but the Festive Arts Theatre has our heart. Few people know of its existence, so you don’t have to jostle with the crowds to catch the latest Hollywood flicks. Sure, the selection is limited, but we don’t mind it. Plus, if you’re a Passion Card member, you can get tickets for cheap any day. We’re talking 10 buckeroos or less!
Festive Arts Theatre, Level 2, Lobby H, South Plaza, Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk, Singapore 528523
19. The Projector
Of course, we have The Projector on our list. Old is new again at what used to be Golden Theatre, the biggest cinema in Singapore and Malaysia back in the 70s. These days, the space is a popular independent cinema sitting atop the seedy Golden Mile Tower. Besides its neat selection of both indie and blockbuster films, the snacks selection is commendable and the bar makes for a great pre- or post-movie hangout spot. We rate it five popcorns!
In case you didn’t know, in late 2023, The Projector partnered with Golden Village and took over Cathay Cineleisure’s cineplexes. Nope, these folks didn’t sell out! Fans can still expect the same here, except bigger and better.
The Projector, multiple locations including Golden Mile Tower and Cathay Cineleisure
20. ST3PS
We’re proud of Changi Airport. Everyone goes there to eat, shop, and hang out. Watching movies? Yes, you can do it there too. Head to Terminal 3’s basement, get comfortable on the steps and enjoy the show. The screenings change weekly depending on the theme, which ranges from action thrillers and rom-coms to animations and adventure flicks.
ST3PS, Basement 2, Terminal 3, Changi Airport, 65 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819663
21. Objectifs
The non-profit centre for photography and film regularly hosts screenings alongside exhibitions, talks and workshops, aiming to tell stories that matter. Keep tabs on its film appreciation programmes like the annual Women in Film and Photography showcase.
Objectifs, 155 Middle Road, Singapore 188977
22. ArtScience Museum
Besides showcasing the coolest exhibitions in town, the futuristic ArtScience Museum also screens films for its ArtScience on Screen series. This rolling programme features a range of talented filmmakers and artists from Singapore and beyond. Expect solo showcases of artists’ moving image work, curated line-ups of films exploring specific art-science themes, feature-length film screenings, multi-screen presentations, and creative documentaries.
ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974
23. Alliance Française Singapore
The best way to learn about French culture? French films, of course! Goddard, Truffaut and French New Wave created some of the best things in cinema and we love that Alliance Française makes these accessible to the wider Singapore audience via frequent screenings at its location.
Alliance Français Singapore, 1 Sarkies Road, Singapore 258130
Time to plan a cool movie night at the best cinemas in Singapore!
