Wondering where to watch your next movie? Take it under the stars or go independent at these cool 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 catch the latest blockbuster at the nearest mall in Singapore – or 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 going somewhere different. And come on, we should at least be stepping it up a notch on date night. Apart from your usual Golden Village, Cathay Cineplexes and Shaw Theatres, here are the alternative cinemas to check out in Singapore…
Cool alternative cinemas in Singapore
1. ST3PS
We’re proud of Changi Airport. Everyone goes there to eat, shop, and just hang out. Watching movies? Yes, you can do it there too. Head to Terminal 3’s basement, make yourselves comfortable on the steps and enjoy the show. The screenings change weekly depending on the theme, which ranges from action thrillers and romance to animations and adventure flicks.
ST3PS, Basement 2, Terminal 3, Changi Airport, 65 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819663
2. 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 mobile 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 with your viewing, continue the night with some drinks.
The Sundowner, 705A East Coast Road, Singapore 459062
3. The Projector
Of course, we’d have The Projector on the 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 selection of snacks is commendable and the bar makes for a great pre- or post-movie hangout spot – we rate it five popcorns.
The Projector, #05-00, Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Road, Singapore 199589
4. Salt Media & Entertainment
Taking pride in showcasing inspirational content from across the globe, this CBD movie theatre in Tanjong Pagar screens flicks that give you those 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 Rd, Singapore 068912
5. Objectifs
The non-profit centre for photography and film regularly hosts screenings alongside exhibitions, talks and workshops, always 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
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 evening that’s also educational, head this way.
EagleWings Cinematics, #01-58, KAP Residences Mall, 9 King Albert Park, Singapore 598332
7. ArtScience Museum
Besides putting up 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
8. MovieMob
Dubbed the alfresco movie specialist, MovieMob frequently rolls out screenings at the most random of places. From the Botanic Gardens to the middle of a business park, it makes watching a movie accessible for just about anyone, at any time of the day.
MovieMob, various locations
9. 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 is making these accessible to the wider Singapore audience via frequent screenings at its location.
Alliance Français Singapore, 1 Sarkies Road, Singapore 258130
10. 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, Be My Kaki Bus 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
Bonus: Films at the Fort and Peroni Sunset Cinema
Once a year, Tanjong Beach at Sentosa opens its arms to welcome outdoor screenings on its sandy shores for Peroni Sunset Cinema. The easy and 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). Another annual event, Films at the Fort sets up its open-air cinema at Fort Canning Park, encouraging all film buffs to unwind on the grassy knolls over a picnic basket and a glass of wine.
Time to plan a cool movie night at these alternative cinemas in Singapore.
