Of all the cinemas, which one is your favorite?
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Everyone loves movies, and we all have our fair share of memorable moments watching a movie at the cinema. After all, this is one of the few places where we can enjoy a world outside of reality.
As you get older, watching movies becomes the perfect activity to relax after a hard day’s work. This is especially true if a cinema or movie theater is designed for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Some of the best cinemas in Cebu are situated inside shopping malls, such as the following:
- Ayala Center Cebu Cinema
Ayala Center Cebu is among the most frequented malls in the city. They have had their movie cinemas for a very long time, and it’s always received high ratings for its quality and comfort.
Currently, Ayala Cebu has five cinemas, four of which are located within the food court area. Cinema 5 is their newest setup which is located outside.
Cinemas 1 and 2 are known for using Dolby Atmos sound systems. It is an immersive three-dimensional audio setup, delivering cinematic sounds strikingly similar to how a scene would sound in the real world.
Additionally, you get free popcorn for every ticket purchase, and they allow outside food as long as it’s not smelly.
In 2024, Ayala Center Cebu Cinema was awarded the “Best Movie Theater” by the Sunstar Best of Cebu Awards.
- SM City Cebu IMAX Theater
Many movies today are being shot in IMAX, which projects movies at a tall aspect ratio for an immersive movie-watching experience. It uses 3D technology to deliver 40% more imagery than regular movie theater screens.
The only Cebu IMAX theater is located in SM City Cebu in the North Reclamation Area. It shows two movies every day, taking advantage of the superior projection of the innovative film format.
All SM cinemas are huge with comfortable seats.
- SM Director’s Club
Both SM malls in Cebu City have the Director’s Club, a movie theater known for its exclusive high-end facilities and butler service.
This is one of the most expensive cinemas in Cebu. They all have recliner seats so you can have that home theater experience.
The SM Seaside Director’s Club was the first to be opened, then SM City Cebu added two more.
Each Director’s Club cinema shows two movies throughout the day, and you can find what movies are showing online. You can book SM Cinema tickets on their official website or through the SM Cinema app.
- Ayala Central Bloc
Although the Director’s Club is a bit pricey, the closest to experiencing the same amenities is at Ayala Central Bloc. Cinema 1 is notable for offering recliner seats, and since the mall is fairly new, the amenities are more modernized compared to the ones in Ayala Center and SM City.
You can book tickets online and see which movies are showing for the day or week
OTHER CINEMAS IN CEBU WORTH CHECKING OUT
- Robinsons Galleria
The cinema here is great for those looking for a more intimate movie experience, since it is rarely crowded. It is located on the top floor, with only a few concessionaires available.
- Gaisano Cineplex
In 2023, Gaisano Country Mall reopened the Gaisano Cineplex, which many consider to be the cheapest movie theater in Cebu City. It only shows one movie a day, spanning several weeks.
This is a great budget-friendly option, especially for students.
- The Mall – Nustar Resort and Casino
Nustar is a recently opened mall and its cinemas are very new. Although known for its high-end restaurants and facilities, Nustar also delivers in terms of quality and comfort, not to mention experience.
Their cinemas feature 3D technology with an innovative laser projection system that offers a captivating movie experience.
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Finding the perfect movie theater is just as important as the movie you are about to watch.
The cinemas in Cebu definitely make watching the latest blockbusters worthwhile thanks to their sound quality and comfortable amenities. They are a haven for film buffs who want to have the traditional experience of watching a movie for the first time on the big screen.
