Watching a movie doesn’t have to mean simply sitting in the dark and staring at a screen. Around Manila, next-level cinemas are redefining the big-screen experience with larger-than-life visuals, immersive sound, and premium comforts that pull you deeper into the story.
From towering screens that make every scene feel epic to Dolby Atmos surround sound that places you right in the middle of the action and La-Z-Boy plush seats that turn a film outing into a luxurious escape, these special cinemas let you experience movies in an entirely new way.
If you’re ready to level up your next cinema date or solo movie night, here are the standout theaters that transform how films are meant to be seen and heard.
ScreenX
This revolutionary cinematic format developed by CJ 4DPlex can now be found in the Philippines, equipped with a massive 270-degree panoramic screen display that’s redefining the word “immersion.”
What’s special about ScreenX is that the projection extends beyond the front and to the side walls of the theater, making you feel like you’re inside the action instead of just watching it. Other features include the Blended Image Technology that creates seamless panoramas and the Dual Modes that help shift between ScreenX and standard viewing.
While not all films are available for this format, many blockbusters and action-packed movies are being remastered for the multi-screen experience. As of now, the only ScreenX cinema in the Philippines is located at SM Mall of Asia.
Ticket prices start from P710, which includes a bottle of water and a pack of Lay’s Classic chips. You can book tickets via the SM Cinema app or online.
4DX
Before, you’d only hear the word 4DX when you go to theme parks like Enchanted Kingdom or Disneyland, but not anymore, because your very own local cinemas can now transform films into multi-sensory experiences.
Also developed by CJ 4DPlex, this cinema transforms moviegoing into a full-body, multi-sensory experience. Beyond the screen, motion-seats move and tilt in sync with the action, and other environmental effects such as water, wind, scents, and strobe lights bring scenes to life.
In 4DX, every chase, explosion, or dramatic moment is felt as much as it is seen and heard, so it’s perfect for thrill-seekers, action lovers, and those who are simply looking for an immersive ride.
In Manila, you can try it at Bonifacio High Street Cinema (Cinema 4), Greenbelt 3 (Cinema 5), and U.P. Town Center (Cinema 5). Ticket prices start from P500.
IMAX
IMAX or “Image Maximum” is designed to make movies feel bigger, louder, and more immersive than standard cinemas.
It features an extra-large screen that stretches from floor to ceiling, paired with clear projection that delivers sharper images and deeper contrast. Complementing the visuals is IMAX’s precision-tuned sound system, which surrounds the audience with powerful and finely balanced audio. Whether it’s an action-packed blockbuster or a visually stunning epic, IMAX makes every scene feel grand and cinematic — both in 2D and 3D!
SM Cinema opened the first IMAX theater in the Philippines at SM Mall of Asia in 2006, and has since expanded to ten theaters nationwide equipped with Laser technology — an upgrade that delivers images in 4K resolution. Ticket prices start from P860, which includes a bottle of water and one pack of Lay’s Classic chips. You can also purchase an IMAX premium seat for P1,000, which includes a free popcorn bucket and soda. You can book tickets via the SM Cinema app or online.
A-Giant Screen
Known as Ayala Malls’ premium large-format cinema, A-Giant theaters are designed to make movie watching feel larger than life. With a massive screen four times larger than the standard, enhanced projection clarity, and Dolby Atmos sound, it really puts you at the center of the story. It’s a good choice if you want the immersive experience without the physical effects of 4DX.
A-Giant screens are currently available at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Ayala Malls Veris North, and TriNoma. The former theaters have over 400 seats, while the cinema in TriNoma, which just launched last June, can accommodate up to 600 moviegoers with plush seating and ample legroom. Ticket prices start from P620.
A-Luxe
If you want a movie experience that will make you feel like a VIP, then go for Ayala Malls’ A-Luxe cinemas, which combine comfort and the thrill of movie magic.
From the name itself, A-Luxe Cinemas focus on luxury seating through modernized reclinerseats with wider spacing and special tech amenities like built-in USB charging ports.
A notable A-luxe theater is the newly reopened cinema in Glorietta, which is a boutique theater with 60 motorized recliner seats. Each seat has a generous legroom space, a personal tablet, and a USB charging port. Apart from the comfortable seating, the theater also makes use of laser projection for clearer pictures and a surround Dolby Atmos sound.
Beyond the movie theater, guests can enjoy the lobby lounge while they wait for their screening time, and enjoy a myriad of food options close by.
You can book your next A-Luxe movie date at Glorietta, Greenbelt 3, TriNoma, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Ticket prices start from P560.
If you’re looking for other theaters offering a luxurious movie experience, we’ve rounded up some of Manila’s VIP cinemas here.
For updates on all the latest movie premieres and screenings, follow SM Cinema on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram; and Ayala Malls Cinemas on Facebook and Instagram.
