Keen to experience the best cinemas in Riyadh? Look no further. The best cinemas in Riyadh offer everything from the first 4DX screen in Saudi Arabia to immersive cinematic experiences.
We can’t wait to usher in a golden era watching Hollywood blockbusters, Bollywood movies and Saudi cinematics.
Playing a critical role in Saudi Arabian films, Riyadh has served as the location for classics such as Wadjda – Haifaa Al-Mansour’s critically acclaimed dramatic directorial debut in 2012.
Grab your popcorn and settle in at the best cinemas in Riyadh.
AMC Cinemas
It was a groundbreaking moment for cinema in Saudi Arabia when AMC showed the Marvel classic Black Panther on its shiny new screen in the King Abdullah Financial District. In April 2018, the debut screening was just for a few invited guests, but once the Riyadh cinema opened officially to the general public, tickets sold like hotcakes. AMC now has five cinemas in Riyadh, locations include Al Khair, Al Azizia Plaza, Panorama Mall, Riyadh Gallery, and the iconic King Abdullah Financial District, each of them showing a mix of Hollywood and Arab film, and world cinema. Ready to book a ticket with one of the best cinemas in Riyadh?
If you really want to make a movie night of it, head down early and grab a bite to eat at Cinema Souq. Enjoy some handcrafted mocktails at MacGuffins (named after the phrase coined by legendary director Alfred Hitchcock) or some delectable desserts at Sweet Treats or Cookies N Cream.
The world’s largest cinema chain also loves to reward its loyal customers. Through its AMC Da’era programme, every riyal you spend on tickets, food and drinks will give you points that add up to a wealth of fabulous freebies. And if you want to upgrade your cinema experience, book a comfy seat at its IMAX or PRIME offerings where you’ll be totally immersed in the latest box office smash. Creator of some of the best cinemas in Riyadh.
Various locations including King Abdullah Financial District, KAFD Conference Centre, Northern Ring Road, Al Aqiq, amccinemas.com.
Muvi Cinemas
Saudi Arabia’s first truly home-grown cinema company, Muvi made its debut in 2019. Its venue at Al Hamra Mall was the first cinema to be opened in East Riyadh and remains a favourite not only with movie-goers in that area but also those who like a cosy way to watch the latest flicks. So if you’re looking for chill best cinemas in Riyadh, this brand should definitely be on your list.
The Nakheel Mall incarnation is a bigger, more modern cinema with 13 screens and a seating capacity for about 1,700 viewers at any one time. Its flagship location at the south entrance of U Walk is truly a sight to behold. It also has 13 screens but soon created a buzz when it became the first cinema to offer two experiences never before offered to film fans in Saudi Arabia.
These are the dynamic Dolby Cinema and Samsung’s LED-driven ‘cinema of the future’, Onyx. However, for something a little more novel, grab a ticket and park up for Muvi’s drive-through cinema, the first of its kind in Riyadh. It has room for 150 cars, each nicely spaced out so you won’t overhear spoilers or mobile phones ringing. A top pick some of the best cinemas in Riyadh.
Also the brand behind Riyadh’s biggest cinema which is home to the first 4DX screen in Saudi Arabia and the biggest in the world in terms of seats. The new spot also features Xperience powered by CGS, a junior brand, with a party room, as well as a VIP offering, luxury Muvi Suites and Muvi Boutiques. If you’re looking for the best cinemas in Riyadh to relax and enjoy a great movie in comfort, Muvi Cinemas is a great option.
Various locations including U Walk, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road, muvicinemas.com/en.
VOX Cinemas
The MENA region’s largest cinema chain, VOX, has certainly made its mark since expanding operations over the border from the UAE. The company was quick to get in on the act as its Riyadh Park Mall venue opened just a fortnight after that landmark screening of Black Panther and became Saudi Arabia’s first multiplex cinema.
It picked the perfect day for its debut screening in one of the best cinemas in Riyadh. (well, with Star Wars fans, anyway): May 4, 2018. And the force has been strong with it ever since. VOX now has a total of nine cinemas in Riyadh alone, you can grab the popcorn at Al Qasr Mall, Atyaf Mall, Kingdom Centre, Riyadh Front, Sahara Mall, The Roof, Riyadh Park Mall, The Esplanade and Al Qadisiyyah. It plans to build more as Saudi Arabia’s love of film continues to flourish. Along with a programme packed with top movies and the rights to distribute Fox films in the region, VOX also offers several different ways to enjoy your movie night.
For sheer, mind-blowing tech you must try the Immersive Cinematic Experience (or ICE) and the MX4D (a new offering via which you can truly ‘feel’ the action). As a treat, you can always upgrade to the Gold or VIP packages. If you have children, visit the dedicated KIDS cinema – the first of its kind in the region. A favourite across the region, and some of the best cinemas in Riyadh.
Various locations including Northern Ring Branch Road, Al Aqiq, ksa.voxcinemas.com.
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