Before coming to Penn, I would take a trip to the movie theater nearly every week. My sister, who worked for our local theater, always got me free tickets, so I spent every second I could staring at the silver screen. I felt like Nicole Kidman! Experiencing movies on a massive screen with a medium popcorn (extra butter) and some cookie dough bites is truly an “indescribable feeling.”
I was horrified to think that once I got to Penn, I would be resigned to watching any new releases on my 15–inch laptop and lose the magic of cinematic transportation. So, I used my first year to explore the myriad movie theaters of Philadelphia and catch all the new releases I could. To any first years, transfers, and movie lovers who just haven’t had a chance to explore all that Philly’s film scene has to give, I offer up this guide.
Cinemark University City Penn 6: You know her, you love her!
The University City Cinemark may not be the best theater, but it’s certainly the easiest to get to for any Penn student living on or near campus. Located right across the street from Acme and directly next to Panera Bread, the Cinemark is a staple of the University City area. Though Cinemark features a somewhat limited selection of four to eight films at a time, you’ll find an eclectic mix of blockbuster hits and some of the most random movies you’ve ever heard of. Though close to home, Cinemark is the perfect theater for an adventure: a night out with friends, a prelude to a night of debauchery, or just a quick study break. Most recently, I saw the 3D 15th–anniversary screening of Coraline and had a phenomenal time! The Cinemark should be your go–to theater if you want a calm, simple cinematic experience.
Philadelphia Film Society Bourse: a hidden gem!
The cream of the crop. The bee’s knees. The cat’s pajamas, even! I could spout off several more old–fashioned idioms relating to my feelings toward the PFS Bourse Theater, but I digress. The Bourse Theater is found in Old City, easily accessible via the MFL (Market–Frankford Line). Every time I visit the theater, I leave feeling like a new man. Maybe it’s the comfy seats, maybe it’s the scenic walk from the theater back to Fifth Street station, or maybe it’s the consistently stellar lineup of critically acclaimed and independent cinema. Either way, the Bourse Theater is the pinnacle of Philadelphia movie–theater experiences. My most recent visit to the Bourse Theater was to see the absurd new horror film Cuckoo (2024) starring Hunter Schafer, as it was the only nearby theater showing it. The film was easily my favorite horror flick of the year, and my viewing experience was nothing short of extraordinary. The Bourse Theater is the place to be for true movie lovers.
Philadelphia Film Society East: another hidden gem … literally!
Picture this: First–year me was in Center City for the second time ever to see a screening of my favorite film, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, with two of my new friends. I let Jesus take the wheel that day, and by “Jesus,” I mean Apple Maps, and by “the wheel,” I mean me. I spent 30 minutes trying to find the PFS East Theater before receiving a text message saying the screening was sold out and just took the bus back home, defeated. Since then, I discovered the secret entrance to the PFS East Theater: Sansom Street, not Second Street! I’ve also discovered that Apple Maps is way off. Once you arrive, you’ll encounter a similar film selection and viewing experience to the PFS Bourse Theater.
King of Prussia Regal UA: a bit of a journey … but still worthwhile!
The Regal Cinema at the King of Prussia Mall is gargantuan. If the film you want to see wasn’t produced in a basement, there’s a 95% chance you’ll be able to see it here. As I write this guide, there are currently 12 films being screened at this theater. There’s a remarkable blend of indie flicks and big pictures, and the films here last quite a while in comparison to many other theaters. Unfortunately, it takes almost 90 minutes via public transit to get to the King of Prussia Mall where the theater is housed. If there’s a movie you’re dying to see, but none of the other theaters listed here are screening it, gather a group of friends for a fun Saturday mall–and–movie trip!
AMC Fashion District 8: oh boy … another theater in Philadelphia!
In full honesty, I have not been to Fashion District AMC—sorry, Nicole Kidman. All I can say about the AMC is that any film there will almost certainly be played at the aforementioned theaters. Though I cannot comment too much on the theater since I’ve never been, the anecdotes I’ve heard from friends are … grim. It’s always great to have options!
And that’s it! Of course, there are plenty of theaters in Philadelphia outside of this list—like Landmark Ritz Five and AMC Broadstreet 7, just to name a few. I hope this list can act as a gateway into the world of Philadelphia’s live cinema.
