Alongside the various sprawling multiplex chains found in every city across the country, Greater Manchester quietly boasts some of the best alternative and independent cinemas in the country, from world-renowned cultural epicentres to whimsical neighbourhood passion projects.

Here are some of the best alternative and independent cinemas around Manchester.

The Light | Stockport

The centrepiece of Stockport’s Redrock development, The Light comprises twelve spacious yet intimate screens with capacities from 17 to 42, decadently relaxing recliner armchairs and the opportunity to book private viewings for the latest releases. Alongside a unique cinema experience, The Light features several street food vendors, bowling, a retro arcade, karaoke and more.

REDROCK, Unit 10, Bridgefield St, Stockport SK1 1SA
Everyman | Quay Street

Sat low and unassuming on the southern edge of Spinningfields, the nation’s favourite Golden Age cinema experience offers new releases, silver screen classics and even live broadcasts across several elegantly appointed art deco screens, all of which feature plush two-seater sofas and personal tables, while swapping flimsy tubs of watery Pepsi for glasses of smooth, bold merlot and frost-centred nacho cheese for slices of freshly made pizza.

ABC Buildings, 23 Quay Street, Manchester, M3 4AS, Tel: 01233 555642
King Street Townhouse | Booth Street

A short walk from Albert Square, the grand hotel famous for Manchester’s most-Instagrammed infinity pool features a cosy and characteristically beautiful screening room with a range of exclusive packages available, from seasonal showings paired with themed cocktails to a dizzying variety of private hire options which can include cocktails, three-course meals and wine cellar access.

10 Booth St, Manchester M2 4AW, Tel: 0161 667 0707
Ducie Street Warehouse Mini Cini

Equal parts restaurant, bar, workspace, party hotspot and award-winning hotel, Ducie Street Warehouse also naturally contains a 36-seat ‘Mini Cini’ which regularly screens a range of cult classics, rom-coms, kids’ films and even dog-friendly movies, as well as special events like the immersive Whiskey Cinema Experience.

Ducie St, Manchester M1 2TP, Tel: 0161 503 9460
HOME | Tony Wilson Place

Considered the centre of Manchester’s unique artistic biome, HOME’s deserved reputation for world-class cultural programming stems partly from an eclectic, ever-changing slate of acclaimed international films which play across five screens, alongside a selection of classics and new indie releases.

2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN, Tel: 0161 200 1500
The Savoy | Heaton Moor

Part of a small network of lovingly rejuvenated cinemas including Wilmslow’s Rex and Belper’s Ritz, The Savoy offers an affordable, charming and community-oriented alternative to the Everyman experience in a rich, romantically furnished 1920s screening room with armchairs, sofas, personal lamps and wine by the bottle and a regular schedule of brand new releases.

105 Heaton Moor Rd, Heaton Moor, Stockport SK4 4HY, Tel: 0161 432 2114
Cultplex | Red Bank

Described as ‘the home of cult films, video games and cool nerd stuff in Manchester’, Cultplex (formerly Chapeltown Picture House) screens a delightful array of sleeper hits, sci-fi classics and more in an achingly cool cinema room with unreserved seating, a snack bar and the unmissable opportunity to eat at GRUB before the movie starts.

50 Red Bank, Greater, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4HF, Tel: 0161 302 3084
Leigh Film Factory

Set in the fantastic Grade II listed Leigh Spinners Mill, Leigh Film Factory offers state-of-the-art cinema technology set in a cozy auditorium boasting 110 comfortable IMAX seats.

4th Floor, Leigh Spinners Mill Park Lane Leigh WN7 2LA
Chorlton Film Institute

Chorlton Film Institute recently brought its pop-up cinema back to St Clement’s Church.

The Guerrilla Cinema group is committed to making art house film accessible in and around Chorlton, running on a no-membership basis.

After showing films for 13 years, the not-for-profit was forced into a 3-year hiatus due to the pandemic. However, the group are now back in the South Manchester suburb on the third Tuesday of every month. When the film is over, everyone’s also invited to The Horse and Jockey pub to discuss and debrief.

St Clements Church, Chorlton M21 9JF
Words:
Wolf McFarlane
Published on:
Mon 24 Jun 2024