Since the official reopening of cinemas in 2018, Saudi Arabia’s movie-going culture has absolutely boomed. In the capital, that means there are now a huge range of venues across town showing all the latest releases.
And since this is Riyadh, you can expect far, far more than just your standard popcorn-and-a-seat sessions – the big chains offer luxuries such as private viewing rooms, butler service, complimentary blankets and even gold-dusted snacks. So whatever your taste in movies, and whether you're looking for a high-end night out or an easygoing evening with friends, Riyadh’s cinemas have it all. Here's our guide to the best screens in the city.
1. AMC Cinemas Riyadh
AMC Cinemas is your go-to chain in Riyadh for a traditional, down-to-earth cinema experience – think comfy seats, plenty of popcorn and a giant fizzy drink as you sit back and enjoy the latest blockbuster. There are four branches across Riyadh (at Al Khair, Al Azizia Plaza, Panorama Mall and Riyadh Gallery) each offering a globe-spanning range of movies, including all the latest Hollywood, Bollywood and Arab releases.
AMC has three viewing options, depending how immersive you want your film session to be. There are the standard Dolby Cinema screenings, the giant IMAX experience or Prime, which comes with enhanced acoustics and projection technology.
Standard screening tickets start at around SAR55. Bargain hunters should visit on Mondays, when all tickets are just SAR29 – one of the cheapest movie tickets in Riyadh. There are also several ‘saver’ packages available for getting the best deals on snacks and drinks.
2. VOX Cinemas
The largest cinema chain in the Middle East, Vox Cinemas knows no limits when it comes to dramatically luxurious movie-going. Want your Leonardo DiCaprio flick with a side of gold-dusted popcorn? Then book a VIP experience, which also includes a complimentary pillow and blanket for keeping cosy in the air conditioned halls. Along with the fancy popcorn, you can order 24k gold-wrapped steak frites, gold-wrapped chocolate fondant, mocktails, milkshakes and more – all to be served at your seat by the in-cinema waiter.
For certain movies, Vox also offers MX4D®️ Motion EFX Theatre, an immersive 4D cinema experience where your seat moves in sync with the on-screen action, and wind blasts, water, smells and other sensory special effects are used throughout the film.
Still not special enough for you? Try Vox’s Renaissance Theatre experience at Via Riyadh, a series of themed private screening rooms, each with different state-of-the-art features. Go vintage-style with the Orient Express room, climb into real beds in the Avant Garde cinema, or soak up the decadent decor in the Secret Garden, Tuwaiq and Wall Street halls – it’s next level.
And don’t be afraid that the kids will miss out on all this cinema magic – Vox also has dedicated children’s screening rooms with colourful seats, perfect for watching a selection of family-friendly and animated movies together.
What’s all this going to set you back? Vox’s standard tickets are just SAR35, but prices rise steeply beyond that. Expect to pay from SAR70 for VIP tickets.
3. Muvi Cinemas
Muvi Cinemas is a homegrown Saudi Arabian cinema chain that has become extremely popular in recent years, opening eight outlets across the capital since its launch in 2019.
The chain’s boutique cinemas offer four viewing halls – Beverly Hills, London, Paparazzi and Library, each with creatively themed decor. Alternatively, you can book a Muvi Suite which features an extensive menu (you can eat a three-course meal here), a relaxation lounge for unwinding before or after the film, and two-seater pods that offer privacy while you’re viewing.
Muvi also offers sensory adapted sessions for guests who find the regular cinema environment stressful or unsuitable. At these Saturday screenings, house lights are kept on throughout the film, the volume is lower than usual and adverts aren’t shown. Guests are also allowed to bring in their own snacks.
A Muvi Suites bundle, which includes a Suites cinema ticket and unlimited popcorn and soda costs SAR175.
4. Empire Cinemas
If you love going to the cinema with the family, but find it tricky to keep the little ones in their seats for the duration of the film, you’ll find Empire Cinemas’ ‘Minis’ solution a stroke of genius. A combined screening room plus play area, Minis come complete with beanbags, ball pits and soft play so kids can suit themselves, have fun while the movie is playing and watch as much or as little as they feel like.
For the grown-ups, Empire Cinemas also has plenty to offer. Their Sphera with Flexaround screenings feature enhanced sound and lighting plus screens that wrap around the cinema’s walls – ideal for high-octane movies where you want to feel fully immersed in all the action.
You won’t go hungry here either, as the food menu at Empire includes easy meals and snacks such as chicken strips and hot dogs, plus there’s a Premier menu with dynamite shrimp and loaded nachos, burgers and pizza.
Visit on Tuesdays to take advantage of Empire Cinema’s Tuesday Offer – SAR35 for a cinema ticket, soft drink and popcorn.
5. Reel Cinemas
Reel Cinema in Grenada Mall offers a range of film viewing options, from the basic popcorn-and-a-movie session to the Reel Platinum Suites experience. The latter includes access to a glamorous lounge where you can relax before the film and grab drinks and a bite to eat. The cinema itself has reclining leather seats, pillows and blankets, and once you’re comfy and settled in, there’s even a personal butler on hand to bring you any more snacks and drinks you might need.
At the other end of the scale, bargain cinema ticket hunters should check out Reel’s special offers, which include deals on standard tickets for college students, Happy Hour tickets and discounts on Bollywood movies, from SAR30.
6. Coming Soon: Cinehouse
Riyadh’s film aficionados are in for a treat, as a new boutique cinema is set to open soon. The first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, Cinehouse will have just three screens, and will regularly screen Saudi movies, arthouse and independent productions as well as lesser-known and older international movies.
