Looking for a movie night in Warsaw but not sure where to head? The capital is home to dozens of cinemas – everything from intimate arthouse theaters to state-of-the-art multiplexes equipped with IMAX.
To help you save time and money, we’ve put together a list of the best movie theaters that are actually worth checking out for your next film.
And if you’re in the mood to mix things up, take a look at our guides to Warsaw’s best shopping centers, museums, and nightlife spots.
1. Helios
Located in the Blue City mall, Helios boasts 8 screens with 900 seats, including 3 premium Dream halls. These Dream halls come equipped with Dolby ATMOS sound and crystal-clear 4K screens. When it comes to seating, they’ve gone all out – the back row features comfy couches with drink holders, while the front rows come with convenient popcorn holders and little tables.
You’ll find a Helios café and snack bar on-site, and all staff members speak English well.
Movie buffs can enjoy several special programs:
- their “Cinema for Connoisseurs” series featuring award-winning films
- special ladies’ movie nights
- kid-friendly morning shows
- all-night movie marathons
- monthly sensory-friendly screenings for people with autism (held on Saturdays)
Want to save some money? Here’s how:
- grab your tickets early
- come on Tuesdays for special deals
- check out Polish films through the Kultura Dostępna program
The only real downside? Those lengthy ads before the movie – though that’s pretty much standard for all major theater chains these days.
Quick heads up: Blue City parking is only free for the first 2 hours.
2. Multikino
Warsaw is home to 6 Multikino multiplexes, each with its own charm. The flagship location at Złote Tarasy is quite a sight – it spans three floors and houses one of the world’s biggest screens at 300 m². Their premiere hall seats 788 people and hosts Warsaw Film Festival events and meet-and-greets with film stars.
Multikino Młociny is especially worth checking out – every seat comes with power recliners at no extra cost, so you can kick back and relax. Some theaters are decked out with 4K projectors and Dolby Atmos sound that really pulls you into the action.
They go beyond just movies too – you can catch sports events, concerts, ballet, opera, and theater shows. They run overnight movie marathons, morning shows for kids, and screen arthouse films every Thursday.
The prices won’t break the bank, and their VIP seats give you plenty of legroom. Most locations have a Cavablanca café for pre- or post-movie snacks.
Just keep in mind: show up on time (they’re strict about late entry), expect some ads before the film, and be aware that the parking garage lighting can be a bit dim after evening shows.
The chain’s been around since 1998 and now runs 42 theaters across 37 Polish cities. All venues offer both 2D and 3D screenings with modern equipment. They’ve picked up several awards too, including the 2014 ECA Award for Event Cinema and recognition from Superbrands.
3. Cinema City
Cinema City stands out with its high-tech offerings. At Cinema City Arkadia, you can catch films in 4DX – think moving seats and special effects. Over at Galeria Mokotów, they’ve got ScreenX, which uses extra side screens to wrap the action around you.
You’ll find Cinema City in 6 Warsaw shopping centers. Each location typically has 13 screens and seats about 2,700 people. Their Białołęka and Sadyba spots offer special sensory-friendly screenings.
While the snacks are a bit pricey, people love how clean the theaters are and how comfy the seats are. The 3D showings get particularly good reviews.
Here’s a money-saving tip: tickets are half-price every Wednesday. If you’re a regular, look into their Unlimited card – it gets you endless movies for a monthly fee plus 10% off at the snack counter.
Good to know: book online to skip the lines, head to later shows after 7 PM for smaller crowds, and remember the restrooms are at the corridor’s end, with food options one floor down.
4. Kino Muranów
Located just steps from “Ratusz Arsenał” metro station, Cinema Muranów is one of Warsaw’s premier spots for arthouse films. Its four screens are named after cinema legends: Paul, Zbyszek, Ingrid, and Gerard.
Thanks to a recent makeover, the theater now sports a charming vintage feel that pairs nicely with its modernist café in the lobby. Feel free to grab a coffee and play some chess before or after your movie.
The cinema’s program is put together by Gutek Film, who’ve been bringing arthouse cinema to Poland since 1994. You’ll find European indie films, preview screenings, and live theater broadcasts on the schedule. They also run family screenings for kids in the mornings.
The place has hosted quite a lineup of famous directors over the years, including Wim Wenders, Peter Greenaway, Michelangelo Antonioni, Darren Aronofsky, and François Ozon. Muranów is also a regular venue for film festivals and themed screenings, including showcases of Dutch cinema.
Good to know: Seating isn’t assigned, so get there early to snag your preferred spot. They’ve banned popcorn and nachos – great news for those who like their movies quiet. There are student discounts for Warsaw University students and seniors, plus special deals for everyone on Mondays.
Their programming has earned them some serious recognition: they’ve won awards from the Polish Film Institute and Europa Cinemas for best programming, and they’ve been voted Warsaw’s best cinema twice by Warszawiaki.
5. Kino Kultura
Right in downtown Warsaw, next to the Ministry of Culture, you’ll find Cinema Kultura with its two screens. The main theater fits 234 people, while the cozy Rejs screen in the courtyard seats 60.
They mainly show European and Polish arthouse films, including Oscar winners and festival favorites. One big plus: no ads before the movies, so you can really get into the film from the start.
Their tickets won’t break the bank – they’re among the cheapest in town, especially on Mondays. Both screens are kitted out with the latest digital equipment.
Downstairs, there’s Cinema Paradiso restaurant serving up Italian and Mediterranean food. Chef Nestor Grojewski, who used to cook for Hollywood stars, whips up special seafood dishes, homemade pasta, and fish specialties.
Kultura regularly hosts film festivals, premieres, and meet-and-greets with filmmakers. They’ve had some big names through their doors, including Martin Scorsese and Jiří Menzel.
6. Kino Atlantic
Atlantic Cinema on Chmielna 33 has been showing films since 1930, making it Warsaw’s oldest running movie theater. It’s got four air-conditioned screens that can seat about 800 people total: Hall A (158 seats), B (221 seats), C (259 seats), and D (156 seats).
The place has quite a history – it was Warsaw’s first cinema to show talkies. These days, they show a mix of blockbusters and indie films. Seniors get discounted tickets on Wednesdays through their “Senior Time” program, and everyone can catch a break on Monday prices. Warsaw City Card holders get some perks too.
People love the comfy seats and the quality popcorn here. You can grab some fast food at either of the two bars. All screens come with 3D capability. Just one heads-up: there’s no elevator, which might be tricky for people with mobility issues.
They run some cool themed screenings regularly – everything from Polish classics in their “Brief History of Polish Cinema” series to action movie marathons. The Warsaw Film Festival makes its home here too.
7. Kino Elektronik
Just by the metro station in Warsaw, you can’t miss the striking red neon sign and movie murals. Located in a historic building, Kino Elektronik kept its authentic charm after its 2015 renovation.
The main theater fits 410 people, plus there’s a cozy screening room for 26. With its unnumbered wooden seats, the place has a unique vibe – no popcorn or ads before movies here. Though the seats aren’t exactly plush.
They show arthouse films, indie movies, and classics. The theater hosts regular events like Script Fiesta for screenwriters and meet-and-greets with directors and actors. Notable visitors have included Agnieszka Holland, and Warsaw Film School students often screen their work here.
The cinema earned the coveted “Cinema of the Month” recognition from Europa Cinemas. It’s run by the “Laterna Magica” foundation, headed by Maciej Ślesicki and Bogusław Linda.
8. Kino Praha
Kino Praha offers everything from new releases to arthouse films, plus live streams of sports events and concerts.
You’ll find tickets cost quite a bit less than at big chain theaters. The place rarely gets packed, so you can enjoy films in peace. These days it’s also home to the Jan Kiepura Theater, which puts on musicals including “The Blue Castle.”
They’ve embraced modern tech, even using some AI in their services. Just keep in mind the snack bar’s hours are hit-or-miss – best to check if it’s open before your show.
9. Kino Iluzjon
Housed in a 1950s building on Narbutta Street, Iluzjon is basically a living museum of Warsaw’s film history. You won’t find popcorn or ads here, but you will find two great screening rooms – the main Stolica hall with 263 seats and the intimate Mała Czarna that fits 47.
They screen both classics and modern arthouse films. Some showings start with the Polish Film Chronicle, which adds a nice nostalgic touch. There’s also a lovely café called Stolica with outdoor seating – perfect for a coffee or beer before or after your movie.
The place regularly hosts film festivals and director talks. They’ve welcomed big names like Werner Herzog, Mike Leigh, and Jiří Menzel. Kids can join the Mały Iluzjon club on Sundays.
Fair warning – when they show archival films, you might notice some film splices and jumps. But hey, that’s part of the old-school cinema charm.
10. Kinoteka
Right in the middle of the Palace of Culture and Science sits Kinoteka – carrying on the legacy of three historic theaters from the 1950s. It now has eight modern screens seating between 48 and 294 people, adding up to 1,410 seats total.
They got a major facelift in 2021: new screens (thanks to the Polish Film Institute), fresh seats and carpets, and updated bathrooms and food areas.
The programming mixes mainstream movies with indie and arthouse films. It’s the go-to spot for big festivals like Millennium Docs Against Gravity, Młode Horyzonty, and Asian Five Flavours. Being part of Europa Cinemas and the Studio Cinema Network, they’re big on promoting European films and running youth programs.
For premieres, they go all out with themed photo areas – like their special setup for the “Barbie” movie. The tech setup is top-notch too, with great picture and sound that really pulls you into the film.
11. Kinokawiarnia Stacja Falenica
Picture watching a movie with homemade cake and coffee while trains roll by outside – that’s Stacja Falenica for you, a unique cinema that opened in 2010 in a 1930s modernist train station.
It has two well-equipped screening rooms. The main hall ditches traditional seating for tables and comfy chairs, with waiters bringing your orders right to you during the movie. You can get coffee, wine, or desserts, and there’s only about 10 minutes of ads before shows.
They focus on arthouse and quality films, being part of the Europa Cinemas network. The team travels to festivals to handpick their movies. There’s also a bookshop on-site, and in summer you can enjoy their terrace.
The café’s become quite the local hotspot – and not just for neighbors. A 2017 renovation added cool ceiling artwork featuring local history.
It’s more than just a cinema though – it’s really the neighborhood’s cultural hub, hosting everything from concerts and plays to classes for young and old, book launches, and kids’ workshops.
