Normally, I write about the best arthouse and independent cinemas in cities like Paris or Amsterdam. However, pretty much every cinema in Bangkok is mainstream or owned by a cinema chain in some form. So, instead, I’ve come up with a list of all the best Bangkok cinemas. Some cinemas are more low-key and arthouse, others more decadent than a Michelin starred restaurant.

For real though, there’s a huge number of cinemas in Bangkok to choose from. And the sheer scale of some of these cinemas with their plush seating and concessions put Bangkok cinemas more on par with the USA than Europe. Check out my list of all the best Bangkok cinemas, both luxury and low-key.

9 of the Best Bangkok Cinemas

4 Independent(ish) Bangkok Cinemas

1. Scala Cinema (Apex Group)

Address: 256/1 Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10330

The Apex Group used to also run cinemas called Lido and Siam but with Lido closing in early 2018, only Scala remains. It opened in 1969 and is the last single-screen cinema in operation in Thailand. It offers a classic cinema experience whilst sporting very impressive decor. A rundown, unloved cinema, this is not.

Visit the Scala Cinema website here.

2. House Rama RCA/Royal City Avenue

Address: 31/9 26 Khwaeng Bang Kapi, Khet Huai Khwang, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10310

This cinema is probably the kind of ‘arthouse’ cinema you’re used to. A small two-screen cinema, House RCA screens independent world cinema with cheap concessions and, get this, no commercials! We are not worthy of such a magical place.

Visit the House RCA website here.

Please note: The Thai National anthem is played before every cinema screening and you will be expected to stand up for it even if you’re not Thai. Don’t be a disrespectful tourist!

3. Bangkok Screening Room

Address: 1/3-7 Sala Daeng 1 Alley, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10500

Think of the Bangkok Screening Room as more of a Film Club. It’s a really cosy screening room near Lumphini Park screening older, well-loved films. For example, this week you could catch Dumbo (1941), Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011).

Visit the Bangkok Screening Room website here.

4. Cinema Oasis

Address: 4 Soi Sukhumvit 43, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10110

Cinema Oasis was set up by the filmmakers who made the Thai film Shakespeare Must Die (2012). The film was censored by the Thai Government, claiming it to be damaging to national pride. So then, they made a documentary called Censorship Must Die which documented the censorship fiasco with their first film. And THEN, when censors threatened to sue any cinema that would screen it (because documentaries can’t be censored), they set up Foundation Cinema Oasis.

It’s a non-profit cinema, obviously with a mission of supporting Thai film in all its uncensored glory.

Visit the Foundation Cinema Oasis website here.

5 Mainstream & Luxury Bangkok Cinemas

1. Major Cineplex Rama III

Address: 79/323 3 Khwaeng Chong Nonsi, Khet Yan Nawa, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10120

Major Cineplex is a big cinema chain in Bangkok, usually housing their cinemas in big shopping malls alongside the bowling allies and fast food restaurants. Sukhumvit is also a popular Major Cineplex theatre choice but Rama III is one of the most nicely decorated.

Major Cineplex screen the latest Hollywood/mainstream movies, some dubbed in Thai but most in the original English. And you can usually find this information on their listings so that’s super handy!

Visit the Major Cineplex Rama III website here.

2. Quartier CineArt (Major Cineplex)

Address: 8/35 Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10110

Technically under the Major Cineplex brand, but a bit more swanky. I mean, it’s got an IMAX screen (ooooh!). They still screen mainstream Hollywood fare but, like I said, a little more upmarket with nicer interiors than your average shopping mall cinema. Expect prices to reflect this!

Visit the Quartier CineArt website here.

3. Paragon Cineplex

Address: 991 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10330

The Siam Paragon mall is a super-luxurious mall in the Siam district of Bangkok. It’s also home to the super-super-luxurious Paragon Cineplex. At this cinema, you can expect a choice of gourmet popcorn, the largest IMAX theatre in Thailand. They have mirrors on the ceiling and a nice cushy seat to park your backside.

Visit the Paragon Cineplex website here. 

Top tip: The multiplex cinemas have a habit of blasting out air conditioning colder than the Arctic circle. While this can often be a welcome relief from the stale, humid Bangkok weather, it can also get a bit annoying after a while. Bring a light jacket if you think it might bother you.

4. Embassy Diplomat Screens

Address: 1453 Phloen Chit Rd, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10330

Do you shop at Waitrose and fly with British Airways? In other words, are you posh enough for this cinema? I know I’m definitely not. Though the name of the cinema would have you think otherwise, this is not a cinema for diplomats and VIPs. RFs (regular folk) are more than welcome to book seats if they have the dough.

This is more of an ‘occasional treat’ type of cinema. Get there about an hour early to take advantage of the buffet and drinks included in the ticket price. And the seats look amazing – imagine a velvety soft sofa with throw cushions, but the part you sit on is long like a bed. Like a cross between a love seat and a chaise lounge.

Visit the Embassy Diplomat Screens website here.

5. SF Cinema City at The Emporium (SF Group)

Address: 622 Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Tan, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10110

SF Group is another cinema chain like Major Cineplex that has a few separate branches. SFX are SF’s more luxurious, chic cinemas, SFC (or SF Cinema City) are the large multiplex cinemas usually in malls. If you see an SF cinema beginning with SFW, that just refers to one cinema, SF World Cinema, which is their flagship movie theatre in Bangkok. Phew. It took me a while to figure one what all the different acronyms meant.

SF Cinema City at The Emporium is one of the most recommended cinemas in Bangkok. It’s slightly different to all the other SFC cinemas as The Emporium is a luxury shopping mall, so hopefully fewer kids? I imagine this cinema is quite similar to Paragon Cineplex.

Visit the SF Cinema City at The Emporium website here.

A note on language/dubbing/subtitles in Bangkok Cinemas

Generally speaking, if the film is a Hollywood/English film, the movie will be screened with the original English soundtrack and Thai subtitles. If the film is Thai, it will be screened with the original Thai soundtrack and English subtitles.

If a film is from another Asian country, that’s where it gets tricky. Films are usually shown with their original soundtrack but might be subtitled in English or Thai. It’s also unlikely that the cinema will provide this information with the listings on the website. So, often, the only way to find out if you’re going to be able to understand the film is to call the cinema before you book.

It’s annoying, I know. But, just be thankful that English is such a universal language so that enjoying a film in another country is even possible!

Those are the most amazing luxury Bangkok cinemas! Have you watched a film in Bangkok? Let me know in the comments below! 

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