Great movie theater! This theater is known to show more independent films rather than the blockbusters that show up at a Cinemark or Regal. I have come here a few times to see some movies that have been up for Oscars. This theater also is a host for many of the Philadelphia Film Society Events. It's an older theater so the when you walk in there are no stairs up to get to the seats, it's just slight incline almost flat seating. The head of the person in front of me was ever so slightly blocking the lower part of the screen but I have experienced way worse - nothing that impeding me viewing the film. Just a note on the popcorn situation. A large is a little over $7 and that includes a refill. The large is not a regal super size large but it is a hefty portion (I just ignored the calorie listing...ugh). The popcorn itself was a little cold when we got it but it was butter and definitely edible. They have only a small selection of snacks but you can get hot cocoa and coffee. OVerall, I will keep coming back here to satisfy my movie craving. read more

I love the art house cinema vibe: the selection of imported chocolate at concessions, the hot chocolate + tea beverage options, the film bill for current and upcoming features, and the carefully curated films. It's here where I've seen some of my favorites. The only thing missing is a liquor license, oversized leather chairs with movable arm rests, and eardrum blasting surround sound - then I'd really be able to get comfortable. This is a great place to go on a date by yourself. read more

This Ritz is a step below the one around the corner closer to Chestnut Street. But it's still a solid spot to catch a flick. On weekday afternoons, the cost for a movie is just $6.50, which is practically unheard of these days. Concessions are still on the pricey side - some things never change. Bathrooms were relatively clean on my recent visit. Ever notice how Ritz bathrooms smell like orange Fruit Loops? read more

I've seen plenty of good films here. I really appreciate the fact that I am able to experience independent films so close to home. Just a stroll and I'm there. This small theater is generally quiet and uncrowded. Normally I'm not an early bird, in any way, but there was a time that I got to my seat with so much time before the showing that I was able to catch a reel of photos from old, old Philadelphia, playing on the screen. I don't know if that happens every time, but I thought it was a nice touch. Thanks for showing movies that I want to see. Here's to ya, Ritz Five. read more

Ritz 5! Ritz 5! The Ritz is alive! Art filme montague On the big screen Take out your glasses Subtitles to read Jokes you may get Or over your head Just please remember Translation is dead Some films are Indie Others are cheeky I'm going to have nightmares That last one was freaky Please take tissues If you easily choke That documentary Left me heart-broke Last but not least Enjoy the show These are the movies Mainstream doesn't want you to know. CUT. Jim Carrey: GO SEE YES MAN! IN THEATRES DEC 19TH! Hey! This is my review! Get outta here! Jim Carrey: May I ass you a question?!?! No! LEAVE!!!! ..... Anyway, see Frost/Nixon. That was an excellent film playing at the Ritz 5 now. Jim Carrey: Hey I was in Eternal Sunshine! That was an artsy film. Whatever Grinch. Jim Carrey: Ouch. I forgot about that crap. END. read more

Definitely my least favorite of the Ritz Theatres in Center City. I feel bad giving the place just three stars and I've only seen two movies here, but both of those movie experiences weren't that great. I'm sure I'll return to the Ritz 5 in the future as the theatre carries some pretty good movies, so my rating my change. I hope! So, here were my gripes with the theatre. Unfortunately my gripes didn't even have anything to do with the cleanliness, or the food selection, or the seat comfort, or the service...but the actual playing/viewing of the movie. First of off, the screens seem a bit high in regards to the seats. I feel like I have to look up more than I normally would in another movie theatre. Its kind of uncomfortable. What's worse however, is that in one theatre, where I saw There Will Be Blood, the screen seemed oddly tilted & the color looked off. Because of what seemed to me to be an odd tilt, the picture looked skewed to me the whole time. In another theatre, where I saw The Other Bolelyn Girl, the sound was crackling & gritty throughout the whole film. It basically sounded really static-y. Maybe I just hit up some bad showings coincidentally, I don't know? read more

Great movies (artsy, world films that you won't see anywhere else) at this theatre. The seats are comfortable and the popcorn is always fresh. This is a great paceto see a movie. read more

I've been here for several indie and foreign films. The ticket takers are always courteous and speedy. The bathrooms are always clean. The theater itself is clean and it looks pretty nice. Its not quite as fancy as the Voorhees one, but it feels just about as comfortable nonetheless. The seats are usually clean as well as the floors. So far I haven't had one complaint about the projectionist nor the sound. The screens are always clean and the picture is good. The snack bar has a variety of things to choose from. If you are daring, you can even get mint hot chocolate and shock the snack bar people. All in all, one of my favorite places to see a movie. Good movies, well behaved people(ie. no cell phone using/swearing/texting and no obnoxious kids). read more

I've worked maybe 2 shifts and watched a bunch of movies here while it was still the Ritz (I left way before the Landmark takeover). I love Joe and Maurice (2 workers, one is now a manager). The workers do their job and do them well. I haven't had serious issues with projection or sound (not that I can remember). The theater layout is strange and the floor in the lobby I have heard is uneven and makes you feel like you have vertigo. The number one issue with this theater is how small the ladies room is. I haven't been into the men's room. The ladies room is really tight but I've heard rumors about expansion. I have never worked their concession but it's pretty small back there. I sucked at the cafe but as a customer, I've had no complaints. Oh, and in one of the theaters is a closet and at one point someone went in there which disturbed my movie watching experience (note: She doesn't work there anymore). This is rare that it happens, though. Also, I think the ushers do a good job of theater checks and cleaning up. Very consistent. As for parking, go to the Olde City Garage, entrance on 2nd. Show your ticket to the person at the door or box office at the Ritz Five and they will give you a validation card. You now pay $6.50 for parking! Easy and convenient. Too bad they raised the rates, it used to be only $5 for parking. Overall, a great theater. I love the Ritz movie theaters. read more

The Ritz has a fantastic selection of indie movies (in the fall when all the good ones come out, I'm here at least once a week) and a snack bar where you can get Italian soda and pocky. The best part, though, is the audiences - this place is frequented by terminally polite NPR listeners who would sooner step in front of a Septa bus than disturb your filmgoing experience. Sure, the theater could use some updating, but I like that it's a little more subdued than the newer, louder, shinier theaters, and really, you can't put a price on peace, can you? read more

What is art? That was the subject of the film I saw today. What is art house? Well, it might not be Ritz 5, but it is pretty close. I find films that are shown here to be far better than larger stadium seating theatres around the city (I'm looking at you, riverview). Ritz 5 shows the best independent titles and interesting art and foreign films. Having said that, maybe it is an art house theatre. I spent my birthday here to catch a film. It may be serendipitous or just coincidence, but I learned that Wednesdays all tickets are $6. read more

One Star for every theater! while the Bourse has the overall ambiance, and the East has the theater size, the 5 has the most theaters. and the fact that it's within walking distance to the East really tends to add onto it. A lot of my favorite Ritz viewing experiences happened in it too. So while I generally prefer the other 2, I have more of a soft spot for this one. read more

Let me start by saying, I adore all the Ritz theatres in Philadelphia. All locations know how to best serve their customers, and this one is no exception. Over the years, I've seen a handful of movies at this location. Employees are pleasant, theatres themselves are clean, and the tickets are reasonably priced. During my most recent visit, they had The Grand Budapest Hotel showing on all screens. This was convenient since the 3:00 sold out - another showing was just minutes away! The movie was still Limited Release at this time, and I had to see it before it was Wide Release. I've been a Wes Anderson fan since middle school! This was actually the first time I spent money on concessions. Yes, steep, but I have to assume cheaper than the monstrous movie theaters of the suburbs. Always, kudos for serving good coffee. The bathrooms are small and don't serve consecutive sold-out shows very well. The theatres themselves are small too - arriving early would suit you well! The Ritz Theatres are pretty much the only place I'd go see a movie. read more

We saw Lincoln last night, a wonderful movie that I highly recommend. We enjoyed the Ritz Five, and were in a unique position to compare it to the Ritz East since we were there last week to see Anna Karinina, another "must see." The drinks here, like at Ritz East, include hot Earl Gray tea, something this Hot Tea Yelper appreciates and which should almost get a business a five star rating automatically. Notwithstanding, the Ritz Five, doesn't get a a 5 star nor a recommendation from me. The bathroom floor was covered with water, and I don't think it was fresh clean water either. I walked from stall to stall, looking for a safe place to land. There was not any in the bathroom that evening, not before the movie when I declined to go into a single stall and not during the movie when I ran out to see if I could finally find a dry, safe stall in which to well, you know, sit. I also expected a nice host to introduce the audience like I found at the Ritz East (see that review for more details), but here -- nothing. No sense of family like at Ritz East. I suspect, like me, you will select the theatre based upon the film you want to view, not the availability of hot tea or wonderful introductions. These are extras that just made the Ritz East a delightful place. But, I do think we are entitled to safe and clean bathrooms, and I don't think that it is too hard for the theatre to provide them. Hence, my rating. read more

Things I like: 1) tea at the movie theater 2) cheap-o tickets 3) indie movies 4) sno-caps! The only drawbacks to this Ritz (and most of them) is difficulty parking for free (though it isn't far from the El, so that's good) and on a Saturday night it can be a complete fuster cluck, with lines for the theater, the snacks, the box office, the bathroom all getting intertwined. So prepare for some mild claustrophobia. But stick to the weekdays (Wednesdays, particularly) and you'll get the 6.50 tickets! read more

Neat little theatre out in Olde City, very near to good places to eat and drink. Very accessible by foot or metro. Its tucked away off the beaten path, and takes a little bit of deductive reasoning to find the front door. Staff could have been a bit more courteous, as the "dude" in the box office seemed to want to be doing something else other than wait on guests. Lobby and auditorium was fairly clean and didn't feel sticky. I chose to go here due to the status as an "art house"; showing indy films that are normally hard to find. I saw HARRY BROWN here, and I must say that (unfortunately), this theatre suffers from the same problem every theatre in Philly seems to have: Poor Presentation. There were the usual issues of an out-of-focus picture, scratches, and masking problems. You have to wonder if the "dude" in the booth even looks out at the screen after pressing Start. I'll be back, only to catch those hard to find films, hopefully they'll hire someone who gives a crap about the presentation soon. read more

Okay-I blow into town for the first time, and tap this theatre twice in three days! Saw "Gran Torino" on Wednesday and "Milk" today (Friday). And, while I enjoyed both movies thoroughly, I do have some service beefs with the place. 1. The bathroom stalls feel like they're portables. 2. Toilet seat paper covers were unavailable in both visits, in various stalls. 3. Taxi drivers are lined up outside, but all of their lights were off (off-duty? engaged? who knew), so when we hailed a cab driving by, with its light on, we were honked and yelled at by the parked cab drivers. Why yes, with that treatment, let me just JUMP into your car and tip you handsomely... 4. I had to exit the theatre to use the bathroom and realized I didn't bring my ticket stub with me. Not being familiar with the protocol, I tried to get an employee's attention to let him know what I was doing and what theatre I was in. I literally stood in front of him and tried to catch his eye. He TOTALLY ignored me. Tip: monumentally bad customer service. Cramped women's bathroom. Doesn't really feel handicapped-accessible. read more

This theater is full of hidden gem movies! Love coming here for a unique experience! It's a plus that the tickets are more cost effective than other chain theaters as well! The popcorn is a delight, the staff if ridiculously friendly and I can't wait to see our next movie there! read more

I went to go see a movie. At first they were playing some bland classical selections before the film began. They had the cinematic sound system firing on all cylinders. Nothing worse than bland classical music cranked up to ear splitting volumes. You can imagine my excitement as I heard the opening notes of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. (No, not the silly Emerson, Lake & Palmer version. A real honest to goodness full blown orchestral version.) I was rockin' along nicely when all of a sudden the music stopped and I heard the sounds of a movie projector starting up. Bummer. If you're going to bother playing such an awesome example of the music of the Romantic Era, I'd like to hear it in its entirety. Really? For reels? Interrupting PaaE to start a movie? I was so incensed, I walked out. Only kidding. I didn't walk out, but I was shocked and appalled. To their credit, the music resumed after the film. It was too little, too late. The whole experience had already been ruined for me. The freakin' nerve of them to do something like that. It just galls me even to think about. It's reasons like this that the Ritz Dive is my least favorite of the Ritz Theatres. Something like this would never happen at Ritz East or Ritz at the Bourse. read more

I love this place. I really do. They play good movies. They care about service. I can get an Italian Soda and the seats are so old and worn in you need a booster seat to be propped up. They play five minutes of instructions right after previews before the movie and it tickles me every time. Slide one will say "Tell us if there's anything wrong with projection or sound. We're here to serve you." and then Slide 2 will say "For your safety don't put your belongings on the floor." And Slide Three will say "oh, yeah Don't forget to silence your cell phone. Or put it on vibrate." And Slide Four will say "Please Refrain from excessive talking/noise during the movie" etc etc and it goes on forever. Love. read more

Saw Café Society with my boyfriend here. Loved the themed uniform the concession stand cashiers wear. Popcorn was a little stale but you can't beat those student discounts on tickets! Just show valid ID. Will definitely return, but maybe get candy instead next time. read more

Love the theater and going to the city to see a good selection of films. But what's with the popcorn? They say it's popped ahead of time. But I say it's some kinda manufactured unnatural substance made to resemble popcorn. Every piece is identical looking and tastes like plastic cardboard. Popcorn is part of the reason I go to the theater to truly enjoy the movie experience, and the fake popcorn blew it for me. Please go back to real natural freshly popped corn! I don't know who you're fooling with the popped garbage you're still charging top dollar for? Please! read more

I came here most recently to see the King's Speech on a Sunday. This theater is not the most up to date. It's also kind of small. Still, it's not a bad experience. I was able to acquire a ticket and find a seat with relative ease. I like the informational slides they show before the movie begins. I've seen plenty of "make sure your cell phone is off" type slides but the ones here are different. They are well written. So, not much to say really. I didn't try the popcorn but this place seems pretty standard. I'll be back. read more

A cute intimate indie theater, we came here to watch Blackfish, a documentary about killer whales and how they are poorly treated and misunderstood by Seaworld, the corporate blackhat (great movie by the way). The moviegoers here have manners and respectful (read: we're not talking about the teenage idiots that litter the blockbuster movie theaters in Philly). Can't complain about that! If you come on a weekend for the first showing, tickets are only $7.25! read more

Ritz Five was the first Ritz theater I ever went to. Since then many of my fondest film-going memories have involved this theater- my first date, meeting my heroes, my first NC-17 film, and screenings of at least 3 of my all time favorites. My own nostalgia probably isn't the best criteria to use in rating a place (if that were the case, the dirty Chuck E Cheese in Springfield would have a five-star rating), but Ritz Five, like all of the other Ritz Theaters, is well maintained, well managed, and always has a great selection. The theater is conveniently located across from Positano Coast-Aldo Lamberti, so you can purchase your date a fine meal and a bottle of wine before you take her to see the latest Polanski film. Don't like Italian food? Just enjoy some wonderful Pirate Booty and a fine drink from the snack bar, and enjoy as you witness the horror that Lars Von Trier unleashes on his latest female protagonist. The space is always clean and the staff is always helpful, which makes Ritz 5 better than just about any theater in the city. And with validated parking (and low-priced tickets to begin with), it's preferable to what you'd pay anywhere else to watch talking CGI animals dance around. read more

I haven't been to the devils layer Aka regal cinemas for over a year now. Thanks to the great shows , inexpensive tix, yummy popcorn( mmmm just thinking about it is making my mouth water) a few things the best day to go is wednesday . The matinee price is given all day !!!! Sign up for the email list they send an update of showtimes usually on Thursdays. It includes upcoming shows for all the ritz theatres as well as new releases. Usually we have no problem finding parking but they offer discounted parking lot. read more

I find myself attending this particular Ritz theater over all the others. I've still only been to the Bourse a handful of times. At any rate, this is the place to go to if you are dead set on seeing that indie film or foreign flick you've heard about or perhaps some of the classier current blockbusters. Their selection is always phenomenal. I swear every time I pick up one of their newsletters, I'm immediately entranced and am already planning my next visit. The theater is always clean, the seats are always comfortable and really I somehow find myself paying a ~$7 matinee price more often than not. It's a definite go for any film lover. read more

Nice spot to see the latest independent films. The theaters and bathrooms are kept clean. The concession stand is a bit limited. But the best thing is that the people that come here love movies. So you don't get the idiots talking and texting during the movie. read more

I'm a big fan of the Landmark chain of movie theaters. I particularly like that they screen independent films without being too stuck up about it. In fact, I wouldn't even describe their film selection as "independent"--I think a better word is "interesting," because they are more than willing to show thoughtfully made studio films. Combine this curated approach to film selection with comparatively low ticket prices and a solid snack bar... You've got yourself a winner. BOTTOM LINE: The Ritz doesn't have mind-blowing technology or luxurious accommodations, but they do have quality movies at an affordable price. read more

I tried to go to see a movie tonight but when I got there I was told that they weren't selling tickets because it was sponsored by an organization or something. The movie time was listed on their website and after I left I saw it on the atom app too but I don't like to pay for the extra fees. I was really disappointed because I had planned my evening around going and came all the way from West Philly. Nothing on the website or on Atom denotes that I couldn't buy a ticket for the movie in person. read more

One of the many Ritz in the city. You can only really catch a movie at a Ritz in the city. This theater has 5 screens and tend to show non blockbusters and small films, which I love. The theater, bathrooms and such are clean. Nice variety at the concession stands ranging from the typical popcorn to scones. Nice place to catch a flick. read more

The best place in the city for indie film, The Ritz is a pearl for great cinema in Philadelphia. The ticket purchasing process is easy and quick. Concessions are really good, with decent coffee and a good tea selection. But the real attraction here are the films. They are nicely curated and exclude most bad blockbusters shown at the big, multiplex type theaters. The theater hosts PFS showings. The seating is comfortable and the audiences here are polite and I have enjoyed every visit to the theater over the last few months. Ritz has made my post-Brooklyn indie-film-viewing life much easier! read more

Came to see a matinee showing of "Lady Bird" on Christmas Day and given the high volume of people in the theater lobby waiting to get tickets, I was very impressed by the professionalism and efficiency of the staff. Tickets are generally around $10, though they do offer a $8 matinee special during the week. I was also satisfied with the quality of the screening room itself--clean seats, clean floors, good view of the screen, top-notch movie quality, and overall no complaints. I would definitely come back for another movie, even though I only go to movie theaters when there's something I REALLY want to see. read more

I saw a prescreening of a movie here last year and I really enjoyed it. The seats were spacious, the theatre clean, and the sound was great. Didn't try the concessions. I'd go again in a heartbeat, as soon as a movie I want to see pops up. In fact, I only live like 3 blocks away, so I should get on that soon! read more

Great theater, even though it seems to be one of the few in Philly. They only have a couple movies playing at once but they are usually pretty big titles. I was able to get the student discount and only had to pay $6.50! I can't remember the last time I saw a movie that cheap! The theaters are large, and relatively clean. Minus one star for the surly man at the box office. read more

Classier type of theatre with classier films-not as classy as similar cinemas in Australia that serve wine with your meal. Friendly service helps-thanks guys Clean bathrooms always appreciated For Car drivers Good parking deals read more

This is my go-to movie theater in Philly. I like to catch a matinee on the weekends by myself every once I'm a while and I always love walking here. The staff is friendly but not too perky (my preferred customer service attitude). They have great popcorn ( overpriced of course but who cares) and it's not too big of a theater. They also show great indie movies so what's not to love. read more

Nice theatre, my partner and I decided to catch a movie before our flight back to Memphis, the box office attendant offered to put our luggage away behind the counter for us, which was a thoughtful gesture. This ends our trip on a high note, we love Philadelphia and have had such a great experience with all of the locals. On another note, I like that this theatre plays movies we typically cannot see back in Memphis, so win win. read more

It's a movie theater, and its snack bar serves scones, lattes, and tea. And all of them are really good. And it's not pretentious about it, nor is it a gimmick, nor do any of them cost crazy amounts. Yes it plays amazing movies as well, and the staff is really nice. my only complaint is that the bathrooms are really small, but the location and prices are so good, who's complaining? But seriously, it's a movie theater that serves really good scones. And isn't pretentious about it. read more

You have to love the Ritz theaters. Great movies AND they let you bring your own snacks. The people that work their are pretty friendly and the other patrons are always respectful and friendly. By far my favorite movie theater of all time. read more