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

You can always count on the Ritz Five. They always show the best films, the tickets and concessions aren't overpriced, and no need to buy tickets online ahead of time, even on a Saturday night. A great place to go with your folks. read more

I love a good art house type of theater. This is a good spot for those indie and foreign films you have a itch to see. First, you have to know you cannot fairly compare an art house theater to a mega plex. There are no 3 D screens. There are no jumbo screens. There is one snack counter and the options are limited. But this is not why you go. You go for the hard to find movies. The place is very well kept. The theater and bathrooms were all clean. No tears in the carpets or seats. They take good care of what they have. The service was good. The price is a million times better than your standard popular theater. And, you get to see some of the best movies. On this trip, we saw 12 Years a Slave, which is being nominated for everything and already winning some of the smaller awards. It's a sure fire Oscar contender. Weeknights and weekend/holiday matinees will run you $7.25. If you are a student, you get this price always. The peek times will get you for $10. Much better than the $14 the mega plexes are charging these days. And, really, who needs a screen the size of godzilla and 3D. read more

The Ritz cinemas have always been at the top of their game - flawless video, sound and CUSTOMER SERVICE. This is not your regular cinema company, but one that actually cares about the viewing experience. Interesting candy and sodas, always some local or regional soda brands, and nice people. Saw "The Hurt Locker" here on the weekend (starring Jeremy Renner) definitely a quality war film. read more

Philly's best place to experience a movie... the Ritz-5 is a Five-star gem! Movie posters adorn the windows of a well lit albeit small lobby that is very welcoming. I believe their concessions stand is the finest around, complete with bakery items and refillable jumbo sodas, everything you could want to snack on for $5- and under. read more

Staff are pleasant. Theaters are clean. They have original choices at the snack bar and when there is a problem with a movie they're very accommodating. Love this theater! You can see many indie films here. read more

Ritz Five - Robot and Frank. Late night! - Cinema Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The theater that I was seated in was really narrow and pretty close the screen. I opted to sit in the very last row. It was empty and the matinee price did me in. (There is also a student discount for those of you that this applies to.) The restroom smelled funny though. Another plus - it's located across Zahav and Positano Coast. Can you say happy hour drinks and apps then a movie?! read more

Volume of the movie was way too loud. I was told by management it was at the request of "older" customers. For people with normal hearing, makes for a unpleasant experience, and when there were explosions, it was loud enough to do ear damage. read more

I just saw the Michael Moore "Capitalism" film at the Ritz. Not as depressing as I thought, but depressing nonetheless...but that's another review. I was a little worried because previous experiences with this theater have left me with parking woes, but not tonight. I think the new parking system the city has put in place helps a lot. The snack selection was decent, a little more interesting selection than your typical theater. I DO feel like the screens are positioned a bit high, because I sat halfway down the aisle and had to slump all the way down in my seat to prevent a neck ache. Otherwise, it was cool. read more

The three Ritz theaters are all so appealing, but the Ritz Five stands out from the rest. Why? This one is the easiest to get to. You know it is on 2nd and Walnut. The Bourse is easy to get to as well but the lay-out is a little too impersonal and reminds me of the Riverview theater on Columbus Boulevard (in South Philadelphia). I love that they show indie and foreign films and that you can even get a cup of coffee. The theaters are also relatively cheaper than other theaters--cough, The Bridge, cough, cough--and if you befriend the staff they are readily willing to give you a discount or a free movie if it is unpacked. Trust me, this is the neighborhood theater that is a must if you want to break out of the mold and see an indie film under $10 and grab a cup of coffee. read more

I go here fairly often for free advanced screenings, and I have no complaints! Tiny theater, but plays more "off-beat" films that don't get screened at the larger chains. I always park in the garage by the 'other' theater (Ritz East on 2nd) and just walk over. They validate your parking here as well, it's only like 6 bucks or so. Oh and make sure to get your parking validated BEFORE the movie (if it's a late showing) because one time I didn't do it beforehand and just went to the box office window afterwards for validation, and no one was there because it was "after hours" by the time the film I was seeing let out. So just keep that in mind. read more

A nice theater to go for a date for the following reasons: *great selection of indie movies *they don't allow small children (and teenagers must be accompanied by an adult) *reasonable prices *close to the El *small theaters *a nice variety of snacks Only a couple downsides: *small bathroom that could have been cleaner *line out the door for tickets (though this was Saturday night) read more

I love going to the movies, and there aren't too many options in Philly, but it doesn't matter because I love all of the Ritzes anyway. The prices are very fair for a city, and they offer student discounts some nights (most nights I think). The movies are usually indie or small budget or specialty stuff. The snack bar is also fairly prices, and offers good food. I love drinking nice coffee and eating Toblerone while watching a movie. The bathrooms are clean, and the seats are comfy. What else could you ask for? read more

Ritz Five, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways: -- Location: Prime Old City location that's easily accessible. All kinds of food and drink and shopping and everything else to do right there. -- Legroom: Best legroom in a movie theater, bar none. -- Quiet: No one's making noise here. -- Cheap: $6! -- Mix of indie and blockbuster flicks. read more

How can you beat this place? The staff is very friendly. I've seen There Will Be Blood twice so far and I've always had an enjoyable experience. The seating is comfortable, sound quality is good, but my only gripe is the concession stand. I feel like they could have a better selection of candy (Skittles, Twizzlers or Starburst please). read more

This is a theatre that shows great movies and is in a good location. but it is difficult to view films, as you have to look up high to see the movie screen. Generally, we prefer to view movies at the bourse or the Ritz East Theatre. The film selections tend towards Art Films and Independent releases, which is a nice change of pace from the Blockbuster Films shown in most locations. It is nice that they also do not show too many previews prior to the main attraction. As well, the previews are of equally good movies, that we may want to view in the future. Overall, an ok but not superlative theatre . read more

top five reasons this is my favorite Ritz: 1) location, location, location! 2) it doesn't reek of butter and popcorn in every nook and cranny, but does have some swanky treats to enjoy that are NOT popcorn related. 3) the bathrooms are always super clean and never fully occupied. 4) great movies! 5) i saw Owen Wilson here wearing (what else) boat shoes. read more

I can't really complain. They show great films, they are cheaper than the larger theaters, and I can walk there. I'm definitely a fan of the Ritz Theaters, and there's nothing particular about the Ritz Five that strikes me in either way. The prices are agreeable, as is the staff. Once or twice, I was here during a storm and the power went out, and everyone got a free ticket (which makes me want to go to the movies EVERY time it storms!!). I enjoy the Ritz and what they represent, but I do miss their old website. read more

My favorite of the RItz theaters, definitely. And okay, I admit -- maybe I was hooked after I found out you could buy coffee in the lobby and drink it during the movie, thereby guaranteeing you won't fall asleep, no matter how bad the film is. But I also enjoy this place for the lobby itself [I have no idea why, I just like the way the theaters are set up] and the crowds, who have been among some of the coolest people to watch movies with I've ever encountered [for the most part]. read more

My favorite of the Ritz theaters (maybe because of the old clock out front) but they're all pretty similar. Good, quiet crowds and nice movie selection. Lots of solo viewers during the day. The staff don't seem to mind if you bring your coffee or water in. If I'm driving, I usually swing by the front to see if I can park or else just head to the garage by Ritz East. read more

Nice indie theater with good screens & sound. 95% of big budget movies these days are garbage so I'm glad to have a place where I can see films of a higher caliber. The best thing about these types of theaters is the people who are there actually want to watch the movie instead of talking or texting. It's also in a great spot to get something to eat before or after. read more

Went to go see, The Lighthouse, projecter stopped working, thank you robert eggers. Also we couldnt find the car at first... DAMN YOU EGGERS read more

I come here a lot. They are the only movie theater I know of in Philly that show the independent and limited release films not shown in the regular chain theaters. Great spot to see quality movies. Low prices too. The tickets during the day are only $7.75. read more

I came to the theater with my student i.d. and was refused the promised ticket price. The ticket attendant said my face was faded in the photo and it couldn't be made out , which is nonsense. She was rude and handed me a ripped ticket when I asked for the managers name. I will be contacting the manager tomorrow to give her a formal complaint. What a lousy experience from a ritz that costs serious money! The ticket was 10$ on a Sunday for an Indy movie, wow. So basically this is a small theater and screen that charges a lot and does not honor posted discounts. read more

They wouldn't let me in because I was late..didn't realize the recorded movie would mind.

Cute small movie theater. Perfect for seeing indie movies! Saw the lion last night and so glad I got to see it here! It's perfectly placed by Positano or Zahav do you can get a bite to eat before or after a movie. read more

Saw a fine film, but my wife's purse was stolen was in the theater and the staff did not seem to understand the seriousness of a patron being robbed while watching a movie. If you attend this theater keep a close watch on your belongings. read more

rocking the sunday night solo date with myself. decided to take in a movie and liked what i saw at ritz five. i arrived for my show to find a very quaint space filled with a few cinephiles. i'm guessing, based on the name, there are five theatre rooms but i didn't sit there counting. the dude who took my ticket was less than friendly but this small slight was not an issue since i was there to watch a movie - not shoot the shit. the theatre space for my movie was pleasantly sized. there was no stadium seating or pyrotechnics. my only qualm - the damn screen was jacked so high up on the wall that i felt that i was craning my neck to watch the show. highlight of the night (and a theme of my ritz reviews): the volume was set at an appropriate level. lack of bleeding eardrums on a sunday = winning! read more

I have been going to Landmark Theaters for close to 30 years mainly in California but some other places as well. I have bought many of the packages of film lovers affixionados gift certificates averaging probably thousands of dollars I've spent with this organization. I was disrespected harassed and the question comes to mind if I was abused as an elder and disabled person tonight. I wanted to go to an art film coincidentally about a German allegedly a Nazi German in rural Americana during the 1940s. I was asked about wearing a mask when I approached the theater by an employee but when I told him that I always wear my face shield he let me go in the theater and within about 20 minutes of when the film started this woman comes in and said I had to wear a mask over my nose and I said this is it and then I tried to wear this other mask that I have that I still can't wear over my nose plus I have to drink a lot of water for a medical condition so she asked me to stop drinking the water. She came in there a total of three times and told me to stop drinking the water unless I wanted to buy some outside or come out in the lobby and drink it. Plus she said that I had to wear a face mask due to government regulations and I told her that is not what Tom Wolfe says and I have been all over Philadelphia and I have not had this problem before particularly when there were only three other people in the space. She asked me to leave and since my partner was in another film she had to interrupt that film to go get the credit card from him to give him his money back but that was only after I threatened to call Wells Fargo because she wasn't going to even give the money back. Unfreaking believable. Hopefully anybody that reads this review will just go to the local library and rent some foreign films or go to Netflix or Sundance or somehow download some foreign films and watch them in your own home without all this hassle and having to deal with people who treat other people like this. There are a lot of other movie theaters out there who aren't this bad and I've been to several of them in the Southeast and Northeast traveling around in the last few months this is the only one that was horrible so stay away STAY AWAY. Not only did she make my life miserable but with her shenanigans and cult like repititious rhetoric repeating the same thing over and over again like I was deaf which is actually a form of abuse she also disturbed the three other people who were in the film as well as all the people in the movie theater where my partner was. read more

Lovely Saturday evening of Memorial Day weekend in Center City. Wanted to view "Lambert & Stamp" about The Who. Great film, in an excellent theater. Clean restrooms, good concessions and discount parking close by. read more

recently saw the vivian maier documentary and the grand budapest hotel here. the best place for an indie film in the city. it's not a huge place. it's not a super glamorous place. but at $10/ticket for nighttime shows, reasonable concession stand prices and screenings of some of the most interesting movies of any given time, there's no comparison. everyone should support a theater like this. it's an endangered breed. read more

Normally Ritzes offerings of Indie movies are good so I attend. Today, I didn't get to enjoy the movie because 3 inconsiderate movie-goers were using their cellphone. I reported my neighbor to the Mgr. He went in the theatre & advised me that no one was using a cellphone. I noticed 2 signs on display in the concession area stating "no cellphone or texting. The print color didn't stand out. I asked the Mgr. if during the previews an announcement was broadcast. His response was "we used to, bit stopped. I found another seat and within 20 mins. 2 add. Phone violators used their cellphones. I told this to the Mgr. and suggested an Usher walk the aisle a few times during the showing. His reply "we do it at the b-4 & post movie showing. Feeble excuses. I got my free future showing coupon & left. I may only be attending one future Ritz showing. read more

Great movie selections and nice to be able to enjoy an evening at the theatre without a bunch of teenage hooligans running around!

I am ALL about the Ritz theaters, I'm on their email list, I have the app, & I always get excited about all the new independent flicks. Good price, good movies, and I kind of love that they serve hot tea here. It's nice after a cold winter's walk to the movie. Bathrooms are clean, theater seats are comfortable. What else can I say? It's a movie theater, I like the films here. Highly recommend. read more

Ritz 5 has new indies, foreign films, documentaries, and restored classics! I have a student id, so it's only $7.25 for me (unless its a Saturday). As for the rest of you, it ranges from $6.50 to $10 depending on age and day and time of viewing. I found this location because the animal lover that I am, I was enticed by the upcoming preview of Blackfish on July 26th! This documentary is about the dark side of keeping wild orcas in captivity, forced to perform for the purpose of human entertainment. The film focuses on the notorious Tilikum who is at Orlando's Seaworld and has so far killed 4 people. Otherwise, if you want to see the film this summer, you gotta go to NYC or Dc. Here are the locations in the US: http://blackfishmovie.com/screenings Dont miss it! Landmark theaters has 3 locations in Philadelphia called Ritz 5, Ritz East, and Ritz at the Bourse. From Ritz 5, this month, I gotta see "the attack"- about a Palestinian-Israeli couple living in Tel Aviv. The husband goes into Palestine to find the truth after his wife dies in a suicide attack and she is blamed for the killings, "dirty wars" - a political thriller/ detective story about journalist Jeremy Scahill who investigates America's covert wars in countries like Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia and so on to follow JSOC and its targets on their kill list unknown to the public. And "Blackfish." Also, I have a bunch of movies I want to see at the other 2 locations this month including: "Hannah Arendt,"- about a reporter Hannah Arendt who covers the 1961 trial for ex-Nazi Adolf Eichmann,"the east" - an espionage thriller about an ex-FBI agent who starts a firm to protect A list corporate clientele, but finds herself torn between protecting her clients and relating to The east, a collective anarchist seeking justice against major corporations covering up criminal activity, "mud" - about a fugitive hiding on the Mississipi river for killing a man in Texas, and "the hijacking" - about the hijacking of a cargo ship by Somali pirates. So many movies! So little time!! read more

This bldg seemed a lil more up to date. Again coming downtown to Philly on quiet days to see a movie is nice. When 12 Years a Slave opened the Ritz was the Only place to Open it in the area at the Opening date. I commend them for that alone... read more

This is arguably the premier movie theater in all of Philly. It has a reliably highbrow selection and is good for staying on top of the most critically acclaimed films. No disrespect to the competition but in this city, this theater alone would keep you in tune with the core of present day cinema. read more

Cute little theater that we went to to see Lincoln. What a great movie! The theater has student discounts so please bring your student ID! I thought the place was cozy and not too invasive of personal space when it came to watching the movie. They have a small concession stand and it really had a nice "indie theater" feel. Great place will come again if they show the movies I want to watch! read more

If you combine the bourse, ritz five and ritz east you have enough movies to get to a more large suburban theater. Ritz 5 tends to have the most mainstream films and is also have to many sneak preview screenings. Note that you'll need to park in a nearby garage (like on 2nd street). read more