When it comes to movies, sometimes you might be looking for something a little different. When you are, you may seek out an independent film – one that wanders off the beaten path. Many enjoy these unconventional theaters because they spur discussion, stimulate your thoughts and encourage you to consider matters that might not surface otherwise. They are also frequent homes to many foreign films some of which gain such popularity, they enter main-stream theaters nationwide or go on to become award-winning films.
If you enjoy such entertainment, you’ll want to get to know these five independent movie theaters in Philadelphia.
1. Ambler Theater

By Montgomery County Planning Commission on Flickr [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Ambler Theater fans also mention their reasonably priced tickets and note that if you’re a frequent visitor, you can become a member. The standard membership cost is currently listed at $50 a year ($40 for seniors and youngsters) and enables you to receive reduced admission.
2. Bryn Mawr Film Institute

By Smallbones [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons
Visitors say the theater is clean and well maintained. They enjoy the personal introductions that frequently occur before a film airs.
3. The Ritz Theaters

By Howard B. Haas on Cinematreasures [CC BY 3.0]
Because it’s in Old City near Penn’s Landing, in the middle of a cornucopia of Philadelphia’s restaurants, it fits perfectly into a night on the town. If the movie you’re looking for is not showing at the Ritz East, check out a couple of other Ritz family members, all part of the Landmark Theatres the Ritz Five and Ritz East.
4. Hiway Theater

By Shuvaev [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons
5. County Theater

By Smallbones [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons
There are plenty of interesting venues for watching independent movies in the Philadelphia area. So choose your movie, pick your spot to view it and experience entertainment that’s a feast for your mind.