great cinema, often empty during the week and you can sit where you like. snacks are as expensive as all the other cinema chains but the popcorn was especially tasty and fresh

The AMC Great Northen cinema is slightly smaller than it’s main city-centre rival, the Odeon, but what it lacks in screen numbers it makes up for in service and value.

The screens themselves are smaller on average than those in the Odeon, however as it is a much quieter cinema you do benefit from a more intimate setting. Having said that, screens can still fill up on opening nights of big films, so it’s best to turn up early to get a good seat in these cases, as the front row seats are very close to the screen.

Ticket prices are slighly lower than those in the Odeon, although confectionary prices are, as with all cinemas I know of, extortionate. Fortuntately for money-conscious people like myself there’s a Sainsbury’s just across the road that sells a variety of chocolate and soft drinks (although no popcorn and hot dogs… perhaps they could still break into that market?)

In summary it’s the best city centre cinema if you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed environment to watch a mainstream film. If you’re looking for greater choice of mainstream films it’s worth checking out the Odeon as an alternative, and if you’re looking for arthouse films you should look out for the Cornerhouse.

Alongside the Cornerhouse, this is my favourite cinema in Manchester. Originally slated to have 24 screens (or thereabouts) it ended up with 16, a few more than the other AMC cinema in Birmingham (as far as I know these are the only two in the UK?).
The ‘foyer’ is absolutely massive - perhaps when 24 screens were planned much of this space would’ve been used. Still, it’s a stunning place - pure Manchester industrial behemoth. Exposed brick work and steel beams make a trip to the foyer alone worth the price of a ticket. Parking is steep (the appear to have doubled in Manchester during the past month) but you can stamp your NCP ticket for a discount if you’ve been in the cinema. An initially odd looking decor (red, oranges and browns), over the years it seems to have fallen into place and I really like it now…a thoroughly old school ‘flicks’ experience I’d say.
Though they mostly show mainstream, they often include independent films either as part of festivals or off their own back. The seats are indeed comfy and sound quality excellent.
You can buy tickets online then pick them up from one of the ticket machines located in the foyer. If you get the opportunity I’d recommend this method as the queues can get really busy.

There’s been a few rumours that the AMC is set to expand, either with a few more screens and/or a bowling alley which I reckon would be great for this end of town. It has steadily grown busier over the last few years, but in fact this end of town (right next to the Beetham/Hilton tower) is increasingly more vibrant thankfully.
Hopefully the numerous retail and leisure opportunities will come to fruition in the main corridor as you enter from the Great Northern Square - then we’ll have a fantastic centre for leisure which will knock the Printworks for six.

Given the choice between the ridiculously-priced Odeon and this, the only other town centre cinema, I’d pick AMC everytime. With show times throughout the day, and almost as many films on offer, there’s generally less queueing time and more convenient parking options than the Odeon, plus you can spend the money you save on your tickets on some pick and mix!

I think the AMC is great. It seems to have taken a few years to become popular, as even though it’s fairly quiet during the week, it gets pretty busy at weekends. Ticket prices are slightly cheaper than the Odeon, which is a bonus, and they also run a loyalty scheme, MovieWatcher.

With MovieWatcher you earn two points per ticket (max 4 points per visit) and every 10 points you get something - a free drink at 10 points, then free popcorn when you get to 20 points, then when you get to 30 points, you get either a free ticket or free drink and popcorn. This repeats until you get to 100 points, at which point you earn a free night at the movies. It’s pretty good if you go regularly with a friend as you’ll get something free every third visit.

The atmosphere at the AMC is relaxed, the seating is comfy, and there is plenty of parking available in the Great Northern car park attached. You’ll get a discount on the parking if you validate your ticket at Guest Services or the Box Office.

Overall I recommend this cinema as the best in the city centre.

AMC, as has already been alluded to, is something of a hidden gem in the Manchester cinema scene. I have never been there and had to queue for a ticket for more than a couple of minutes. Plus, the screening rooms have never been packed to the rafters. In fact, I think the busiest it’s been when I’ve been there was about one third full. So that’s very much a positive. As has been mentioned, the prices are a little cheaper than the Odeon – although it must be added that the selection of films on offer is perhaps a little limited in comparison with the Odeon. Check it.

Although ABC looks quite dated, some folks like myself may appreciate this in a cinema. I much prefer the old school feel of the typical red uniform and traditional cinema signage/design. There is something quite art deco about this cinema that can make you feel like you may have slipped back in time a little.

Usually films show more regularly in the evenings than the Odeon and run later if you are trying to fit a quick dinner in beforehand. All the big blockbusters are released at this cinema at the same time as the Odeon so its worthwhile checking up on film times here too. The tickets are about 50p cheaper too, less if you are student/concession.

There are a few arcade games and fun things to do before getting on the long escalator up to the cinema itself, air hockey is always a crowd pleaser!! You can book tickets online or over the phone and pick them up at the fast ticket machine if time is an issue.

A couple of minor negatives, the halls are so big that they get quite chilly so make sure you take a warm coat to drape over yer knees should the need arise! Also, the price of the refreshments is just as expensive as all other mainstream multi-plex cinema's, although having worked in a cinema I know that the majority of revenue is gained from the tucker rather than the ticket sales.

I always take my own snackettes cause Im a cheapo!!

I'm not sure about right now, but during my time in Manchester this cinema was always rather underused, especially when compared to the Filmworks/Printworks (now Odeon). AMC were late-comers to the central Manchester multiplex game, but their cinemas have better seats and much easier to get to parking (although it's a bit pricey to park).

As it used to be very quiet, you had a choice of whatever seat you wanted just about all the time. Also the prices were low, especially with a student discount. I can't remember what my friend's swiz was, but I remember getting in basically free quite a lot of times (I left her to get the tickets).

As multiplex's go, this is pretty good, if rather faceless.

A brilliant cinema with massive screens and loads of films to choose from. They have all the usual things for a cinema including nachos, hot dogs, sweets and crisps and, of course, popcorn.

They have loads of toilets and all the staff are really nice. If you're going in the evening there is loads of free parking along the sideroad and if not then it's right next to a huge multi storey car park.

A great cinema for all the family.

The Great Northern cinema is the best cinema to go to in Manchester for mainstream cinema. It is quiet in the week, the staff are friendly and although the screens might not be as big as the Imax the atmosphere is better plus you can avoid the alcopop drunks in the Printworks. They have a lot of amusement type rides as well in the foyer and the staff are friendly. Highly recommended.