Ritz East

A really great independent movie theatre located in old city.
The ritz is fairly small (with only two screens), but it has a great feel, decently large theatre spaces, and a fully stocked concession stand. The first time I came was to see a Japanese language film, «Like Father Like Son,» during the Philadelphia film festival three years back. The Ritz was the only theatre showing it in Philly I believe.
I went for the second time yesterday for a free early screening of «Criminal.» The movie was definitely not on par with the last I’d seen, but it was still a fun time, and I still stand by the Ritz and its mission!

Similar to the Ritz 5 but with better stadium seating. A nice spot to see the most popular 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.

Ritz East is better than the 5! It has the best screens and audio in town. Petition Landmark to play the better movies that the 5 gets to play in the superior theaters at the East. The East gets the crummy movies due to a fluke in how they pay their bills with the Parking Authority. The 5 has shifty audio, and the screens are too high. The East, the Bourse and the 5, though, all employ really fun staff. They’re great places to hang out and write and read and flirt with your date before your flick. But if you don’t have a date, go alone. These movies are great. Quit feeling sorry for yourself.

This gem of a movie theater is my favorite in the entire U.S.A. There’s always a great selection of independent films screening for a low price. As a college student I get to pay $ 7.25 for any showing (except on Saturdays). Better yet, all movies are $ 7 for everybody on Wednesdays.
The two theaters themselves are perfectly sized and have this cozy, homey vibe. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing so many great movies here over the years such as Chef, Her, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Tree Of Life, and Wish I Was Here (the midnight première to boot). Philadelphia is truly blessed to have the Ritz East for its viewing pleasure.

Clean, comfortable, and well-​maintained. Watched Ex Machina and the crowd was a lot better in terms of theater etiquette. Small but worth the visit.

Great choice of a movie theater no complaints at all. I would definitely recommend specially for that film that know the theaters shows. All round great place

Big fan of the Ritz cinemas. They offer intelligent, entertaining films and have something for everyone! Good location and friendly staff. I’ll be back!

Nice theater. Less commercial and crowded than the one on Columbus. They usually have higher profile movies here. Oscar worthy, etc. Concession prices are actually reasonable too.
Come a little before showtime and sit in the back section so you’re not straining your neck in the front section.

No complaints here! Ample seating, good parking, easily accessible, and friendly staff. I took a walk up to Olde City to see the première of Foxcatcher. My friend had purchased a half dozen tickets ahead of time, so mine was waiting at will call. It was pretty busy in the theater (Friday 7 pm showtime), but the people working the ticketing booth were incredibly friendly and helpful.
The ticket prices are great! 10 dollars for a clean and quiet theater versus 15 dollars for the sticky floors and crying babies theaters on Columbus Blvd. I’m not sure what the food and drink prices are, but then again, you’re silly if you buy that at a theater.
I wouldn’t necessarily call it a «hidden» gem; seems like quite a few people know about it. But it’s a great valued theater in a great part of the city. I’ll definitely be back!

My only complain I that the entrance was a little hard to find as my friend and I parked on another side of the road.
But other than that, friendly staff and tons of space in the theatre. Personally I prefer a emptier theatre. If you’re like me, Ritz East is perfect for you!

Our favorite movie theater in the city. It’s very clean, the seats recline and are generally very comfortable, the screen is huge, and the movies they show are mostly Oscar-​nominated films. It’s always a pleasant experience to see a movie at the Ritz.

The staff is friendly and consists completely of the epitome of movie dorkdom. The theatre is clean enough. I’ve seen better, I’ve seen worse. Prices on eats? Who knows. Only a sucker actually buys food and drink at a movie theatre.
There was an old man sitting in the back row that seemed to be mumbling to himself or perhaps breathing oddly. I changed my seat as to not be distracted by aforementioned breathing and talking to one’s self. He made a slight outburst near the beginning of the picture when four late comers that were being hoes turned on their flashlight app in order to see where they were going and many patrons sent angry outbursts and he exclaimed «what is wrong with you?!» but to the flashlight hoes or to the disgruntled patrons? One will never know. This man is likely deceased by now.
Then again, we were there to see «Nymphomaniac»

Know what really sucks about this movie theatre? You have to be 17 to get in without a parent, read: «All children 16 and under must have an adult accompany them in the theatre» right above the ticket booth. Considering the fact that this is an indie movie house, you would think they would be more lenient (seriously, if I’m a young person going to see an indie movie you can assume that I’m apart of a certain «crowd» so i really shouldn’t be a problem).
Back to my review.
The movie theatre is clean and they have a good selection of snacks and treats in the lobby (overpriced, but not too overpriced). The bathrooms are clean and the screen in the theatre is small. They have all of the popular indie movies/​documentaries here. Seats are comfy and the floors are clean.
Just wish I didn’t have to LIE to get in here.

Ritz East is one of 3 Ritz theaters all in walking distance. Like its counter parts, Ritz East is arts sort of house. It carries smaller indie movies, which includes some of the major Oscar contending movies.
The other two Ritz theaters carry 5 movies a piece. Ritz East, however, has only two movies. That said, it has much more seating and larger screens. Though, the screens considering the size of the theaters could be a little bigger. But hey, it is an arts house.
Ritz East is kept up very well. It’s clean and about as modern as you’d expect an arts house to be. Since it’s not pulling in the big bucks of a major theater, you should not expect it to be state of the arts.
The service is very good. And, the prices are always better than a major theater. And to be honest, the quality of movies is better too! Good spot to see those less popular, but clearly better, movies.

There aren’t too many movie theaters in the Center City area, which is something I’ll never understand but the Ritz East is one of the few and mighty. They only show two movies at a time and the selections seem to be films that cater to the indie crowd. More mainstream films (your average summer blockbuster) probably won’t be shown here but that quirky Wes Anderson film probably will be!
It’s small inside, but the concessions stand is well stocked with the basics, the amenities are clean, and the screen quality is clear. The audience was also the most courteous group of people I have ever had the pleasure of watching a movie with — everyone just seems to be there to enjoy the movie.

Great foreign film selection and good deals.
I’m disappointed to say that it doesn’t get 5 full stars. Why?
Because some racist old white lady douchebag turned around and mean mugged me twice in disgust as soon as I sat down (oh I guess I dont belong at this place, huh? Eff you) and shifted in her seat. As soon as I started to eat popcorn — not in a loud and obnoxious way but whatever, you eat it… it’s the movies — and she started to get up because I was ruining her experience, so I got up instead with a «don’t bother» attitude and moved up a good 5 rows. Nice.
All I wanted to do was relax and watch a movie and this old-​school nerd had to get all «woe is me suburbia» about it.

The Ritz East provides a solid venue to watch an independent film in the city, but it is actually my least favorite of the three Ritz locations.
I end up here when a movie that I want to see is not playing anywhere else, and I certainly can’t complain about the diversity and quality of films that play here. Most recently I caught the Woody Allen flick, Blue Jasmine, but that is about as mainstream as the selections get. The usual offerings lean to the independent, artsy, foreign variety, and the clientele is always there to enjoy the movies.
The stars are lost for overall venue quality. Even though this Ritz is ostensibly in «nicest» location nestled in the same chichi Society Hill enclave as Zahav and Positano Coast, it has an overall run-​down feel. The lobby and concession stand are tiny. A line forms out the door to buy tickets. The restrooms have a weird porta-​potty trailer vibe to them, though they are usually kept clean. The theaters themselves also leave a bit to be desired with squeaky seats and stuffy ventilation. The screens and acoustics are in good condition though, so they seem to have paid attention to what counts most.
Bottom line: if you want to see something that’s playing here you will likely enjoy the movie. However, it is not worth a special visit for the «experience».

Not to be confused with Ritz Five, which is right around the corner!
All of the Ritz are great. Their movie selection, concessions selection, service– everything is top-​notch. There are only two movies playing at this particular location.
If you’re looking to grub somewhere, Positano Coast is great for drinks and apps but can get kinda pricey beyond that and the food can be hit or miss (more hit than miss). There’s also a Chinese restaurant right next door.
Special Note: Wednesdays are cheaper than other days!

We had an enjoyable time at the theatre last night. The movie was great, but we also enjoyed it because it was at the Ritz East.
Thanks to the Ritz East for having hot tea for those of us who are not on a soda fix. Thanks for making it with boiled water rather than lukewarm stuff from a canister. I had a tasty cup of Earl Gray, which seemed right given that I was about to see Anna Karenina.
Thanks to the Ritz East for having Jill, who served me the tea. Jill was totally nonplussed with my unusual tea requests (one bag, but large cup) and accommodated other family members’ individualized food and drink preferences.
Thanks to the Ritz East manager. Before the movie started, he came to the front of the theatre, welcomed all the viewers, described us as part of the «family,» and advised us to go out to the lobby if we had any issues, concerns or questions during the film. I have never been greeted in any theatre, let alone with such a sincere and warm introduction.
We highly recommend the Ritz. The selection of movies is always good. The cost is in line with other theatres. It offers student and senior discounts. You can order tickets online. It has good food and drinks. The staff is warm and friendly.
On the downside, parking is difficult in that area. Go early if you don’t have tickets beforehand. Like other theatres, you will sit through a half hour of prequels. Of course, you might learn about other films you will want to see at Ritz East.

When I saw that Ritz East was a Landmark theater I knew I was in good hands. I’ve been a huge fan of their Tivoli and Plaza Frontenac locations in St. Louis for years, so I know they are pretty much synonymous with quality independent and foreign films in a nice atmosphere.
As far as I know they are the only theater showing Moonrise Kingdom anywhere in the city, which is a major plus. The ticket prices, too, are extremely reasonable for the location – $ 9.50 for Saturday evening shows, $ 6.50 for shows on Wednesdays, and $ 7.25 for matinees are pretty stellar prices if you ask me.
My only advice, which is less of a downside and more of a peak-​time reality, is to show up a bit early on weekends. When we went for our 8:45 p.m. show yesterday (Saturday) the theater did get very crowded, and a sign posted said that the 7:45 p.m. show had actually sold out. We ended up buying our tickets about half an hour early and walking around for a bit beforehand, which worked out really well because when we came back the ticket line had gotten really long and the theater was starting to fill up. So, be prepared to come early if you want your pick of seats.