SM CINEMA THEATER FORMATS EXPLAINED: YOUR GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE CINEMA THAT BEST SUITS YOU

The second half of 2026 is packed with blockbuster releases that deserve to be experienced on the big screen. 

From Disney's live-action "Moana" and Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" to the highly anticipated "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," among many others, moviegoers have plenty of reasons to head back to the cinema. 

But not all movie theaters offer the same experience. Whether you're after larger-than-life visuals, immersive sound, or premium comfort, there's a cinema format designed for you. Before booking your tickets for this season's biggest releases, here's a guide to finding the perfect way to watch based on your preferences.

IMAX

For moviegoers who want the biggest, boldest cinematic experience, IMAX delivers. Featuring an expansive screen, breathtaking visuals, and crystal-clear sound, IMAX puts you at the heart of every scene, making every moment feel larger than life. 

Available at: SM Aura, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, SM City Clark, SM Lanang, and SM City Cebu

SCREENX

SCREENX takes immersion to the next level. Using synchronized side-wall projections, the action extends beyond the main screen and surrounds audiences across three walls, creating a cinematic experience that draws you deeper into the story.

Available at: SM Mall of Asia

DIRECTORS CLUB

For those who prefer a more exclusive movie experience, Directors Club delivers premium comfort. Sink into plush leather recliner seats while Dolby Atmos fills the auditorium with rich, immersive sound, complemented by sharp laser projection for exceptional picture quality.

Available at: Select SM Cinema branches nationwide

EVENT SCREEN

More than a movie theater, the Event Screen is a versatile venue designed for shared experiences. Whether you're hosting a private screening, a watch party, or a special celebration, the space can be customized to make every occasion memorable.

Available at: SM Aura, SM City Bataan, SM City Bicutan, SM City Cebu, SM City Tanza, SM City Tuguegarao, and SM City Urdaneta

REGULAR CINEMA

SM Cinema's Regular Cinemas provide a great movie experience featuring comfortable seating, crisp digital projection, and immersive sound, delivering quality entertainment for moviegoers.

Available at: All SM Cinema branches nationwide 

The only way to experience movies from the undisputed leader of the big screen

Whether you're looking for the spectacle of IMAX, the immersive world of SCREENX, the premium exclusivity of Directors Club, the flexibility of the Event Screen, or the dependable quality of a Regular Cinema, SM Cinema, the country's undisputed leader of the big screen, offers a format to match every moviegoer. 

SM Cinema operates more than 389 screens across over 79 branches nationwide, bringing world-class movie experiences closer to Filipinos wherever they are.

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About SM Supermalls 

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM.

SM CINEMA UNVEILS THE COUNTRY’S FIRST SCREENX THEATER AT SM MALL OF ASIA

SM Cinema, the country’s largest film exhibitor, once again raises the bar for moviegoing experiences with the launch of the first SCREENX theater in the Philippines at SM Mall of Asia.

SCREENX is located at the 2nd Level, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia.

Through its partnership with CJ 4DPLEX, a global leader in premium film formats and cinema technologies, SM Cinema introduces SCREENX, a revolutionary 270-degree panoramic theater format that expands the film beyond the main screen and onto the side walls of the auditorium. This innovative setup fully immerses audiences in the story, surrounding them with breathtaking visuals and heightened realism.

SCREENX is a revolutionary 270-degree panoramic theater format.

Present at the launch were SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation President Hans “Chico” Sy Jr., CJ 4DPLEX CEO Don Savant, CJ 4DPLEX Managing Director for APAC Jamil Valiyev, and SM Cinema Senior Assistant Vice President for Cinema Management Karen Zabaljauregui.

Executives from SM and CJ 4DPLEX

As a special treat to Filipino audiences, “Wicked: For Good,” the highly anticipated sequel to the hit film starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, makes history as the first film to premiere in SCREENX in the Philippines.

“Wicked: For Good” in SCREENX are now available at ₱700 via SM Cinema.

Tickets for “Wicked: For Good” in SCREENX are now available at ₱700 via SM Cinema. Fans can also look forward to upcoming SCREENX releases later this year, including “Zootopia 2” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” SCREENX is located at the 2nd Level, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia.

SM Cinema continues to offer a diverse range of advanced cinema formats—such as IMAX, Directors Club, and now SCREENX—underscoring its commitment to bringing world-class entertainment experiences to Filipino moviegoers.

About CJ 4DPLEX

CJ 4DPLEX is a leading, next-generation cinema technology company, headquartered in Seoul with international offices in Los Angeles and Beijing. The company has created innovative film technologies for theaters worldwide that include 'SCREENX', '4DX', and 'Ultra 4DX' for consumers to experience films in ways that were never before possible.

CJ 4DPLEX is a part of the CJ Group conglomerate that also includes entertainment powerhouses CJ CGV, the fifth largest theater chain in the world, and CJ ENM (CJ Entertainment & Media), who produced the Academy Award®, Golden Globe® and SAG Awards winning film, "Parasite".

SCREENX is the world's first multi-projection cinema with an immersive 270-degree field of view. By expanding the image beyond the frame and onto the walls of the theater, SCREENX places the audience directly at the center of the story, creating a visually immersive viewing experience unlike any other. To date, there are over 435 SCREENX auditoriums around the world in 40 countries.

4DX provides moviegoers with a multi-sensory cinema-going experience, allowing audiences to connect with movies through motion, vibration, water, wind, snow, lightning, scents, and other special effects that enhance the visuals on-screen. Each 4DX auditorium incorporates motion-based seating synchronized with more than 21 different effects and optimized by a team of skilled editors. To date, there are over 775 4DX auditoriums around the world, spanning over 70 countries.

About SM Cinema

SM Cinema is the largest film exhibitor in the Philippines, operating over 300 screens in more than 78 branches nationwide. As part of SM Lifestyle, Inc., a subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings, SM Cinema is committed to delivering world-class cinematic experiences to Filipino moviegoers. From the latest blockbuster films to premium formats such as IMAX, Directors Club, and Event Cinema, SM Cinema continuously elevates the way audiences enjoy movies.

Driven by innovation, customer service, and a passion for storytelling, SM Cinema remains a trusted entertainment destination for families, friends, and film lovers across the country. Learn more at www.smcinema.com or follow @SMCinema on social media. (SM Supermalls)