Written by Philip Etemesi

One of my jobs as a writer who does facility and product reviews is to lead customers to diamonds and steer them from dross. I have been obsessed with movies ever since I was a toddler and as a result i always find myself sitting in a cinema hall every weekend to catch the latest blockbuster. Despite the fact that it’s cheaper to just buy CDs or download movies, I find the experience of the big screen to be quite fascinating.

There are a dozen cinemas in Nairobi but only a few give you moments that leave you smiling and eager to return, whether you are alone, with your family or with a soulmate. Here’s my pick for the top five.

1.Century Cinemax (Junction Mall)

Here’s your number one spot in the city to catch a 3D or big-screen flick. It’s never crowded and the ticket prices are moderate. Adult tickets revolve around 600 bob any time of the day while kid and student prices revolve around 300 shillings. Century Cinemax also embraces diversity by offering a wide variety of movies. That’s the opposite of IMAX, where a single film gets milked until people cannot tolerate it anymore.  Monotony and Century Cinemax are words that shouldn’t be placed in the same sentence together apart from this one right here.

To make things even better, there’s a balance between PG13 movies and those aimed at mature audiences. Take your kid here often and you’ll be named ‘Parent Of The Year’. That’s a guarantee.

2. Showbiz Africa 7D Cinema (Thika Road Mall)

It made history as the first ever 7D cinema hall in Eastern Africa. Perhaps you are wondering what 7D is, or what differentiates it from 3D. 7D cinema is a new technology in Virtual Reality that enables you to be part of a movie, not just watch it. Apart from just wearing the glasses, the seats rumble, the sounds reverberate all over the room and you feel what you see as the entire simulator platform moves accordingly to what is happening on the screen. Over 7 different special effects kick in that add intrigue and make the movie experience even more “real” and exhilarating. Need any more motivation to go to this cinema? I doubt it.

See Also : How Much Money Do Businesses At Thika Road Mall Really Make?

3. Imax Kenya (20th Century Cinema Plaza – Mama Ngina Street)

IMAX has plenty of disadvantages but the two things that give it an edge are location and customer engagement. If you post a query on their social media pages for example, they respond within minutes. The fact that the cinema is at a central location in town also makes it easily accessible to everyone. Plus, you can booze before or after the film at the theater’s bar, which offers cocktails and beer.

Ticket prices are quite high though. Unless you go for the early morning movie, you’ll pay a thousand bob and above. This should not deter you if you happen to love places with a vibrant social atmosphere a there are always young people chit-chatting outside as they wait to go in for the next screening.

4. Fox Cineplex (Sarit Centre)

Fox Cineplex, located in one of the nations first malls, offers a well-curated mix of new independent films and goofy midnight classics, The hall is pleasingly dark but the giant screen is ever ablaze with cinematic movement – exactly what you need for concentration. It is a great place to rekindle youthful memories or create them as it gifts viewers a wide array of highly rated general exhibition movies too that keep on replaying in your mind.

With the jubilant atmosphere, even thornier movies become more digestible no matter what your tastes are. On a weekend, make sure you show up at least 20 minutes early for hot tickets, or you’ll get stuck sitting up front. My advice is to grab seats as far back as you can.

5. Planet Media Cinema (Prestige Plaza)

This is one of those classic gems that you visit once in a blue moon and wonder why you don’t go there more often. In comparison to other movie zones, which are boisterous and casual, Planet Media Prestige Plaza is hushed and romantic, Even from a distance, it feels intimate, like grazing at a small cocktail party where the revelers happen to be stylish friends. Talk of delicious snacks and great ambience. Be sure to check out their popcorn selection: their classic is a salty, buttery bag of perfection,

If you intend to take someone special on a movie date, there’s no better place than this. It’s owned by Nakumatt Holdings, so you can bet that customer satisfaction is taken very seriously.