Davao Cinema Schedule: Where to Check Movies Showing This Week
A practical guide to Davao City's mall cinemas and the fastest ways to check now-showing movies and showtimes before you go.
In this article
The quickest way to check the Davao cinema schedule is to open the official website or app of the cinema chain, such as SM Cinema for SM Lanang and SM City Davao, or Ayala Malls Cinemas for Abreeza, then pick your branch and date. For Gaisano and NCCC malls, their official Facebook pages usually post the week's now-showing list. Showtimes change every week, often on Wednesdays when new films open, so always check on the day you plan to watch.
This guide walks through Davao City's main cinemas, how to find showtimes and buy tickets, and a few tips for a better movie night.
Davao Cinema Schedule: Malls at a Glance
| Mall | Area | Cinema operator | Where to check showtimes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM Lanang Premier | Lanang, J.P. Laurel Ave | SM Cinema | SM Cinema website or app |
| SM City Davao | Ecoland, Matina area | SM Cinema | SM Cinema website or app |
| Abreeza | Bajada, J.P. Laurel Ave | Ayala Malls Cinemas | Ayala Malls Cinemas website or app |
| Gaisano Mall of Davao | J.P. Laurel Ave, Bajada | Gaisano | Mall Facebook page |
| NCCC Mall | Matina (MacArthur Hwy) | NCCC | Mall Facebook page |
| Victoria Plaza | Bajada | Mall-run | Mall Facebook page; confirm it is operating |
Cinema line-ups and even whether a smaller mall still runs screens can change, so treat this as a starting point and confirm before heading out.
SM Cinema Schedule: SM Lanang Premier and SM City Davao
SM has two big malls in Davao, and both run SM Cinema screens.
SM Lanang Premier
SM Lanang Premier, in the Lanang business area, is one of the largest malls in Mindanao. Its cinemas are a popular choice for blockbuster openings because of their larger, more premium halls. It is also handy if you are staying near the airport; see our guide to hotels near Davao airport.
SM City Davao (Ecoland)
SM City Davao in the Ecoland area serves the southern side of the city, including Matina and Toril. It is a convenient option if you live south of downtown or are heading home on the southbound jeepney routes.
How to check SM cinema showtimes
- Go to the SM Cinema website or open the SM Cinema app.
- Choose your branch, such as SM Lanang Premier or SM City Davao.
- Pick the date to see "now showing" and "coming soon" titles with showtimes.
- Book seats online where available, or note the time and buy at the box office.
Ayala Malls Cinemas at Abreeza
Abreeza, Ayala's mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Bajada, runs Ayala Malls Cinemas. To see the Ayala movie guide for Abreeza, use the Ayala Malls Cinemas website or app, select the Abreeza branch and choose a date. Online booking typically lets you choose your seats in advance.
Abreeza is a good choice if you want to combine dinner and a movie, since the mall has many restaurants. For ideas, see our list of where to eat in Davao.
Gaisano Mall Cinema and NCCC Mall
Locally owned malls remain favourites for families and students because ticket prices tend to be lower than at the premium chains, though this varies by film and screen.
Gaisano Mall of Davao (GMall)
Gaisano Mall of Davao, often called GMall, sits along J.P. Laurel Avenue, close to Abreeza and Victoria Plaza. Its cinemas show mainstream Hollywood and Filipino films. The fastest way to see what is on is the mall's official Facebook page, which usually posts the weekly line-up with times. Calling the mall's customer service is another option; look up the current number on its official page rather than relying on old listings.
NCCC Mall
NCCC Mall in Matina is a homegrown Davao brand. Like GMall, it typically posts its cinema schedule on its official social media pages.
Victoria Plaza
Victoria Plaza is one of Davao's older malls in Bajada. Cinema operations at older malls can change, so check its official page or call ahead before making the trip specifically for a film.
When Do New Movies Open in Davao?
In the Philippines, most new films open on Wednesdays, a long-standing local practice. That means each mall's schedule typically refreshes midweek. A few big releases may open on other days, and special screenings or advance previews can appear at short notice.
The biggest exception is the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) from Christmas Day into early January. During the festival, many cinemas nationwide, including in Davao, show mainly MMFF entries. Learn more in our MMFF guide.
Ticket Prices and Booking Tips
Ticket prices vary by mall, film, format and screen type, and they change over time. As a rough guide, a regular 2D screening at a Davao mall commonly costs a few hundred pesos, while premium formats and recliner halls cost more. Confirm the price when you book.
- Book online for blockbusters. Opening weekends for big franchise films and popular Filipino movies can sell out.
- Check the MTRCB rating. Films are classified (G, PG, R-13, R-16, R-18), and cinemas may ask for ID for restricted films.
- Senior citizens and PWDs may be entitled to discounts under Philippine law. Bring a valid ID and ask at the counter.
- Bring a jacket. Philippine cinemas are famously cold.
- Outside food is generally not allowed in cinemas; buy snacks inside.
- Plan your ride home. Late screenings can end after jeepneys thin out. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the safer bet; see our Davao airport taxi guide for an idea of how Davao taxis work.
Davao vs Cebu Cinemas
If you split your time between the two cities, Cebu has a similar mix of SM, Ayala and locally owned mall cinemas. See our Cebu cinema schedule guide for the Cebu side, including how to find SM Cebu cinema movies and Ayala Center Cebu showtimes.
Rainy evening? Check the forecast before heading out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check the SM cinema schedule in Davao?
Use the official SM Cinema website or app, select SM Lanang Premier or SM City Davao, and choose your date. The list shows now-showing films and screening times.
What day do new movies come out in Davao?
Most new movies in the Philippines open on Wednesdays, so cinema schedules typically change midweek. Some big releases and special screenings may open on other days.
Where can I see what is showing at Gaisano Mall of Davao?
Check the official Gaisano Mall of Davao Facebook page, which usually posts the weekly cinema line-up. You can also call the mall, using the number listed on its official page.
Can I buy movie tickets online in Davao?
Yes, for SM Cinema and Ayala Malls Cinemas you can usually book and choose seats online through their websites or apps. Locally owned malls may sell mainly at the box office.
Which Davao mall has the best cinemas?
It depends on what you want. The large chain cinemas at SM Lanang Premier and Abreeza tend to offer newer halls and online booking, while local malls can be cheaper and less crowded.
