Located just a few doors down from House of Social, HOME is Manchester’s hub of culture, film, theatre, and art. Supporting new artists locally and internationally, it’s a great place to broaden your creative horizons and have your perspectives challenged.
We think that going to the cinema is one of life’s great pleasures – and HOME is surely one of the best cinemas in the city. If you’re living at House of Social this year, you’ll soon get to know and love HOME. Here you’ll get the chance to see all the blockbuster movies, and tap into international and indie cinema that spotlights emerging talent.
Every month, we’ll do the research for you and will be curating a selection of incredible films to watch at HOME Manchester, from the high-budget Hollywoods to the hidden arthouse gems. In this blog you’ll discover films that will grip you from start to finish, that will make you question the world and yourself, and films that will simply take you to new, wondrous places.
So here goes.
La Cocina
Thought The Bear was an intense watch? Think again. Described by Deadline as “The Bear on steroids”, La Cocina is an adrenaline-fuelled drama set in a New York restaurant.
Shot entirely in black and white, it’s based on the 1957 play The Kitchen by Arnold Wesker. The film follows restaurant staff during a busy lunch hour – and all the tensions and explosions that arise in the heat of the kitchen.
The real story, however, is of its characters — mostly undocumented immigrants trying to make a living in America. It’s a timely drama that highlights both the harsh environment of a working kitchen and the illusion of the American dream.
While nearly two and a half hours long, its fast pace makes time fly. La Cocina may be frantic and stressful, but its message will simmer for much longer.
Ratings:
7.2/10 on IMDb
72% on Rotten Tomatoes
3.8/5 on Letterboxd
Check showtimes here.
Flow
Winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature this year, Flow has received critical acclaim internationally. It tells the story of a solitary cat forced to work alongside other animals to survive a flood.
Flow takes viewers on a journey of discovery. With no dialogue, its profound narrative speaks volumes about environmental destruction, friendship, and unity.
Created entirely using the open-source software Blender, this is a must-watch for any aspiring animator.
Ratings:
7.9/10 on IMDb
97% on Rotten Tomatoes
4.1/5 on Letterboxd
Check showtimes here.
Mickey 17
One of the most anticipated movies of 2025, directed by Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho (Parasite, Okja, The Host) and starring Robert Pattinson (Batman, The Lighthouse, Twilight).
Mickey 17 is a satirical sci-fi about a “disposable” man sent on a space expedition who dies repeatedly, with each version reprinted with his memories.
The film gets weirder when Mickey must confront his own clone — all while working under a Trumpian commander played by Mark Ruffalo.
It’s quirky and irreverent – go in ready to embrace the silliness.
Ratings:
7/10 on IMDb
78% on Rotten Tomatoes
3.7/5 on Letterboxd
Check showtimes here.
Cloud
Cloud is a Japanese thriller-satire about Ryosuke, a hustler who tries to level up his life through resale deals. Just as business is booming, enemies threaten everything he’s built.
It’s a bloody, action-packed social commentary that gets increasingly ridiculous, but always gripping.
Ratings:
6.4/10 on IMDb
92% on Rotten Tomatoes
3.5/5 on Letterboxd
Check showtimes here.
The Penguin Lessons
Starring Steve Coogan (Alan Partridge), The Penguin Lessons is an uplifting dramedy based on a true story. Englishman Tom rescues a penguin from an oil spill during a teaching stint in Argentina.
Their unlikely bond deepens, even as Tom faces political tension and personal transformation. A feel-good reminder of the importance of connection.
Ratings:
7.3/10 on IMDb
82% on Rotten Tomatoes
3.4/5 on Letterboxd
Check showtimes here.
Treading Water
A hard-hitting drama set in Manchester, Treading Water follows Danny, a recently released prisoner, as he tries to rebuild his life and battle his mental health struggles.
Official selection at the 2024 BFI Film Festival, the film marks Gino Evans as an exciting new voice in northern cinema. Support local talent and give it a watch.
Check showtimes here.