Think going to the cinema to watch a movie in Pakistan and the resultant queues are a painful (for the guy who cuts in front of you that is), archaic and blister-inducing prospect? We think so and lucky for us, these Pakistani cinema app makers think so too.
There has been a spate of new Pakistani startups producing websites and apps targeting Pakistan’s cinema-goers. These apps give you movie showtimes and some go further and allow you to book your tickets online. We’ve brought you the best five (so far) so get ready to enjoy your next movie night out!
1. Showtimes Pakistan
Showtimes Pakistan prides itself on being “the first free service that gives you consolidated movie showtimes from all major cinemas across Pakistan.”
Its advantage over competitors such as bookme.pk is that it offers services in six cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Faisalabad. The app was developed by Reza Khan, who felt that “information about movie timings on cinema websites, Facebook pages, newspapers and that given on their helpline was always contradictory.”
To counteract this problem, he came up with Showtimes Pakistan, which shows movie listings at various cinemas, and provides online booking services as well as delivery of your tickets to your doorstep. Payment is in the form of cash on delivery. The app is currently available for both Android devices and iPhones and can be downloaded for free.
Download Showtimes Pakistan
Connect with Showtimes Pakistan
2. Bookme.pk
Bookme.pk provides online booking services in Lahore, though they are looking to expand further. They currently take bookings for Royal Palm Super Cinema, Cinestar, DHA Cinema, and Cine Gold in Lahore.
Interestingly, the site also allows users to book bus tickets online, and this is a part of their foray into all aspects of online booking, from cinema tickets to bus tickets to what will eventually be restaurant and hotel bookings.
Tickets booked online will be delivered to your address, and payment is on delivery. Incubated in Plan 9, the app created by Macro Pak Solutions has had a successful launch. Bookings can be done through the website, or app which is available on Google Play.
Download Bookme.pk
Connect with bookme.pk
3. Stubdo
Stubdo is another online booking service that is based in Lahore. It is restricted to cinemas in Lahore at the moment, but will be expanding to Karachi soon.
The website has an easy to use interface and outlines five steps to booking your ticket starting with choosing the movie you want to watch, and then selecting the city you’re in. Delivery service is also included.
According to the founder, the service has been envisioned as a response to a problematic cinematic experience: “the current way we get tickets is incredibly frustrating, you have to call the cinema to check ticket availability, go physically to the cinema, get in line, pay and pick the tickets up. Cinema goers deserve a better experience and that’s where Stubdo comes in.”
Stubdo is currently only operating through their website, and no app is available yet.
Try out Stubdo
Connect with Stubdo
4. Mobilink Cinema
Though the Mobilink Cinema app does not allow users to book tickets online, it provides good service in terms of giving movie information. It shows what’s playing in cinemas near you, and allows people to rate movies too.
This is a good app for when you’re on the go and want to find something to watch quickly. Checking ratings will help you make up your mind, and the eye-catching user interface will keep you coming back whenever you need some movie info.
The app is currently available for Android devices.
Download Mobilink Cinema
5. Warid MyCinema
Warid also offers a show times app, which primarily provides movie times and details of cinemas in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. Along with showing users what’s currently playing, the app also displays movies trailers and casting details, giving you all the information you need to make decisions about a movie night out.
The app is available for Android phones and has met with positive reviews.
Download Warid MyCinema
4 Comments
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Adam
14/04/2014 at 8:42 am
You also have Chalo.pk which although not limited to cinema’s gives you the movie timings in the major metros on your Android.
Nida Rasheed
16/04/2014 at 10:31 am
Hi Adam,
Didn’t know about that. Will include it in future lists.
Junaid
19/04/2014 at 6:54 am
Looks like a no contest when you look at showtimes Pakistan. It’s the only one that’s available on iPhone and android, it covers twice as many cities as the next best app and the interface is so much better.
Khurram Zaman
31/05/2018 at 1:01 pm
i believe https://bookitnow.pk/ should be in this list. It’s a great website for movie and events ticket booking. They have extremely efficient Android and iOS app too. This blog needs to be updated.