Picture Houses in Bristol – grab the popcorn

Bristol is a city imbued with culture and therefore, makes the perfect place to immerse yourself in the magic of cinema. Bristol has some great entertainment venues from theatres, to concert halls, and it bears no expense with its selection of cinemas either. To help you choose, we have collated a list of the top five cinemas in Bristol to ensure you see the films you want to in style.

Pop in for a coffee when you're close by.

Showcase Cinema de Lux Bristol

Situated inside Cabot Circus, Showcase Cinema de Lux is one of the biggest cinemas in Bristol. You can opt for luxury XLR premium seating with more legroom or book out the Director’s Hall with private access which includes the privilege to the private Director’s Lounge with full bar service and food. Bristol is one of the few Showcase cinemas that now features the XPlus Experience with a giant wall to wall screen and next-generation projection for the same price as a normal ticket. You can have a drink at The Studio Bar beforehand or grab yourself a coffee from Costa to keep yourself awake for those late-night screenings.

Watershed

Watershed, on the banks of Bristol’s historic harbourside, was Britain’s First Media Centre when it opened back in 1982. It is now the leading film culture and digital media centre in the South West and, as a charity, supports young people and the art and technology industry. It has three cinema screens, a cafe and bar which boasts its very own locally produced gin. Watershed is very family-friendly with holiday cinema screenings of family films and baby-friendly cinema screenings too! They show all the latest films and if you go on a Tuesday, there’s 30% off main dishes on the menu all day with a cinema ticket, making it an ideal date night!

Everyman Bristol

Going to the Everyman in Bristol is an experience. The cinema is grand and elaborate with plush red sofas for seating, free blankets to snuggle under and food and drink delivered to your seat upon request. The lobby is decorated in the same glamorous style with a big bar and lounge area. It has 3 Sony 4K screens, all with Dolby Digital AES audio and HD satellite showing all the latest films, and occasionally a few old classics as well. There is a bar menu which includes pizzas, sharing plates, cookie dough and cake, along with all your regular cinema snacks. You can order cocktails and alcoholic beverages to your seat or enjoy them in the bar beforehand. There is also a Spielburger menu with a selection of yummy burgers which also available on Deliveroo! If you’re in the mood for a dessert with your film, the Everyman Bristol will also whip you up an ice cream sundae! Delish.

  • 44 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2NH

  • 0872 436 9060

  • www.everymancinema.com/bristol

20th Century Flicks

For a really unique and cool cinema trip, visit 20th Century Flicks on Christmas Steps - the only video rental shop in Bristol. This store has over 20,000 movies available to hire, throwing us back to the glorious Blockbuster days! But not only is this a video rental shop, but also a two-screen cinema. The smaller screen, Kino, seats only 11 and the newer bigger screen, the Videodrome, in Room 237 (for all those fans of The Shining), holds 18. With retro cinema seats, long red curtains and funky patterned flooring, this cinema is a whole lot of fun. 20th Century Flicks shows a mix of old and new movies so, is the perfect place to go and watch a favourite on the big screen. You are welcome to bring your own refreshments but some are on sale at the establishment. Keep your eyes peeled for Poppy the cinema cat!

The Cube

Formed in 1998 by 4 artists, The Cube incorporates a Microplex cinema, arts venue, adult creche, independent museum and social well-being enterprise. Not only do they show the latest films, but they also host orchestras and show short films made by Bristol-based film-makers, from amateurs to pros, as part of their BlueScreen Programme. The Cube also has educational talks about film and music to expand the minds of movie-goers. They also have Babycinema every week so parents can enjoy the latest box office hits without the stress of a noisy baby disturbing the audience experience. Cult and world movies are often showing and The Cube regularly hosts indie bands and cabaret performances to provide culturally enriching experiences.