Bristol cinemas have been dropping like flies recently, but the city is still full of great options to catch a film. We want to support and celebrate the incredible movie theatres on offer. From popcorn-laden megaplexes screening every Hollywood blockbuster to one of Britain’s smallest cinemas offering cult classics, there’s something to satisfy Bristol’s film-hungry audiences. Check out the very best cinemas to catch your favourite movies in Bristol.
1. Watershed
Overlooking the beautiful Harbourside, Watershed is a Bristol institution and more than a cinema to many. Screening all the best and biggest independent and foreign movies, as well as the odd unmissable blockbuster, Watershed also host numerous events, develops creative talent and has officially the best public loos in the country. Watershed’s huge Café & Bar space is ideal for a post-film meal and/or drink (it’s 30% off any main dish on Tuesdays with a cinema ticket), or just pop in and use it as a workspace. Everyone is welcome.
Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol BS1 5TX
2. Everyman
No one else screens movies like Everyman. The luxury cinema provides comfy, sofa-like seating; serves everything from handmade pizzas and baked cookie dough to milkshakes and cocktails; and shows a wide variety of mainstream, independent and classic films. Located on Whiteladies Road (inside of the old Whiteladies Picture House that originally opened in 1921), it’s by far among the boujeeist cinemas in Bristol.
Everyman Bristol, 44 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2NH
3. Cube Microplex
Since its opening in 1998, Cube Microplex has helped change people’s perception of what a cinema can be. Instead of a mindless, popcorn-guzzling experience (not that we don’t love that too), you’ll discover a programme stacked with thought-provoking and brain-engaging films, talks and music performances at this 108-seat auditorium.
The volunteer-run event space also offers screenings for parents with young babies. Cult classics, foreign cinema and art-house films make up the bulk of screenings – as well as showings from local filmmakers – ideal for discovering something different.
Cube Cinema, Dove St S, Avon, Bristol BS2 8JD
4. 20th Century Flicks
The world’s longest-running video store might also have the country’s smallest cinema – two of them. The smallest of the two is the Twin Peaks-themed Kino, which fits up to 8 people. The other is The Videodrome, which can fit up to 10 people in the VHS-themed cinema – though an extra 8 can squeeze in for £10 each on arrival.
Both are available to book for £80 and £100 respectively (only £10 per person if you can fill the room). So maybe you missed the original release of Stephen Spielberg’s love-letter to cinema, The Fabelmans, last year. Or you’ve always dreamt of seeing the 1922 horror classic Nosferatu on the big screen. Book a seat, pick your film and settle in at 20th Century Flicks.
20th Century Flicks, 19 Christmas Steps, Bristol BS1 5BS
5. Showcase
Are you after comfort? Showcase Avonmeads is the only cinema in Bristol to offer luxury recliner seating. The cinema has installed hundreds of luxury seats within its seven screens – making it the best among Bristol’s big-screen cinemas. In addition, tickets at Showcase are a bit of a steal too, costing £6.99 all day, every day.
Showcase Bristol Avonmeads, AvonMeads Shopping Park, St Philips Causeway, Bristol BS2 0SP
6. ODEON
It’s an ODEON! You can probably guess what it’s like. The only thing different about the Bristol cinema is that it’s haunted. After a screening of The Light That Failed on May 29, 1946, Robert Parrington Jackson, the cinema’s manager, was found shot in the head. Nobody in the cinema heard a thing, but it’s believed the murder was timed with gunshots from a scene in the movie.
The crime remains unsolved, but shortly afterwards Robert’s ghost started appearing in front of female staff. Cinemagoers have also spotted the manager appear in the third row of Screen 3, as well as in the corridor. Others have complained of cold spots and banging… but that might just be down to the quality of the cinema itself.
ODEON Bristol, Union St, Bristol BS1 2DS
7. Scott Cinemas
Scott Cinemas is exactly the sort of cinema that you don’t often find anymore. Keeping things simple, the three-screen cinema is a blast from the past with its retro fittings, while also showing all the latest blockbusters. It’s also one of the best cinemas in Bristol for kids, with Kids Crew screenings on Saturday mornings offering reduced-price performances of some of the latest children’s movies.
Scott Cinemas, Northumbria Drive, Westbury Park, Bristol, BS9 4HN
8. Vue
There are two Vues in Bristol. One in Longwell Green, the other at Cribbs Causeway. Both are state-of-the-art multiplexes with over a dozen screens showing the best blockbuster films. Perfect if you’re looking for the big-screen experience.
Vue, Aspects Leisure Park – Unit 2, Avon Ring Road, Longwell Green, Bristol BS15 9LA
Vue, The Venue, Cribbs Causeway, Merlin Road, Bristol BS10 7SR