What with the launch of the new Odeon Luxe in town and all, there’s been a lot of cinema chat in Bristol recently, but between the ultra-luxury of Everyman and the ‘90s vibes of Showcase, there’s always been great movie-going choices. If you’re after one of the world’s best cinemas, however, then look no further than Watershed.
Time Out has officially named the 100 greatest cinemas in the world right now—a perfect mix of picture houses and cinemas from London to New York, Melbourne to Tokyo, Jaipur to… Bristol? Because while the top spot goes to Hollywood landmark TCL Chinese Theatre, Watershed sneaks in at 28th.
To put this in context, that’s one place higher than Athens’ Cine Paris (29)—the open-air, rooftop screen with views of the iconic Acropolis. It’s also the highest-ranked cinema in England, outside of London, after BFI Southbank (3), The Prince Charles Cinema (8), Picturehouse Central (15), Odeon Luxe Leicester Square (20), and Genesis Cinema (24).
Why Watershed?
As the UK’s “first true media centre when it opened in 1982”, Watershed is more than just a cinema to Bristol. These once derelict Victorian warehouses have become a hub for the city’s film culture, a talent incubator in creative technology, the best public toilets in the country, and a cafe/bar with “famous nachos” that “have their own cult following.”
Time Out says: “Fans like the late, great Pete Postlethwaite – the first to sponsor a seat in the three-screen venue, in 2004 – would later champion the ‘adventurous, cosmopolitan’ nature of the place. They’re values this cherished cultural hub still upholds today with its diverse programming and community focus.”
This isn’t the cinema to catch the latest Marvel flick (there’s plenty of cineplexes in Bristol that will do that), but if you want movies that will challenge and change you, look no further than Watershed—with everything from Charli XCX’s new mockumentary ‘The Moment’ to the Oscar-tipped ‘The Secret Agent’.
Where else is on the list?
Watershed isn’t the only local picture house among the world’s greatest cinemas. Also featured is Everyman Bath (57), which you may know better as the Tivoli Cinema. Highlighted for its cosy screens (particularly the available-to-hire Director’s Lounge), state-of-the-art laser projectors, and elegant bar.
The 10 greatest cinemas in the world right now:
- TCL Chinese Theatre, Los Angeles, USA
- The Stella Cinema Rathmines, Dublin, Ireland
- BFI Southbank, London, UK
- New Beverly Cinema, Los Angeles, USA
- Film Forum, New York, USA
- Pathé Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cine Doré Filmoteca Española, Madrid, Spain
- The Prince Charles Cinema, London, UK
- Music Box Theatre, Chicago, USA
- Cineteca Nacional de México City, Mexico
To see the complete 100 greatest cinemas in the world right now, head here.
