Let’s talk about cinemas in London
London’s film festivals and theatres are no joke. Many of them are rich in history, culture, and talent. The picture houses, otherwise known as cinemas, are just as much treasure too. For film houses, they are not just places to watch a movie and skip out, but a part of the memory and experience.
Some of the cinemas are housed in lavish Victorian halls, others nestled in sleek, modern buildings. Many are fitted with the best sound and screen technology, while others are designed for comfort and relaxation. London’s best are adept at transporting you straight from your streets into the movie itself.
5 Best Cinemas In London
1. Prince Charles Cinema
2. BFI IMAX
3. Odeon Luxe
4. Electric Cinema, Notting Hill
5. Picturehouse Central.
Best Cinemas In London
Here are 5 of the best cinemas in London, among others
1. Prince Charles Cinema
Fondly called PPC by regulars, the Prince Charles Palace has been creating memories since 1962. The cinema is beloved for its quirk of showing all types of movies from oldies and indies to modern blockbusters.
The ambience is part nostalgia, and part misfit charm. The walls are lined with film posters spanning decades, and the carpet has likely seen more spilled popcorn than most theatres see in a lifetime. It’s a little scruffy, but that’s exactly what makes the hall so special.
Prince Charles is only outfitted with two screens, the bottom taking about 300 people and the upper one 180. The theatre has been known to screen fan favorites like Harry Potter for weeks on end and conduct movie marathons. It’s one of the few movie theatres where you get to sing along with the movie in musical screenings.
There is no cutting-edge acoustics or chest-thumping soundscapes at Prince Charles, but the lineup of movie screenings and genuine love of film that the cinema house has is undeniable to can see it if you visit. One screen might be indulging in a Studio Ghibli animation while the other is showcasing a light-hearted chick flick. It is this unpredictability and ability to enjoy old movies that make PCC stand out from the others. It’s affordable, charming, and constant.
The Cinema house is so beloved that in 2025, it was given an Asset of Community Value (ACV) status after almost being closed down.
Location: 7, Leicester Place, Leicester Square, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am ( Sunday – Monday)
Price Range: £11 – £33
2. BFI IMAX
For an immersive experience unlike any other, the go-to cinema is Waterloo’s British Film Institute IMAX. The filmhouse towers over the surrounding cityscape and boasts the biggest screen in the UK. Over 20 meters in height and 26 meters wide, wider than some London flats.
The screen might be impressive, but the sound is even better, 12,000 Watts of pure, unadulterated sound. You can be sure that every bullet sound or ocean wave will hit you like you are directly in the movie.
The interior of the film house is delightfully modern. Every inch of the cinema is built to deliver a fully immersive experience. A 3D sound system is strategically placed around for the best audio coverage and to ensure that viewers have an uninterrupted view of the screen. Every seat is tiered steeply, so no one is blocking the other.
BFI IMAX is definitely the best place for Hollywood blockbusters and nature documentaries. If you are all about a cinema that has the best screen and audio coverage, then you’ll love every minute of your time here.
Location: 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk, South Bank, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 11:00 am – 8:45 pm
Price Range: 17.25 – 23 (For Adults)
13.50 – 17.50 (For Children)
3. Best Cinemas In London: Odeon Luxe
For a truly home theatre comfort experience, Odeon Luxe is the cinema for you. It has been in existence since 1939, and the cinema is located inside an old art deco building that just underwent a renovation. The multi-million dollar outfitting means the tone is set towards one thing: a luxurious experience. Modern lobbies, softly lit bars, and enough velvet and chrome to look stylish and chic.
However, the real magic starts when you sink into one of the leather chairs facing the screens. They are big, blissfully spaced out, and yes, they fully recline. No elbow wars here, just you, your drink, popcorn, and the movie. True Bliss
The cinema house has 12 screening rooms, each one showcasing multiple movies at the same time. It boasts some of the best state-of-the-art film technology, and the soundstage is amazing. The kicker, unlike other cinemas, Odeon actually offers hot food and drinks that can be delivered to your seat.
Although every Odeon Luxe is quite good, Leicester stands out more than the rest. The cinema actually hosts movie premieres and interviews with many of the movie stars they feature. Especially the blockbuster ones. Also, they regularly conduct competitions and offer movie lovers to win gifts and prizes.
Location: Freeman’s Park, 90 Aylestone Road, Leicester, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 8:30 am – 11:00 pm( Monday – Sunday)
Price Range: 9.95 – 11.45 (For Adults)
7.50 – 9.00 (For Children)
4. Electric Cinema
Electric Cinema is tucked inside a beautiful Edwardian building in one of London’s most charming neighborhoods. One of Britain’s oldest working cinemas, the cinema is a masterclass in blending old-world opulence with modern-day comfort. Deep velvet drapes, soft lighting, and a layout that feels more like a drawing room than a cinema. Forget comfortable recliners, at Electric, you are choosing between leather armchairs with footstools, cushy two-person sofas, or one of the six front-row double beds, complete with plush cashmere blankets. Talk about style and comfort.
Sound-wise, Electric opted to go the nostalgic way. You won’t find the thunderous soundscape that modern cinemas are known for. Instead, its audio setup is softly tuned, with clear dialogues, soft tones that somehow still manage to draw you into the movie.
The true magic at Electric is its atmosphere: Luxurious, old-fashioned indulgence that screams of comfort. There is a bar where you can grab a glass of wine or a cocktail. Once you’re settled in, in-seat service lets you nibble on gourmet snacks or a full meal without ever leaving your cocoon of comfort. The cinema is perfect for a romantic date night or rainy afternoon escape.
Location: 191 Portobello Road, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 9:00 am -12:00 pm (Monday – Saturday)
10:00 am – 11:00 pm (Sunday)
Price Range: 20 – 50
5. Picturehouse Central
Although relatively new, Picturehouse has quickly gained ground as one of the best cinemas in London. The cinema is a mix of a cool hangout spot and a gathering place for anyone who sees film as more than just entertainment. It mixes arthouse charm and modern cinema to bridge the gap between mainstream appeal and indie soul. The themed mural as you walk up is pretty eye-catching and cool.
On the ground floor, there is a cafe for a quick coffee or a pastry fix, while upstairs, the bar offers wine, craft beer, and friendly chatter. The cinema has various screen sizes, but each room is outfitted for comfort, with a great view and plush seating.
The programming is where the magic is at Picturehouse. It’s a carefully curated blend of the latest blockbusters, under-the-radar movies, foreign language films, thought-provoking docs, and occasional filmmaker Q&As that pull back the curtain to real movie discussions.
Location: 15 Great Windmill Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Piccadilly Circus, London, United Kingdom.
Hours Open: 10:00 am – 9:30 pm (Monday – Saturday)
10:00 am – 9:00 pm (Sunday)
Price Range: 15.30 – 18.30 (For Adults)
8.90 – 9.50 (For Children)
Conclusion
London’s cinemas stand out from the rest and are so compelling just from the sheer range of experiences on offer. The movies are good, but the cinema houses have nailed the science and art of creating an atmosphere that remains as a memory long after the movie is over.
Depending on your preference and mood, one night, you can be strapped into the IMAX experience at Waterloo, feeling, and the next, you’re singing your heart out with a crowd at The Prince Charles. You can decide to go on a date while sipping wine under the velvet drapes at the Electric or a comfortable solo hangout at Odeon. Each cinema reflects a different piece of London’s identity: historic, modern, elegant, and eccentric.
