Birmingham has had an odd history with Hollywood – from Tom Cruise eating at Asha’s to a locally-made, 1990 horror movie where a satanic motorcycle terrorises Brum. Up until very recently, it was also home to one of the oldest working cinemas in the UK – the Electric Cinema first opened in 1909, but sadly closed in 2024. We’re still movie-mad in Birmingham, however, and the city is still home to some incredible cinemas. So grab some popcorn and get comfortable, tonight is movie night!
1. The Mockingbird
Probably Birmingham’s last true independent cinema, The Mockingbird is located in the trendy Custard Factory screening as many arthouse pictures as mainstream movies. A key cog in the city’s filmmaking/film-lovers community, it’s been used for countless film festivals and private screenings too. You’ll also find a range of special one-off screenings of film fan favourites – anything from 10 Things I Hate About You to Live and Let Die.
Hang out in the bar/cafe before or after your cinema trip (or even if you’re not seeing a film) and tuck into a spread of comfort foods. From popcorn to popcorn chicken, vegan “(not) meatballs” to cookie dough, The Mockingbird will make sure you’ll be well-fed for the movie. Become a member for £17.99 and get two free tickets, 10% off concessions and ongoing discounted tickets.
The Mockingbird Cinema, Mockingbird House, The Custard Factory, Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4AA
2. Cineworld
Supporting independent cinemas is vital and all – as we’ve seen with The Electric – but if you want the biggest and best cinema experiences, sometimes you need to go to the big guys. Both Cineworld on Broad Street and at the NEC have an IMAX screen to give you the biggest and best picture – while the other screens are nothing to turn your nose up at. You’ll find all the biggest blockbusters at Cineworld, but the Golden Mile cinema has plenty of Bollywood hits showing too.
Cineworld, 181 Broad St, Birmingham B15 1DA
Cineworld, Resorts World, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1PU
3. Everyman
Looking for a little bit of luxury? No one can top Everyman. Comfy, sofa-like seating with lots of legroom; everything from handmade pizzas and baked cookie dough to milkshakes and cocktails on offer; and a wide variety of mainstream, independent and classic films – what’s not to love? Located inside The Mailbox, it’s far from the cheapest option but is a great date-night plan for that special cinema trip.
Everyman, The Mailbox, 116 Wharfside St, Birmingham B1 1RF
4. Omniplex
The ‘newest’ of Birmingham cinemas, Omniplex replaced The Empire Cinema in Rubery’s Great Park at the very end of 2023. It’s pretty much exactly the same, however, offering cinemagoers of Birmingham a 13-screen multiplex cinema with all the hottest movies and endless treats (like popcorn, nachos and hotdogs). What’s new is that it offers a subscription service called MyOmniPass – for a monthly subscription of £11.99, you can catch every movie across all Omniplex locations.
Omniplex, Great Park, Rubery, Birmingham B45 9JL
5. Midlands Arts Centre
On the edge of Cannon Hill Park is this incredible arts complex. From live theatre to art exhibitions, creative activities and one of the best cinemas in Birmingham. Midlands Arts Centre boasts a single cinema screen with a capacity of 150. In many ways, it can’t compete with the bigger screens in Birmingham, but it shouldn’t be underestimated. Offering a varied range of movies – be it foreign-language arthouse or animation fit for families, there’s something for everyone. You can also explore the rest of MAC before or after.
Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH
6. Vue
Screening all the biggest movies, this state-of-the-art chain cinema is fitted with Dolby Surround Sound and Sony 4K Picture Quality in all of its 19 screens. All screens at Vue Birmingham also feature “The Recliner” – a VIP cinema experience, with soft leather, reclinable seats and a fold-away food tray. Even with all this, Vue has to be one of the cheapest cinemas in Birmingham with tickets starting at £4.99 online, or £5.99 in the venue.
Vue, Star City, Nechells, Birmingham B7 5SA
7. ODEON
What can we say about the ODEON on New Street that you don’t already know? It’s never going to be the best cinema, but is always reliable. It’s cheap, offers great student and family deals, shows all the movies, and is in a great location. Handy in a pinch, but never our first choice. The ODEON Luxe, however, is a different story. With fully reclining seats that have three times the legroom; Dolby Atmos sound and 4K projection; and the upmarket Oscar’s Bar – where you can grab a bite to eat beforehand.
ODEON, 139 New St, Birmingham B2 4NU
ODEON Luxe, Broadway Plaza, 220 Ladywood Middleway, Birmingham B16 8LP
8. Millennium Point
Now, Millennium Point isn’t a permanent cinema, but the Auditorium event space used to be an IMAX – and has everything for an incredible moviegoing experience. It hosts the annual Birmingham Film Festival, as well as many other special one-off screenings – like fun and lively showings of classics, or rolling out the red carpet for movie premieres. Check out the website to see what’s on.
Millennium Point, Curzon St, Birmingham B4 7XG