From the best new releases to special screenings and events, here’s what not to miss at London’s cinemas
London’s big on cinema; the city is home to countless film festivals and movie institutions, as well as a healthy vein of indie cinemas. Of course, that means there’s a lot to watch and it can be tough to keep up with all the must-see screenings going down – even for the most hardcore cinema buffs. So, we’ve scoured the listings of our favourite movie spots in town to bring you a curated list of the unmissable, from cult classics dug out of the archive to new releases you might not have heard of. (P.S. our list is updated weekly, so come again to catch something new).
New Releases
Challengers
Now officially director Luca Guadagnino’s biggest box office hit, the hotly anticipated Challengers is dramatic, fun and sexy.
Until Thurs 9th May 2024
Various cinemas in London
The Sweet East
Starring two darlings of 2020s cinema (Ayo Edebiri and Jacob Elordi), The Sweet East is a satirical road movie that takes place on the American East Coast.
Until Sat 4th May 2024
Various cinemas in London
Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry
This award-winning, unexpected love story confronts loneliness and societal expectations with an endearing and humourous tone.
Until Thurs 9th May 2024
Various cinemas in London
Monkey Man
Dev Patel’s directorial debut is a vengeance-fueled thriller that pays homage to global action cinema.
Until Wed 8th May 2024
Various cinemas in London
Special Screenings & Events
The Exorcist (25th Birthday Screening) at Genesis Cinema
Tues 7th May 2024
Flesh: Eyes Without a Face x Tusk at the Rio Cinema
Sat 11th May 2024
A Streetcar Named Desire at BFI Southbank
Tues 7th, Sat 18th & Fri 24th May 2024
Stop Making Sense at the Prince Charles Cinema
Fri 3rd, Wed 8th, Mon 13th & Sat 25th May; Wed 5th & Sat 29th June; and Sat 27th July 2024
Film Festivals
Herne Hill Free Film Festival
You may have guessed from the name, but this is an entirely free film festival happening in Herne Hill. It’ll comprise 10 feature films, two short film nights a 48-Hour Film Challenge, where participants will be given a line of dialogue, a prop, a Herne Hill location and 48 hours to create a 3-minute short film
Wed 17th – Sun 28th April 2024
Various locations in Herne Hill
No tickets required, each event works on a first-come, first-served basis
Muslim International Film Festival
The Muslim International Film Festival is debuting in London this summer. The programme of features and shorts champions the work of Muslim filmmakers and showcases stories across a wide spectrum of experiences.
Thurs 30th May – Sun 2nd June 2024
Odeon Luxe West End, 38a Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX