Film buffs may already be aware that Birmingham is a popular location for cinema. From Peaky Blinders to Line of Duty, our streets are home to some pretty infamous places. But that’s not all! If you’re a film-lover, the city boasts an incredible range of movie-related places & events to enjoy. With attractions like film festivals and indie cinemas, this list highlights some of the best places to visit for film-lovers in Birmingham.
The Vue
Mainstream cinema chains are always a good go-to when you want to watch a film. Star City is a dazzling location, and the Vue cinema is its crown jewel. Wander through the many restaurants and other exciting attractions to find the cinema.
The Vue’s prices are another thing that’s great about them. They have regular offers and discounts for students, which you can find on the Vue offers pages of their website, or you could check student websites like Save The Student to really get your money’s worth.
With 25 screens, the Vue has that glorious cinema feel, with thousands of seats to accommodate all film-lovers. Watch the latest movies or your Bollywood faves, and you could do it all in their luxurious VIP seats. The Vue also has Big Screen Events. These are unique screenings of musicals, theatre, and concerts from all of your favourite performers. These are a great way to experience high-quality performances for affordable prices, and without having to travel far.
📍 32 Watson Rd, Nechells, Birmingham B7 5SA
The Odeon
The Odeon is another reliable option for students wanting to watch a film on a budget. What’s more, the Odeon is just minutes away from New Street Station. Take a walk down from the Bull Ring, and you’ll find it nestled in between the likes of Lush and Urban Outfitters. With tickets as cheap as £5, it’s ideal for catching the newest Blockbuster without breaking the bank. Additionally, they have some great deals, like Odeon EXTRA, which allows you to save points for perks. You can usually find even more deals on StudentBeans, where you could snag an extra 20% off!
Furthermore, there is an Odeon Luxe at Birmingham’s Broadway Plaza. Here you can fully immerse yourself in the cinema experience, with luxury recliners and folding tables. Watch in style and enjoy the comfort of the extra leg-room and a place to put your nachos.
📍 139 New St, Birmingham B2 4NU & 220 Ladywood Middleway, Birmingham B16 8LP
If you’re a regular Odeon cinema-goer, make sure you read our article which weighs up whether Odeon Limitless is worth getting as a student.
Cineworld
I love going to Cineworld to catch the latest movie, and I never leave without snagging a delicious Tango Iceblast. They also offer other great and tasty options, including warm popcorn and hot dogs, which you can order online even before you arrive. There’s even a Student Combo for just £6.99! In Birmingham, there are two Cineworld locations, so you’re bound to find one of them near you.
Their high-tech 4DX is an immersive and unique way to watch the movies you love. It’s a great option for when you’re looking for a thrilling way to spend your evening. Enjoy one of many films with a student discount or explore the many other offers that Cineworld typically has available.
📍 Resorts World Pendigo Way, Birmingham B40 1PU & 181 Broad St, Birmingham B15 1DA
Millenium Point
Although Millennium Point is not a regular spot for films, I would still recommend it as a place to visit for movie fans. They have occasional screenings, displaying everything from classic films to the latest blockbusters. So, it’s worth checking if Millenium Point have anything going on. Their auditorium is state-of-the-art, with high-quality sound and visuals on the giant screen. Thus, it sets a good standard for Birmingham’s movie scene.
Also, since it is just a 15-minute walk from New Street Station, it’s a convenient spot for students who are in the mood for something fun and exciting. You might find themed cocktails and snacks to complete your movie-watching experience.
📍 Millennium Point Curzon St, Birmingham B4 7XG
Mockingbird
In Birmingham, there are a host of great independent venues for film-lovers to enjoy. The Mockingbird is one of them, a hidden gem nestled inside the gorgeous Custard Factory. Alongside other independent businesses, it’s a testament to Birmingham’s creative scene. At this niche and artsy cinema, you can watch everything from foreign films and indie pieces to cult classics and what’s hot right now.
Their stylish and modern interior gives the film-watching experience an especially luxurious feel. This is paired with a neon-lit bar and restaurant offering an array of delicious drinks, snacks, and food options. You could grab a craft beer or snack on some sweets and classic popcorn. The experience is unique compared to the other cinemas mentioned on this list. So, I would definitely recommend a visit.
Tickets are under £10, and they even have a student discount, which makes them one of the most budget-friendly options on this list. However, if that’s not enough for you, they host a ‘Late Night Mystery Movie Club‘ every Friday, where you can watch a mystery movie for just 95p! It’s a fabulous option for a fun night out and to see something outside your comfort zone.
📍 Scott House The Custard Factory Gibb St, Birmingham B9 4AA
Everyman
Everyman can be found within Birmingham’s luxurious and iconic Mailbox, right in the heart of the city. It definitely fits with the other premium businesses surrounding it, as a bespoke cinema, you’re sure to have a high-quality and self-indulgent movie night. They regularly host a wide range of special screenings and events; there are even opportunities to sit down with directors! Champagne, plush chairs, hand-picked films – this cinema is the real deal. Their menu is also to die for, with a mouthwatering range of options to enjoy with your film.
Also, if you decide to drive, be sure to take advantage of their 15% off parking deal to enjoy your deluxe night at a lower cost. Otherwise, it is just a 10-minute walk from New Street Station.
📍 116 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RF
The Omniplex
The Omniplex is another one of the UK’s big cinema chains, and it’s just as good as the others on this list. With a recent renovation, Birmingham’s Omniplex boasts luxury and comfort. Their recliner seating and deluxe lounge make it the ultimate film-watching experience. They also have fabulous snack options, with Birmingham’s exclusive Joe’s Food Truck and Beer & Cocktail Van. You can indulge in their large menu, featuring scrumptious pizzas, crispy fried chicken, and a delightful variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
📍 Great Park, Birmingham B45 9JL
Midlands Arts Centre
The Midlands Arts Centre (MAC for short) is a great addition to this list of places for film-lovers in Birmingham! It’s located inside Cannon Hill Park, one of Birmingham’s many great outdoor spots that you should also check out. The MAC itself is a dynamic and creative hub for the West Midlands. They have everything from live theatre to cinema, to other fun events and displays. Their focus is on supporting the local community and sustainability, so by visiting, you’re also helping a good cause!
You can see what’s on right now on the MAC website. You might find things like the London Film Festival or a range of interesting films, theatre and music performances to check out.
Next to their cinema, you can also find their KILN restaurant and MAC bar. Take a look at the MAC’s menu, where they offer a wide range of delicious meals and drinks for you to enjoy before or after watching your movie. The KILN even offers express options if you want to snack on the go.
What makes the MAC so great is that it’s really accessible to all students across the city. You can get 25% off travel by bus, and the park is within walking distance of the city’s train stations. For UoB students, it’s just 30 minutes down the road! I highly recommend a visit, especially in summer, to enjoy the beautiful park that surrounds it.
📍 Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH
Tour Locations
As I’ve already mentioned, Birmingham is home to some infamous filming locations. So, why not tour them? You could check out the Digbeth Loc Studios, opened by the creator of Peaky Blinders. Afterwards, you could visit the Black Country Living Museum, where it was actually filmed, to really get a feel of the gritty street-life of Industrial 1900s Brum. They host a Peaky Blinders-themed night, so don your flat cap, start practising your brummy accent and have fun!
Touring is a great way to explore your love for films if you want to do more than just watch them. There are other famous settings across the city, like the historic Colmore Row, which stood in for a London street during the Kingsman sequel’s car chase! Here’s a guide to more of these filming location spots, where you can check out the backdrops for more legendary films and TV shows right on your doorstep.
Film Festivals
It’s also worth mentioning that Birmingham hosts a variety of amazing film events outside of just films. The Anime Film Festival has multiple screenings across the city’s cinemas to enjoy, so make sure you follow them to keep up to date! Organised by The Mockingbird Cinema and partnering with the MAC, you can find a wide range of films on offer, for both diehard fans and those who want to try something new.
The Birmingham Film Festival has also been a longstanding icon of our cinema scene. As one of the largest film events in the West Midlands, it’s a popular attraction for all kinds of movie-watchers, from the harsh critics to the nostalgia-lovers. Over 10 days, the festival showcases a broad range of indie films from all over the globe. You can find screenings at some of the great locations we’ve already mentioned, like the Omniplex and Millennium Point. It’s really worth checking them out, because you might find a new favourite you’ve never heard of before!
As well as this, Birmingham has an annual Forward Film Festival, which aims to celebrate the city’s creativity and culture through the passion of film. Across multiple venues, you can share in the love for cinema and enjoy exceptional award-winning films.
Outdoor Cinema
Although not as common, you can also find outdoor cinemas across the city. These add an extra touch of excitement to the movie-watching experience. Be sure to check the screening locations to see if there are any, as they’re definitely worth experiencing! For more info on these, you could look at Birmingham’s Outdoor Cinema page, or Eventbrite, which advertises any events local to you.
No matter how you express your love for film, you’re guaranteed to find something great in Birmingham! And if you would like even more ideas for fun and affordable things to do, go check out our guide for activities under £10. Or take a look at our Birmingham page, which has the rundown on all the city’s best spots.
FAQs on the Best Cinemas & Film Spots in Birmingham
For indie and art house films, Electric Cinema and mac (Midlands Arts Centre) are top picks. The Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Cineworld Broad Street host film festivals and themed screenings. For mainstream releases, Vue, Odeon, and Cineworld multiplexes across the city offer student deals and premium formats.
Yes. The Birmingham International Film Festival, local horror or cult film events, and curated seasons at arty venues are frequent. Specialty nights, Q&A sessions with directors, and retrospective screenings are extra draws for serious cinema fans.
Film lovers may enjoy art galleries that screen films, creative hubs like Birmingham Film & Media courses, or cinema cafés where indie screenings happen. Walking tours highlighting film locations, vintage video shops, and university film society events also contribute to the city’s film culture.
Yes. Many cinemas across Birmingham offer student discounts, usually 10–25% off or reduced prices on certain days (often midweek). Some art house venues also include “students & under 25” ticket pricing or membership deals for frequent filmgoers.
Join university film societies, volunteer at film festivals, attend Q&As and local screenings, and network via arts and media departments. Offering to curate short film nights or host screenings in campus spaces is another way to engage in the city’s film community.
Hi! I’m Emmie, and I’m currently studying English Literature and Classical Literature & Civilisations at the University of Birmingham. This means I’m a huge fan of anything historical and literary, so you can usually find me diving into research rabbit holes for a new blog post or engrossed in a good book. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy activities like karaoke, travelling, or spending the day in a museum!
