Oxford has a wealth of cinemas from multiplexes (Two Odeons and a Vue) through to indie gems. As well as six venues in and around the city showing all the latest releases there are clubs and societies to get involved with as well as festivals and special screenings. Check out Daily Info's guide to cinema in Oxford.
Independent and boutique cinemas
Curzon
A cinematic gem perched atop the Westgate, this boutique cinema is the newest addition to Oxford's roster of cinemas. Across five state-of-the-art screens the Curzon Westgate shows some of the biggest films on release as well as the latest offerings from world and art house cinema. It's worth keeping an eye out for special screenings with Q&As (particularly of documentaries) as well as members previews most weekends. Curzon cinemas are also notable as the UK chain that shows Netflix films (which really was the best way to watch Roma).
Phoenix Picturehouse
Oxford's oldest continuous use cinema (since 1913), the Phoenix Picturehouse specialises in a diverse mix of art house & world cinema and more mainstream offerings, shown across its two screens. One of the best elements of the Picturehouse are the themed screenings they run, offering something for everyone, be it their weekly Kids' Club, exclusively for children and their parents/carers, Vintage Sundays, giving classic films much needed showings, or special previews for members and regular customers alike. The cinema also hosts exclusives for parents and babies, preschool children and their parents/carers, and students. A perfect cinema for all.
Ultimate Picture Palace
Cowley Road's locally owned independent cinema is one of Oxford's best features. Across its single screen it packs in four or five films a week, offering second chances for the big films you may have missed and a platform for smaller films that haven't shown anywhere else. They also curate seasons of classic themes, celebrating different genres, performers and auteurs, and host special events with guest speakers and performers. They have a special parent and baby screening most weeks. What more you could ask for from your local.
Clubs and societies
Cinema Under the Stairs
Formerly the resident film night at The Cellar, the sad passing of this Oxford institute hasn't dampened Cinema Under the Stairs ambitions. The group exists to screen monthly classic films curated by its founders. Previous films have ranged from the iconic (The Thing, Fargo) to the cult (Critters, Akira) to the utterly bonkers (Shotgun Assassin, Silent Night Deadly Night), with each showing getting a gorgeous new poster designed in house. Tickets are cheap, alcohol and appropriate snacks plentiful and the El Gordo raffle draw goes to one lucky audience member after each screening. Booking in advance is very advisable, as their events can sell out super fast.
Oxford Brookes Documentary Club
Meeting Thursday during Oxford Brookes term time, this is a documentary club free to staff students and the general public, screening some of the best recent documentaries cinema has to offer. With examples on a range of subject matters, with many screenings paired with a panel discussion of a Q&A with people involved with the films or experts in the field, this is the premier opportunity for Oxfordians to enhance their knowledge of non-fiction cinema.
Film Oxford
Film Oxford is a film and creative arts charity that provides training and activities as well as support for local creatives. One of their standout initiatives is Open Screen, a friendly networking group that meets to watch and discuss short films, including participants of their courses.
Iffley Film Nights
Iffley Film Nights is a not for profit, accessible community cinema, showing films at Iffley Church Hall. Monthly screenings included world cinema, classics and the occassional mainstream film. The highlight of their calendar is an annual special weekend of themed films (2019's theme is European Film). Refreshments are included in the price of the ticket.
Festivals and open air cinemas
Oxford International Film Festival
Since 2016 Oxford has had its very own film festival in the form of OXIFF. Offering a mix of dramatic features, documentaries and short films, the festival lands every May with a terrific line-up of indie films along with special guests for these (past attendees have included Rosamund Pike and Timothy Spall).
Summer Screens
Formerly known as Cult Screens, Summer Screens is Oxford's premier open air cinema, screening films in front of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, with an annual roster that includes family favourites as well as recent megahits.
Further afield
The Abbey Cinema
Freshly opened at the end of 2018, Abingdon's Abbey Hall has been turned into a swanky new cinema. As well as new releases, the Abbey Cinema is notable for offering sports on the big screen, special family showings and special dress up/sing along screenings.
Wallingford Corn Exchange
When its not hosting theatre, concerts and stand-up comedy, the Wallingford Corn Exchange acts as fabulous, volunteer run cinema. The Corn Exchange offers a roster of films that includes second chance viewings, indie and world cinema overlooked by other places, and classic films on re-release.
And are we missing a must attend night of cinema? If so drop us an email at cinema@dailyinfo.co.uk