Brighton has one of the oldest cinemas in the country, a pop-up cinema that screens films on boats and in churches, two multiplexes and an annual film festival. Cinemas in Brighton weighted towards independent and arthouse film, which makes sense for the city. This guide covers every cinema in Brighton, what each one shows, what it costs and which one to pick depending on what kind of film night you want. For more things to do in Brighton beyond the cinema, the main guide covers the full range.
Table of Contents
Quick Reference Table
| Cinema | Area | Screens | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke of York’s Picturehouse | Preston Road (near London Road) | 1 | Independent, arthouse | The full cinema experience, classic setting |
| Duke’s at Komedia | North Laine (Gardner Street) | 2 | Independent, mixed | Central location, pre-cinema drinks |
| Cineworld | Brighton Marina | 8 | Multiplex, ScreenX | Blockbusters, free parking, families |
| Odeon | West Street (city centre) | Multiple | Multiplex | City centre convenience, mainstream |
| White Wall Cinema | Various locations | Pop-up | Cult, classic, alternative | Something different, unique venues |
The Cinemas
Duke of York’s Picturehouse
Duke of York’s Picturehouse on Preston Road is the oldest purpose-built cinema still operating in the UK. It opened on 22 September 1910 and has been showing films continuously ever since. The building is Grade II listed, the auditorium seats 278, and the pair of can-can dancer’s legs on the roof have been a Brighton landmark since the 1990s.
The programme mixes new releases, arthouse films, independent cinema, classic screenings and special events. It is part of the Picturehouse chain, which means you get the quality of programming and the membership benefits of a national chain inside a building with over a century of character that no multiplex can replicate. The first-floor bar has a terrace, free Wi-Fi and serves wine, beer, spirits and cakes from Real Patisserie.
Picturehouse membership gives you discounted tickets across all their cinemas. Happy Mondays offer reduced prices at the start of the week. There are also dedicated screenings including Kids’ Club on Saturday mornings, Silver Screen for older audiences, Watch with Baby for parents with infants, and autism-friendly screenings on the third Sunday of every month.
If you only visit one cinema in Brighton, this should be it.
Address: Preston Road, Brighton BN1 4NA
Duke’s at Komedia
Duke’s at Komedia is the sister venue to Duke of York’s, located above the Komedia comedy and arts venue on Gardner Street in North Laine. It opened in December 2012 and has two screens showing a mix of mainstream and independent films.
The central location makes it the most convenient cinema in Brighton for combining a film with shopping in North Laine or dinner in The Lanes. The on-site bar is useful for a drink before or after the film, and the surrounding streets have plenty of restaurant options.
Duke’s at Komedia runs the same Picturehouse membership, family screenings and accessibility screenings as its sister venue. Note that unaccompanied under-18s are not permitted on the premises after 10pm due to the venue’s licence.
Address: 44-47 Gardner Street, Brighton BN1 1UN
Cineworld Brighton
Cineworld Brighton at Brighton Marina has 8 screens including a ScreenX 270-degree auditorium for a more immersive experience. It is the largest cinema in Brighton by screen count and the one to go to for the latest blockbusters in the best possible format.
The main advantage beyond the screens is free parking. Brighton Marina has a free multi-storey car park, which makes Cineworld the easiest cinema in Brighton to drive to without worrying about parking charges. There is a Starbucks inside the cinema and the Marina’s restaurants are a short walk away for pre or post-film food.
Cineworld Unlimited cards let you see as many films as you want for a monthly fee. Bus routes 7, 21 and 23 stop outside the cinema.
Address: Brighton Marina Village, Brighton BN2 5UF
Odeon Brighton
Odeon Brighton on West Street in the city centre is the mainstream multiplex option for anyone who wants to be in central Brighton without walking to the Marina or Preston Road. It shows the latest mainstream releases in digital surround sound.
The location is the main selling point. It is a few minutes’ walk from the seafront, The Lanes and the train station. For a quick film on a rainy afternoon or an evening screening before heading out in the city, it is the most practical option.
Address: Kingswest, West Street, Brighton BN1 2RE
White Wall Cinema
White Wall Cinema is Brighton’s pop-up cinema. Since 2015 it has been screening films in unconventional locations across the city, from clothing shops and bars to churches and boats. The philosophy is that anywhere with a white wall will do.
The programming leans towards alternative, classic and cult films rather than new releases. Screenings range from intimate 40-person events to larger 400-person shows. They also run themed festivals including an annual Wes Anderson festival. Events are announced through their website, mailing list and social media, so sign up if you want to catch screenings before they sell out.
This is the cinema in Brighton for people who want the experience to be about more than just the film. The venues change, the films are unexpected and no two screenings feel the same.
Beyond the Main Cinemas
CINECITY Brighton Film Festival runs every November and screens new and independent films across venues throughout the city. It is Brighton’s annual celebration of the moving image and worth checking if you are visiting during November.
Outdoor screenings happen seasonally across Brighton, particularly during summer. Brighton Marina sometimes shows films on an outdoor big screen, and various operators run pop-up outdoor cinema events in parks and on the seafront. Check local listings closer to the time as schedules vary year to year.
Depot in Lewes is not in Brighton but deserves a mention. It is an award-winning independent three-screen cinema in Lewes, about 15 minutes by train from Brighton station. The programming covers mainstream, arthouse, world cinema, documentaries and classic films, and the building includes a stylish cafe-restaurant with a garden terrace. If you are willing to make the short trip, it is one of the best cinemas in Sussex.
Practical Tips
Best for a date night. Duke of York’s Picturehouse. The building, the bar, the programming and the atmosphere all work together. Book balcony seats if available.
Best for families. Duke of York’s and Duke’s at Komedia both run Kids’ Club screenings on Saturday mornings. Cineworld has the most screens and free parking, making it the easiest option for families with younger children.
Best for accessibility. Duke of York’s runs autism-friendly screenings on the third Sunday of each month. Both Picturehouse venues run subtitled and audio-described screenings. Cineworld has wheelchair spaces in every screen and disabled parking on the lowest floor of the Marina car park.
Best for a rainy day. Any of them. A rainy day in Brighton is what cinemas were made for.
Saving money. Picturehouse membership gives discounts across Duke of York’s and Duke’s at Komedia. Cineworld Unlimited lets you see unlimited films for a monthly fee. Odeon runs regular promotions.
FAQs
What is the best cinema in Brighton?
Duke of York’s Picturehouse on Preston Road is the best cinema in Brighton for atmosphere, programming and history. It is the oldest purpose-built cinema still operating in the UK and shows a strong mix of arthouse, independent and mainstream films.
Are there independent cinemas in Brighton?
Yes. Duke of York’s Picturehouse and Duke’s at Komedia are both independent-style cinemas in Brighton, part of the Picturehouse chain. White Wall Cinema runs pop-up screenings in unusual venues across the city. Depot in nearby Lewes is another strong independent option.
Which cinema in Brighton has free parking?
Cineworld at Brighton Marina has free parking in the Marina’s multi-storey car park. All other cinemas in Brighton require paid parking or public transport.
Is there an outdoor cinema in Brighton?
Seasonal outdoor screenings take place across Brighton during summer, including at Brighton Marina and in various parks. White Wall Cinema also runs screenings in unconventional outdoor and indoor locations year-round. Check local listings for upcoming dates.
How much do cinema tickets cost in Brighton?
Prices vary by venue. Picturehouse cinemas offer Happy Mondays discounts and membership rates. Cineworld Unlimited costs a monthly fee for unlimited viewings. Standard adult tickets at the multiplexes are typically around £10 to £13, with discounts for children, students and seniors.
Final Thoughts
The cinemas in Brighton cover everything from a 1910 arthouse cinema with a bar and a terrace to an eight-screen multiplex with free parking and ScreenX. Duke of York’s is the one that defines Brighton’s cinema culture. Cineworld is the practical choice for families and drivers. Duke’s at Komedia is the most central. Odeon is the city centre fallback. And White Wall Cinema is the one for anyone who thinks going to the cinema should feel like an event, not a routine.
