London has a wealth of fabulous cinemas both old and new; some are great for big singalong evenings in groups, others are perfect for slipping into solo for a classic film fix. We’ve rounded up the best cinemas for couples, so grab your partner, some popcorn and a cheeky drink or two and settle down for the show.
Cinema in the Arches (FKA Archlight Cinema), Battersea Power Station
Located in the arches a 3-minute walk from the Power Station, the cinema has luxurious reclining seats and individual tables, Dolby Atmos 3D surround sound, fine wines, champagne, cocktails and craft beer, homemade popcorn and sweet treats; everything you need for an indulgent movie date. Three screens show a mix of current blockbusters and classic favourites.
Cheapo tips: Tickets £12.00 on Monday-Thursday before 5pm; Film Club members, £9 tickets on Mondays
Closest Tube: Battersea Power Station
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The Castle Cinema
Cute indie cinema with plush armchair seating and a cool, retro bar serving pastries, pizzas and toasties for some casual pre/post-film chilling.
Cheapo tips: Tickets £6.00 on Mondays, £9.00 Tuesday-Friday matinees; there are great discounts for members and concessions, including NHS staff and those on low incomes.
Closest Tube: Homerton Overground
Book here
Genesis Cinema, Bethnal Green
For maximum brownie points from your date, go for Studios 4 & 5: deluxe 40-seat screens complete with reclining sofas/armchairs, footstools and blankets. One of the best cinemas for couples with maximum snuggling potential.
Cheapo tips: This is our pick for a swish movie date on a budget; tickets start at just £6.50 from Monday-Wednesday and a staggeringly cheap £3.00 on Thursdays, with the luxury screens from £10.50.
Closest Tube: Stepney Green
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Everyman Screen on the Green, Islington
Beautiful, retro-style cinema. Nab the premier seats, luxurious sofas with footrests, and order waiter service from their food & drink menu. For £6.25 you can build your own sundae with three scoops of ice cream, a sauce and three toppings including fresh strawberry, crushed Oreos or mini marshmallows. Now that’s more impressive than a tub of vanilla.
Cheapo tips: Matinee showings are cheaper at £13.35 (or £14.35 for premier seats) but sign up to their free newsletter for offers and discounts.
Closest Tube: Angel
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The Electric Cinema, Portobello Road
Certainly one of the best cinemas for couples as far as cosy seating goes. Nothing says a movie date more than front row beds or back row sofas for two.
Cheapo tips: From Monday-Thursday 4-9pm you can get 50% off your meal at the Electric Diner with a ticket for a screening on the same day.
Closest Tube: Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill Gate
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Rich Mix, Shoreditch
One of the best cinemas for couples with a conscience, Rich Mix is an inclusive arts centre charity promoting culture and creativity, so your movie night will also be good karma. There is a cinema bar with the usual snack and sweets, plus an Indian street food restaurant on the ground floor if you’re making a night of it.
Cheapo tips: Full-price tickets are a very reasonable £11.90 but drop to £9.80 Tues-Fri before 5pm and a bargain £7.00 on Mondays when you book online.
Closest Tube: Shoreditch High Street overground, or Liverpool Street
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Backyard Cinema, Wandsworth
Called ‘The perfect date night’ by Metro, this is not just a movie but a fully themed immersive experience. For example, last summer they recreated Miami Beach, where you could check in at hotel reception, head off for a cocktail and a boogie in the Flamingo beach bar and finally grab a bean bag in a sand-filled cinema; and LA Nights, where you checked in at the airport desk, grabbed a pre-flight drink in the first-class lounge and then boarded the plane for your movie.
Cheapo tips: Tickets start at £20.00 but you do get a lot of bang for your buck.
Closest Tube: East Putney
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BFI Southbank
The cinema seats may be pretty standard but the date vibes here come from the cultural film screenings and the boho-chic BFI bar, with mismatched squishy sofas and armchairs. They even have a secret Drawing Room bar behind the bookcase, which bar staff might show you if it’s not booked.
Cheapo tips: If you are 16-25, sign up on their website and pay just £3.00 for tickets.
Closest Tube: Waterloo
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The Garden Cinema, Covent Garden
Opened in March 2022, this independent cinema with two screens and a bar is perfect if you are coupled up with a fellow film buff. At the time of writing, it is offering a lifetime membership for a bargainous one-off price of £20, with the option of gifting a membership too. Enjoy not only advanced booking, discounts and free screenings but also members’ events and the chance to suggest films for future screenings.
Cheapo tips: Tickets start at £5.00 for midweek matinees, or £12.00 for evenings and weekends.
Closest Tube: Covent Garden
Book here
