Todd’s Pick: The Electric Cinema

The Electric is the UK’s oldest working cinema. If that isn’t enough, the rest of this may be lost on you. Across two screens, The Electric showcases a mixed bag of new releases, indie/art films and foreign language pieces; as well as playing host to a variety of events, anniversary screenings and film festivals. A tour of the building — which is held occasionally throughout the year — will find you exploring the narrow venue, including its projection room that still utilises a traditional film projector for special screenings.

Whether you choose to be seated in traditional red flip-down theatre seats or, for a premium, sofas at the front or back of the screen rooms, there will always be something worth watching at The Electric. This is easily the most iconic cinema in Birmingham and with good student rates and only a minute walk from New Street station – there is always a reason to keep coming back to The Electric

Amy’s Pick: The Everyman Cinema

If you’re looking for a more luxury cinema experience, make sure to check out the Everyman Cinema. Nestled at the back of Birmingham’s luxury shopping destination The Mailbox, the Everyman is the perfect cinema for romantic dates, birthday celebrations, or even just treating yourself to a more VIP cinema experience.

The Everyman shows many of the latest releases over three screens, as well as National Theatre Live shows, Royal Opera House screenings, and even previews of new releases for members. However, its selling point is definitely its comfy armchairs and excellent waiter service – who could resist trying the amusingly-named ‘Spielburger’ whilst enjoying a film? All of this does come at a higher price point to other cinemas in Birmingham, at £8.95 for a student ticket, but it is a bit of a different option from other chains such as the Odeon and one of my favourites for a special occasion!

Sam’s Pick: The Mockingbird Cinema and Kitchen

Some of my favourite cinematic experiences have been at the Mockingbird in the past year. Even with as much choice as Birmingham offers, it’s one I frequent, mainly due to its versatility. The cinema only has one moderately sized screen, and only shows a few films each day, but there’s always a lot to look forward to in the kind of events they offer.

There are regular movie marathons, brunch screenings (as the place also has a decent kitchen attached), re-releases, kid-friendly and dog-friendly screenings. On an average visit you might see people walking out from a Mamma Mia Prosecco-rave as you go in to bite your nails for two hours with Ridley Scott’s Alien. You may have to wait a few weeks after release to see most films, but one of the best reasons to visit the Mockingbird is to go see an old classic on the big screen. A lot of the tickets are £3-£5, so it’s definitely worth the short walk to Digbeth to check out.

Matt’s Pick: The Chain Cinemas

Chain cinemas are fairly reliable, and Birmingham has two of the best ones around. A simple train journey to Five Ways puts you within walking distance of both of them: Cineworld Broad Street and Odeon Luxe Broadway Plaza.

If you’ve been to an Odeon Luxe before you’ll know what to expect from this luxury, top-of-the-range cinema. With tickets ranging from £8-10 it’s a little pricier than most cinemas around, but the recliner seating and state-of-the-art screens and surround sound more than make up for it.

Just five minutes’ walk away is Cineworld Broad Street, which boasts slightly cheaper tickets and occasionally a better range of films, as well as a fully-certified IMAX screen (a must for the biggest blockbusters).

At the end of the day, which cinema you choose is personal preference, but – based on my experiences over the last two years – you won’t go far wrong with either.