7 Reasons why Liverpool is the perfect place for Cinema Lovers

Calling all fans of Hollywood blockbusters, film noir and independent productions!

2017 has been and continues to be, another incredible year of film. From blockbusters like La La Land, Dunkirk and the Oscar winning Moonlight, to the indie flicks such as A Ghost Story and the critically acclaimed Get Out, 2017 really has had something for everyone (although lets maybe glaze past the Emoji Movie).

Let us show you why our city if the perfect place for film fans and cinema fans….

1 – The Multiplex – Odeon

Perhaps the most obvious choice, a multi-plex can be found in almost every city and we have two! If big screens, popcorn and an array of different showings is what matters to you for a successful night at the cinema, then Odeon is the one. We are lucky enough to have Odeon in the heart of the city centre at Liverpool One shopping complex so that you can enjoy a film after an evening meal, shopping spree or before a few drinks. Also, for those who don’t want to busy themselves with a trip in to town, then head over to Odeon Switch Island for all the latest big name releases, a little closer to home. More info here.

2 – The Indie – FACT

Easily one of the cities most cherished creative hubs; FACT is also home to a Picturehouse Cinema that shows a combination of the latest blockbusters as well as independent, smaller releases. Picturehouse at FACT does an incredible job of also showing classics and cult films for those who missed out on seeing them first time round, or just want to catch them again. Finally, if you get chance, make sure that you settle down to a screening in their famous Box screen, where you can enjoy the latest releases in the comfort of a two-person couch. First date territory for sure. Get your tickets here.

3 – The Retro – The Plaza

It can be easy to forget just how magical a trip to your local picture house could be when the culture first hit the main stream. However, step one foot in to The Plaza Cinema on Crosby Road and you will be transported to another time, when you were seeing giant gorillas climbing the Empire State Building and Frankenstein coming to life for the first time, right in front of your eyes. These days the community run complex shows all your latest releases as well various alternative screenings tailored to families as well as those with special needs. Various festivals also run as the Ocean Film Festival U.K lands later this year. For a retro romp, get down to The Plaza today. Check out the listings here.

4 – The Something Different – The Drive-Thru

If the previous movie houses aren’t what you’re looking for when it comes to date night, then why not head out for a little silver screen action. Drive-Thru cinemas are a classic movie cliché that never quite took off in the UK, at least nothing like they did over the Atlantic. However, if you head down the dock road you will find the Route 66 Drive-Thru cinema, perfect for reliving some of the original American cinematic romantic moments. Check it out here.

5 – The Something Special – The Philharmonic Hall

This really is something special. The Philharmonic Hall has done an amazing job at bringing classic films, as well as modern blockbusters, to life with the soundtrack played LIVE by the Philharmonic Orchestra. Last Halloween they did this with Hitchcock’s horror, Psycho, and earlier this year with the family favourite, E.T. 2017 has also seen Oscar nominee, Lion given a new lease of life with the orchestra backing the on screen action. At time you will forget that the orchestra is there, so well do they do their job, however when the live musicians and the movie combine in the perfect quantities, there are few cinema experiences more special and worthy of a night at the flicks. See what’s on when here.

6 – The Secret – Secret Garden Cinema

Secret Cinema has really taken off over the last few years as they put on screenings of Hollywood Classics in secret locations that can only be found out about by signing up to their mailing list. This isn’t strictly a Merseyside thing, they take place all over the world even putting old, previously released films back into the modern day Box Office Top Ten, such as Moulin Rouge and The Empire Strikes Back. Previous Secret Cinema events have taken place on rooftops and in St. Luke’s Church, making the setting as picturesque as the happenings onscreen. Find your next secret cinema screening here.

7 – The Overnight Stay – Arthouse Hotel

Now, we’re going a little off brand here, but this is quirky little find for film fans right in the centre of the city, just off Seel Street to be precise. The hotel has a bar and restaurant with movie memorabilia dotted around the place, however, the reason that we have included this on the list is for one reason, and one reason only…the themed rooms! Perfect for parties, you can book a room with a movie theme to suit you. Whether you want to be swept away by Mary Poppins, swooned by Grease or in awe at The Birds, there is a room to suit your tastes. There are options ranging from The Wizard Of Oz to the Rocky Horror Show, with a few cultural rooms such as New York and Chicago to make you feel like you’re the star of the show! Book your stay here.

Photo Credit: Liverpool Film Office

Films can define many parts of a city culture and although you may closely relate Liverpool to live music, it seems as though Hollywood has a special place in our hearts too. A night at the movies has become a little less popular in recent times, with the rising cost among many reasons, however Liverpool is doing fantastically innovative things to remind us of the magic of the movies.

Which is your favourite Liverpool cinema? Tweet us your faves @TheGuideLpool or email us info@theguideliverpool.com and we’ll share the big screen love on our socials.