Love cinema, hate multiplexes?
We hear you.
The modern multiplex tends to be stuffed with superhero blockbusters, overpriced popcorn and 15 screens showing perhaps one film that you might actually want to watch.
Fortunately, London is perhaps the greatest cultural city in the world, and therefore offers a surfeit of independent cinemas for you to visit.
Check out the selection in the gallery below.
We'll see you at the movies.
London's best independent cinemas

The Lexi Cinema, Kensal Rise
194B Chamberlayne Rd, Kensal Green, NW10 3JU
Staffed almost entirely by volunteers and donating all of their proceeds to charity - The Lexi Cinema is a truly unique venue. Whenever you visit The Lexi Cinema you’re supporting The Sustainability Institute, a South African charity that helps provide sustainable living and learning to people in the town of Stellenbosch. So you can enjoy a film whilst helping people on the other side of the world, what’s not to love?

The Lexi Cinema, Kensal Rise
194B Chamberlayne Rd, Kensal Green, NW10 3JU
In regards to the films you can catch up on all the most talked about movies, old and modern classics or if you’re a bigger fan of the stage watch live productions theatre and opera productions. thelexicinema.co.uk

Electric Cinema, Portobello / Shoreditch
191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED / 64-66 Redchurch St, E2 7DP
If you want to watch movies in sublime comfort then the Electric Cinema is for you. Relax in soft armchairs complete with cashmere blankets (they’ve spared no expense) and catch up on cinema’s biggest hits. Has your choice of film inspired you to change your style? Pop to the Barber & Parlour in Shoreditch’s Electric Cinema for a haircut and treat yourself to a manicure while you’re there...

Electric Cinema, Portobello / Shoreditch
191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED / 64-66 Redchurch St, E2 7DP
If it’s food you’re craving the Portobello branch includes its own diner serving quick, delicious food from 8am until midnight on Friday - Saturday. electriccinema.co.uk

Curzon Aldgate
Goodman's Fields, 7 Canter Way, E1 8PS
Awarded the Outstanding BAFTA award in 2017 for their contribution to cinema, the Curzon was one of the first cinemas in the UK to screen foreign-language films and now shows the most hotly-anticipated releases and live screenings from the Royal Opera House and National Theatre...

Curzon Aldgate
Goodman's Fields, 7 Canter Way, E1 8PS
Guests can also attend Q&A sessions with some of Hollywood’s finest talent, documentary days and you even get a virtual tour of some of the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries. curzoncinemas.com

Arthouse Crouch End
159A Tottenham Lane, N8 9BT
Known for showing the latest cinema releases, Arthouse doesn’t just do film. It also shows live screenings of National Theatre productions for a fraction of the price you’d pay at the theatre. There are even exclusive screenings for parents of young children to come and enjoy Box Office hits whilst providing a safe environment and nappy changing facilities for the little ones...

Arthouse Crouch End
159A Tottenham Lane, N8 9BT
Whether you want to immerse yourself in the world of cinema, theatre or enjoy one of the live music or comedy gigs hosted in Arthouse’s cafe and bar – this is a truly unique experience. arthousecrouchend.co.uk

Ciné Lumière, Queensberry Place
17 Queensberry Pl, Kensington, SW7 2DT
Named after the film pioneers Auguste and Louis Lumière, Cine Lumière is an advocate for world cinema with a special focus on work from France. Cine Lumière hosts regular festivals aimed to draw attention to little known film industries such as its recent focus on Quebec Cinema...

Ciné Lumière, Queensberry Place
17 Queensberry Pl, Kensington, SW7 2DT
You can also expect to see short films, attend exclusive Q&A sessions and watch the occasional mainstream release. If you’re looking to tear yourself away from a world consumed with Hollywood cinema - Cine Lumière is just the ticket (you’ll get to brush up on your French too). institut-francais.org.uk

The Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Square
7 Leicester Pl, WC2H 7BY
From sing-a-long musical screenings, to Box Office hits and cult classics - The Prince Charles Cinema has it all. The only independent cinema in London’s arty West End, The Prince Charles is dedicated to connecting cinephiles to the best the movie industry has to offer...

The Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Square
7 Leicester Pl, WC2H 7BY
Whether you choose to see the film everyone’s talking about, attend a movie marathon (if you want to see every film in the Jurassic Park franchise back to back this is the place to be!) or experience a very special screening of a cult favourite filled with more references and in-jokes than you thought possible - there truly is something for everyone. princecharlescinema.com

Regent Street, Regent Cinema
309 Regent St, W1B 2UW
Built in 1848, Regent Street Cinema is one of the oldest movie houses in London. It was in this very building in 1896 that the revolutionary Cinématographe, a piece of equipment that would introduce the world to cinema, was displayed and Britain got its first taste of the world of film. For many years it functioned as a university lecture hall before it was refurbished into a cinema that would cater for many film-obsessed Londoners...

Regent Street Cinema, Regent Street
309 Regent St, W1B 2UW
Today filmgoers settle into the delightfully nostalgic interior that consists of yellow velvet seats and grand decor and can expect to see anything from exclusive premiers, to documentaries, animations and golden oldies. Regent Street Cinema continues to serve film students from the University of Westminster and allows both amateurs and professionals the opportunity to showcase their work. regentstreetcinema.com

Roxy Bar & Screen, Borough High Street
Fancy tucking into a freshly-prepared meal whilst enjoying a film? The Roxy Bar & Screen is arguably London’s best venue that offers you just that. Dedicated to people who want a change from the classic popcorn, hot dogs and chocolate cinema treats - The Roxy Bar & Screen gives you something a little more…sophisticated...
ourscreen

Roxy Bar & Screen, Borough High Street
128-132 Borough High St, SE1 1LB
As for the films they vary from recent hits to golden oldies and even football games - we can safely say you’ll find something that suits you. roxybarandscreen.co.uk

Secret Cinema
Across London
Since 2007 Secret Cinema have worked tirelessly to re-connect audiences with their love of film, something they feel has been lost in the world of cinema chains. So what’s unique about it?

Secret Cinema
Across London
Well, for starters when they say secret they mean secret! Venues change according to the film and can be anything from abandoned buildings scattered across London to large open spaces. If you wish to attend a screening you must keep an eye on their website for the latest news. secretcinema.org

Peckhamplex, Peckham
95A Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
If you want to catch all the latest releases currently making waves in the movie world then Peckhamplex is the place for you. Established in 1994, Peckhamplex is an advocate for international, arthouse and independent films as well as mainstream blockbusters...

Peckhamplex, Peckham
95A Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
The cinema also offers special baby screenings for those with infants, hard of hearing and autism friendly films - all at great value. £5 a ticket? Yes please. peckhamplex.london
Not such a cinephile? London's top haunts for book lovers