Preston is home to a wide variety of entertainment, including a growing number of cinemas.
With Vue located at the Capitol Centre, Odeon down by the Docks, and The Flower Bowl slightly further afield on the way towards Garstang, locals are spoiled for choice. And soon, Preston will also welcome another cinema right in the heart of the high streets, The Arc Cinema.
Together, these four cinemas will provide 26 screens with a wide selection of film and event screenings. And beyond the typical new releases that can be seen at any cinema up or down the country, there are some unique offerings that each of these theatres provide.
With that in mind, these are all of the unique and special screenings that can be seen at Preston cinemas day-by-day from Friday 24 January, through to Thursday 30 January.
Baekhyun: Lonsdaleite [dot] In Cinemas
7.00pm, Tickets from £17.49
Baekhyun: Lonsdaleite [dot] In Cinemas is coming to Vue exclusively in the UK as part of their Big Screen Music events. The show consists of a recording of a live performance from the K-Pop artist, Baekhyun.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
8.15pm, Tickets from £7.99
Vue is celebrating the Lunar New Year by showing a small selection of films which are either from China, or the stories are set in China. The classic martial arts film, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, directed by Ang Lee and starring Michelle Yeoh will be playing this Friday as part of that celebration.
Tabby McTat + Room On The Broom
13.20pm Tickets – £5 (Under 2s are free when sharing seats)
Julia Donaldson’s popular stories for children have been adapted into animated short features which are beloved by kids. So, if you need something to keep the younger kids and toddlers entertained, this is the perfect listing.
Maria
11.10am, Tickets from £11
Maria is an independent film which has received a very limited release across the UK. The movie, which stars Angelina Jolie, examines the life of a famous opera singer, Maria Callas in the week before she died. The movie has also been nominated for Best Cinematography at the 97th Academy Awards.
Paddington in Peru
Vue – Book Here + Odeon – Book Here
11.50am (Vue, Tickets from £7.99) + 10am, 12.40pm (Odeon, Tickets from £5)
Paddington in Peru came out on 8th November, and it marks the third entry in the popular series of Paddington films. While it has been moved out of circulation at some cinemas, the film is still playing in Vue and Odeon for a limited time. So, if you have yet to go and see it on the big screen, this could be the last chance.
Gladiator II
11.20am, Tickets from £7.99
Similarly, Gladiator II came out in November 2024, and it is beginning to phase out of cinemas. The long awaited sequel is directed by Ridley Scott, and provides the epic next chapter in the saga. Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn.
Tabby McTat + Stick Man
9.25am, Tickets from £3.99 (Under 2s are free when sharing seats)
Julia Donaldson’s popular stories for children have been adapted into animated short features which are beloved by kids. So, if you need something to keep the younger kids and toddlers entertained, this is the perfect listing.
Sarah & Duck On The Big Screen
10.05am, Tickets from £3.99 (Under 2s are free when sharing seats)
Sarah & Duck is a popular animated series aimed at children aged 4 to 6. The special screening combines eight of the best episodes from the series and two sing-along songs to make this a special event for young fans of the show.
The Wild Robot
10am, Tickets from £2.49
The Wild Robot first released in theaters in October 2024, and received widespread critical acclaim. The film has since been nominated for the Best Animated Feature Film, and now, it returns to Vue as part of their Mighty Mornings offering, making this an extremely affordable day out for the whole family.
Se7en
11.35am, Tickets from £7.99
Vue is also celebrating the career of David Fincher, which means several of his best works will be playing on the big screen. Se7en stands out as a thrilling mystery story starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman with twists throughout. It also marks the 30th Anniversary for Se7en this year.
Gone Girl
8.15pm, Tickets from £7.99
Continuing the David Fincher celebration, his hit film Gone Girl, starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike will also be playing at Vue this weekend. The psychological thriller is frequently cited as one of Fincher’s best works, and presents some of the best twists in film.
Raya and the Last Dragon
10am, 12.45pm, Tickets from £7.99
Raya and the Last Dragon is one of the most underrated films from Disney in the last couple of years. Fortunately, it returns to Vue as part of their Lunar New Year celebration. A great choice for the whole family to enjoy.
Baekhyun: Lonsdaleite [dot] In Cinemas
3pm, Tickets from £17.49
Baekhyun: Lonsdaleite [dot] In Cinemas is coming to Vue exclusively in the UK as part of their Big Screen Music events. The show consists of a recording of a live performance from the K-Pop artist, Baekhyun.
Despicable Me 4
10am, Tickets – £5
Despicable Me 4 is the latest entry in the incredibly popular series of films from Illumination. Starring Steve Carell as the voice of Gru, this entry sees the family move into witness protection, while the minions embark on unique adventures of their own.
Panda Bear In Africa
12.20pm, Tickets – £5
Panda Bear in Africa is a children’s animated film from China which follows a young panda and their best friend, a dragon. When the dragon is taken to be presented as a gift to a group of African lions, the panda sets off to save their friend.
Saturday Night
9pm, Tickets – £5
Odeon is hosting a special preview screening of this incredible comedy film with an ensemble cast about the renowned comedy show, Saturday Night Live. Saturday Night is set to come out 31 January, but if that is too far away, Odeon has got you covered.
Tabby McTat + Room On The Broom
11.20am Tickets – £5 (Under 2s are free when sharing seats)
Julia Donaldson’s popular stories for children have been adapted into animated short features which are beloved by kids. So, if you need something to keep the younger kids and toddlers entertained, this is the perfect listing.
Read more: Brand new film festival launching in Preston
Paddington in Peru
Vue – Book Here + Odeon – Book Here
3.55pm (Vue, Tickets from £7.99) + 10am, 12.40pm (Odeon, Tickets from £5)
Paddington in Peru came out on 8th November, and it marks the third entry in the popular series of Paddington films. While it has been moved out of circulation at some cinemas, the film is still playing in Vue and Odeon for a limited time. So, if you have yet to go and see it on the big screen, this could be the last chance.
Gladiator II
7.45pm, Tickets from £7.99
Similarly, Gladiator II came out in November 2024, and it is beginning to phase out of cinemas. The long awaited sequel is directed by Ridley Scott, and provides the epic next chapter in the saga. Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn.
Tabby McTat + Stick Man
9.35am + 12.15pm, Tickets from £3.99 (Under 2s are free when sharing seats)
Julia Donaldson’s popular stories for children have been adapted into animated short features which are beloved by kids. So, if you need something to keep the younger kids and toddlers entertained, this is the perfect listing.
Sarah & Duck On The Big Screen
9.50am, Tickets from £3.99 (Under 2s are free when sharing seats)
Sarah & Duck is a popular animated series aimed at children aged 4 to 6. The special screening combines eight of the best episodes from the series and two sing-along songs to make this a special event for young fans of the show.
The Wild Robot
10am, Tickets from £2.49
The Wild Robot first released in theaters in October 2024, and received widespread critical acclaim. The film has since been nominated for the Best Animated Feature Film, and now, it returns to Vue as part of their Mighty Mornings offering, making this an extremely affordable day out for the whole family.
Se7en
10.40am, Tickets from £7.99
Vue is also celebrating the career of David Fincher, which means several of his best works will be playing on the big screen. Se7en stands out as a thrilling mystery story starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman with twists throughout. It also marks the 30th Anniversary for Se7en this year.
Raya and the Last Dragon
10am, 12.45pm, Tickets from £7.99
Raya and the Last Dragon is one of the most underrated films from Disney in the last couple of years. Fortunately, it returns to Vue as part of their Lunar New Year celebration. A great choice for the whole family to enjoy.
Girl From The North Country
2pm, Tickets from £17.49
In the wake of Bob Dylan’s biopic appearing in cinemas everywhere, Girl From the North Country is a jukebox musical which uses the music of Dylan. The musical comes to Vue as part of their Big Screen Theatre initiative, and is a fantastic way to access the biggest and best shows at the local cinema.
Despicable Me 4
10am, Tickets – £5
Despicable Me 4 is the latest entry in the incredibly popular series of films from Illumination. Starring Steve Carell as the voice of Gru, this entry sees the family move into witness protection, while the minions embark on unique adventures of their own.
Panda Bear In Africa
11.50am, Tickets – £5
Panda Bear in Africa is a children’s animated film from China which follows a young panda and their best friend, a dragon. When the dragon is taken to be presented as a gift to a group of African lions, the panda sets off to save their friend.
Tabby McTat + Room On The Broom
10.20am Tickets – £5 (Under 2s are free when sharing seats)
Julia Donaldson’s popular stories for children have been adapted into animated short features which are beloved by kids. So, if you need something to keep the younger kids and toddlers entertained, this is the perfect listing.
Gone Girl
7.50pm, Tickets from £7.99
Continuing the David Fincher celebration, his hit film Gone Girl, starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike will also be playing at Vue this weekend. The psychological thriller is frequently cited as one of Fincher’s best works, and presents some of the best twists in film.
Scream Unseen
7.45pm, Limitless Members Only
Odeon hosts special early screenings of upcoming titles for their Limitless members. The Scream Unseen listings deliver previews of horror movies. Odeon does provide some hints on their social media channels before the night, but for those who like to be surprised and enjoy movies before the general public, this is a great night out.
Tabby McTat + Room On The Broom
3.20pm Tickets – £5 (Under 2s are free when sharing seats)
Julia Donaldson’s popular stories for children have been adapted into animated short features which are beloved by kids. So, if you need something to keep the younger kids and toddlers entertained, this is the perfect listing.
Independent Film Night
7.30pm, Tickets – £12
In association with Lythan International Film Festival, The Flower Bowl is hosting special screenings of short films, with special guests and Q&As on the last Tuesday of each month. This is a great opportunity to see something completely different, and support independent filmmakers.
Read more: Preston cinema teaming up with Lytham International Film Festival to launch indie nights
Gladiator II
2.20pm, Tickets from £7.99
Similarly, Gladiator II came out in November 2024, and it is beginning to phase out of cinemas. The long awaited sequel is directed by Ridley Scott, and provides the epic next chapter in the saga. Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
7.50pm, Tickets – £5
The classic martial arts film, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, directed by Ang Lee and starring Michelle Yeoh is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, Odeon will be hosting a special one off screening of the film.
Tabby McTat + Room On The Broom
1.20pm Tickets – £5 (Under 2s are free when sharing seats)
Julia Donaldson’s popular stories for children have been adapted into animated short features which are beloved by kids. So, if you need something to keep the younger kids and toddlers entertained, this is the perfect listing.
The Room Next Door
1pm, Tickets – £5
Odeon provides a special Silver Cinema screening every Tuesday afternoon. These films often highlight academy award winning films with remarkable and experienced actors. The screenings are aimed specifically at over 55s, and provide a great afternoon outing to gather with friends.
Maria
1.35pm, Tickets from £11
Maria is an independent film which has received a very limited release across the UK. The movie, which stars Angelina Jolie, examines the life of a famous opera singer, Maria Callas in the week before she died. The movie has also been nominated for Best Cinematography at the 97th Academy Awards.
Gladiator II
2pm + 8.30pm, Tickets from £7.99
Similarly, Gladiator II came out in November 2024, and it is beginning to phase out of cinemas. The long awaited sequel is directed by Ridley Scott, and provides the epic next chapter in the saga. Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn.
Sarah & Duck On The Big Screen
11.50am, Tickets from £3.99 (Under 2s are free when sharing seats)
Sarah & Duck is a popular animated series aimed at children aged 4 to 6. The special screening combines eight of the best episodes from the series and two sing-along songs to make this a special event for young fans of the show.
Girl From The North Country
1.30pm, Tickets from £17.49
In the wake of Bob Dylan’s biopic appearing in cinemas everywhere, Girl From the North Country is a jukebox musical which uses the music of Dylan. The musical comes to Vue as part of their Big Screen Theatre initiative, and is a fantastic way to access the biggest and best shows at the local cinema.
Tabby McTat + Room On The Broom
3.20pm Tickets – £5 (Under 2s are free when sharing seats)
Julia Donaldson’s popular stories for children have been adapted into animated short features which are beloved by kids. So, if you need something to keep the younger kids and toddlers entertained, this is the perfect listing.
Read more: Preston director on ‘long slog’ to get Ribble Valley-based film shown in cinemas across UK
Maria
1.50pm, Tickets from £11
Maria is an independent film which has received a very limited release across the UK. The movie, which stars Angelina Jolie, examines the life of a famous opera singer, Maria Callas in the week before she died. The movie has also been nominated for Best Cinematography at the 97th Academy Awards.
Paddington in Peru
Vue – Book Here + Odeon – Book Here
4.10pm (Vue, Tickets from £7.99) + 10am, 12.40pm (Odeon, Tickets from £5)
Paddington in Peru came out on 8th November, and it marks the third entry in the popular series of Paddington films. While it has been moved out of circulation at some cinemas, the film is still playing in Vue and Odeon for a limited time. So, if you have yet to go and see it on the big screen, this could be the last chance.
Gladiator II
2.20pm, Tickets from £7.99
Similarly, Gladiator II came out in November 2024, and it is beginning to phase out of cinemas. The long awaited sequel is directed by Ridley Scott, and provides the epic next chapter in the saga. Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
6pm, Tickets from £7.99
Vue is celebrating the Lunar New Year by showing a small selection of films which are either from China, or the stories are set in China. The classic martial arts film, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, directed by Ang Lee and starring Michelle Yeoh will be playing this Friday as part of that celebration.
Luther: Never Too Much
3pm + 7.50pm, Tickets – £5
Rather than another musical biopic, Luther: Never Too Much is a musical documentary which provides insights into the life and times of popular artist, Luther Vandross. The film also combines archive footage and interviews from Luther to create a captivating and complete picture of his powerful and inspiring journey.
Tabby McTat + Room On The Broom
3pm Tickets – £5 (Under 2s are free when sharing seats)
Julia Donaldson’s popular stories for children have been adapted into animated short features which are beloved by kids. So, if you need something to keep the younger kids and toddlers entertained, this is the perfect listing.
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This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.