While strictly speaking, Thunderbolts* was officially released in most UK cinemas on Thursday 1 May, this is the only big new release in cinemas this week. And considering the size and influence that Marvel Studios has across the industry, it’s no wonder other movies have moved out of the way to avoid the competition. The only other new entry this week is Bluey Let’s Play Chef, which is a collection of episodes of the popular show. This week, Bluey will be on the big screen at all four of Preston’s cinemas.

And if Marvel and Thunderbolts* isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of unique listings for Preston’s local cinemas from Friday 2 May to Thursday 8 May.

Goldbeak

The Arc Cinema – Book Here

All Week

Goldbeak came out in China in 2021, but with the rise in popularity of animated films from that market, Goldbeak has been redubbed and adapted for a global market. A film about a young eagle raised by chickens who sets out to find where he belongs. A solid choice for viewers with young children.

The Return

The Flower Bowl – Book Here

Friday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

While Christopher Nolan is currently filming the epic, The Odyssey, The Return is an indie production that adapts parts of that larger story, starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche. Initially, the film toured film festivals in 2024, but now it’s coming to Preston for the first time, exclusively at The Flower Bowl.

Mr. Burton

The Flower Bowl – Book Here

Friday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Mr. Burton is a British biographical drama about the life of the popular actor, Richard Burton. The film explores the early life of the actor. The film will be available exclusively in The Flower Bowl throughout the week.

Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII

Odeon – Book Here

Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday

This special event screening features a spectacular concert from Pink Floyd originally performed in 1972. However, the show has been remastered and edited in 4K. Odeon is hosting a very special showing of the event throughout the week.

Sylvanian Families – The Movie

Odeon – Book Here

All Week

Vue – Book Here

Saturday, Sunday

The popular playset for children that began trading in 1985 now comes to the big screen. The film perfectly captures the theme of the toys and delivers a happy family fairytale centred on anthropomorphised animals. This one is more focused on younger audiences, so keep that in mind going in.

Aladdin

The Arc Cinema – Book Here

Saturday, Sunday

The live-action Disney Celebration continues at The Arc Cinema with Aladdin. A reimagining of the original animated film, with Will Smith cast in the role of the genie, and a handful of new music to further fill out the score. It’s also one of the more visually stunning live-action remakes from Disney, though the reviews were mixed.

The Wild Robot

Odeon – Book Here

Saturday, Sunday, Monday

The Wild Robot adapts a science-fiction novel aimed at children written by Peter Brown. When a robot develops some sense of self, it goes on a journey of self-discovery, alongside a colorful cast of forest animals. It’s surprisingly emotional, and the movie managed to get three nominations at the 2025 Academy Awards.

Six The Musical Live!

Odeon – Book Here

Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday

Vue – Book Here

Sunday, Tuesday

Six The Musical is a comedy stage show that depicts a modern-day retelling of Henry VIII tragic relationship with his six wives. The film sees each woman take their turn to recount their experience. Despite releasing a few weeks ago, Odeon and Vue are still giving the event screening a prime position in their lineup.

Pride & Prejudice

Vue – Book Here

Saturday, Sunday

Pride & Prejudice adapts the classic Jane Austen novel of the same name. This film, starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy, came out in 2005. Now, 20 years on, the movie returns to the big screen this week in Vue.

Babe

Vue – Book Here

Saturday, Sunday, Monday

Also celebrating a major milestone, Babe is marking its 30th Anniversary this year. The film follows a young piglet who stands out from the crowd. Babe learns how to herd sheep, and while he is keen to find his place, his odd nature makes him a target for the less friendly farmyard animals.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Odeon – Book Here

Sunday, Wednesday

Vue – Book Here

Sunday, Wednesday

However, Monty Python and the Holy Grail takes the lead with an even larger milestone with this year marking its 50th anniversary. Despite having one feature film released a few years prior, Monty Python and the Holy Grail was a whole new concept, and it took the world by storm. The irreverent comedy is a true spectacle and well worth revisiting in the cinema.

Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical

Vue – Book Here

Sunday

The world’s most infamous crime couple, Bonnie & Clyde have had their story told many times down the years. However, this film adapts the story into a musical, retelling the story like never before. This special event screening will appear in Vue on Sunday.

Companion

The Arc Cinema – Book Here

Monday

Companion came out earlier this year, but The Arc Cinema is bringing it back for a one-off screening this Monday. The film stars Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid in a twisted thriller that is one of the best sci-fi horrors of its kind. However, the impact of the film is significantly enhanced by the unraveling of the mystery, which means it’s best to go in blind. If the actors involved, or the genres noted above are of interest, this film comes highly recommended.

National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove

Vue – Book Here

Monday

Steve Coogan stars in a special stage adaptation of the famous Stanley Kubrick film, Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. A dark comedy film that is set during the height of the Cold War, the story has been adapted and brought to life once again with comedy legend Coogan as the lead. 

Maria

Odeon – Book Here

Silver Screen – Tuesday

Maria is an independent film that has received a very limited release across the UK. The movie, which stars Angelina Jolie, examines the life of famous opera singer Maria Callas in the week before she died. The movie was nominated for Best Cinematography at the 97th Academy Awards, though it lost out to The Brutalist.

Screen Unseen

Odeon – Book Here

Tuesday

Odeon returns with a brand new Screen Unseen special feature. Occasionally, Odeon hosts preview screenings for movies ahead of their general release, but the catch is that the audience doesn’t know what movie will be playing. However, it won’t be a horror, as they have a separate Scream Unseen listing, and it is usually due to release within a short time after the screening.

Miss Congeniality

Odeon – Book Here

Wednesday

Another film celebrating a huge milestone in 2025 is Miss Congeniality. Sandra Bullock stars as a detective who is required to go undercover in a beauty pageant contestant when the event is under threat. It’s a comedy with some big talent. A rare treat to see this film back in cinemas 25 years after it initially debuted on the big screen.

A Royal Night Out

The Arc Cinema – Book Here

Silver Screen – Thursday

To mark VE Day, The Arc Cinema is hosting a special screening of A Royal Night Out, a romantic comedy about Princess Elizabeth and her sister Margaret escaping the palace to partake in VE Day celebrations. The film also marks its 10th anniversary, and will be playing as a Silver Screen special for over 60s who can enjoy free tea and coffee with biscuits all included in the price of the ticket.

Ocean with David Attenborough

The Flower Bowl – Book Here

Thursday

Odeon – Book Here

Thursday

Vue – Book Here

Thursday

David Attenborough is a national treasure who has narrated numerous wildlife and nature documentaries drawing attention to the beauty and majesty of the world and nature. And this week, a new release comes to three of the four local cinemas, though each is approaching the release slightly differently. The Flower Bowl is selling seats at their standard rate, while Odeon is advertising the film as an Event cinema listing. Despite this, both venues are roughly the same price. Meanwhile, Vue is bumping up the price from their average screening, but they actually offer the cheapest tickets of the three.

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