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  • 5/5 Elliott H. 2 years ago on Google
    All I can say, is the best place on earth. I moved to London a few months back and have been around one a week or so. Great to see they've just got a 4k projector! - However the real love is the 35mm / 70mm, velvet seats, great service, immaculately clean (& ventilated), great t-shirts for sale, one of the best selections/ rotations of films going, screenings of the room and other cult classics - and of course the over night movie marathons :) Love the cinema and the podcast and look forward to seeing their own production.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Nikhil S. 5 months ago on Google
    I have been here twice, and unfortunately both times the experience was ruined by the audience. I shared the same problems as another reviewer when I went to see Nosferatu with a live orchestra: people laughing all the way through: even the end when it got more serious (as I know the beginning of the film was comedic so it's obviously fine laughing then). I decided to just write that off as a weird experience and booked tickets to see Halloween (1978) on Halloween night 2023. I was really excited for that one, did not think I'd have the same problems. I for sure expected audience interaction, but in a way that respects the movie and heightens the appreciation for it. However that was not the case, and Halloween was also completely ruined in exactly the same way as Nosferatu: very very disrespectful audience who didn't take the movie seriously at all, completely ruined all the suspense and atmosphere: even laughing throughout the whole final act which has absolutely zero jokes!!! Ruined the movie for me and many others I'm sure. It's a real shame because I can't fault the venue itself; the services offered are all fine, staff are nice enough, and the range of movies shown is really broad: definitely does its job as a unique cinema to see classic films. Just a real shame that on both occasions the audience behaved in this way: quite surprised really as I thought this kind of cinema would attract fans of the movies who would want to enjoy them etc. Really can't stress how both viewings the movie was completely ruined for me and those I went with. So if you are the kind of person who likes a quiet cinema to take a classic movie seriously, I would strongly recommend you think twice before booking tickets here. Perhaps the cinema could look into ways to discourage this kind of behaviour for certain films. Sorry I couldn't be more positive but that's just how it went. From now on I will be avoiding seeing any kind of serious/suspenseful movie here.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hollie P. 2 years ago on Google
    What a cinema! I love film and always want to see my favourite classics on the big screen. Prince Charles cinema is a cracking independent cinema with great attention to detail from the classic red velvet seats and walls to the film announcement at the beginning of your movie. Recently I saw Pulp fiction, something worth seeing on the large screen as the soundtrack fills the room. You can see many cult films here too, Tommy wiseau's The Room is definitely not something you want to miss! It's so reasonably priced, especially if you become a member and the food and drinks don't cost the earth. The cinema draws in a good audience and when full creates a fantastic environment!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Damian L. 2 months ago on Google • 152 reviews New
    Best independent cinema in London period. Been there many times and will visit many more. Thanks to them you get a chance to watch small release movies or older stuff you never had a chance to see.

  • 5/5 dani 1 year ago on Google
    visited last night to watch interstellar & it was incredible! right next to chinatown which was so nice & perfect for food. staff were so friendly and nothing was too much bother. 100/10! definitely will be back :)
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark M. 4 months ago on Google • 55 reviews
    Best Christmas movies. I really enjoyed this time. I'll back! Only one bad thing. An Indian using specs and I believe one of the "security" team,asked me to not take pictures while I didn't. The owner clearly defend the misbehavior of his staff.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 sam l. 6 months ago on Google • 38 reviews
    super fun and reliable cinema, i always have a great time here. a go-to spot when i'm itching to see an older film and i'm big fan of their 35mm screenings. really cool events too like early screenings, q&a's, and marathons that i have a lot of fun at.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew P. 3 months ago on Google • 75 reviews New
    I came back here after about 20 years and it’s still providing what I believe amounts to a public service. Also I fully appreciate the humour of the woman behind the bar who served my beer and coffee with the deadpan “speedball”. Please screen Memorias del subdesarrollo!

  • 4/5 Dim B. 1 year ago on Google
    Based on a visit 1st January 2023 to see a 70mm film downstairs. Personally I love this cinema. I have membership and have been around 5 times now. I always enjoy visiting. The location is great, right in the heart of Leicester Square but just out the way so it is a bit quieter than the other cinemas around. It can get quite busy outside and just before the start of a film though to be aware of. It is usually well organised though so that's nothing much to worry about. Staff always seem friendly and helpful. Prices - for snacks etc the prices are high. Quite expensive but in comparison to all the other cinemas in Leicester Square, they aren't any higher than them. Quality of picture - downstairs I have seen digital, 35mm and 70mm. All look as I'd expected but the 70mm is by far my favourite. I watched 2001: Space Odyssey and for a film that was released 55 years ago, it looked amazing! Quality of sound - I am quite into big loud spectacular cinema and always look forward to my visits to Imax and Dolby cinemas. This however does not compete and form my experience seems to lack the surround sound you'd get from most premium cinemas. Saying that the majority of movies I have seen I did not find a problem with the sound and the most recent film I watched there sounded really nice. So maybe depending on the film and the source. Seating - seating is a funny one because I personally find the downstairs seating quite uncomfortable for long periods of time. They are nice looking but maybe I'm just used to the "Luxe" seating nowadays. Also the viewing angles are quite strict and the middle of the seating area seems as though it dips and the middle isn't the prime location for seating if anyone is sitting infront of you. And isn't short. Upstairs - I have not been yet. Toilets - mostly clean. When the cinema becomes really busy you can get the toilet get a little abused but most times I have been they were clean and well looked after. Bar - to my knowledge there is a bar type kiosk on the ground flood and downstairs. Both sell interesting selection of alcohol if that is what you are into, ales, beers, wine etc that I rarely see in your standard places. They also sell a caffeine based drink that's made out of mate tea, it's fizzy and tastes a bit like a cigarette. Iike this in small doses. Also a selection of sweets, popcorn, soft drinks etc. Extras - So, as this cinema is an independent cinema, which seems not to be connected to any chain corporation, they provide viewings of old movies, b movies, foreign movies and they don't tend to play out the Blockbusters the other cinemas are playing. They have some original posters (not for the taking but used by the cinema) which is a really nice touch and just the aesthetics of the place is very nostalgic and feels like you have been warped back in time. There is also a large chalk board full of requests by anyone for movies to be shown there. And it seems they are taken on the whole quite seriously and not just there for reasons. On the whole, I really like this place and think they do a fantastic job. I reckon 8/10, if they somehow fix the seating issue and upgrade the sound slightly, reconsider the pricing of snacks, it would be a 10/10. Still they have to make enough money to stay alive and cutting prices and rebuilding the floor may not be viable at the moment, so I say give this place a few visits, see some old films and if you can 70mm ones (if they have some at the time) and just enjoy. Pictures added from 1st Jan 2023
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 R. W. 7 months ago on Google
    A proper cinema, showing brilliant and admittedly not so brilliant movies in the heart of Leicester Square with all the glitz and noise of the multiplex experience, just down the street, if that's your choice ... so great as ever went to see Seven Samurai downstairs screen, with my son. I am always impressed by how much you miss on the small screen that you're only able to truly appreciate on a cinema screen, especially with something I feel I know so very we'll. So if you love film as I do and love classic and modern cinema from wherever it may call from, look this lovely place up, then off on the silver screens trail you'll be led.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christopher K. 4 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    The projectionist handled the screening of The Godfather II exceptionally well and the team also dealt with noisy people very professionally. Coolest cinema in London for movie lovers.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Iris B. 5 months ago on Google • 15 reviews
    potentially one of my favourite cinemas in london, on par with the fulham road picture house. so so pretty on the inside, and consistently takes visitor film recommendations. going back there for sing along rocky horror soon and so help me god i will do one of their lord of the rings sleepovers before i die
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexandra L. 6 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    I love this place. Me and my partner have been to 6 all nighters events, and the crowds are always friendly. The staff are polite and seem to really enjoy what they do. I would absolutely recommend coming here for a great experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lin C. 1 year ago on Google
    This cinema is the perfect place to go if you want a quick snack before or after your movie. The location is very central and the ground floor has a great selection of popcorn and other snacks. The cinema and bar are both downstairs, which is perfect if you want to grab a drink before or after your film. The seats are comfortable overall, but there is little legroom. When people pass by, everyone in that row has to stand. The toilet is more or less clean, but it could be better.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Atlas 2 years ago on Google
    If you like your films, the Prince Charles Cinema has something for you! My friend found this place online shortly after watching the Godfather 50th anniversary, as we were keen to see more films that aren't shown in conventional cinemas. And he hit the jackpot here. We came to see A Clockwork Orange, which was very easy to book online. The staff were very friendly and helpful. There's a good selection of drinks and the popcorn sizes are fairly generous. The seating was fairly comfortable, however I wouldn't want to sit on it for a very long film. Three hours maximum for my comfort. The downstairs screen is set out differently to cinema chains as there's a slight incline towards the screen, however this doesn't hinder the view at all. If you've got this far into my review you might be interested in my Instagram/Letterboxd as hopefully you too love cinema. IG: kino_obsession Letterboxd: kino_obsession
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 chiara p. 2 months ago on Google • 33 reviews New
    One of the few independent cinemas in London downtown. Great variety of movies, based on brilliant selections. Decent prices as well, and the membership cards (apparently you can't just go to a cinema in London) options are multiple and cheap. Highly recommend if you are a cinema lover

  • 5/5 Bev S. 1 month ago on Google • 29 reviews New
    The best cinema ever! Great screenings of films from all ears and genres shown in 70mm, 35mm and digitally. They also do double bills and marathons like the lord of the rings extended editions. Prices are really great especially with membership. Atmosphere is cool, they even have a requests board, and the staff are always friendly and helpful. Couldn't recommend it enough.

  • 5/5 Lia C. 2 months ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    I went to see When Harry Met Sally on New Year’s Eve on 70mm at the downstairs theatre. I’m just under 5ft and sat in Seat C2. I chose this seat as at the time of booking nobody had bought a ticket in front of me. You’re a bit close to the screen, so looking up a tiny bit. Probably ok after row C. Although the seat is second from the aisle, didn’t feel like you’re watching from the side. Great atmosphere and choice of movies.

  • 4/5 Dave B. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this place so much that I ended up becoming a lifetime member. It has a licenced bar and all sorts of movie marathons and events. So much more than just a cinema. And even its public service announcements are worth watching. Only downside is it seems pretty inaccessible if you are in a wheelchair, as both screens are either up or down a flight of stairs. That's the only reason it doesn't get five stars

  • 5/5 Mrs M. 5 months ago on Google
    Was great, we saw a live comedy show here and the atmosphere was fab. Great seats, auditorium was not too small and not too big so felt nice and intimate. They do lots of cult movies and interesting events, will definitely be back.

  • 5/5 Leanne T. 1 year ago on Google
    This is such a gem of an independent cinema. I recommend it to everyone and I've been several times for all kinds of screenings, from a Mean Girls quote-a-long, to showing of Akira or Arrival. I love that it gives you a chance to see movies with the full cinema experience that you may have missed before. They are always coming up with interesting and creative new seasons. The staff are always friendly and knowledgeable.

  • 5/5 Louis C. 8 months ago on Google
    My favourite place in London. Great programming and the cinema itself has so much character. My advice for the downstairs (because it has a funny rake) is to sit 7-8 rows back for the prime spot. The smaller upstairs screen is my favourite though. Feels so intimate and I've seen so many films up there it is tough to count. Membership is cheap and the salted popcorn is crazy salty - just how it should be. 5 stars from me!

  • 5/5 Fed U. 3 months ago on Google New
    I love this place! Have visited multiple times for the unusual screenings they offer of old films, and sing-a-longs and even quote-a-longs. It may look slightly run down at first glance but don't be put off - this is a gem of a cinema. Long may it survive!

  • 5/5 Donna K. 1 year ago on Google
    Great independent cinema. I'm a member here and love it. On my last visit, the usher came in to tell some people to stop talking which was amazing! Good snack choices and they have a great range of films. Members get weekly £1 viewings and there are special seasons / movie marathons. Last year I saw Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Alex Winter presented it.

  • 5/5 Ahmed K. 1 year ago on Google
    A cinema for movie fanatics much like myself! If you love and appreciate film this is the place to go. You can watch many of their movies in old traditional formats (35mm and 70mm). They have an upstairs screen that plays more of the recent movies and a downstairs one that plays the classics. I also recommend getting the annual 1UP membership if you want to bring a friend with you every time. My only concern would be their policy on late arrivals. I would suggest that they be a tad more lenient towards latecomers. It wouldn't hurt being a little more empathetic especially towards those who have travelled long distances to get there. I was denied entry on my second visit for being a bit late but nevertheless I look forward to visiting again soon.

  • 5/5 Aidan G. 2 months ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    There's few cinemas I've been to in my travels that can rival this one in atmosphere. Screens everything from old classics to new releases, with some unique showings you won't find anywhere else. Something for everyone!

  • 5/5 Angelo E. 1 year ago on Google
    A hidden gem of a cinema in Leicester square. Only went to the downstairs cinema as part of the BFI London Film Festival 2022. Get seats towards the front for a great view of the screen. Well ventilated.

  • 5/5 Giovanni L. 3 months ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    Best cinema in London. I have been going for years, lifetime member together with my girlfriend. The 35 mm and 70 mm screenings give you a completely different perspective from what you find at the big cinema chains. I have also been to one of the "The room" screening with my friends and it was a crazy funny experience

  • 5/5 Sebastian S. 1 year ago on Google
    Genuinely the best cinema in London. Been coming here for years even when I didn’t live in London. Both screens are incredibly comfy and it feels like such cinema experience from the moment you walk in. The atmosphere creates a mutual respect between the movie watchers and I’ve never had a problem with people talking or going on their phones. They play such a wide range of films that are constantly changing. If you love cinema than look no further than The Prince Charles

  • 5/5 M J. 1 year ago on Google
    Great selection of cult and classic movies. Polite staff and clean facilities throughout the entire building. The seats in the downstairs cinema are a little uncomfortable, that's the only flaw I can think of. Recommended for couples, groups or just one person.


Call +44 20 7494 3654 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Food
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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