1. BFI Southbank riverfront (Photograph: BFI / Peter Li)
    Photograph: BFI / Peter Li
  2. BFI Southbank River Entrance (Photograph: BFI / Luke Hayes)
    Photograph: BFI / Luke Hayes
  3. BFI Southbank NFT1 (Photograph: BFI / Edward Sumner)
    Photograph: BFI / Edward Sumner
  4. BFI Southbank Balcony Bar (Photograph: BFI / David Jensen)
    Photograph: BFI / David Jensen
  5. BFI Southbank lobby (Photograph: BFI / David Jensen)
    Photograph: BFI / David Jensen
  6. BFI Southbank NFT2 (Photograph: BFI / David Jensen)
    Photograph: BFI / David Jensen
  7. BFI Southbank Reuben Library (Photograph: BFI / Peter Li)
    Photograph: BFI / Peter Li
  8. BFI Southbank Bar (Photograph: BFI / Julie Edwards )
    Photograph: BFI / Julie Edwards
  9. BFI Southbank Mediatheque (Photograph: BFI / Peter Li)
    Photograph: BFI / Peter Li
  10. BFI Southbank at night (Photograph: BFI / Luke Hayes)
    Photograph: BFI / Luke Hayes

BFI Southbank

  • Cinemas | Independent
  • South Bank
  • Recommended
Alex Sims
Advertising

Time Out says

What is it?

Formerly the National Film Theatre, this much-loved four-screen venue on the South Bank in Waterloo became the BFI Southbank in 2007. For film lovers who know their Kubrick from their Kurosawa, this is London's best cinema. Certainly, it's the city’s foremost cinema for director retrospectives and seasons programmed to showcase international work or films of specific genres or themes. It’s the flagship venue of the British Film Institute and plays home each year to the BFI’s London Film Festival and to the BFI’s seasons. BFI Southbank also regularly hosts Q&As with some of the world’s leading filmmakers. The venue itself is a hot spot, with two bar-restaurants (one overlooking the river, nestled under Waterloo Bridge), a cafe, a bookshop (good for DVDs too) and a library.

Why go?

To see films you won’t find in your local chain cinema. 

Don’t miss:

The BFI’s curated seasons really are the business if you love film. They encompass a whole range of subjects from month-long programmes celebrating ‘the uncanny’ to director and genre specials. They even get top-notch directors like Martin Scorsese to hand-pick their favourite flicks. 

When to visit:

Sun-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11.30pm, programming times vary 

Ticketing info:

£8-£13.50, under 16s £3

Time Out tip:

I was given a BFI Southbank membership as a gift and it’s categorically one of the best presents I’ve ever received. Membership entitles you to £2 off of up to four tickets, priority booking and access to exclusive events. 

Take a look at the best cinemas in London and discover our guide to the very best things to do in London.

Details

Address
Belvedere Rd
London
SE1 8XT
Transport:
Tube: Waterloo
Price:
£8-£13.50, under 16s £3
Opening hours:
Check website for show times
Do you own this business?Sign in & claim business

What’s on

Sophia Loren: Hollywood Style, Neapolitan Spirit

Hollywood stars don’t come as classy as Sophia Loren. This programme of films curates by the BFI, Cinecittà and Cinema Department of the Ministry of Culture of Italy, celebrates oven 70 years of the glamazon actress with screenings of 4K restorations and cinematic classics. Loook out for talks including Sophia Loren: Hollywood Italian Style as well as screening including: Good Folk’s Sunday (Anton Giulio Majano, 1953), Heller in Pink Tights (George Cukor, 1960), Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (Vittorio De Sica, 1963), Arabesque (Stanley Donen, 1966), Saturday, Sunday and Monday (Lina Wertmüller, 1990) and The Life Ahead (Edoardo Ponti, 2020). See the BFI website for the full programme. 
  • Film events

In Character: The Films of Peter Sellers

Comedy genius Peter Sellers would have turned 100 this year. To celebrate, the BFI has curated a programme of films which best show off the brilliant characters he created. The series begins with a talk, Peter Sellers in Context, exploring his iconic roles and lasting influence on film and modern comedy. Lookout for screenings throughout August, including The Ladykillers (Alexander Mackendrick, 1955), The Wring Arm of the Law (Cliff Owen, 1962), Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (Stanley Kubrick, 1963), A Shot in the Dark (Blake Edwards, 1964), The Return of the Pink Panther, plus the world premiere of a 4K Restoration of Only Two Can Play (Sidney Gilliat, 1961) on 15 August, introduced by Vic Pratt, Producer, BFI Home Entertainment.  See the full programme on the BFI website.  
  • Film events
Advertising
You may also like
You may also like