Stoke on Trent cinemas are few and far between but we’ve ranked the best to worst so you don’t have to.
Stoke on Trent Cinemas Ranked Best to Worst
If you’re planning a trip to Stoke on Trent or if you’re a local resident yourself then check out what the area has to offer when it comes to cinema entertainment.
Let’s take a look at the cinemas in Stoke on Trent.
1. Cineworld Stoke
Opened in December 2015 Cineworld Stoke has been the go-to location to check out the latest movie offerings from the world of independent and studio film.
Opened as part of the hive expansion Cineworld is certainly surrounded by good company.
A wonderfully designed expansion to the potteries center saw such units as Nando’s and Coast to Coast included not to mention a Frankie & Bennies.
There’s nothing better than grabbing a drink and some food before heading into the cinema to check out a film.
The cinema hosted special themed nights for such premieres as Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame that saw cosplayers meet and greet fans as they headed into the midnight screenings.
The cinema also undertakes in unlimited screenings where unlimited cardholders can enjoy a film much earlier than its slated release date.
I was able to check out A Star is Born and Incredibles 2 a whole 2 weeks before general release at Cineworld Stoke.
With there being a limited choice in the area when it comes to cinemas this theatre stands head and shoulders above the rest.
The negatives of this particular cinema are that its size restricts it from adding such experiences as 4DX, SuperScreen, and Screen-X.
Cineworld Stoke consists of 9 screens, all rather small in size.
It’s a more intimate viewing experience but it would have been nice to have had an IMAX or similar installed at such a thriving area of Hanley town center.
Cineworld Stoke Listings
2. Stoke Film Theatre
Opened in 1974 the Film Theatre is a small exclusive venue within the Staffordshire University campus.
A wide variety of films are shown but the theatre focuses on more independent and foreign films. Mainstream films taking more of a back seat.
The theatre focuses on films that have a smaller limited release. It’s a good opportunity to see films you wouldn’t usually see at the big theatres.
The entire theatre is run almost entirely by volunteers and there are showing at 7:45 every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
If you got to the cinemas on Monday there is no admission charge. A lot of local and amateur productions are also shown on Wednesday evening which is also free of charge.
When Hollywood came to Stoke on Trent
Consisting of one 213-seat auditorium the cinema is wheelchair accessible and is very cozy indeed.
There is also a bar open from 7 pm selling all sorts of refreshments including beers, wines, and spirits.
The great thing about Stoke Film Theatre is the fact that no trailers are shown before the movie so you don’t have to sit twiddling your thumbs for 30 minutes.
The negatives of the cinema are that it feels a little run down at times. The seats especially.
The screen and audio quality are also considerably downgraded from your standard theatre but this is to be expected.
3. Odeon Stoke
Odeon Stoke opened 18th October 1989 with a total of 1804 seats. In July 1993 another 2-screens were added increasing the total venue capacity to 2,206.
The thing about Odeon Stoke thou, however, is that it still feels as tho it’s in 1989.
Over the years Odeon Stoke has seen a rapid decline in its appearance. Broken seats, untidy screens, awful seating layouts, and terrible screen quality.
Adding a Costa coffee to the front of the cinema added that ‘modern’ feel but sadly the cinema is on a downward spiral.
I’m always surprised with every passing year how Odeon Stoke manages to stay open. It’s in need of some serious TLC.
Rumors of upgrading the cinema to a LUXE Odeon were going around over the last two years but it seems as thou the plans were scrapped.
Personally, it’s a cinema I stay far, far away from. I was given free tickets to a screening here not long ago, of which I turned down.
Don’t just take my word for it. Head down and see for yourself.
If anyone at Odeon just so happens to be reading this article. Please get it sorted.
A Special Mention
Just down the road just slightly outside of the Stoke border lies Vue Cinema in Newcastle Under Lyme.
This 8 screen venue opened on September 1st, 2000 as Warner Village Cinemas but was rebranded to Vue in June 2006.
The venue originally had 2087 seats but recliner seats were installed in 2017 and the total capacity was reduced to 749.
With the sharp decline of the seating the attendance rose. Many of the seats before the recliners were introduced were always empty. It seemed pointless to have so many seats not filled.
The Vue recliners are luxury bringing a whole new element to how we watch films. I’m quite simple so the introduction of such seats instantly made this cinema my favorite.
Nothing quite beats waiting for the title of the movie to begin as you press the button that lowers your seat back into heavenly reclined luxury.
The cinema is well maintained, the screens are great and the experience is always a memorable one.
The only negative for me is that Vue boasts that they have 4k screens but they never seem to look 4k quality to me.
Maybe I just need my eyes tested?
Vue Cinema, Newcastle Under Lyme Listings
Overall
Stoke on Trent has a short and sweet number of local cinemas. Rumors about an IMAX cinema coming to Stoke were in full swing as The Light announced that they would be bringing their brand of cinema to the local area.
Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be. But we remain optimistic that an IMAX cinema will be brought to the local area.
Cineworld is a great cinema but so much more can be done. Just look at Didsbury Cineworld. That place is stunning!
Implement one of those in Stoke on Trent and I wouldn’t go anywhere else!
Except for Vue, yeah, you’re not going to beat Vue anytime soon!
It’s not just cinemas in Stoke that we need more of but Staffordshire cinemas could also have more things added. The whole local area needs an entertainment expansion!
With new attractions coming to Stoke on Trent all the time it makes sense to increase the footfall demand with more staple entertainment venues.
So let the 2020 campaign for a new cinema in the local area commence!
