Whether you want to dive into a cult classic on a small screen, check out an abstract movie from an up-and-coming filmmaker, or catch the latest Pixar instalment, you’re well covered here. Here are the best independent cinemas for checking out the best film has to offer in Glasgow.
1. Glasgow Film Theatre
Providing film for Glasgow city centre since 1939, this charity-listed cinema is a true veteran. A Rose Street stalwart, the cinema shows over 600 films per year, with 60% of these being foreign language pictures. It is also home to the annual Glasgow Film Festival.
Glasgow Film Theatre, 12 Rose Street, G3 6RB
2. Centre For Contemporary Arts
A cultural centre that showcases independent Glasgow films. It hosts films set to challenge audiences to think differently on many social and political issues. Glasgow Centre For Contemporary Arts is home to the work of Glasgow Refugee and Asylum Network, so many of the films shown here also tackle the pertinent issues in the lives of refugees. Given the heart-breaking conditions that many migrants have to face when crossing into Europe, it is a situation that requires all the light shed on it by Glasgow’s contemporary art centre.
Centre for Contemporary Arts, 350 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3JD
3. Grosvenor Picture Theatre
After a major renovation The Grosvenor Picture Theatre, Glasgow’s oldest cinema, is back and it still makes for a hearty occasion. Whether it’s the newest Marvel picture or a more abstract piece of cinema, there’s a hefty selection on offer here. There’s also a luxurious bar you can stock up at before heading into the theatre. Keep an eye out for special events like their Boozical Brunch and Fizz n Flick as well as special screenings, too. For example, the cinema previously hosted a back-to-back screening of the famously silly Cornetto Trilogy (Shaun Of The Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World’s End) a few years back — and each ticket included a complimentary Cornetto, of course.
Grosvenor Picture Theatre, 24 Ashton Lane, G12 8SJ
4. Glasgow Media Access Centre
Glasgow Media Access Centre is a project set up to spread the work of young and independent filmmakers. It is a creative hub that invites people to put on and watch films in their space. They also host a number of workshops, panels and schools to help aspiring young filmmakers on their way.
Glasgow Media Access, 103 Trongate, G1 5HD
5. Everyman Glasgow
Simply the best spot to kick back on a sofa and enjoy a great film. You can sprawl out on the luxurious seats of the Everyman, a noteworthy addition to the best independent cinemas in Glasgow list. There’s great food to take into the screen and you catch all the current films, along with older classics. You can even get drinks from the bar brought to you during the film! How’s that for service?
Everyman Glasgow, Unit 3 – 5, Princes Square, Buchanan Street, G1 3JN