Oxford’s home of independent cinema
The Ultimate Picture Palace is Oxford’s oldest independent cinema. Founded in 1911 and community-owned since 2022, we show a mix of independent, international, and classic films all in our cosy single-screen auditorium. Find us on the Cowley Road in East Oxford.
What's on
Today (Thursday 30th April)
12:30
The Drama 15
15:30
DJ Ahmet PG
1h 39m | Macedonian & Turkish w/ English subtitles18:00
The Magic Faraway Tree U
1h 50m20:30
The Wicker Man 15
Tomorrow (Friday 1st May)
15:15
Orwell: 2+2=5 15
1h 59m18:00
Miroirs No. 3 15
1h 26m | German w/ English subtitles20:15
Father Mother Sister Brother 15
1h 50mComing soon
Director’s Cuts: Peter Strickland
9th to 28th May
Director’s Cuts is a new series inviting filmmakers we admire to curate a screening of their own work alongside films that have shaped, inspired, or simply delighted them, past and present. We’re thrilled to launch the series with Peter Strickland.
Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair
19th to 25th June
Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair is an annual film festival showcasing some of the greatest works of cinema from across the globe that venture into the darkest sides of humanity and the bleakest points in human history. Our selections include Oldboy, Gummo, The Ascent and more.
Orson Welles on 35mm Weekend
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th May
Our Lead Projectionist Kit Finnie curates a weekend of Orson Welles classics as we show two of his finest films, Citizen Kane and The Magnificent Ambersons – both on magnificent 35mm.
Become a member
Our community of UPP members get exclusive discounts including 2 free tickets, a free drink at our cosy bar and £2 off the price of tickets.
UPP News
Find out the latest news and updates from the UPP and our community

Ruskin School of Art students’ short films at UPP
The Ultimate Picture Palace are delighted to partner with Ruskin School of Art, to exhibit a selection of their students’ short films. ... Read more

Director’s Cuts: New series begins with Peter Strickland
We're delighted to announce a new regular series we're calling Director’s Cuts. Inviting filmmakers we admire to curate a screening ... Read more

Save the UPP
We're sorry to bring you the difficult news that the future of the UPP is at great risk. Today, we're launching a campaign to save ... Read more
Hire the cinema
Our unique art-deco venue is the perfect place for private screenings, children and adult birthday parties, fundraisers, premieres, presentations, community events, film festivals and more.






