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
Tomorrow (Saturday 13th December)
14:45
Alpha 18
2h 8m | French w/ English subtitles
17:30
The Running Man 15
2h 13m
20:30
Pillion 18
1h 47mSunday 14th December
14:00
Kino Kids Muppet Christmas Carol U
1h 29m
16:30
The Ice Tower 15
1h 57m | French w/ English subtitles19:15
Alpha 18
2h 8m | French w/ English subtitlesComing soon
Blue Moon
Showing from Friday 19th December
On 31 March 1943, lyricist Lorenz Hart drinks alone at Sardi’s as former collaborator Richard Rodgers basks in Oklahoma!’s triumph. While accolades flood in, Hart unravels with bittersweet candour. Ethan Hawke shines in Richard Linklater’s real-time meditation on art, regret, and legacy.
It Was Just an Accident
Showing from Friday 19th December
Azerbaijani mechanic Vahid suspects a customer is his former Iranian torturer. After years of censorship and a recent spell in jail, celebrated Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi returns with a thrilling tale of obsession, paranoia, and vengeance. Winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Showing from Saturday 20th December
It’s our favourite, it’s your favourite – it’s everyone’s favourite! The ultimate Christmas classic in which George Bailey discovers the true meaning of Christmas with a little help from his guardian angel comes to the UPP this festive season. It’s sure to sell out quickly so book now to avoid disappointment.
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
In Memoriam: a season celebrating artists we lost in 2025
This January, we pay tribute to five remarkable artists we lost in 2025 by bringing some of their most beloved films back to the ... Read more
UPP Young Critics Award Recipients & Their Reviews
As part of our recent Melodramarama! season, we were thrilled to launch a brand-new Young Film Critics Award, delivered in ... Read more
Gift Vouchers: Share the Magic of Cinema this Christmas
Give the perfect gift this Christmas and share the magic of cinema. Our gift vouchers make thoughtful, personal presents for film ... 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.