Sky Cinema: Channels, features & subscription

Dan Howdle • August 29th, 2024

From its origins as Sky Movies, Sky Cinema still leads the way when it comes to movie entertainment, with a variety of channels crammed with cinematic entertainment, from animation and action to dramas and thrillers.

Along with some of the latest releases, there are also classics to enjoy, and with a whole channel devoted to family films, there is something for everyone. You don’t have to have Sky TV in order to get Sky Cinema. Like Sky Sports, it is available in various different ways, all of them on subscription. In this guide, we take a look at what Sky Cinema has to offer, how you can watch it, and how much it costs.

Introduction

Sky Cinema is a subscription-only service offering a vast selection of films to suit every taste. You can choose to watch the channels live or search for what you want on demand, meaning you can always be guaranteed to find something to entertain, whether it’s for keeping the little ones entertained or a bit of escapism on a Saturday night.

It is available either as a bolt-on to an existing TV subscription, including Sky TV, EE TV or Virgin Media TV, or with NOW TV, Sky’s streaming app sibling. Contract lengths vary according to provider and range from one month to 18 months.

If you sign up with Sky TV, you can watch Sky Cinema on your mobile, tablet or laptop with the Sky Go app, as well as on your TV. The same applies if you sign up with EE or Virgin Media; both the EE TV app and Virgin Media TV Go app enable you to enjoy your subscription on the move.

If you decide to get a NOW TV Cinema Membership, the NOW TV app is available on a wide range of devices, from games consoles and TVs to laptops and streaming sticks. It also only requires a one-month contract so if you don’t want to commit, it’s an ideal option.

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Sky Cinema channels

Sky Cinema offers 11 different channels of films to enjoy, conveniently grouped into topics, so you can easily find something you’ll like.

Sky Cinema Premiere

Sky Cinema Premiere offers a new premiere every day, featuring some of the latest cinema releases. Recent premieres include "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," and "Oppenheimer."

Sky Cinema Hits

Sky Cinema Hits showcases blockbuster hits, offering a collection of the most successful films in recent years. Current highlights include "Avatar: The Way of Water," "John Wick: Chapter 4," and "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One."

Sky Cinema Greats

Sky Cinema Greats presents timeless classics that have shaped the history of cinema. This channel currently features films like "The Godfather," "Pulp Fiction," and "Schindler’s List."

Sky Cinema Animation

Sky Cinema Animation is perfect for family viewing, featuring animated movies that are beloved by all ages. Current offerings include "Encanto," "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," and "Toy Story 4."

Sky Cinema Family

Sky Cinema Family offers a variety of family-friendly films, mixing animated and live-action adventures. Recent highlights include "Sonic the Hedgehog 2," "Paddington 2," and "Peter Rabbit 2."

Sky Cinema Action

For those who crave thrills, Sky Cinema Action provides a lineup of explosive action movies. Currently showing are "Fast X," "Top Gun: Maverick," and "The Dark Knight."

Sky Cinema Comedy

Sky Cinema Comedy is the go-to for laughs, offering a range of comedy films from various eras. Current selections include "Barbie," "The Hangover," and "21 Jump Street."

Sky Cinema Thriller

Sky Cinema Thriller features suspenseful and gripping films that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Current films include "A Quiet Place Part II," "The Girl on the Train," and "The Silence of the Lambs."

Sky Cinema Drama

Sky Cinema Drama brings viewers intense and emotional storytelling with films like "The Whale," "Lady Bird," and "The Green Mile."

Sky Cinema Sci-Fi & Horror

Sky Cinema Sci-Fi & Horror is the home for all things speculative and scary. Currently featured are "Nope," "Dune," and "Get Out."

Sky Cinema Select

Sky Cinema Select curates seasonal content and special collections. Currently, it’s focused on the "Harry Potter" series and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

Subscription options

As with Sky Sports, Sky Cinema is only available as a subscription service, but there are various different ways of getting it.

Sky TV

Sky TV offers new customers the option to take a bundle with Sky Cinema already included, or to add it on as an extra if you are an existing customer. In both cases, you will have to commit to an 18-month contract. HD is included at no extra cost.

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EE TV

EE TV, the successor to BT TV, offers Sky Cinema as part of its entertainment bundles or as an add-on. EE TV is available to EE broadband customers and provides access to a wide range of channels, including Sky Cinema, via the EE TV box or app. Contracts vary, and you can add Sky Cinema to your package for an additional fee.

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Virgin Media TV

Virgin Media offers Sky Cinema as part of its Bigger Bundle + Movies or Ultimate Volt Bundle, both of which include Sky Cinema as standard. You can also add Sky Cinema to other Virgin Media packages on a rolling monthly contract, but this option can be more expensive.

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NOW TV

NOW TV Sky Cinema is available on a rolling monthly basis for around £9.99 a month. However, HD streaming requires the NOW TV Boost, which costs an additional £5 per month. NOW TV offers flexibility, allowing you to watch on various devices, including Smart TVs, streaming sticks, and mobile devices.

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What’s the cheapest way to get Sky Cinema?

Sky Cinema costs around £10 a month if taken directly with Sky TV, which includes HD. EE TV and NOW TV also offer Sky Cinema, but HD may cost extra. The most expensive option is through Virgin Media, where the cost can be higher due to additional fees. The cheapest way to get Sky Cinema is usually by bundling it with Sky TV, which includes HD at no extra cost.

What are the alternatives to Sky Cinema?

Streaming Services

If you want a large selection of movies, consider streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+. Netflix offers a vast library of films, including originals. Amazon Prime Video provides access to thousands of films, some of which may require an additional rental fee. Disney+ offers family-friendly content, including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars films. Prices for these services range from £5 to £15.99 per month.

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