COCOON at The Planetarium
Like its OAP protagonists, this comedy-drama has aged beautifully
For April’s Planetarium outing, we’re hosting a double bill of sci-fi films from the acclaimed director Ron Howard. First up is a 40th anniversary screening of Cocoon. This heartwarming tale may have E.T. influences, but it’s got a very human heart as it explores youth and ageing in a timeless manner. No wonder actor Don Ameche took home an Oscar for this gem.
APOLLO 13 at The Planetarium
30 years of the classic space drama, on the anniversary of the mission launch itself
Our double bill of Ron Howard films continues with a double milestone. Not only is his Oscar-winning biopic Apollo 13 turning 30 this year, but we’re screening it on the 55th anniversary of the launch of the real-life mission. It’s a remarkable adaptation of a nail-biting true story, that deserves to be seen on the Planetarium’s big screen!
DR. WHO & THE DALEKS at The Planetarium
The Doctor’s first silver screen outing turns 60 this Spring
This May we’re bringing a double bill of British sci-fi nostalgia to the Planetarium, starting with a 60th anniversary screening of Dr. Who & The Daleks. This early reimagining of the classic show stars Hammer/Star Wars legend Peter Cushing as the titular Doctor, on a misadventure that brings him face to face with his most legendary foe…
X-MEN at The Planetarium
Join the evolution with the original X-Men silver screen lineup
This May we’re travelling back a quarter of a century, to a time when superhero blockbusters hadn’t reached peak saturation, with the first X-Men film! This was the first silver screen outing for the team of mutant superheroes, and introduced the world to Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, Ian McKellen’s Magneto, Halle Berry’s Storm - oh, and some singer/actor called Hugh Jackman as Wolverine…
WALL•E at The Planetarium
In space, no-one can hear you clean
Due to demand, we’re presenting another screening of the perennial Festival favourite WALL•E. This delightful sci-fi misadventure is both an epic voyage into humanity’s future, and a nod to silent comedy cinema. It’s perfect for a date night, or for the entire family.
INTERSTELLAR at The Planetarium
Back by demand: Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning space odyssey
Due to demand, we’re bringing another screening of Interstellar to the Planetarium this Valentine’s Day. A film this epic was made for the big screen, and this screening includes some of the most breathtaking scenes restored to their IMAX ratios for an extra-detailed viewing.
THE MATRIX at The Planetarium
Reality is a thing of the past - 1999, to be precise
Due to massive demand for the 25th anniversary screening last November, we’re hosting an extra screening of the seminal 90s sci-fi action film, The Matrix! This hugely influential piece of cinema has withstood the test of time and remains a high-octane, high-concept rollercoaster ride of a movie that will leave you saying “Whoa…!”
EX MACHINA at The Planetarium
Enter the uncanny valley with this contemporary classic
We’re screening the startlingly prescient Ex Machina at the Planetarium this March. Ten years on from its release, Alex Garland’s Oscar-winning sci-fi thriller feels more relevant than ever. It’s haunting, stylish and cerebral, and one of the finest pieces of science fiction of the 21st Century so far…
BRAZIL at The Planetarium
40 years ago, Sam Lowry had his first dream - and things escalated rapidly
Our second ‘eccentric sci-fi’ screening this March is Terry Gilliam’s dystopian dark comedy Brazil. This surreal, Kafkaesque satire has proven hugely influential, with everything from Batman to Star Wars paying tribute since its release - it’s consistently ranked among the greatest British films of all time, and some of its themes are as relevant as ever four decades on.
THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY at The Planetarium
Don’t panic: this Adams-approved adaptation is a triumphant misadventure
This March we’re dedicating an evening to a double bill of two of the more eccentric entries into the sci-fi canon, starting with a 20th anniversary screening of The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy. Douglas Adams himself co-wrote the script shortly before his death, and the ensemble cast is bolstered with cameos and nods back to the both the radio & TV series (under-30s, ask your grandparents).
INTERSTELLAR at The Planetarium
Back by demand: Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning space odyssey
Due to massive demand in December for the 10th anniversary screening, we’re bringing another screening of Interstellar to the Planetarium this Valentine’s Day. A film this epic was made for the big screen, and this screening includes some of the most breathtaking scenes restored to their IMAX ratios for an extra-detailed viewing.
GHOST IN THE SHELL at The Planetarium
A 30th anniversary screening of an anime classic
Join us at the Planetarium to mark the 30th anniversary of the release of Ghost In The Shell, the sci-fi anime that has inspired countless works since, including The Matrix.
INTERSTELLAR at The Planetarium
Back by demand: Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning space odyssey
Due to massive demand in December for the 10th anniversary screening, we’re bringing another screening of Interstellar to the Planetarium this Valentine’s Day. A film this epic was made for the big screen, and this screening includes some of the most breathtaking scenes restored to their IMAX ratios for an extra-detailed viewing.
WALL•E at The Planetarium
In space, no-one can hear you clean
This Valentine’s Day, we’re presenting another screening of the perennial Festival favourite WALL•E. This delightful sci-fi misadventure is both an epic voyage into humanity’s future, and a nod to silent comedy cinema. It’s perfect for a date night, or for the entire family.
THE LOST WORLD: Centenary Screening w/ Live Music at St Mary Redcliffe
This 100 year old epic adventure is still roaring with life
Join us for a special screening of this adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved novel; it was one of the first films to use stop-motion animation, and had a monumental impact on genre filmmaking as far forward as Jurassic Park. It will be accompanied by a live, entirely improvised organ recital by the award-winning composer Dr. David Bednall, blending silent cinema with live music to create a unique performance that promises to add another dimension to this remarkable film.
DUNE: PART TWO at The Planetarium
Is he the Messiah, or just a very naughty boy…?
If you missed Denis Villeneuve’s stunning sci-fi sequel earlier this year - or, if like us, you want to see it again on a big screen! - then join us for an epic screening of Dune: Part Two in the run-up to Christmas. Continuing Paul Atreides’ story as he struggles to regain control of Arrakis, it’s a jaw-dropping spectacle that will surely enjoy success during 2025’s awards season.
THE TERMINATOR at The Planetarium
40 years since its release, but 5 years until the T-800 is created…
We’re celebrating the 40th anniversary of the sci-fi action thriller The Terminator this December. It launched James Cameron’s career, and introduced the world to what is arguably Arnold Schwarznegger’s signature role (and one of his signature catchphrases!) - enjoy this hugely influential piece of cinema in the Planetarium with us as we go back to the future!
INTERSTELLAR at The Planetarium
Back by demand: Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning space odyssey
Due to massive demand in December for the 10th anniversary screening, we’re bringing another screening of Interstellar to the Planetarium this January. A film this epic was made for the big screen, and this screening includes some of the most breathtaking scenes restored to their IMAX ratios for an extra-detailed viewing.
PRIMER at The Planetarium
This haunting indie gem is cerebral sci-fi done right. Just try and keep up…
To start our 2025 season at the Planetarium, we’re thrilled to be showing the instant cult classic Primer. Shane Carruth’s mind-bending micro-budget thriller is the stuff of indie dreams. If you’ve never seen it, go in without spoilers and enjoy the ride. If you’ve already seen it, then you already know that you need to watch it again…!
INTERSTELLAR at The Planetarium
Getting to screen this festival favourite is a surprise Christmas treat
Our final film of the year in the Planetarium is a truly special one and a late announcement, but we finally have screening rights again! Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning epic space odyssey was made for the big screen, and this screening includes some of the most breathtaking scenes restored to their IMAX ratios for an extra-detailed viewing.
STAR WARS: EPISODE I - THE PHANTOM MENACE at The Planetarium
Take a walk on the Dark Side for the first prequel’s 25th birthday
Our second sci-fi selection from 1999 at the Planetarium this December is the original Star Wars prequel, The Phantom Menace. Debate over the prequels still rages, but if you’re a millennial then memories of podracing, John Williams’ score and that lightsaber battle surely stir some deep-rooted emotions. Search your feelings; you know it to be true.
MEN IN BLACK at The Planetarium
Something’s bugging earth’s foremost extraterrestrial experts - something big…
It’s back to the 90s again for our screening of the darkly comic action sci-fi, Men In Black. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones team up to save the planet from a seriously ugly alien menace (no offence, Vincent D’Onofrio!) in this tongue-in-cheek misadventure from the director behind Addams Family Values.
THE IRON GIANT at The Planetarium
It would take a heart of stone not to warm to this iron man
Our final weekend of Planetarium screenings in 2024 starts with a double bill of classics from 1999, as they celebrate their 25th anniversaries. First up is Brad Bird’s magical and moving directorial debut, The Iron Giant. Inspired by Ted Hughes’ novel, it’s a powerful story that balances glorious sci-fi action with moments of pathos and joy that will leave you glowing.
![ALIEN: DIRECTOR'S CUT [Extra Screening] at The Planetarium](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f1811b47a7edc2eea4892b4/1713453486422-0VT2I7RVXD59KP3BALRB/ALIEN+POSTER.jpg)
ALIEN: DIRECTOR'S CUT [Extra Screening] at The Planetarium
Ridley Scott's edit of his horror sci-fi masterpiece is still a cut above the rest
Due to massive demand, we’ve added a screening of the 2003 cut of Ridley Scott’s game-changing sci-fi horror Alien. This remastered and reworked cut ratchets up the tension and restores some sequences from the cutting room floor, including one of the most controversial scenes from the entire franchise. It's a futuristic fright-fest and pure cinema genius that’s a perfect antidote to Christmas programming!
ALIEN: ROMULUS at The Planetarium
A return to form for the beloved sci-fi horror franchise
We’re excited to be hosting one of the first non-theatrical screenings of Alien: Romulus this December. Director Fede Alvarez’s trademark claustrophobic horror is a great match for this beloved franchise, and his love for the original is apparent. Steel your nerves, and remember: in the Planetarium, everyone can hear you scream…!
WALL•E at The Planetarium
“In space, no-one can hear you clean”
An extra screening of the family-friendly sci-fi fantasy hit, presented back on the big screen at the Planetarium. The eponymous robot is a global sensation in waste allocation - until he embarks on an out-of-this-world misadventure…
BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT at The Planetarium
The seminal sci-fi thriller, as the director always intended it
We’re rounding off November’s screenings at the Planetarium with a special screening of Blade Runner: The Final Cut. This is the only cut of the legendary sci-fi thriller that director Ridley Scott had complete artistic control over, and was only released in 2007; Scott considers it the definitive version, and we’re thrilled to be bringing it to the big screen.
TRON at The Planetarium
Video games become a matter of life and death in this retro spectacular
We’re hacking into the mainframe this November to bring you a screening of Tron, the grandfather of CGI sci-fi! Its visuals were groundbreaking at the time and helped inspire everyone from Pixar to Daft Punk - it’s an electrifying retro treat for all ages.
THE MATRIX at The Planetarium
Reality is a thing of the past - 1999, to be precise
We’re excited to present a 25th anniversary screening of the seminal 90s sci-fi action film, The Matrix! This hugely influential piece of cinema has withstood the test of time and remains a high-octane, high-concept rollercoaster ride of a movie that will leave you saying “Whoa…!”
MOON at The Planetarium
Duncan Jones has really made the grade with this space oddity
Just in time for its 15th anniversary, we’re screening Moon at the Planetarium this November. Sam Rockwell stars in Duncan Jones' moody, unsettling debut feature; it’s a gripping watch, made all the more impressive by the film’s comparatively low budget, proving you don’t it doesn’t cost the earth (surely “moon”? - Ed.) to make top quality sci-fi!
ALIEN: DIRECTOR'S CUT at The Planetarium
Ridley Scott's edit of his horror sci-fi masterpiece is still a cut above the rest
We’re thrilled to announce a screening of the 2003 cut of Ridley Scott’s game-changing sci-fi horror Alien. This remastered and reworked cut ratchets up the tension and restores some sequences from the cutting room floor, including one of the most controversial scenes from the entire franchise. It's a futuristic fright-fest and pure cinema genius that deserves to be enjoyed on the big screen just in time for Halloween!
EVENT HORIZON at The Planetarium
Star Trek meets The Shining in this chilling cult horror
Just in time for Halloween, we’re bringing a double bill of 90s nastiness to the Planetarium, concluding with the cult horror Event Horizon. Paul W.S. Anderson’s “haunted house in space” movie horrified studio execs with its disturbing imagery; if you’ve never seen this delightfully creepy gem, you’re in for a night that will linger long in the memory…!
STARSHIP TROOPERS at The Planetarium
This scathing satire of military might takes you to the heart of the ugly bugs’ crawl
Just in time for Halloween, we’re bringing a double bill of 90s nastiness to the Planetarium, starting with the bombastic Starship Troopers. The irony of Paul Verhoeven’s startling send-up of fascism went over some contemporary critics’ heads, but its cult reputation as an action-packed sci-fi satire endures. Would you like to know more? Then enlist in the brutal battle against the bugs…
FIRESTARTER (1984) at Redcliffe Caves
Drew Barrymore blazes a trail as a preternatural young prodigy
The double bill of 1984 Stephen King adaptations continues at Redciiffe Caves. Firestarter is full of searing pyrotechnical special effects, and a young Drew Barrymore provides a memorable turn in this adaptation of one of King’s more thought-provoking sci-fi chillers, which was surely a major influence on Stranger Things.
INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956) at Redcliffe Caves
The seminal 50s sci-fi thriller that got every body talking
Our discounted Matinee Screenings of vintage horror return to the Caves on Saturday and Sunday mornings, starting with the seminal sci-fi chiller Invasion Of The Body Snatchers. Based on Jack Finney’s novel - which turns 70 this year - and shot in a film noir style, this 50s classic is both a gripping extraterrestrial thriller and a wry commentary on McCarthyism, and remains as eerie as ever…
DUNE (1984) at Redcliffe Caves
David Lynch + Frank Herbert = the definition of cult cinema
Our double bill of films featuring monstrous worms continues with David Lynch’s adaptation of Dune, one of the most iconic sci-fi novels ever written. With the new films reviving interest in Frank Herbert’s magnum opus, revisit the original screen adaptation for its 40th anniversary - just remember to walk without rhythm, and it won’t attract the worms…