David Farnor | On 17, May 2021

Today sees cinemas able to reopen across England, Scotland and Wales after a lengthy closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. From today, Cineworld, Vue and Odeon venues are starting to open their doors again, while Cineworld will be opening its doors from Wednesday 19th May. Eight of Curzon’s cinemas are also open from today, with the rest opening on 4th June. In London, the Prince Charles Cinema is back in business. Cinemas in Ireland will be opening from June, while cinemas in Northern Ireland will be opening from 24th May.

While cinemas were closed over the past year, a number of high-profile films went straight to digital platforms – and since that slew of streaming premieres, Cineworld has already begun inking deals with Universal, Warner and Disney to shorten theatrical windows and create a new premium VOD option approximately a month after a film has its theatrical debut in the future.

For now, as well as new releases, cinemas are playing a number of films that have already been released online over the coming days and weeks. To help you choose what to watch in your local cinema, or for those not yet ready to take the jump from their living room to the big screen, here’s our rundown of the streaming releases that are now playing at select cinemas across the UK and Ireland.

For more on what movies are coming out online soon, see our guide to 2021’s new and upcoming digital releases – including Netflix’s Army of the Dead, which will not be receiving a theatrical release this weekend, and Disney’s Cruella, which will be released in cinemas and on Disney+ (with a Premier Access fee) on 28th May.

Nomadland
Chloé Zhao’s study of a woman embarking on a nomadic life is a beautiful, poignant and uplifting tale of resilience and kindness.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

Tom & Jerry
This live-action/animated hybrid outing relegates its iconic duo to underwhelming supporting characters.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

Judas and the Black Messiah
Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield are sensational in this propulsive paranoid thriller about the betrayal of Fred Hampton.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

The Little Things
A strong lead turn from Denzel Washington brings nuance to this conventional crime drama.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

Godzilla vs Kong
This monster mash is a hugely entertaining blast of cinematic mayhem.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

Mortal Kombat
This straight-faced medley of bone-crunching fights is an admirably adult-friendly video game adaptation.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

Ammonite
Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan are excellent in Francis Lee’s restrained romantic drama about palaeontologist Mary Anning.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

Apples
Christos Nikou’s promising directorial debut doesn’t quite deliver on its intriguing premise.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

Minari
This warm, moving family drama about making a fresh start in America is as unique as it is universal.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

Sound of Metal
This superbly crafted tale of hearing loss is a powerful, immersive piece of cinema.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

Spring Blossom
21-year-old Suzanne Lindon makes an accomplished debut as the writer-director-star of this romantic first crush drama.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

Raya and the Last Dragon
Disney’s visually stunning fantasy is a moving tale of trust and teamwork.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry (from 28th May)
This fascinating music documentary is a moving, revealing portrait of a young artist living a pressured, non-stop ride.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

Barb and Star Go to Vista del Mar
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo’s uncynical celebration of friendship is a goofy delight.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

Wolfwalkers
Cartoon Saloon’s beautiful environmental fable of friendship and understanding is a truly magical wonder.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

David Byrne’s American Utopia
Entertaining, comforting and uplifting, this unique concert movie is an absolute delight.

Our review – plus where you can watch it online

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