I really love this place! It's nice to see an independent cinema thrive when large cineplexes and IMAX are the norm. Thankfully I don't live far away and Genesis is on my way home from work so when there's something good playing I literally swing by after work to catch a film before dinner. It's easy to grab tickets for most screenings just before the film begins but for big blockbusters (Black Panther, etc) it's best to book in advance even if just by 15 minutes. You can do this online, £1 booking fee applies for non-members. Saves you queueing up in the packed lobby as you can go straight to the pick up machine. Tickets are £5 Monday to Wednesday and £9-10 Thursday to Sunday. Concessions are available. Here's also a luxury cinema experience in Studio 5 which is a small screening room fitted out with comfy love seats and a couple of armchairs. Here's a bar inside the studio. Cafe in the lobby, bar upstairs (named after the Music Hall that used to be on the site) and a snack stand. Food prices are the typical cinema price. Membership programme is worth it if you plan on seeing more than 2-3 films a month. For students the Silver membership is only £15. This means if you plan on seeing just 2 movies Thursday-Sunday in a month, you'll get your money's worth with a membership. For everyone else it's £20. This entitled members to unlimited viewings in screens 1-3 and discounted entry for luxury screenings. Members also get into special screenings for free. Special screenings happen multiple times a week and range from Q&A with directors and cast to panel discussions & singalongs to slam poetry nights It's brilliant to see Genesis lit up every time I pass by. Such a special place for film enthusiasts! I encourage everyone to go if they get a chance. read more

Genesis Cinema - Totally insane turnout for Monday evening screening of Black Panther! - Cinema Near Me - Whitechapel, XGL

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I highly recommend seeing a film in the Premium Screen at Genesis Cinema. The small screen is decked out in comfy red sofas, with cushions and warm blankets. Friendly staff, great little cafe out front and an affordable candy bar. Love the Art Deco. Constructive feedback- the queue to box office is badly designed. Ropes off the entrance into the cinema to get you bags checked. read more

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Cracking cinema this. In an age where multi-national multi-screen cinemas (each remember with many little rooms with little screens) dominate, the Genesis is almost a classic. Because it's independent, it shows a really good range of current films, covering most of the big blockbusters as well as smaller artier pictures, and even some foreign films. You get really comfy seats, a really big screen, and the feel like you're in a proper cinema the way they used to be. Not just an advert for Warner Bros next 10 films before a Warner Bros Film in a Warner Bros out of town entertainment complex. This is a good thing! read more

Genesis Cinema - exterior - Cinema Near Me - Whitechapel, XGL

The Genesis is a beautiful independent cinema just a short trot away from Stepney Green station. The lobby and cafe welcome guests into a really unique space that's been well thought out and is a dream to any movie buffs. Classic film posters hang on the exposed brick walls with some truly excellent character illustration high up on the ceilings. The small cafe in the corner offer a selection of artisan sandwich, small cakes and wonderful cups of coffee. Certainly the best cup in the area!! The main cinema is a 500 seat whopper but there smaller studios angled toward indie screening and private events. There's also a premium studio with sofas and a bar! Upstairs boats another bar space with seating that's available for stand-up events or talks. Really comfortable venue space that you wouldn't mind loosing a few evenings too. A really warm and welcoming vibe here, so although I haven't been to the cinema since 2009, the next time will probably be here!! read more

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Occasionally Genesis Cinema has branched out to something a little avant-garde. Quite recently they featured a month of foreign films dealing with various cultures that inhabit this area of East London. It was quite a treat to be able to see a stream of lesser known films without having to trek across London. Generally, however, Genesis is a fairly standard affair showing all the films you would expect and not much else. I used to go here a lot as a student and have seen some brilliant, and some not so brilliant, films. But since graduating I am no longer eligible for a reduced rate meaning I have to pay £6.50 for a ticket. Call me crazy but when I was a kid I swear the cinema was never this expensive. On top of this the food and snacks are, as ever, ludicrously overpriced and the seats in screen 1 seem to me quite uncomfortable. This is the only cinema in my area, with the exception of the terrible Stratford Picture House, and as such I'll probably be back, however I'm not too happy about it. read more

Genesis Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Whitechapel, XGL

I've entirely feared going to a cinema in London after moving down having been told how expensive it is, but I was really pleasantly surprised! Cosy cinema, a beautiful setting with galleties and a bar and good food to grab. When I walked in, it seemed as if it was going to resemble an Everyman cinema, but it was definitely a fraction of the cost! We grabbed cocktails on the bar before heading to watch Jurassic world, and the floor wasn't sticky! Such a rare and wonderful thing to find a cinema where I can wear heels without ankle straps in fear of leaving one in the coke-popcorn gluey amalgamation. My only issue is, the seats do come up quite high, and I am of a relatively dinky stature, so I got to see some curvy chair backs where the bottom of the screen would be. Recommended! read more

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Lovely cinema with great food & bar. The beef ale pie there is amazing!

Great cinema hall quite near to Stepney Green tube stop. Monday's and Wednesday's are just £4 tickets. I went for a showing of the new James Bond film at screen 1. Very cute, old style cinema hall; comfortable new chairs; attentive audience! It was a full house (both discounted Monday rate and newly released film), so I was happy to have booked earlier that day online (about 3 hours before the movie). When I reached the cinema, just put my card in the machine and it printed out my pre-booked ticket. I reached about 30 minutes after the starting time and was the last one to be let in -- so don't be too late! On that note, rows are not abnormally tight, so possible to pass through in front of people to get in late to open seats / step out to the toilet; but also not super easy to do so. Overall loved the ambiance, loved the price! Will be back! read more

Genesis Cinema - new James Bond film for just £4 on a Monday! - Cinema Near Me - Whitechapel, XGL

One of my favourite things in life is spending the afternoon on my own or with a friend in a cinema. I always romanticise this scenario in my head, but it never quite delivers in real life. Except when I'm in another country. When I go to a little cinema in Sicily, or pop by the Film Forum in New York to see a Chaplin film -- that's when it really lives up to the romantic idea of cinema-going that I have in my head. But fighting your way into an Odeon surrounded by a bunch of shouting teenagers who are texting each other throughout is not really the way I like to experience cinema. Before my diatribe leads to the point of complete irrelevancy, allow me to get to my point. The Genesis Cinema is pretty much as near as you can get to the fantasy. The Genesis is right in the heart of London's East End. It's one of the only cinemas around where visiting it feels like something you could have done in the 1950's. In fact; the reason for this may be that the place is steeped in history. It's been a cinema since 1928 - and in fact was a place of entertainment for many years prior to that. Even Charlie Chaplin performed here before becoming famous. And that's what is so lovable about it - it's old, it kind of smells and it has that kind of dive-feel to it, whilst remaining very likable. It's the type of place Clarence from "True Romance" (Tarantino, 1993) would visit. This place has been running in some form or another since around 1880 as a place of entertainment. It has been a cinema, under various owners, since 1928. It is a local treasure to be cherished and enjoyed. Too many of our greatest cinemas have fallen by the waste-side. We need to make sure the same doesn't happen to The Genesis. So do us all a favour, and go spend your afternoon at the Genesis. read more

Can I just echo Lizzie's comment of 'Never take me to a cinema with a bar in it'. Okay, well do... but know that I will either a) fall asleep during the movie, b) refuse to see the movie and drag you to the closest bar, c)get distracted and convince you to just make-out with me during the boring parts... sorry Lizzie. I actually really like this cinema, maybe it's because the staff are really friendly and cool. You are in East London, you know. Comfy sofas in the lobby, a bar and a cool sweet shop. What else are you looking for? read more

Never take me to a cinema with a bar in it. From the first glass of wine it's all down hill. Specially when it has snug sofas, cosy seating areas and low lighting. I really like this cinema, as Daniel says it steeped in history it's also a little shabby around the edges. It's in a grimey part of London, it has some bad taste 90s decor (which I loved!) and an old style screen. I came here for the launch of The East End Film Festival last Thursday and was so glad I came. I can see why they chose it as a venue, the cinema is huge. I enjoyed the bar a little to much to watch the film but I had a good nosey around. Serious, walk right past any Odeon and head here, just a 2 min walk away from Stepney tube (come out turn right, on same side of road) it's totally worth it! read more

I found this little pearl (okay, it's not really little) when shopping around for a cheaper cinema in the London area. Genesis has a quirky, local vibe and some endearing 90's decor but serves decent fair trade coffee and has a so-so bar upstairs for those who like a pre-show drink. The usual suspects - popcorn, slushies, crisps- are available too. And of course, a small selection of teas. I didn't indulge but my friends did, and the prices are apparently reasonable. It's an independent cinema which means you get a healthy mix of obscure indies, oldies and blockbusters. Some foreign films are shown as well, so there's a little something for everyone. As I said, I first came for the prices which are: Adult (Mon, Tues, Thurs) - £5.00 before 5pm and £6.50 after Adult (Fri, Sat, Sun) - £8.00 Students -£ 5.50 Children - £4.50 Family- £20.00 Senior- £3.50 Wednesday are £3.50 for everyone Not bad, not bad. There's also the option of studio 5, which offers luxury sofa seating and an in-screen bar at Mon-Thurs at £10.00 and Fri-Sun at £12.00. No Wed discount offered. Other details: the staff is quite friendly, especially the servers, and the place is fairly clean. (i.e. no popcorn littering the floor, empty cans on the seats,etc.) Expect some nights and show to be busy, and some with only a dozen viewers. A low pitch viewing floor is used in the theaters, the seats are comfy and the acoustics are decent. Also, it's a short walk from the Stepney Green tube station. Not for a fancy night out, but for a fun and relaxed one. Recommended read more

Since I have been at University, I have rediscovered my love for the silver screen. This is due in no small part to Genesis Cinema. Situated a brief 3 minute walk from Stepney Green underground station (and 10 minutes from my student digs) this IS the local cinema for the QMUL students. The professionalism of service and the high quality screening rooms keep me coming back for more despite never really taking much of an interest in films. The cinema is deceptively large - a tiny entrance area just explodes out once through into a multi-screen complex. The main screen has several tiers, all allowed for the same price (as a student, a paltry £4.00. For everyone else, £6.50) and the other screens are still of high quality, if smaller. The food is ridiculously overpriced as you would expect so maybe the discount you get as a student will persuade you to spend well over £5.00 for your snacks.. for me however, I cannot bring myself to spend this money. The large bouncer-like entity who checks tickets upon entrance saw me sneaking a packet of sponge cakes into the cinema under my jacket.. a mortifying moment. I recommend this cinema to everyone who needs a good place to go and watch films, and with so many screens you are always guaranteed a variety in your decision. Check it out! read more

Genesis Cinema - even the rain won't stop people queueing for James Bond - Cinema Near Me - Whitechapel, XGL

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Genesis was THE cinema of my university years- unpretentious, good value and there's a real lovable local charm about it. Forget the likes of Odeon and Vue which are an absolute rip off- Genesis is unique in both it's atmosphere and what it has to offer. They've recently began selling up and coming Brick Lane coffee brand Nude Espresso, and there's a bar if you fancy a cheeky pre-movie cocktail, OR there's Studio 5 which for a few more quid gives you the unique experience of comfy sofa's and a bar serving drinks throughout the film. This is a great place to go to spice up that mundane cinema date! Genesis also prides itself on showing local indie's and cult classics aside from your usual list of Hollywood blockbusters, so keep a look out for those! A home from home, love it! read more

Not in the nicest part of London, not the most inviting interior, but hey, the tickets are cheap. The staff are pretty amiable, especially the ones who serve the popcorn who are chirpy and friendly. It is a rather dire place but they host a good range of movies, so you aren't short for choice. Price: £6.50, Mon-Thu £5, child £3, NUS £4.50 read more

I went here for the first time last night, and wasn't sure what to expect as it's by far the cheapest cinema I've found in central London (£5.50 for an adult ticket, including the online booking fee). More atmosphere than the big, chain cinemas. The screen that we were in (I think it was screen 4?) was quite small, but the seats were comfortable and it's definitely great value for money! read more

The coolest cinema in london. Has a couple of nice bars, and serves great coffee, and savouries. Kind and professional staff. I like the architecture of the building. It evokes an atmosphere. There is free wifi, and it would be an attractive place to go to just for the foyer bar. To my recollection, genesis occasionally has it's own special events (such as screening vintage films) and late screenings, apart from the general release films. Genesis cinema has an art-house feel to it. It's a cool place. read more

The best Independent Cinema in East London, just been refurbished & looks awesome! Staff are the friendliest I've come across & tickets are reasonable too, from £3.50 on WEDS to £12 for the luxury Studio 5 screen with sofas & a BAR! Go there for a coffee (Nude espresso yum!) & check it out. read more

I love this place! It's such an old school picture house that's almost like going back into time. It's such a positive difference come to the commercial mainstream movie houses. They even have a piano at the entrance. The staff are extremely friendly, informative and accommodating. There's both a Cafe outside, though even nice, there's one inside where you can only access once you've bought your ticket. On Tuesday and Wednesday, they have £5 tickets on most of their shows that makes it a great value night out. I would completely recommend their movie house for all occasions :) read more

Visited the cinema on Sunday for the first time since 2009. It used to be quite grotty and a bit of a dump - it is the complete opposite now! Gentrified, perhaps, hipster - moreso, but wow what a transformation! Awesomely friendly and helpful staff, nice coffees and snacks available and a pretty much complete refurbishment whilst retaining the affordable prices. Will be coming again more often from now on. I hear from friends that Studio 5 is amazing, we were in screen 3 so didn't get to see the studio, but will be soon. There is a kitchen doing food too, however we opted for the classic popcorn and nachos for our movie. Nice independent cinema well worth a visit. read more

Incredibly cheap cinema by London standards and they have a good mix of Hollywood and arthouse. Only thing which I didn't like was the mega expensive refreshments...ouch. read more

Beautiful old cinema that's been open around 15 years in Stepney. Fab shows. Locally owned. Reasonable prices. Low key. Beer. read more

I remember growing up in East London, cinemas like the Genesis, RIO was the "poor mans" cinema, completely run down and losing to the competition of better and bigger corporate cinema such as Odeon and Vue. Back then prices were cheap to see a movie, and why would want to go to these outdated cinemas, which wasn't managed and never properly cleaned and it couldn't even show the latest blockbuster. Fast forward to today's East London and Genesis Cinema is nothing like it was, completely new vibe and buzz surrounds it, with its new art decor styling but still modern, happier and trendier staff, and whilst still maintaining its independence and being a low cost cinema. Love it!! I pleasantly enjoyed my experience here, and didn't mind arriving early too, grab a blueberry muffin, with a hot chocolate, whilst chilling on the large sofa, felt like I was in another chic coffee shops, and perhaps I was. You can always tell from the type of customers, okay I was going to stereotype but change my mind. But what I am saying, I am liking the fresh and new look, it has been far too long since I last enjoyed a decent night out at the cinemas. Usually it's in and out, and overpriced popcorn and treated like a seat number. thumbs up to Genesis Cinema and I am a fan. read more

Quite possibly the nicest cinema I have ever been to AND it's my local. Full of character, excellent films, and Pieminister pies. Studio 5 and the upstairs bar are my go-to cosy night out, with super nice staff, big couches, and foot stools containing blankets for the film. They do amazing events and the upstairs bar is lovely. The whole place looks and feels great. Even the walk back to the tube station is pretty magical, with wide pavements and subdued lighting out on the street. If you're looking for mid-budget dinner and a movie, this place is great date-night material. If you're looking for super-hero silliness with friends, it's got that too, just swap out the White Hart (five minutes up the road) for Dirty Burger (even closer) and louder post-movie nerd-outs. The Genesis isn't even super expensive. Studio 5 is about as pricey as a regular big chain cinema (but so much better), while the other screens will see you with change in your pocket from a tenner on most nights, and a fiver on Mondays. If you think Whitechapel's a dump, you're not doing it right. read more

Genesis is by far my favourite cinema in London! It always surprises me that they show recent films and normal adult prices are so reasonable! Cheap wednesdays are an absolute treat too and if you book online you can just pick up your tickets and go in! I have even been pleasantly a few time showing up braced to pay for a whopping (read: actually really cheap) ticket and they were having a 'march madness' and all were half priced anyways! They also have great customer service as one time I emailed to complain as I had had trouble with the online payment system AND there was a screaming child in the theatre for the entire movie and they refunded me my tickets. Definitely will return again (and again!) read more

Such a great find. I went for the first time when they did a tribute night to David Bowie for his passing. They showed a double feature of his films. The place has a great bar area where live acts perform as well. Don't think of this as your usual cinema as it's pretty different. I plan on visiting again. The only negative I noticed was the cinema sound system wasn't the best read more

Genesis Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Whitechapel, XGL

They have films. They're downstairs from my building (almost). And they have pies. Beef pie, chicken pie, goat cheese pie. What more could I want from life? (Yes, I like pies.) They have a bar upstairs. It is great and often has very cool events (documentary screenings for £1, quizz nights, poetry slams, etc). They also, of course, have whisky, beers and cocktails (they have three signature cocktails if I remember correctly). They are also great at serving soda water with lemon juice, my go-to drink when I don't feel like alcohol (and yes some people are bad at making soda water with lemon). The screens are good quality, plus you can go in with your beer. The café is great, you can go there and just have a cuppa and a muffin even if you're not going to see a film afterwards. The staff is friendly and helpful. Plus it's only £4.50 on Mondays and Wednesdays. Do book if you're going during the weekend though - it can get busy! read more

It ain't fancy, it ain't especially glamorous and certainly ain't worth a visit if you're not within a two mile radius, but for some people ahem who live down the road, it's pure Sunday bliss. From trackie bums to lived in, un-ironed shirts, revel in the comfortable cheapness of the seats, always able to find a centrally placed seat, or back row spot for a hoochie hoochie smoocherama. The Genesis Cinema stands on a site used for entertainment purposes for over 150 years. The first building on the site opened about 1848 as the Eagle public house, a pub cum music hall. This gave way to Lusby's Summer and Winter Garden which was later renamed Lusby's Music Hall. Certainly not as grandiose as the original site, this more generic offering certainly delivers some budget, blockbuster respite from the cruel harshness of winter. Here is some borderline celebrity-related trivia: On 20 September 1954 the Empire presented its first CinemaScope film The Command starring Guy Madison. The premiere was attended by the Earl of Snowdon. Princess Margaret, who was also due to attend, was indisposed (how rude!) Filmed locally, Sparrows Can't Sing starred James Booth, Barbara Windsor, George Sewell, Barabara Ferris, Roy Kinnear, Avis Bunnage and Stephen Lewis who wrote the play on which the film was based. read more

I've got to say i've only been to this one 3 times and all 3 times were horrible. The smaller screens are tiny, the seats are really tall and the emergency exit signs are too bright and right next to the screen, so that you're always aware of being in a cinema, and not lost in the celluloid. But what's worse is the manager. The man actually stands next to the pay desk and confiscates people's food and drink! The last time i went the people in front of me refused to hand over their small bottle of water and were told they couldn't come in - and this AFTER they'd paid, so they had to argue to get a refund. I just left, and never went back. This was 5 years ago, so maybe it's under better management now, but be careful! and the screens are still awful. read more

I used to live 5 minutes away and it was always a treat to go to Genesis. I am sure everyone has already pointed out they have great events, films and stuff but one more thing I have to mention is their poetry night. I don't go to these things often but this was really fun, you could get a great food while watching some amazing new comedians and in general, the vibe was just really relaxed. Would always come back again. read more

Being a big cinema addicted and living very close to the Genesis cinema I spent lots of evenings (and some afternoons) in this old, but refurbished, venue. I must admit at the beginning I didn't quite liked it: the screens and cinemas are all pretty small except for the main one, which is HUGE and usually screens the latest big feature (I saw New Moon in there). In late mid and late October it was very cold inside the cinema and watching a movie shivering is not exactly the best movie experience you could think of... Anyway the temperature issue was sorted out by November and I could finally enjoy the great movies this cinema has to offer. All in all I want to recommend this cinema. Yes, the place is not the best and the screens are small but it's a very cheap cinema, and not only for London standards. You usually pay around 5.50£ for a ticket and on Tuesdays it goes even cheaper. I personally found great the monthly subscription: with 20£ you can go and see whatever movie you like, any day, any hour. And if you think you need a big screen... simply go for the latest blockbuster. It will surely be screened in the main cinema, one of the biggest venue I ever found. read more

Beautiful old cinema that's been open around 15 years in Stepney. You have shows in the cafe upstairs but mostly why you should go is for the 3.5Pounds movie wednesday ! cheapest cinema in town surrounded by great indian restaurants read more

The best thing about the Genesis is the price. £3.50 on Mondays, £5/6 on all other days, this is one of the cheapest cinemas you could find. Obviously, it's no Odeon. It's not very big inside, but hey, it's a cinema. The films shown there are usually all the latest, and I think there are about six different films usually showing. read more

My favourite cinema in London. Has a ramshackle charm about it, but also now sports an excellent coffee area at the front and an ok pre-cinema bar upstairs. The STUDIO 5 screen offers comfortable sofas and Meantime beers for the price of a standard Odeon ticket. read more

The Genesis is one of the very few bona fide benefits of living in East London. As an independent cinema it is naturally forced to feed itself with certain blockbusters from time to time, but for the most part the independent picture house spirit is alive and kicking within its walls. Most welcome, perhaps, is the price. In an age when one is expected to shell out about ten quid to see the latest smear of hollywood twaddle The Genesis keeps things reasonable and respectable, all the while with a more considered programme and a more historic, interesting and appealing environment. read more

My local cinema, great choice of films, friendly staff

Really cheap, good value cinema. The actual venue is pretty run down though, so wouldn't recommend it for a ritzy night out or hot date!

Love this cinema. It's as cheap as chips if you go on a Monday to Wednesday when the tickets are a seal at £3.50! Screen wise they show everything other cinemas do and the screens are fairly decent size. There's a couple, which are quite small, but if you see the latest releases you're guaranteed a massive screen. Seating wise it's not the most comfortable, but damn it's the price of a coffee, you can't afford to complain! Next time you want to see a film, give this place a go. If it's a latest release though, I'd make a booking and as they usually sell out before showtime. read more

Not much to add, except all movies are now only £3.50 at any time of the day on Wednesdays - I dare any London cinema to beat that!!

Living nearby, I always give this cinema a go, especially since I like the comfy sofas of the studio 5. Shame it is badly managed: it smells, the air conditioning too high takes away the enjoinment, on one occasion there was no one attending the bar and staff doesn't generally stand out for good manners. Overall, it'd be fine to pay £5-6 for a cinema experience of this kind, but in fact you pay £11 (at the studio 5) plus £1 online booking fee (which doesn't give you the option to choose your seats...). And tonight the peak: while I was watching a movie I saw a mouse walking along the screen (the light of the screen made its figure clearly visible). Too bad. And confirmed my concerns on how clean this place is... read more