ODEON
Typically 15–25 minutes
ODEON says the length varies by performance and can be considerably less. Kids screenings have shorter ads; event screenings often have none.
Source at ODEON →UK CINEMA GUIDE · UPDATED 31 AUGUST 2026
How long are cinema adverts and trailers?
There is no single UK cinema rule. For standard screenings, the big chains we checked currently describe anything from roughly 15 to 30 minutes as normal, with special screenings sometimes much shorter, longer or having no pre-show at all.
Cineworld
Normally 20–30 minutes
Cineworld says ads and trailers normally run for 20–30 minutes. Live Event Cinema performances can have no adverts or trailers.
Source at Cineworld →Vue
Usually around 20–25 minutes
Vue says its advertised start time includes ads and trailers and the main feature usually begins around 20–25 minutes later.
Source at Vue →Picturehouse
Usually 15–20 minutes
Picturehouse says the length varies but is usually 15–20 minutes. Screen Arts events can have reduced or no pre-show adverts.
Source at Picturehouse →Everyman
Typically up to 30 minutes
Everyman says it typically plays up to 30 minutes, while special events can vary from 15 to 40 minutes. Relaxed screenings have no trailers or adverts.
Source at Everyman →WHY
THE ADVERTISED START IS NOT ALWAYS THE FEATURE START
Use a range, not a promise.
ODEON, Cineworld, Vue, Picturehouse and Everyman all describe different normal pre-show lengths. The exact amount can change by venue, performance and screening type, so our calculator keeps the allowance adjustable rather than pretending every cinema uses the same number.
Live and event cinema
Cineworld says live Event Cinema can have no adverts or trailers. ODEON also warns that event screenings often do not have them.
Accessible / sensory screenings
Some adapted screenings remove trailers entirely. ODEON autism-friendly screenings and Showcase sensory-friendly screenings are examples.
Family formats
ODEON says its Kids screenings use shorter ads, so a standard-chain estimate may overstate the pre-show.
Arrive for the listed time
The chains still recommend being ready at the advertised time because the pre-show can be shorter than usual.
SOURCES
PRIMARY SOURCES
We use the cinemas’ own guidance.
ODEON · Cineworld · Vue · Picturehouse · Everyman · Showcase sensory-friendly screenings.
Guidance can change. We date this page so it can be checked and refreshed rather than quietly becoming stale.