Imagine going to the movies and not having to leave your four-legged friend at home.
No crates, no guilt, no endless pacing until you return.
That’s the promise of dog-friendly cinema screenings, and apparently, they’re catching on across the UK in a big way.
Tim Dowling and his dog Jean recently went to a screening of The Fantastic Four: First Steps at Greenwich Picturehouse — one of many cinemas that now reserve Sundays (and other early morning slots) for dog owners.
These aren’t your noisy premieres; these are relaxed, welcoming events with other pet lovers.
And yes, there are dogs — lots of them.
Mostly mixed breeds, crosses, lurchers, poodles. Some sleepy, some wide-eyed. Many there just for the chance to be with their humans.
At Greenwich, Picturehouse scale things down: the volume is lower, lights dimmed but not pitch black, and dogs are allowed to sit on the seats too (as long as they use fleece blankets).
Capacity is often reduced so everyone has enough room to feel comfortable.
Why is this trend growing? A few reasons. One: it’s social. People like being around other dog owners.
It’s nice to go out with a dog and not worry about logistics or leaving them behind.
Two: it’s inclusive. Homes, theatres, settings that are often restrictive suddenly become options again.
And three: it’s fun. Dogs reacting to scenes, owners chatting, the shared experience. Even the humans are enjoying it just for how different it feels.
Dowling admits he was skeptical at first. He doesn’t exactly treasure some of the sides of being a dog parent — like carrying Jean through turnstiles or defending his movie pick (“Superman? Yes, but Jean has no clue.”).
Still, there’s magic in seeing Jean sit, rapt in a way, watching the screen amid dogs, light, and laughter. One dog even drifted to sleep mid-movie. Turns out the theatre can be a place both for spectacle and comfort.
There are quirks: dog leads wrapped around ankles, restless pups wanting to say hello, cheeky snacks discovered in bags—but that’s part of the charm.
At one point Jean is trying to reach a toy held by another dog, another small upset dog growls, and the owner gently intervenes.
But mostly, things go smoothly. The dogs settle, the lights dim more, and people (and pups) relax into the shared experience.
From the dog’s perspective, maybe it’s confusing at first — loud sounds, big screen, flashing lights. But they acclimate. Owners bring treats, blankets, maybe a familiar smell.
And in that space, something wonderful happens: the dog and human share something outside the usual walk-park-home routine.
It becomes an event. A memory.
Also surprising: people say another draw is that it’s cheaper than daycare.
Rather than leave a dog behind for a few hours, folks bring them along.
It’s a way to include their dog in more parts of life, not treat them like an accessory.
Dog-friendly screenings aren’t perfect for every movie.
Big CGI blockbusters might still overwhelm some dogs. But for many, the relaxed setup makes a big difference.
The gentler lighting, the lower volume, the blanketing, the sense of community — it all adds up.
So yes, going to the cinema with your dog was once quirky. Now, increasingly, it feels like it belongs.
For dog lovers, it’s a chance to do more together. For cinemas, it opens up new audiences.
And for one writer and his companion, it was a reminder: sometimes the quietest stories — sitting in the dark, watching a film — become the ones you remember most.
