Cinemas in Birmingham

All five options sit in central Birmingham, so the choice is less about travel and more about what kind of afternoon you want. ODEON Luxe Birmingham Broadway Plaza is the comfort pick: reviewers keep mentioning the luxury recliner seating, the screen and sound, and the convenient parking, and our verdict is that the recliners make a real difference for children aged five and up who struggle to sit still through a longer film. Validating your registration plate at the desk gets you three hours of free underground parking.

Cineworld Birmingham - Broad Street is the one for children who want to feel the film. Its 4DX motion seats and sensory effects are highly rated, and free parking on site plus school-holiday classic screenings add practical value. Reviewers note sound quality varies by screen, and children sensitive to sudden movement, loud noise or strobe effects should stay with the standard screens. Everyman Birmingham Mailbox goes the other way, quieter and more relaxed, with sofa seating and food served to your seat. Our verdict is that older children and teens get the most from it, and it lists birthday parties among its offerings, so it suits a family celebration. Being inside the Mailbox makes it easy to combine with a meal or shopping.

ODEON Birmingham New Street is the budget-conscious, convenient choice rather than a destination. Reviewers describe uncomfortable seating, dated facilities and technical and lighting issues, though staff are called friendly. Our verdict: shorter films on weekdays, when prices are lower and audiences smaller.

4D Chocolate Adventure is a different thing entirely, with only 26 reviews so far: a roughly five-minute 4D ride aimed at chocolate-loving three to eight year olds, in a self-guided format with two playgrounds and chocolate making around it. All four traditional cinemas have run subtitled screenings, according to Birmingham's subtitled and captioned screenings listing.