Big screen classics

The timeless films we urge you to see.

Tickets for these screenings are only £8

April

The Big Sleep + intro by Geoff Andrew, Programmer-at-large

Marlowe is supposed to be investigating the wealthy Sternwood family, but he’s distracted by a beautiful woman.
The Big Sleep

Marlowe is supposed to be investigating the wealthy Sternwood family, but he’s distracted by a beautiful woman.
Bande à part

Godard’s new-wave classic, about two small-time hoods out to rob the aunt of a girl they befriend.
The Bad Sleep Well

Kurosawa’s noirish tale tells of a man investigating his father’s supposed suicide.
Kind Hearts and Coronets + intro

The excellent Alec Guinness plays multiple roles in this black comedy about a ruthless social climber.
Kind Hearts and Coronets

The excellent Alec Guinness plays multiple roles in this black comedy about a ruthless social climber.
Manila: In the Claws of Light

A young man from the country arrives in Manila in search of work and his missing girlfriend.
Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid

James Coburn and Kris Kristofferson star in this playful western.
It Happened One Night

A journalist follows a runaway heiress across America in search of a scoop.
Barry Lyndon

Kubrick’s stately period drama about a young man’s rise and fall.
Xala

Ousmane Sembène’s mischievous satire about a wealthy man who believes he’s cursed.
The Big City

Satyajit Ray tells the story of a woman who defies her family in order to earn a living.
The Killing of a Chinese Bookie + intro by film programmer Jo Duncombe

The proprietor of a failing LA strip-and-cabaret joint places some very risky bets…
The Killing of a Chinese Bookie

The proprietor of a failing LA strip-and-cabaret joint places some very risky bets…
The Lusty Men

Robert Mitchum and Susan Hayward star in one of the finest Hollywood films about money and traditional gender roles.
The Lusty Men + intro by Geoff Andrew, Programmer-at-large

Robert Mitchum and Susan Hayward star in one of the finest Hollywood films about money and traditional gender roles.

May

Seven Chances

Buster Keaton plays a man desperately looking for love, in all the wrong places.
Seven Chances + intro by Bryony Dixon, BFI National Archive Curator

Buster Keaton plays a man desperately looking for love, in all the wrong places.
All That Heaven Allows

Douglas Sirk’s masterly melodrama about a frowned-upon romance between a gardener and a wealthy widow.
Gold Diggers of 1933

Enjoy Busby Berkeley’s weird and wonderful choreography, set to classics such as 'We're in the Money.'
Gold Diggers of 1933 + intro by Lucy Bolton, Queen Mary University of London

Enjoy Busby Berkeley’s weird and wonderful choreography, set to classics such as 'We're in the Money.'
Aguirre, Wrath of God

Werner Herzog's tale of one man's obsessive quest for El Dorado.
Heaven’s Gate

Kris Kristofferson and Isabelle Huppert star in this ambitious, epic western.
Classe tous risques

Lino Ventura stars as a fugitive gangster out to settle some scores and do 'one last job.'
Classe tous risques + intro by Geoff Andrew, Programmer-at-large

Lino Ventura stars as a fugitive gangster out to settle some scores and do 'one last job.'
Point Blank

Lee Marvin is excellent as a double-crossed man who'll get what's coming to him, one way or another…
Nothing But a Man

This landmark of social realism focuses on the lives of a young black couple in 60s Alabama.
Nothing But a Man + intro by film critic Kelli Weston

This landmark of social realism focuses on the lives of a young black couple in 60s Alabama.
The Threepenny Opera

You can't fail to be enthralled by GW Pabst's 'Mack the Knife.'
The Threepenny Opera + intro by film programmer Margaret Deriaz

You can't fail to be enthralled by GW Pabst's 'Mack the Knife.'
Scarface

One of the greatest gangster movies ever made, recently restored for your viewing pleasure!
Citizen Kane

Orson Welles' masterpiece becomes more richly rewarding with each viewing.
No Country for Old Men

Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin star in the Coen Brothers' brutal and brilliant film.

Calendar

BFI Southbank will be closed for a private hire until 17:00 Thursday 19 May. The Box Office counter will be closed until 17:00, but the BFI shop will remain open all day.