Going to the movies

It is always exciting to plan a visit to the movies! There are so many things to consider, like choosing the right movie theatre, picking a good movie to watch, buying the tickets in advance, and maybe even indulging in some delicious snacks at the concession stand. Going to the movies is a great opportunity to relax, unwind, and immerse yourself in a thrilling cinematic experience like no other.

It is a great way to spend time with friends and family when the weather outside is less than favourable

The German word for a movie theatre is “das Kino”. At a Kino, you can view the latest movies and blockbusters.
Although most movie theatres are modern with the latest technology, there are still many classic Cinemas left where you can experience the charm of a world gone by.
Many of these older Cinemas show art-house films or classic movies.
Another great option if you want to experience something different, is to visit an open-air Kino in the summer.

Movie Programmes

The following websites can be used to search for movies showing in your town. They provide a variety of options for searching and selecting movies based on language, genre, and theatre location.

English or original language films

Almost all movies are dubbed into German, but the cinemas also show movies in the original languages during specific times. To watch a movie in English or the original language look for the following codes in the program

OV – Original Version. No dubbing or subtitles
OmU – Original mit Untertiteln or original with German subtitles unless otherwise specified
OmdU – Original with German Subtitles.
OmeU – Original with English Subtitles
DF – Deutsche Fassung or German Version. Dubbed into German

Good to know

You can book tickets online or buy them on-site.
You can book a specific seat when you buy your ticket online. Book long before the time to better your chances of booking your favourite seat. If there is no seat reservation it will be marked as “freie Plazwahl”
You can buy popcorn and drinks at most cinemas. Popcorn tends to be sweet and not savoury although some do offer a savoury option
You can drink beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks inside the cinema
Older cinemas still have breaks in between, and moviegoers can buy refreshments during the breaks.

Ratings / Parental Guidance

Parental guidance for movies in Germany is a crucial aspect that every parent must consider before allowing their kids to watch a movie. German authorities have put in place guidelines and rating systems such as FSK (Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft) to regulate the content of movies.

FSK 0

Suitable for all ages. These films are considered harmless for children and are often family-friendly.

FSK 6

Suitable for children aged 6 and above. Films may contain mild violence or mild emotional distress.

FSK 12

Suitable for children aged 12 and above. Films may contain moderate violence, mild horror, or mild sexual content.

FSK 16

Suitable for teens aged 16 and above. Films may include stronger violence, horror, or sexual content.

FSK 18

Suitable only for adults aged 18 and above. These films can contain explicit violence, horror, or sexual content and are intended for mature audiences.

As a responsible parent, it is important to understand these guidelines and ensure that the movie your child watches is appropriate for their age and level of maturity.