at the cinema vs In cinema

Both 'at the cinema' and 'in cinema' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'At the cinema' is used when referring to being physically present at a specific movie theater. The phrase 'in cinema' is used more broadly to talk about the film industry or the concept of movies in general.

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Last updated: March 02, 2025 • 6087 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to being physically present at a specific movie theater.

"at the cinema"

Use 'at the cinema' when you want to indicate that you are physically present in a movie theater to watch a film.

Examples:

I'll meet you at the cinema at 7 p.m. to watch the new movie.
She works at the cinema on weekends.
We had a great time at the cinema last night.
Let's grab some popcorn at the cinema before the movie starts.
He always falls asleep at the cinema during action movies.

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His girlfriend was waiting for him at the cinema.
I saw Apocalypse Now at the cinema.
Sometimes I pretend to be, in order to get concessions at the cinema, but they don't usually believe me.
<Honey, come down, otherwise we do not find parking at the cinema.
But we need to be at the cinema before Dennis's boss comes back.
Guy, I was with you at the cinema.
Got nervous, I was at the cinema with a guy and he starts moving his hands.
Our first little differences arose at the cinema.
It's not the same one we saw at the cinema.
I have been contacted by a constituent who is profoundly deaf and who wishes to see the introduction of colour subtitles on digital channels, DVDs and at the cinema.
We were meant to meet at the cinema, on the Monday night, so she could give me the card.
If anyone at the cinema even notices you exist, I promise I'll give you £400 million.
A cat chased after a dog at the cinema
Can actors see you at the cinema?
And that's exactly the same time they said they were at the cinema in Camden.
And we hope you've found this scientifically-backed-up DVD a useful and enjoyable survival guide to motoring in a post-apocalyptic world, and not in any way similar to any post-apocalyptic movies you may have seen at the cinema.
Whas it like at the cinema?
After you saw her at the cinema, you hardly spoke the rest of the evening.
Recently, I remember, at the cinema there was one in the front row...
At the Cinema Iran I saw a great movie'.

Alternatives:

at the movies
at the theater
going to the cinema
watching a movie at the cinema
seeing a film at the cinema

This phrase is correct but less commonly used. It is used more broadly to refer to the film industry or the concept of movies in general.

"In cinema"

Use 'in cinema' when discussing topics related to the film industry or the concept of movies in general.

Examples:

He works in cinema and has met many famous actors.
She is interested in cinema history and classic films.
The changes in cinema technology have revolutionized the way we watch movies.
The film festival showcases the best in cinema from around the world.
Studying the evolution of sound in cinema is fascinating.

Show examples from the web [+]

Many things were done for the first time ever in cinema.
It's also reflectively or allegorically the question of believing in cinema itself.
I never see you in cinema,
I saw you in cinema... in a very funny ad with a marmot hat.
There's no room for everyone in cinema.
Over the years it has actually become influential in cinema.
Even when in cinema an already dead animal is used to underline human cruelty.
Not only in cinema but also in literature, painting, every kind of art.
It's only in cinema that we get that crucial dimension which we are not ready to confront in our reality.
Violence in cinema is a big deal right now, Roman.
You may have done it all in cinema, but I'm directing this spot.
She had to be all these many things... to be the creative person that she was... to do things in cinema that had never been done before.
Okay, this is often the case in cinema, but here the set is seen as the set.
Cultural pluralism will only be developed when we have economic pluralism and it is economic pluralism in cinema and television this fund will really help develop.
So, of course, the problem here is, are we able to encounter in cinema the emotion of anxiety, or is cinema as such a fake?
Even if she disapproved of what was happening already in cinema... still she was by her activities as a pioneer... that invaded and attacked universities and art institutions... that you have to show avant-garde film.
In cinema, we can't ever do the best!
Herrmann has become one of the most imitated composers in cinema history.
They shared a common interest in cinema.
I'm interested in cinema myself.

Alternatives:

in the film industry
within the movie world
within the realm of movies
in the world of cinema
within the film sector

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at the cinema vs In cinema

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