View source for Sky Cinema

{{short description|British subscription film service owned by Sky Group}}
{{About|the film channels in the UK and Ireland}}
{{Redirect|Sky Movies|the channels in New Zealand|Sky Movies (New Zealand)}}
{{redirect-distinguish|Sky Movies Showcase|Sky Showcase}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2017}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2017}}
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Sky Cinema
| logo = Sky Cinema 2020 logo.svg
| logo_size = 250px
| logo_alt = 
| logo_caption = Logo used since 1 October 2020
| launch_date = {{start date and age|1989|02|05|df=y}}
| former_names = Sky Movies (1989–98, 2002–16)
| country = United Kingdom
|headquarters = [[London]], England
| sister_channels = [[Sky UK#Television channels|List of Sky UK channels]]
| area = United Kingdom<br>Ireland
| picture_format = [[4K resolution|2160p]] [[Ultra-high-definition television|UHDTV]]<br />{{small|(downscaled to [[1080i]] and [[16:9 aspect ratio|16:9]] [[576i]] for their [[High-definition television|HDTV]] and [[Standard-definition television|SDTV]] feeds respectively)}}
| replaced = [[The Power Station (TV channel)|The Power Station]] (on the [[British Satellite Broadcasting|BSB]] service)<br>[[Disney Cinemagic]] (UK & Ireland, Sky Cinema Disney)
| owner = [[Sky Group]] ([[Comcast]])
| website = {{URL|https://www.sky.com/tv/cinema}}
| online_serv_1 = [[Sky Go]]
| online_chan_1 = [https://go.sky.com/ Watch live] (UK & Ireland only)
| online_serv_2 = [[Now (Sky)|Now TV]]
| online_chan_2 = [https://www.nowtv.com/ Watch live] (UK and Ireland only)
| online_serv_3 = [[Virgin TV|Virgin TV Anywhere]]
| online_chan_3 = [https://anywhere.virginmedia.com/ Watch live] (UK only)
}}

'''Sky Cinema''' is a British [[pay television|subscription]] film service owned by [[Sky Group]] (a division of [[Comcast]]). In the United Kingdom, Sky Cinema channels currently broadcast on the [[Sky UK|Sky]] satellite and [[Virgin Media]] cable platforms, and in addition Sky Cinema [[On Demand (Sky)|on demand]] content are available through these as well as via [[Now (Sky)|Now]], [[EE TV]] and [[TalkTalk TV]].

In 2016, Sky rebranded its television film channel operations under one single branding on 8 July, the channels in the United Kingdom and Ireland were rebranded from Sky Movies to Sky Cinema; on 22 September in Germany and Austria, the Sky Cinema brand (originally used for the flagship network) was extended to [[Sky Cinema (German TV channel)|the German channels in the group formerly known as Sky Film]]; the [[Sky Cinema (Italian TV channel)|Italian Sky Cinema channels]] followed suit on 5 November by adopting the brand packages introduced in the United Kingdom and Ireland earlier.

Output includes movie premieres from [[Universal Pictures]], [[Sony Pictures]], [[Paramount Pictures]] and [[Warner Bros. Pictures]], and Sky original films.

==History==
{{Further|Timeline of Sky Cinema}}

===1989–1998: early years===
Launched at 6 pm on 5 February 1989, '''Sky Movies''' was originally a single service as part of Sky's original four-channel package – alongside [[Sky News]], [[Eurosport]] and Sky Channel (which later became [[Sky One]]) – on the [[Astra 1B|Astra 1b]] satellite system,{{citation needed|date=May 2014}}. The first film shown on the channel was ''[[Project X (1987 film)|Project X]]''.{{clarify|date=March 2013}} Before launch, Sky signed first-run deals with [[20th Century Fox]], [[Paramount Pictures]], [[Warner Bros.]], [[Columbia Pictures]], [[Orion Pictures]] and [[Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures|Buena Vista Distribution Company, Inc.]] (which included [[Touchstone Pictures]] and [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]]).{{citation needed|date=May 2014}} One year after it began broadcasts,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/entertainment-arts/broadcasting-industry-subscription/7525661-1.html|title=SKY CLAIMS BIG RESPONSE FOR PAY TV|publisher=Screen Digest}}{{deadlink|date=October 2025}}</ref> it became the first Sky channel to scramble its signal, using a [[encryption]] system called [[VideoCrypt]]. Anyone attempting to view it without a decoder and [[smart card]] could only see a scrambled picture.{{citation needed|date=May 2014}}

On 2 November 1990, [[Sky Television (1984–1990)|Sky Television]] merged with rival [[British Satellite Broadcasting]], acquiring [[The Movie Channel (British TV channel)|The Movie Channel]]. With the launch of the second [[SES Astra]] satellite ([[Astra 1B|1B]]) was added to the Sky package on 15 April 1991 and the first film shown was 1989's ''[[Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade]]''.{{clarify|date=March 2013}} From the relaunch of the channel under [[Sky UK|BSkyB]], this [[station identification|ident]] was made by [[Pacific Data Images]] and heavily based on [[NBC]]'s movie opening used from 1987 to 1993.{{clarify|date=March 2013}} Similarly, Sky Movies was made available to viewers on BSB's old satellite on 8 April earlier that year replaces its music channel, [[The Power Station (TV channel)|The Power Station]]. Also in the same year (6 May), Sky Movies and The Movie Channel started broadcasting for 24 hours per day – which previously they had been on air from early afternoon until the early hours of the next morning.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/retail/retailers-nonstore-retailers/7525887-1.html|title=TWO EURO SATELLITE CHANNELS FALL FROM GRACE|publisher=Screen Digest}}</ref> In addition of these slots for 6.00 pm, 8.00 pm and 10.00 pm, Sky Movies had several different film genres were used every evening such as:
* ''Monday Night Comedy''
* ''Tuesday Night Action''
* ''Thursday Night Horror''
* ''After Dark'' – used for Saturday and Wednesday nights at approximately 11.30 pm, which included [[sex in film|erotic films]] with a [[18 (British Board of Film Classification)|18 certificate]] that often shows [[human sexuality|sexually explicit material]] and various adult-oriented content.

At the same time, The Movie Channel started to begin its evening films at the later slots of 6.15 pm, 8.15 pm and 10.15 pm, also include showing classic and children's films (at around 4.00 pm) during the daytime hours between early morning and late afternoons were used.

For three consecutive years in the early 1990s, Sky Movies carried several non-film premium content known as "special events" including [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]]'s annual events such as [[WrestleMania]], [[Royal Rumble]], [[SummerSlam]] and [[Survivor Series]], various music concerts and live boxing competitions such as the first event was [[Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas]] on 11 February 1990. This was because at this time all of Sky's other channels including [[Sky Sports]], were shown free-to-air and during this period, the service was often referred to as '''Sky Movies Plus''' (up until 31 August 1993 shortly before the launch of [[Sky Multichannels|the new Multichannels package]]). When Sky Sports became a pay channel on 1 September 1992, Sky Movies stopped showing non-movie related programming.

On 1 October 1992, [[The Comedy Channel (British TV channel)|The Comedy Channel]] was replaced by Sky Movies Gold, a service dedicated to "classic movies" from 4.00pm to midnight every day and it was added as a three-channel package, with the first film shown at 6.00pm on the new network was 1979's ''[[Rocky II]]''. On 31 December of that year, Sky Movies and The Movie Channel stopped broadcasting via [[Thor (satellite)|Thor satellite]].

From 1 February 1993, BSkyB introduced a new system of ratings for Sky Movies, The Movie Channel and Sky Movies Gold were used at various times replacing the [[British Board of Film Classification]] certificates which lasted over four years, and remained on air until 31 October 1997:
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan=2 | Rating
! Description
|-
| bgcolor="darkgreen" |
| '''U'''
| Universal – suitable for all audiences at any time.
|-
| bgcolor="goldenrod" |
| '''PG'''
| Parental Guidance – some scenes may be unsuitable for young or sensitive children.
|-
| bgcolor="orangered" |
| '''7'''
| Suitable for transmission at 7.00 pm, may also include edited versions of any otherwise unsuitable titles with the BBFC PG (or [[British Board of Film Classification|12]]) certificate until it was later dropped and never used on air.
|-
| bgcolor="mediumblue" |
| '''8'''
| Suitable for transmission at 8.00 pm, broadly in line with the [[Motion picture content rating system#United Kingdom|BBFC 15 certificate]].
|-
| bgcolor="crimson" |
| '''9'''
| This classification reflecting the [[Watershed (broadcasting)|9.00 pm watershed]], which covers films of more adult nature that may contain [[profanity|strong language]] or [[violence]].
|-
| bgcolor="maroon" |
| '''10'''
| Suitable for transmission at 10.00 pm, is equivalent to the [[18 (British Board of Film Classification)|BBFC 18 certificate]] and that is suitable for adults only.
|-
| bgcolor="purple" |
| '''11'''
| Suitable for transmission during 11.00 pm, in which films of an [[human sexuality|explicit nature]] for adult viewing but mostly showing uncut versions offer include [[martial arts film|martial arts]] and [[sex in film|erotic films]] were also used.
|}

On 1 October 1995, Sky Movies Gold starts sharing its transponder space with [[Disney Channel (British and Irish TV channel)|The Disney Channel]] (which was delayed for over six years) resulting in the service's broadcasting hours changed from 10.00 pm to 6.00 am.

The two main channels were rebranded under a common brand on 1 November 1997, Sky Movies became Sky Movies Screen 1 and The Movie Channel became Sky Movies Screen 2,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mediatel.co.uk/newsline/1997/10/10/sky-channels-to-be-rebranded/|title=Sky Channels To Be Rebranded|publisher=Mediatel|date=10 October 1997}}</ref> as well as [[Sky Box Office]] launches a four-channel near on-demand service on 1 December of that year, also carried by [[Cable & Wireless plc|Cable & Wireless]] chooses not to use the service instead opting for [[FilmFlex|Front Row]]. Following the major rebrand once again on 10 September 1998, as Sky Movies Screen 1 became Sky MovieMax, Sky Movies Screen 2 became Sky Premier and Sky Movies Gold was renamed Sky Cinema.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mediatel.co.uk/newsline/1998/07/22/second-sky-rebranding-in-nine-months/|title=Second Sky Rebranding in Nine Months|publisher=Mediatel|date=22 July 1998}}</ref>

===1998–2007: digital era===
The launch of Sky Digital from the new [[Astra 28.2°E]] satellite position on 1 October 1998 was accompanied by a major expansion of channels.<ref>{{cite web|title=About Sky|url=http://corporate.sky.com/about_sky/timeline|website=Sky.com|access-date=29 July 2014|archive-date=21 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921012422/http://corporate.sky.com/about_sky/timeline|url-status=dead}}</ref> Sky Premier and Sky MovieMax both added three multiplex channels each (Sky Premier 2 to 4 and Sky MovieMax 2 to 4), Sky Cinema launched Sky Cinema 2, and additionally, Sky Premier Widescreen – at the time was the only channel devoted to showing [[widescreen]] films were all launched exclusively on digital satellite.{{citation needed|date=April 2014}} Also on the same year (15 November), Sky MovieMax and Sky Premier launched on [[ITV Digital]] terrestrial platform.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/media-ondigital-challenge-sky-unfazed-supply-problems-its-set-top-boxes-pay-tv-company-ondigital-remains-optimistic-its-recent-launch-its-power/60262|title = MEDIA: ONdigital to challenge Sky - Unfazed by supply problems with its set-top boxes, pay-TV company ONdigital remains optimistic about its recent launch and its power to compete with Sky, writes Conor Dignam}}</ref> On 1 October 1999, Sky MovieMax 5 was launched.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wotsat.com:80/ |title=Archived copy |website=wotsat.com:80 |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991103190355/http://wotsat.com:80/ |archive-date=3 November 1999 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

From 1 July 2002, as the Sky Movies channels saw yet another rebranding exercise, the Sky Premier channels were renamed Sky Movies Premier, the Sky MovieMax channels became Sky Movies Max and the Sky Cinema channels became Sky Movies Cinema.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wotsat.com:80/arjun3-2002.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031206200128/http://www.wotsat.com:80/arjun3-2002.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2003-12-06|title=1st for digital satellite TV news - What Satellite TV Online|date=2003-12-06|access-date=2018-01-02}}</ref> Eventually in June 2003, Sky listened to demands for more widescreen films, the service was closed and the majority of films on the remaining channels were actually shown in widescreen.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wotsat.com:80/arjun1-2003.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031206191621/http://www.wotsat.com:80/arjun1-2003.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2003-12-06|title=1st for Sky Digital and satellite TV news - What Satellite & Digital TV Online - Freeview and Sky Digital|date=2003-12-06|access-date=2018-01-02}}</ref> On 1 November 2003, the Sky Movies Premier and Sky Movies Max channels were all brought under one banner as simply Sky Movies 1 to 9. At the same time, Sky Movies Cinema 1 and 2 became Sky Cinema 1 and 2.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wotsat.com:80/aroct28-2003.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031206225648/http://www.wotsat.com:80/aroct28-2003.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2003-12-06|title=1st for Sky Digital and satellite TV news - What Satellite & Digital TV Online - Freeview and Sky Digital|date=2003-12-06|access-date=2018-01-02}}</ref>

Sky Movies along with numerous other channels became available to watch via Sky Mobile TV in 2005, in partnership with [[Vodafone]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/bskyb-vodafone-link-deliver-mobile-tv-service/525248|title=BSkyB and Vodafone link up to deliver mobile TV service|date=2005-10-31}}</ref> From 30 January 2006, Sky Movies 9 and the new Sky Movies 10 started broadcasting from 5.00pm to 3.00am. They were [[Personal identification number|PIN]]-protected, meaning that for the first time when films with a [[Motion picture content rating system#United Kingdom|15 certificate]] were able to be shown as early as 5.00pm. With the launch of [[Sky+ HD|Sky HD]], the two channels were also available in a [[High-definition television|high-definition]] format.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wotsat.com:80/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060114073354/http://www.wotsat.com:80/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2006-01-14|title=1st for Sky Digital and satellite TV news - What Satellite & Digital TV Online - Freeview and Sky Digital news|date=2006-01-14|access-date=2018-01-02}}</ref>

===2007–2016: Sky Movies gets categorised===
Sky Movies was overhauled on 4 April 2007, when the different channels became dedicated to different genres,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skymovies.com/skymovies/article/0,,80940-1256973,00.html|title=skymovies.com|access-date=19 May 2007|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722171200/https://www.sky.com/tv/channel/skycinema|url-status=dead}}</ref> but three of the HD channels have launched already before the other:{{citation needed|date=January 2012}}
{{Div col}}
* Premiere
* Premiere +1
* Comedy
* Action & Thriller
* Family
* Drama
* Sci Fi & Horror
* Classics
* Modern Greats
* Indie
* HD1/SD1
* HD2/SD2
{{Div col end}}

Sky later made Sky Movies HD1 and HD2 available to subscribers without [[High-definition television|HDTV]] equipment through two channels simulcasting the same content in [[Standard-definition television|SDTV]] format, the channels were known as Sky Movies SD1 and SD2. These channels were renamed Sky Movies Screen 1 and Screen 2 in February 2008, and the HDTV channels were renamed Sky Movies Screen 1 HD and Screen 2 HD accordingly.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitaltv/a82150/name-tweak-for-sky-movies-channels.html|title=Name tweak for Sky Movies channels|publisher=Digital Spy|date=24 December 2007}}</ref> On 20 March 2008, an additional high-definition film channel called Sky Movies Premiere HD, which is a simulcast version of the current Sky Movies Premiere channel, was added after many requests for the channel from Sky HD subscribers.{{original research inline|date=May 2014}}

Sky also announced that in October 2008, they would launch six new high-definition simulcast channels called Sky Movies Action/Thriller HD, Sky Movies Sci-Fi/Horror HD, Sky Movies Drama HD, Sky Movies Modern Greats HD, Sky Movies Family HD and Sky Movies Comedy HD.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/?p=7095|title=Sky launches seven new HD channels|publisher=Broadband TV News|date=20 August 2008}}</ref> This means that almost all Sky Movies channels are broadcast in both standard- and high-definition except for Sky Movies Premiere +1, Sky Movies Classics and Sky Movies Indie which remained standard-definition only until Sky Movies Indie HD launched on 26 October 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.sky.com/october-on-indie|title=October on Indie|publisher=Sky Movies|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001184805/http://movies.sky.com/october-on-indie|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 October 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/broadcasters/sky-movies-indie-goes-hd/5006236.article|title=Sky Movies Indie goes HD|publisher=Broadcast|date=30 September 2009}}</ref> Sky Movies were rebranded as the part of the various Sky channels on 1 January 2010.

On 26 March 2010, some Sky Movies channels were renamed, the new Sky Movies Showcase that replaces Sky Movies Screen 1 were devoted to box sets, collections and seasons. Sky Movies also reshuffled its bouquet of ten channels to achieve greater "clarity" for subscribers. The changes included Sky Movies Action & Thriller becoming Sky Movies Action & Adventure, Sky Movies Drama becoming Sky Movies Drama & Romance and Sky Movies Screen 2 becoming Sky Movies Crime & Thriller.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitaltv/news/a203956/sky-movies-screen-1-to-become-showcase.html|title=Sky Movies Screen 1 to become Showcase|publisher=Digital Spy|date=18 February 2010}}</ref> The Sky Movies HD channels launched on the Virgin Media platform on 2 August 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pressoffice.virginmedia.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=205406&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1449279&highlight=|title=Virgin Media Shows Its Competitors the Red Card|publisher=Virgin Media|date=20 July 2010}}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Sky Movies Classics HD launched on 9 August 2010 was exclusively on Sky,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skyprogrammeinformation.co.uk/download/September%20Sky%20Movies.pdf#page=2|title=SKY MOVIES CLASSICS GOES HD|publisher=Sky Programme Information|access-date=17 July 2010|archive-date=21 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721040008/http://www.skyprogrammeinformation.co.uk/download/September%20Sky%20Movies.pdf#page=2|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the channel was also added to Virgin Media on 4 October 2011.{{original research inline|date=May 2014}} [[Smallworld Cable]] added the Sky Movies HD channels to their line-up in the first quarter of 2012,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tech/news/a348786/sky-sports-sky-movies-to-launch-in-hd-on-smallworld-cable.html|title=Sky Sports, Sky Movies to launch in HD on Smallworld Cable|publisher=Digital Spy|date=2 November 2011}}</ref> followed by [[Virgin Media Ireland]] on 16 August 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.techcentral.ie/19619/upc-adds-19-sky-channels-in-hd|title=UPC adds 19 Sky channels in HD|publisher=TechCentral|date=15 August 2012}}</ref>

On 28 March 2013, Sky Movies Disney was launched that effectively replaces [[Disney Cinemagic]], as part of a multi-year film output deal between Sky and [[The Walt Disney Company]].<ref name=gdn>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/feb/21/sky-movies-disney-new-channel-uk|title=Sky Movies Disney: new channel to show UK TV film premieres|work=The Guardian|date=21 February 2013}}</ref> This marks the first time that Disney has been involved in a co-branded linear film channel anywhere in the world,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/media/news/a460400/sky-movies-disney-channel-to-launch-on-sky-in-march.html|title=Sky Movies Disney channel to launch on Sky in March|publisher=Digital Spy|date=21 February 2013|access-date=21 February 2013|archive-date=24 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224013303/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/media/news/a460400/sky-movies-disney-channel-to-launch-on-sky-in-march.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> included new Disney films are available on Sky Movies Disney around six months after they have ended their cinema run. To facilitate the channel, Sky Movies Classics has ceased broadcasting, when Sky Movies Modern Greats was rebranded as Sky Movies Greats and Sky Movies Indie became Sky Movies Select,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.overnights.tv/public/content/News.aspx|title=BARB Reported Channels|publisher=Overnights.tv|date=22 March 2013|quote=Sky Movies Classics will cease broadcasting on 27th March 2013.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.overnights.tv/public/content/News.aspx|title=BARB Reported Channels|publisher=Overnights.tv|date=14 March 2013|quote=Sky Movies Modern Greats will rebrand to Sky Movies Greats on 28th March, 2013. Sky Movies Indie will rebrand to Sky Movies Select on 28 March 2013.}}</ref> whether the content of the three former brands was merged into Select and Greats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://skymovies.sky.com/new-channel-line-up|title=Sky Movies: new channels, new line-up|publisher=Sky Movies|date=4 March 2013}}</ref>

===2016–present: rebrand and 4K UHD===
On 15 June 2016, Sky announced that Sky Movies would rebrand as '''Sky Cinema''' on 8 July within this change aligns the channel's naming with those of Sky's film services in other European countries, in consort with Sky plc's takeover of [[Sky Deutschland]] and [[Sky Italia]]. To compete with subscription video-on-demand services, Sky announced that the rebranded network would premiere "a new film each day", and that it would expand the service's on-demand library. Sky also announced plans to launch a [[4K resolution|4K ultra-high-definition]] feed later in the year.<ref name="guardian-skycinema">{{cite web|title=Sky Movies rebrand to feature one premiere a day|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jun/15/sky-movies-cinema-star-wars-the-force-awakens|website=The Guardian|date=15 June 2016|access-date=26 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://recombu.com/digital/article/sky-movies-is-changing-with-a-new-name-and-better-picture-quality|title=Sky Movies is changing to Sky Cinema, but what has really changed? |publisher=Recombu.com|date=15 June 2016}}</ref> 4K films became available on 13 August 2016 for [[Sky Q]] customers in a 2TB box with Sky Cinema and multi-screen packs, as well as 70 were available by the end of 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/138218-sky-q-major-software-update-rolling-out-here-s-what-your-sky-q-box-can-do-now|title=Sky Q major software update rolling out: Here's what your Sky Q box can do now – Pocket-lint|website=www.pocket-lint.com|date=21 July 2016}}</ref> During this time, the Sky Cinema networks would have their [[electronic program guide]] positions rebranded to tie into a highlight film, actor, or property being carried by that network throughout a certain month; for instance, a month filled with films starring [[Tom Hanks]] saw Sky Cinema Greats become Sky Tom Hanks for that period of time.

On 22 June 2020, Sky added a content warning to several older films stating that they "have outdated attitudes, language, and cultural depictions which may cause offence today".<ref name="outdated attitudes">{{cite web|title=Sky adds "outdated attitudes" warnings to some movies|url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2020/0622/1148917-sky-added-outdated-attitudes-warnings-to-some-movies|website=Raidió Teilifís Eireann|date=22 June 2020|access-date=22 June 2020}}</ref>

On 30 June 2020, several of Sky Cinema's standard definition channels were fully discontinued. This move also coincided with the Sky Cinema brand adopting the 2020 Sky channel branding previously adopted by the entertainment channels following the launch of [[Sky Comedy]]. On 30 March 2022, the SD feeds of Sky Cinema Comedy, Sky Cinema Thriller and Sky Cinema Drama were similarly withdrawn.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rxtvinfo.com/2022/sky-starts-standard-definition-switch-off|title = Sky starts standard definition TV switch-off|date = 30 March 2022}}</ref> On 29 May 2024, the SD feeds of Sky Cinema Premiere, Sky Cinema Greats, Sky Cinema Family and Sky Cinema Action were removed from Sky.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rxtvinfo.com/2024/sky-to-close-16-movie-and-sports-channels-in-hd-switch/|title = Sky to close 16 movie and sports channels in HD switch|date = 24 May 2024}}</ref>

On 23 July 2020, Sky Cinema launched a twelfth channel, Sky Cinema Animation, replaces Sky Cinema Premiere +1 on Sky and [[Virgin Media]], and launched exclusively in high-definition on both platforms. Sky Cinema Premiere +1 continued to air on Virgin Media Ireland until its removal on 13 August 2020.<ref name="Sky Cinema Animation">{{cite web|title=Sky Cinema are launching a channel dedicated to animated movies|url=https://tellymix.co.uk/tv/445673-sky-cinema-are-launching-a-channel-dedicated-to-animated-movies.html|website=Tellymix|date=25 June 2020 |access-date=25 June 2020}}</ref> The timeshift resumed broadcasting on 6 January 2021, replacing Sky Cinema Disney, which was shut down on 30 December 2020 (with the content moving into [[Disney+]]) and was temporarily replaced by Sky Cinema Five Star Movies from the next day (31 December) until Premiere +1's return on 6 January 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-08|title=Sky Cinema Disney To Close This Month {{!}} What's On Disney Plus|url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/sky-cinema-disney-to-close-this-month/|access-date=2020-12-26|language=en-us}}</ref> On 30 April 2024, Sky Cinema Premiere +1 closed again, with [[Movies 24]] moving to its old Sky EPG slot of 312.

Sky Cinema subscribers are able to access [[Paramount+]] in the [[United Kingdom]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], [[Italy]], [[Germany]], [[Switzerland]] and [[Austria]] without charge, which was inaugurated by the summer of 2022.<ref name="Sky">{{cite web|last=Szalai|first=Georg|title=ViacomCBS Teams With Comcast's Sky to Launch Paramount+ in Europe|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/comcast-viacomcbs-international-streaming-partnership-1234989989/|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=August 5, 2021}}</ref>

==Channels==
===Current===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; style:text-align: center"
! Channel number
! Channel name<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://help.nowtv.com/article/Sky-Movies-Month-Pass|title=Sky Cinema Month Pass {{!}} Now TV - Help|website=help.nowtv.com|access-date=5 January 2017}}</ref>
|-
| 301
| Sky Cinema Premiere 
|-
| 302
| Sky Cinema Select
|-
| 303
| Sky Cinema Hits
|-
| 304
| Sky Cinema Greats
|-
| 305
| Sky Cinema Animation
|-
| 306
| Sky Cinema Family
|-
| 307
| Sky Cinema Action
|-
| 308
| Sky Cinema Comedy
|-
| 309
| Sky Cinema Thriller
|-
| 310
| Sky Cinema Drama
|-
| 311
| Sky Cinema Sci-Fi & Horror
|-
|}

===Former===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; style:text-align: center"
! Channel number
! Channel name<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://help.nowtv.com/article/Sky-Movies-Month-Pass|title=Sky Cinema Month Pass {{!}} Now TV - Help|website=help.nowtv.com|access-date=5 January 2017}}</ref>
! Closed date
|-
| 307
| Sky Cinema Disney
| 31 December 2020
|}

====Sky Cinema Disney====
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Sky Cinema Disney
| logo = [[File:Sky Cinema Disney - 2017 logo.svg|240px|frameless]]
| logo_size = 240px
| logo_caption = Final logo used from 2017 to 31 December 2020
| launch_date = {{start date and age|2000|9|29|df=yes}}
| closed_date = {{end date and age|2020|12|31|df=yes}}<ref name=TheVerge>{{Cite web|last=Alexander|first=Julia|date=2020-06-25|title=Disney is eliminating Disney Channel in the UK, moving titles to Disney Plus|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/25/21303043/disney-channel-united-kingdom-xd-streaming-plus-new-zealand-sky-comcast|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Verge|language=en}}</ref>
| replaced_by = [[Disney+]] (service), Sky Cinema Five Star Movies (channel)
| language = English
| picture_format = {{plainlist|
* [[HDTV]] [[1080i]]
* [[SDTV]] [[576i]] 
}}
| former_names = [[Toon Disney]] (2000–2006)<br>[[Disney Cinemagic]] (2006–2013)<br>Sky Movies Disney (2013–2016)
| owner = [[The Walt Disney Company Limited]]<br>[[Disney Channels Worldwide]] ([[Walt Disney Direct-to-Consumer & International]])<br>[[Sky Group|Sky plc]]
| timeshift_service =
| type = 
| country = United Kingdom
| area = [[United Kingdom]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]
| headquarters = [[Chiswick]], England<ref name="chiswick"/>
| sister_channels = Disney Channel<br>[[Disney Junior (United Kingdom and Ireland)|Disney Junior]]<br>[[Disney XD (United Kingdom and Ireland)|Disney XD]]
}}
Toon Disney was launched in the UK on 29 September 2000. The channel was rebranded as Disney Cinemagic on 16 March 2006. It rebranded to Sky Movies Disney on 28 March 2013 and then to Sky Cinema Disney in 2016. The channel closed on 31 December 2020 with content moving to [[Disney+]] and the channel being renamed to Sky Cinema Five Star Movies.

==Original productions==
{{unreferenced section|date=May 2014}}
Sky Cinema has a dedicated production team that produces over 100 hours of original film-related programming each year – including ''Sky Cinema News'' and ''The Top Ten Show''. In addition, Sky's close relationships with the film studios means it regularly gets exclusive access for on-set to talenting one-off 'making-ofs' and various talent-based programming.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}

In 1998, [[Elisabeth Murdoch (businesswoman)|Elisabeth Murdoch]] (who was BSkyB's director of channels and services at the time) advocated Sky setting up a film funding and production unit (similar to [[BBC Film]] and [[Film4 Productions]]). The result was Sky Pictures, which existed in order to investing both low-budget and mainstream British films. However, following a lack of success and her decision to leave Sky and set up her own production company called [[Shine Group|Shine]], the unit was scaled back and closed in 2001.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}

In January 2018, Sky announced a partnership with film distributor [[Altitude Film Distribution]], with the launch of '''Sky Cinema Original Films''', this new brand would distribute films for Sky Cinema's on-demand service, as well as release them into cinemas. The first film under the new banner was the United Kingdom release of the 2017 animated film ''[[Monster Family]]''. Other films like ''[[The Hurricane Heist]]'', ''[[Anon (film)|Anon]]'', ''[[Final Score (2018 film)|Final Score]]'', ''[[Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile]]'' have also been released with theatrical releases for ''[[May December]]'', ''[[The Beekeeper (2024 film)|The Beekeeper]]'' and ''[[Lee (2023 film)|Lee]]'' being handled by [[StudioCanal UK]] and the theatrical release ''[[Ferrari (2023 film)|Ferrari]]'' being handled by [[Black Bear Pictures|Black Bear UK]].

==See also==
* [[Starview]]
* [[Premiere (TV channel)|Premiere]]
* [[Home Video Channel]]
* [[TCM Movies|Turner Classic Movies]]
* [[Carlton Cinema (TV channel)|Carlton Cinema]]
* [[Film4]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.sky.com/watch/channel/sky-cinema}}
{{Portal bar|United Kingdom|Television|Film}}

{{Sky Ltd}}
{{British Satellite Broadcasting}}
{{Media in the United Kingdom|television}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:English-language television stations in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Movie channels in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Sky television channels]]
[[Category:1989 establishments in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1989]]
[[Category:Television channels in the United Kingdom]]