Virgin Media TV & Movies
Broadband Deals
Sky Cinema HD, 1,000+ Movies, Daily Premieres
Virgin Media TV & Movies Broadband has deals with speeds from 362 Mbps to 1130 Mbps with Sky Cinema, along with various bundles to suit every need.
Article Summary
Virgin Media broadband TV and movies bundles include Sky Cinema HD—giving you access to over 1,000 films on demand plus 11 dedicated movie channels.
New movies premiere on Sky Cinema just months after their theatrical release—often before they're available on other streaming services.
Every day features a brand new premiere, meaning there's always something fresh to watch regardless of when you tune in.
Choose from blockbuster action, family favourites, cult classics, romantic comedies, horror, documentaries, and world cinema.
Bundle with ultrafast broadband up to 1130 Mbps for smooth 4K streaming and instant-start playback on all your devices.
Article Summary
Virgin Media broadband TV and movies bundles include Sky Cinema HD—giving you access to over 1,000 films on demand plus 11 dedicated movie channels.
New movies premiere on Sky Cinema just months after their theatrical release—often before they're available on other streaming services.
Every day features a brand new premiere, meaning there's always something fresh to watch regardless of when you tune in.
Choose from blockbuster action, family favourites, cult classics, romantic comedies, horror, documentaries, and world cinema.
Bundle with ultrafast broadband up to 1130 Mbps for smooth 4K streaming and instant-start playback on all your devices.
What is Sky Cinema on Virgin Media?
Sky Cinema on Virgin Media brings the ultimate movie experience to your home, offering over 1,000 films on demand plus 11 dedicated HD movie channels. As part of Virgin Media's partnership with Sky, you get the same premium cinema content available to Sky TV subscribers, integrated seamlessly into your Virgin Media TV experience.
The standout feature of Sky Cinema is its premiere schedule—a brand new film premieres every single day of the year. These aren't just any films; they're recent theatrical releases arriving on your screen months before they hit other streaming platforms. From Marvel blockbusters to Oscar-winning dramas, Sky Cinema gets movies while they're still generating buzz.
The on-demand library spans every genre imaginable. Whether you're in the mood for family-friendly animation, heart-pounding action, spine-tingling horror, thought-provoking documentaries, or classic films from decades past, Sky Cinema has something waiting. The catalogue is constantly refreshed, with new additions weekly ensuring there's always something you haven't seen.
Sky Cinema HD ensures every film looks its best, with high-definition picture quality across all 11 channels. Selected titles are also available in 4K Ultra HD for viewers with compatible TV 360 boxes and 4K televisions—delivering cinema-quality visually stunning imagery right in your living room.
Virgin Media Cinema Bundles
M350 + Entertainment + Cinema
Average 362 Mbps
362 Mbps
36 Mbps
18 month contract
M500 + Entertainment + Cinema
Average 516 Mbps
516 Mbps
52 Mbps
18 month contract
Gig1 + Entertainment + Cinema
Average 1130 Mbps
1130 Mbps
104 Mbps
18 month contract
M500 + Cinema + Sport
Average 516 Mbps
516 Mbps
52 Mbps
18 month contract
Gig1 + Cinema + Sport + Netflix
Average 1130 Mbps
1130 Mbps
104 Mbps
18 month contract
Max Volt Bundle
Average 1130 Mbps
1130 Mbps
104 Mbps
18 month contract
All 11 Sky Cinema Channels
Sky Cinema Premiere
The home of brand new films. Every single day features a new premiere—films you'll want to see first appear here before anywhere else.
Sky Cinema Select
Curated selections of quality cinema. Hand-picked films chosen for their critical acclaim, artistic merit, or cultural significance.
Sky Cinema Hits
Popular favourites and proven crowd-pleasers. Blockbusters, beloved classics, and films that audiences can't get enough of.
Sky Cinema Greats
Timeless classics from cinema history. Award-winning masterpieces and iconic films that defined generations of moviemaking.
Sky Cinema Family
Films the whole family can enjoy together. Animated adventures, live-action fun, and heartwarming stories suitable for all ages.
Sky Cinema Action
Non-stop thrills and adrenaline. Action blockbusters, superhero epics, explosive adventures, and edge-of-your-seat excitement.
Sky Cinema Comedy
Laughs around the clock. Comedies of all styles—from slapstick to sophisticated wit, romantic comedies to outrageous farces.
Sky Cinema Thriller
Suspense and mystery. Crime dramas, psychological thrillers, espionage adventures, and films that keep you guessing until the end.
Sky Cinema Drama
Powerful storytelling and emotional depth. Character-driven narratives, historical epics, and thought-provoking films that resonate.
Sky Cinema Sci-Fi & Horror
Otherworldly adventures and spine-tingling scares. Science fiction epics, supernatural tales, and horror films for brave viewers.
Sky Cinema Animation
The best in animated storytelling. From Pixar and DreamWorks to Studio Ghibli and beyond—animated features for all ages.
All Sky Cinema channels broadcast in HD. Channel scheduling and content subject to change.
New Releases on Sky Cinema
Sky Cinema premieres films months before other streaming services. Here's what typically arrives and when you can expect it compared to other platforms.
Typical Release Windows
Cinema only
Buy or rent online
Included with subscription
Varies by deal
Eventually
Why Sky Cinema Gets Films First
Sky has long-standing agreements with major Hollywood studios including Universal, Warner Bros, Sony, and Paramount. These deals give Sky Cinema exclusive first-streaming rights to hundreds of films each year.
This means blockbusters like the latest Marvel or DC films, Universal monster movies, animated features, and major studio releases appear on Sky Cinema while they're still fresh—often before audiences have had a chance to catch them theatrically.
For movie enthusiasts who want to see new releases at home without paying £15+ per digital rental, Sky Cinema offers exceptional value. Over a year, watching just 5-6 new releases justifies the monthly cost.
1,000+ Movies On Demand
Action & Adventure
200+
Marvel, DC, Mission Impossible
Comedy
150+
Romantic comedies, Family comedies
Drama
200+
Oscar winners, Indie films
Family & Animation
150+
Pixar, DreamWorks, Disney
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
100+
Star Wars, Dune, Avatar
Horror & Thriller
100+
Classic horror, Modern scares
Classics
100+
Golden age Hollywood, 80s/90s hits
Documentary
50+
Nature, True crime, History
Fresh Content Every Week
The Sky Cinema on-demand library isn't static—it's constantly evolving. New titles are added weekly while older content rotates out to make room. This means there's always something new to discover, whether you're looking for the latest premiere or rediscovering a classic you haven't seen in years. The library is curated to include a balance of recent releases, beloved favourites, and hidden gems from across cinema history.
4K Ultra HD Movies
What You Need for 4K
- Virgin Media TV 360 box (4K capable)
- 4K Ultra HD television with HDMI 2.0+
- Broadband speed of 25 Mbps or higher
- HDMI cable connecting TV 360 to your TV
- Sky Cinema subscription (included in cinema bundles)
Not all Sky Cinema content is available in 4K. Look for the 4K logo on compatible titles.
Why 4K Matters for Movies
4K delivers four times the resolution of standard HD—8 million pixels compared to 2 million. For cinema content, this means razor-sharp detail in sweeping landscapes, explosive action sequences, and subtle facial expressions. Combined with HDR (High Dynamic Range), colours are more vivid and contrast more dramatic.
Recommended Broadband for 4K
While 25 Mbps can stream a single 4K movie, households with multiple viewers need more. We recommend M500 (516 Mbps) or higher for seamless 4K streaming across multiple devices. With Gig1, you can stream 4K on every TV in the house simultaneously.
Sky Cinema vs Other Movie Options
| Feature | Sky Cinema | Netflix | Amazon Prime | Disney+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Release Window | 4-6 months | 8-12+ months | Varies widely | Disney titles: 3-4 months |
| Dedicated Channels | ✓ 11 channels | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Daily Premieres | ✓ Yes | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Studio Access | Universal, Warner, Sony, Paramount | Mixed, varies by region | Mixed + Amazon originals | Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars |
| 4K Content | ✓ Selected titles | ✓ Premium tier | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Original Content | Limited | ✓ Extensive | ✓ Growing | ✓ Growing |
Sky Cinema excels for new theatrical releases. Many households combine Sky Cinema with Netflix/Disney+ for complete movie coverage.
TV & Movies Bundle: Pros and Cons
Pros
- New releases months before other streaming services.
- Daily premieres ensure constant fresh content.
- 11 dedicated HD movie channels for curated viewing.
- 1,000+ movies spanning all genres and eras.
- 4K Ultra HD available on selected titles.
- Integrated with Virgin Media TV—one remote, one interface.
- Sky Go app lets you watch on mobile devices.
- Excellent value vs paying £15+ per digital rental.
Cons
- Adds £11+ to your monthly bill vs entertainment-only packages.
- Some newer releases still require rental on top of subscription.
- Library rotates—favourite films may leave temporarily.
- Not all content available in 4K.
- Requires TV 360 for full features; Stream has limitations.
- 18-month contract required—can't cancel early easily.
- Price increases annually (RPI + 3.9%).
TV & Movies: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Sky Cinema cost on Virgin Media?
Sky Cinema adds approximately £11/month to your Virgin Media TV package. The exact cost depends on your specific bundle. Some premium bundles like Max Volt include Sky Cinema as standard. Adding Cinema to an Entertainment package typically takes the monthly cost from £45 to £55-58 depending on broadband speed.
When do new movies arrive on Sky Cinema?
New theatrical releases typically arrive on Sky Cinema 4-6 months after their cinema debut. This is significantly faster than most other streaming services, which often wait 8-12+ months. A film released in cinemas in January might premiere on Sky Cinema by May or June.
Can I watch Sky Cinema in 4K?
Yes, selected Sky Cinema titles are available in 4K Ultra HD. You'll need a Virgin Media TV 360 box (not Stream), a 4K television, and appropriate HDMI connection. Not all content is available in 4K—look for the 4K logo when browsing. Broadband speed of 25 Mbps+ per stream is recommended for smooth 4K playback.
Is Sky Cinema the same on Virgin Media as on Sky TV?
Yes, through Virgin Media's partnership with Sky, you get access to the same Sky Cinema channels and on-demand library as Sky TV subscribers. All 11 Sky Cinema channels in HD, the same daily premiere schedule, and the same on-demand movie catalogue are included.
Can I add Sky Cinema to an existing Virgin Media package?
Yes, existing Virgin Media TV customers can add Sky Cinema at any time by contacting Virgin Media. The add-on price will be added to your monthly bill. You may need to re-contract depending on your current deal, so check the terms before adding.
What's the difference between Sky Cinema and Netflix?
Sky Cinema focuses on theatrical releases from major studios (Universal, Warner Bros, Sony, Paramount) arriving 4-6 months after cinema release. Netflix focuses more on original content and has a wider range of TV shows. Many households have both—Sky Cinema for new movies, Netflix for originals and TV series.
Can I watch Sky Cinema on my phone or tablet?
Yes, your Sky Cinema subscription includes access to Sky Go, allowing you to watch movies on mobile devices. Download the Sky Go app, sign in with your Virgin Media account credentials, and stream or download content for offline viewing when connected to WiFi.
Do I need to rent new releases separately?
Most new releases are included with your Sky Cinema subscription at no extra cost. However, some very recent releases (within the first few months of leaving cinemas) may be available as premium rentals before joining the regular Sky Cinema catalogue. These rentals typically cost £4.99-£15.99.
Sky Cinema Benefits
- ✓Sky Cinema HD: All 11 dedicated movie channels in stunning high definition.
- ✓1,000+ Movies: Massive on-demand library including blockbusters and classics.
- ✓New Releases: Films arrive on Sky Cinema just months after theatrical release.
- ✓Daily Premieres: A new premiere every single day of the year.
- ✓4K Ultra HD: Selected titles available in 4K with compatible equipment.
- ✓Sky Cinema App: Watch on the go via tablet or phone with your subscription.