British movie posters have a unique designation known as “quads.” The term “quad” refers to the specific size and layout of these posters, which differ from the standard sizes commonly used in other countries, particularly in the U.S.
The British quad poster measures 30 inches high by 40 inches wide (762 mm x 1016 mm) and is designed in a landscape format. This shape and size became the industry standard in the UK in the early 20th century for promoting films in cinemas. The “quad” name likely originates from the posters being a quarter of the size of large billboards (hence “quad”). This landscape format provides a wide, visually impactful space for designers to arrange key images, titles, and taglines, making it ideal for cinema lobbies.
Over the years, British quads have become highly collectible due to their unique aesthetic, often featuring different artwork from their American counterparts. While the style of movie posters has evolved with digital media, the term “quad” still refers to this iconic format in the British film industry.