double feature

American  

noun

1. a motion-picture program consisting of two films shown one after the other for the price of a single ticket.

---

double feature British  

noun

1. Informal name (US): twin bill.  films a programme showing two full-length films

---

double feature Idioms  

1. Also, double bill. A program consisting of two full-length films shown for the price of a single ticket. For example, It was a double feature and lasted five hours, or The women's conference had a double bill, first speakers from China and then visiting guests from the rest of the world. This expression is occasionally loosely used for other paired events (as in the second example). [c. 1930]

---

Etymology

Origin of double feature

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Example Sentences

One could even make an argument for a double feature of “Animal Farm” and “Wuthering Heights” as two wildly different ways to update high school English class favorites.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

My two other favorite films constituted a splendid double feature from director Richard Linklater.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

While precise counts of how many people numbed their buns through that double feature aren’t available, there’s no question that millions of us committed to the bit.

From Salon • Jul. 11, 2025

Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy a double feature on a giant LED movie screen at Juanita Beach Park.

From Seattle Times • May 22, 2024

They agree to go to the Film Forum on Sunday afternoon, to see the Antonioni double feature that Lydia and Gerald have recently been to and recommended over dinner.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri