San Francisco movie theaters have everything you're looking for, whether you want to catch the next blockbuster or enjoy a cult classic. Read on for our favorites.
Jamie Ferrell - Senior Staff Writer•
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Here we’ve rounded up our favorite San Francisco movie theaters, from large chains like AMC and Regal to smaller indie theaters like the Roxie. With so many great things to stream these days, sometimes we forget the allure of watching a new release in theaters. But we promise that these local SF cinemas will take your movie-watching experience up a notch.
Read on to discover our picks for the best movie theaters in San Francisco.
1. AMC Kabuki 8
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This popular theater in Japantown was built in 1960 as the first authentic Kabuki theater in America. It was designed in the traditional Kabuki style dating back to the 1600s with a proscenium, rotating stage, and trap doors. Although the theater has changed hands a few times and dropped its dine-in menu, you can still enjoy a decent food selection and a full bar. Matinee pricing is 30% off before 4pm.
Get reduced prices with this AMC Black Ticket, valid for any 2D movie at any AMC Theatre and on any day.
Location: 1881 Post St, Japantown
2. Roxie Theater
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This historic indie theater dates all the way back to 1912 in the Mission District. As one of the nation’s oldest continually-operating theaters, it’s an absolute classic for the cinephiles of San Francisco. The cinema has changed hands a number of times throughout the years, serving as a German-language cinema, a p*rn theater, and a Russian-language cinema before community members shifted its repertoire to art and independent cinema. These days it’s a great place to catch indie films from the past and present, as well as fun community events.
Location: 3117 16th St, Mission District
3. AMC Metreon 16
This large 16-screen AMC in SF’s Metreon Center has a excellent IMAX screens, 3D options, and Dolby Cinema available. These special components make it a great place to catch show blockbusters with immersive effects. And since it’s such a large theater, you can expect to find limited releases here as well. Matinee pricing is 30% off before 4pm.
Get reduced prices with this AMC Black Ticket, valid for any 2D movie at any AMC Theatre and on any day.
Location: 135 4th St #3000, SoMa
4. The Cut Outdoor Cinema
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There’s a new outdoor cinema in town, and it’s not going anywhere!The Cut Outdoor Cinemarecently opened atThe Crossing at East Cut in 2022. As the Bay’s first year-round outdoor cinema, it’s promising some amazing weekend movie nights featuring everything from cult classics to local indie films on a jumbo LED screen. Curl up with a cozy blanket onsquashy bean bags and lawn chairswhile nomming on comfort food from local food trucks. Enjoy libations from theirfull bar, or sip on hot chocolate and pour-over coffee on those chilly San Francisco evenings
Location: 250 Main St, The Crossing at East Cut
5. Century SF Centre 9 and XD
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This theater found in Westfield SF Centre is nice and clean with 3D and “XD” options available for watching new releases. XD or “extreme digital” refers to a special kind of digital projection that produces higher-quality images and sound. The theater’s location inside of the mall also makes for a nice day of shopping, and you can grab a bite at the food court before or after your movie.
Location: 845 Market St Suite 500, Westfield SF Centre, SoMa
6. Balboa Theater
Balboa Theater is another popular long-running independent cinema screening a mix of new releases, cult classics, and independent films. The quaint 2-screen theater brings a nice dose of nostalgia thanks to vintage movie posters, old-fashioned décor, and a small town vibe. Keep an eye on their event calendar for special screenings and events.
The Balboa Theater, Vogue Theater, 4 Star Theater, and yet-to-open Park Theater are all spearheaded by CinemaSF.
Location: 3630 Balboa St, Outer Richmond
7. Vogue Theatre
The single-screen Vogue Theatre is one of SF’s oldest operating cinemas, coming in second to the Roxie. You can see both classic and current films in this neighborhood haunt, and although they can only screen one film at a time, the lineup is always fun and diverse so you never quite know what’s coming.
Location: 3290 Sacramento St, Presidio Heights
8. Regal Stonestown Galleria
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Settle into a recliner at this new neighborhood theater in Stonestown Galleria, which has screening options in a variety of formats including 3D, RPX (Regal Premium Experience with elevated sound and image quality), and 4DX (motion seats and environmental effects). This makes it a great theater to catch hotshot new releases or bring the kids for a fun immersive movie experience. In addition to your typical movie concessions you can grab a boba or frozen yogurt, and there’s a dispenser where you can add butter to your popcorn yourself.
Location: 3251 20th Ave, Stonestown Galleria, Stonestown
9. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – New Mission
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Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is a national chain famous for serving meals directly to your seat. Enjoy a multi-course meal and delicious craft beers or co*cktails while taking in the gorgeous interiors. While they don’t skimp on new releases, moviegoers also fill the seats for cult classics and old favorites. It’s truly a space for cinema lovers who want a more elevated movie experience, and certain screenings include special discussions or talks such as Micheal Foulk’s monthly Queer Film Theory 101.
Location: 2550 Mission St, Mission District
10. Landmark’s Opera Plaza Cinema
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This humble 4-screen cinema is a great option for moviegoers who want a more cozy and intimate experience. There are two small screening rooms and two larger auditoriums where you can catch independent and foreign films as well as new releases. Check it out for an alternative to the mainstream theater experience in a fun part of town.
Location: 601 Van Ness Ave, Opera Plaza
11. Castro Theatre
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The Castro Theatre is a beloved historic theater dating back to 1922. For decades it has persisted as an essential hub for LGBTQ programming and film screenings, and the large “CASTRO” letters on the façade serve as an unofficial signpost for the historically gay neighborhood. Another Planet Entertainment (APE) recently took over operations and have started discussions about remodeling the theater in 2023 for hybrid use as a concert venue. These plans have been controversial and we have yet to see what the Castro’s future holds, but you can keep an eye on the website for updates.
Location: 429 Castro St, Castro
12. Presidio Theatre
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Not to be confused with the Presidio Theatre performing arts venue in the Presidio, this Presidio Theatre on Chestnut Street has a modest old-school cinema look. It’s managed by Lee Neighborhood Theatres, which also runs the Marina Theater (below). Check it out for a nice mix of new releases and classics.
Location: 2340 Chestnut St, Marina
13. Marina Theater
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Similarly to the Presidio Theatre, this small theater on Chestnut Street is a nice no-frills neighborhood spot. It generally screens more new releases than its counterpart, and it’s an affordable alternative to the big-bucks, big-name cinemas in town. Its location in the Marina is great if you want to spend the rest of your day on the waterfront.
Location: 2149 Chestnut St, Marina
See also: You can rent out this cozy Oakland movie theater to watch whatever you like