Movie Theaters
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Top Movie Theaters in San Diego, CA
Movie Theaters in San Diego
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17 places sorted by traveler favorites
Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
What travelers are saying
- KolletjieDurban, South Africa1,526 contributionsCertainly very comfy, feels like you flying business class! In fact the seats are so comfortable you have to be careful not to fall asleep!! It’s a pricy option for a movie but a fun experience neverthelessWritten December 30, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- iluv2eatntravelSan Diego, CA1,872 contributionsWatched Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker and had a great experience. Prices are really affordable for shows below 12 pm. Get your tickets online on Angelika’s website or app (convenient fees apply) to reserve your seats and I would recommend do so at least 2-3 days before as the good seats run out fast.
The auditoriums are clean and the recliner seats are really comfortable and the sound systems are great.
A good place to watch movie with family and friends.Written December 27, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - MadiinSan Diego, CA34 contributionsThis is my favorite place to see movies in San Diego! Great ambiance, pleasant service, and yummy food that you can order and eat all while reclining in big comfy seats while you watch your movie. It's a little on the pricey side, but if you're a Qualcomm employee they do offer a discount, and there is special pricing at specific times. It's the perfect spot for a date night.Written November 6, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- JoyNCHClovis, CA300 contributionsThis was my first time at a drive-in movie theater. My husband came up with the idea while we were visiting San Diego during the Covid shut downs. It was nice to have an activity to do outside of the hotel, and watch a new release.
We went on Wednesday, December 30. During winter break, and a couple days before New Year’s. Had read reviews mentioning to show up early if you wanted a choice of your favorite spots (said to show up an hour early). We were debating what time to go, but decided just to get there a half an hour early before the show time. It was a 6 o’clock show. Saw Croods 2. Got there, and there were no lines to get in. For our choice of movie, we still really had our pick of spots. Probably less than 20 people already there.
The bathrooms were really clean, and you could smell all the disinfectant. The snack bar opened up about 15 minutes before movie, and had an amazing selection! The usual movie theater snacks, candy, and drinks, plus a pretty decent Mexican food menu. All reasonably priced, but cash only.
Movie never really got too crowded, and everybody was really respectful. It was a great experience for me not knowing what to expect. Battery never went dead on my car, though we did fully turn on the engine for a few minutes twice to make sure it didn’t die.Written January 1, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Lucky Lady171 contributionsGreat experience overall! Great sounding theatre rooms, awesome service at the concession stand. ONE bad thing was the fact that you can't poor your own ketchup, mustard, jalapeños etc on your own hot dog. That's ridiculous. Not everyone wants the same amount of the above ingredients, and every other movie theatre in the world would allow people to poor their own ingredients on their food! Other than that, great place, awesome experience!Written April 9, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- tampatowersLincoln, NE492 contributionsWhen we visit San Diego, we try to stay close to the Hillcrest Landmark Cinemas. They offer a steady diet of artsy movies. For those with long stays in the area or diehard movie fans, these cinemas offer a 25-ticket movie pass that brings the cost of their movies down to $9 each. Parking is available over four subterranean levels in the same complex, and for the length of a movie, parking is free with validation. And the personnel in the cinemas are always very helpful.Written February 18, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- RandallSan Diego, CA938 contributionsThe good:
Digital projection and sound
Large, comfortable, reclining chairs
Kids pack (popcorn, drink, small candy $6
First run movies
The staff seems to like being there.
The not-so-good
Bathrooms are nearly always dirty and have urinals out of order nearly 100% if the times I’ve been there
Lobby is old and kinda has a musty smell
Concession pricing is pegged on the high side.
Overall, it’s a god place to see a film. Most screens area in the smaller side it is a really old theatre they updated a few years ago either eh new chairs, but is still a slope floor theatre so viewing angles are not as good as stadium theatres.
All that said, I see most of my movies here because it is a good place and without all the crowds of the 20-plex theatres.
Written June 26, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - MAM165 contributionsGrease, my all time favorite musical, was playing on the weekend I visited my daughter in San Diego. Wow, what a fun experience. We got there early so we could watch the sunset. Then, as it got dark, we watched the lights of the city appearing. Very comfortable deck chairs. Popcorn was good. Wine and drinks were a little expensive. Headphones allowed me to sing loudly along with all my favorite songs (and not bother anyone!).Written November 21, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- keepitreal75Carlsbad, CA1 contributionReally love this open-air movie setting in charming Mission Hills. When the sky is clear and the tarp is open (spring through fall), you can see the stars. When it's time for a tarp to keep out the rain, it's cozy and perfect for classic movies. The zero-gravity recliners are super comfortable and the venue is so cozy and memorable; book ahead online and bring cash.Written July 11, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Erica DEscondido, CA79 contributionsI'm,Not a movie goer, but my friends wanted to get together and see an action movie we had a blast this facility or theater is not only huge, they are efficient, kind, clean, and polite. We had a blast the team and that theater all enjoy their jobs.Written March 31, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- 2beans2000San Diego, CA3,094 contributionsWe enjoy seeing movies at Reading Cinemas Town Square where there are so many great places to eat nearby. We enjoy gyros at Dino’s Gyros.
Ford vs Ferrari was a great movie to enjoy ... good for a family of many ages.
Plenty of parking in the lot outside the theatre, it can get packed but just be patient.
The people are friendly at the theatre, enjoy a night out in Claremont!Written December 2, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - David DDallas, TX457 contributionsWe were surprised by the friendly helpful employees. Still getting accustomed to reserved seating. Clean theatres good sound.Written September 30, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- GlobalGypsy_13San Diego, CA2,687 contributionsThe Digital Gym in North Park rocks with first rate Netflix films. Not only are you seeing movies on a large screen with good sound and comfortable chairs with lots of leg room, but you are contributing to their social engagement with the youth through digital media. You can buy soft drinks, snacks and tickets from the same counter. We were able to find nearby street parkingWritten February 1, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- maggie_ryan12San Diego, CA28 contributionsPros: Location is very convenient if you're already downtown, plenty of open seats and tiered seating provides a good view, cheap matinee and morning prices.
Cons: definitely older and not well-maintained. Escalator has been broken for months. Confusion about the ticket line vs. the concession line because tickets are sold at the snack bar, except weekend nights.Written August 7, 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - David BCarlsbad, CA330 contributionsIt's a gem: an oldie and a goodie. Probably little different than it was when it first opened, which I guess was in around 1950.
Screens excellent Indie and Art Films, that are not screened elsewhere.
I don't eat popcorn, but if I did, I'd eat the Ken's. They use real butter.
Seats are quite comfortable.
Staff very friendly.
A bonus: the neighborhood - Kensington - is a great place to check out, with neat little homes dating from the 1940s, lovely and creatively restored, and a few excellent cafés and restaurants in the area.Written April 26, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego
- These places are best for movie theaters in San Diego:
- Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas
- Angelika Film Center & Café - Carmel Mountain
- THE LOT La Jolla
- South Bay Drive-In
- ArcLight Cinemas
- These are the best places for couples seeking movie theaters in San Diego:
- Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas
- Angelika Film Center & Café - Carmel Mountain
- THE LOT La Jolla
- South Bay Drive-In
- Hillcrest Cinemas