The Best Arthouse Cinemas in San Francisco
Castro Theater | © Benson Kua / Flickr
You’ve admittedly seen every
Fast and the Furious movie and internally cried tears of joy at the announcement of the next live action Disney flick, but you also enjoy visiting an arthouse cinema from time to time. These venues screening
independent films aren’t intended to woo the masses, but instead, they try to make us think about the world around us in a different light. If you find yourself in San Francisco,
California, and are itching for a bit of enlightenment, visit one of these eight stellar arthouse cinemas.
Castro Theatre
Theater
Built in 1922, the
Castro Theatre is now considered a historic landmark within the city. Designed by Timothy L. Pflueger, who would later go on to become a renowned Bay Area architect, the theater features a massive screen that’s framed by organ grills. The theater streams independent films as well as major releases. Plan on attending if you’re looking for a night at the theater with a little extra pizazz.
Embarcadero Center Cinema
Cinema, Theater
Located in the heart of the Financial District, the
Embarcadero Center Cinema is an ideal destination for busy bees looking for a moment of pause. With five screens in-house, you’ll find everything from foreign films to 3-D diversions. Not only will you find your chair comfortable and an abundance of screens to choose from, but the theater also offers gourmet concessions and alcoholic beverages.
Roxie Theater
Theater
Since 1909, the
Roxie has served as the arthouse heart and soul of the city. Dubbed a historic landmark, this nonprofit venue within the Mission District screens independent films as well as presents series, festivals, and special events.
Opera Plaza Cinema
Cinema, Theater
With two large auditoriums screening the latest and greatest independent films,
Opera Plaza Cinema is a no-brainer for your next arthouse binge. Additionally, the theater is within close distance to San Francisco’s Civic Center, Davies Symphony Hall, and City Hall if you’re in the mood for a bit of sightseeing before the show.
Foreign Cinema
Cinema, Theater
If you’re looking for a truly swanky experience, look no further than
Foreign Cinema. The venue screens stellar independent films while operating as a gourmet restaurant. Arrive early and dine on oysters, charcuterie boards, and rare ahi tuna before washing your meal down with a glass of champagne and heading inside the theater. Movies are more entertaining with a full stomach, after all.
Balboa Theatre
Cinema, Theater
When the historic
Balboa Theatre was founded in 1926, its owner aimed to make the venue feel less like a cinema and more like a home theater. Consider that mission accomplished, because watching a movie inside the Balboa is as comforting as spending the weekend under a quilt at your parents’ house while binge watching Netflix.
Clay Theatre
Theater
The single-screen
Clay Theatre is easy enough to find on Fillmore Street. With its brightly lit marquee and air of old-timeliness, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into simpler times. Every Saturday at midnight, the theater hosts an interactive screening of
TheRocky Horror Picture Show.Come dressed in your flashiest duds and prepare to do the “Time Warp,” again.
Sundance Kabuki Cinemas
Theater
Spending the day in Japantown? Why not wrap up your evening with a trip to
Sundance Kabuki Cinemas? Screening independent films and film festival entrants, this theater is a perfect place to get your culture on. Not to mention that the Sundance Kabuki serves alcoholic beverages – your weekend plans just made themselves.
These recommendations were updated on April 30, 2017 to keep your travel plans fresh.
