I had Breakfast, Lunch and Supper here, and I saw only 1 movie. After my movie, (some DiCaprio joint) I was allowed to stay in the lobby and play Attica for 20 minutes before I was asked VERY FIRMLY but VERY POLITELY to leave the f*cking place. But indeed I returned but 1 hour later- not for more movies, no. I've had my fill of those for a while. No, sir. The siren's song which called my name was the salted Popcorn special, A Heated Hotdog, and a cold drink of water. I was welcomed back by the staff and they even let me eat my bounty in the lobby. I played another round of Attica to boot and then I engaged a short and confident staff member with devilish good looks and freckles in riveting conversation. I told him about a dream I had. In it, I ate my hand, then my arm, and my shoulder and chest. Before long, all I saw was blackness. I dreamed in pure blackness for hours, unable to wake. He only allowed me to stay and speak to him for a short spell though before asking me RESOLUTELY and PROFESSIONALLY to leave again. Talk about a tight run ship! That guy is manager material. But at 7 pm I once again heard the siren's song and drove the 1 hour back to the Balboa. My new friend was gone, Christian I think his name was. Now instead there was a younger man with fetching glasses. He too let me dine only and not have to sit through a movie to earn my prize! This time I ate 1 Salted popcorn Special and 4 Heated Hotdogs. (The young fellow said, "hey you can probably get all this stuff for cheaper at the store." Psh! This Weiner ain't no Oscar Meyer standard faire camping dog. This thing is good good good! No mustard, No Ketchup, No Water to dunk it, just good Beef Dog.) I couldn't finish my last Dog. I offered it to the handsome kid, but he said no too. So I went into the auditorium to offer it to another Theater Patron. I only asked 1 RUDE man if he'd like the Dog. Who gets mad when they're offered free dinner?? The young bespectacled man lead me out of the room. Boy was right behind me, fast and agile. Kid could be a burglar. He asked me ALSO VERY KINDLY to please go now. Attica? No. Quick Game? No again. Wasn't allowed. I found a dog on the street outside and she sure was happy to take the leftover Hotdog that I coudlnt finish. Isn't that Ironic? read more

This was a nice setting for "Another Hole in the Head" this past weekend, an annual film fest taking place at this vintage theater on multiple days during the month of December for the 2025 event. The exterior doesn't look like much, but the interior is full of character and old school charm, quirky decor and movie posters throughout, and a diverse range of showings happening here from indie films to cult classics. The auditorium seating is pretty basic, standard cinema folding seats with cupholders. Sound and picture quality was fine, nothing noteworthy but no problems during the set of short films we watched. The concessions stand sells popcorn, nachos, soft pretzels, hot dogs, ice cream, candy, and beverages. And merchandise was also sold in the lobby this past Sunday. Staff interaction was minimal, as it's a small theater in which we prepurchased tickets and had plenty of seats to choose from in the auditorium when we arrived. The venue was fitting for the event we attended. read more

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Date : Thursday, September 11th, 2025 Time: around 7pm *Peekaboo ($10) *Black Wulf ($10) *It's A Doozie ($10) I was here for a friend's bday party. His wife rented out one of the theaters and we watched a movie while hanging out and catching up. I love the layout of the theater. They have an upper level which reminds me of watching movies back in the day. So much nostalgia. I had two of the beers above. The other two offerings are ipa or hazy, so I know I didn't order those. Had so much fun I don't recall? I guess it would have been more appropriate if I had the hazy? Such a wonderful neighborhood theater. I'm glad this spot is still around. REVIEW #3857 read more

Balboa Theater - Thursday, September 11th, 2025 - Menu - Cinema Near Me - San Francisco, California

Really dig this place. You can expect to see some classic movies, stand up comedy, and the occasional sing-along, and the concessions are not the $23 you'd drop at other theaters. It's a gem. read more

Finally made it here! Been meaning to for ages and so glad we did. Loved the popcorn, the drinks, probably wouldn't get a pretzel again (microwaved) but I'm not complaining. I LOVE that they have ads for other local businesses before the show. We were prepared for very old uncomfortable seats but it was fine and much more comfortable than expected. When you move you do move the whole row but it's your friends so who cares! This is the theater that introduced us to Hundred of Beavers and for that we will always love them. read more

All three stars are for the old school theater vibe, great beer, good food, well curated movies, family owned, etc. Minus two stars for the patrons. ALL white people. Very stuffy white people. Don't say a word out loud or you'll be shushed and scorned, even way back in the last row. Not sure anyone realizes they're in public, pretty sure this insular community thinks this is their living room and wants you to behave as if you're in their house. Uncomfortable. No fun. Definitely my last visit. Sorry Balboa Theater, but we've traveled 50 miles to see movies here thrice, and it's the same every time. If the patrons were more diverse and fun it would be a totally different story, otherwise not worth it. The problem is the insular all white community, not the theater itself, but that's life in itself nsular San Francisco. Unfortunate. read more

love this place. Old school theater with some great movies and real butter for popcorn.

Mom and pop theater with only two theaters and shows old and new movies. No assigned seating and it's first come first served. Came to watch the F1 movie and it was really good. Downside is that there is no imax option since it's a small no frills theater. read more

My husband & I love coming here at least once a month. They got the best popcorn & beer -- always such a vibe read more

Balboa Theater - Cinema Near Me - San Francisco, California

My all time favorite theater in San Francisco Plus they show awesome old movies during the week read more

I am a fan of the Balboa. Nice diverse selection of movies, good snack and drink options, friendly staff. My only complaint is the noise bleed between the two auditoriums. You don't want to be watching a quiet movie when an action movie is playing next door! read more

Everything about this theater is great except that creepy old hippie dude with the glasses. Pony tail, squinty eyes, glasses and an attitude problem. He's a rude jerk. I ordered buttered popcorn and he was real skimpy with the butter and when I politely asked for a little more he just tossed the bag of popcorn at me and walked away. His coworker apologized for him and got me a new bag of popcorn. That hippie dude needs to find another job where he doesn't have to interact with anyone. A real detriment to the Balboa Theater. I would give a 5 star rating but the hippie dude brings it down a notch read more

Love this theater but wish they would get better screens and seating The screen is mounted very high and seems much smaller than those seen in most movie theaters The seats are worn beyond comfort. Otherwise this theater is such a great place to see old and new movies. Once the magic begins the flaws recede to the back ground read more

I wanted to give 5 stars. Because I love that Balboa Theater, in addition to showing new releases, is screening classics and some leftfield slightly-under-the-radar classics on the big screen. Nice neighborhood vibe. Great selection of snacks, great coffee etc. No sterile corporate vibes. In other words, there's a lot to love. But I'm giving 3 stars because the sound from one screening room bleeds into the other room, and it's very distracting - especially if you're watching a regular-volume classic and the new release in the adjacent screening room features the usual Hans Zimmer high-decibel-low-end audio prostate exam film score. Originally, the Balboa was a one-screen theater. At some point they added a second screen but didn't adequately soundproof the resulting, separate screening rooms. So if you go to this theater, make sure you're watching the movie that's likelier to have the loudest audio. For example, if one screen is showing Fast & Furious 48, and the other screen is showing My Dinner with Andre, then . . . well, I think you know where I'm going with this. read more

Glad to see this local theatre is still open. It is small and can have two movies to play at the same time. But the environment is nice and the staff is very friendly. It is playing some classic movies now. Ticket price is about $12.50 to $15. read more

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Balboa theater is a wonderful spot in the neighborhood! I used to live nearby and close enough to walk over. They have a few showings per day. The seats were a little uncomfortable for me, but I have very large hips. It's worth it to check out if you're nearby or have a movie night on your calendar. There are a lot of great restaurants walking distance to do a dinner and movie night. read more

I had not been here in years. I am happy to see it still running well. The selection of movies playing is usually fun. Other parts of the city can be so scary. The neighborhood is quiet and peaceful. Great place to bring the family for a few hours. read more

With so much controversy currently surrounding the city's Castro Theatre it's time to spread the love. The Balboa Theater is a classic in its own right even if it presents none of the historic grandeur of its across-town brethren. As much as I love the Castro Theatre I harbor an equal love for the Balboa. Both truths are possible. The Balboa Theater will go down in my personal annals as the place I once spent an entire day seeing 4 movies in its two separate theaters. Friends later asked "were you depressed?" as if sitting in front of a big screen in a dark room from day until night were a harbinger of a mental disorder. "Au contraire" I retorted, "I had a great day". Sitting in a darkened theater in front of a big screen and seeing films as they were at one-time meant to be seen is an indulgent pleasure. The world would likely be a bit happier were we all to regularly indulge as such. An annual, revered, personal tradition for me is to enjoy the Super Bowl from a seat within the Balboa Theatre. On this day, the screening is free of charge and the crowd is rapt and attentive. One can get craft beer, popcorn, and more from the concession and make a day of it and trust, you pay a lot closer attention to the game and the commercials when you're not at your neighbor's Super Bowl viewing party. The Balboa Theater doesn't have huge screens or reclining seats but it's well-maintained, comfortable, and feels loved. I've spent many a favorite day/evening here and never had a bad time. Long live the Balboa Theater. read more

I've been going to this theater for 40 years. Seriously, I saw my first movie there in 1986, and tonight I had my first really bad experience. I checked the website to confirm what time the movie was showing, we showed up on time to buy our tickets and were told, "oh that's not actually playing tonight." What the hell, I pulled out my phone and showed him their website, and is response, believe it or not, was, "Yeah, our guy isn't very good at doing the website." Truly amateurish. I have never had an issue with the small screens and poor sound, because I considered it quaint. I draw the line and not being able to keep their showtimes straight. Evening ruined. As much as I hate supporting multiplexes, at least they can keep their showtimes accurate. Not sure if I'll ever go back, except I have a frequent customer card with 5 movies on it. Guess, I'll just have to remember to call ahead next time to confirm. read more

Balboa Theater - Cinema Near Me - San Francisco, California

Came here for SF Neon Western Neighborhoods Project Woody La Bounty event at this theater to show a documentary on the Alexandria Theatre that closed in the Richmond. Good event in Richmond district. read more

This theater is doing it right: Cult classics, indy films, special director guests, beverages, elevated popcorn and on occasion, live music?! Yes, please. read more

Great small theater. Friendly staff. Good food. Sound good and projection good too. Will look for future shows.

I have been to this theater twice now and absolutely loved it! Parking is really easy to find in the area and there are some cute restaurants and a good boba place in the area! The staff is super nice and friendly! This place is such a chill vibe! My only complaint is hearing audio from the next room over when there is quiet moments. I definitely will be back! read more

My wife and I loved going here for date nights when we used to live in the Outer Richmond. We would walk down Balboa, grab dinner and then catch a movie here. They have the best popcorn, good drinks. Just be prepared for the crowd to be a little eclectic. read more

I appreciate that older films are screened, but the smaller theater where the film I saw was screened is not conducive to viewing such films. The film I saw had a particularly quiet soundtrack. The conversation between the staff could be heard during the movie and the sound from the other theater totally bled into the smaller theater and overwhelmed it. All of this, along with the film being projected on Blu-ray which resulted in a soft image, is just not worth the time and effort to travel to the theater. read more

My favorite theater in all of San Francisco! Cool vibes, cool flicks, cool staff, cool grub. Everything about it, love this theater forever and ever! read more

I am glad Balboa Theatre is still in business. It is old school. There is nothing flashy about it. Probably its heyday was a half century ago. But that is the charm. Going here is like going on a date night a long time ago. We saw Everything Everywhere All at Once. That was an experience. I am as impressed as the next person by what is new and flashy and glitzy and big. But I don't want the world to consist only of popular and generic businesses. Vintage and quirky belong too. So we have to support that if we don't want it to vanish. It also feels more festive, as if you have joined with friends, though you are just a crowd of strangers sitting in the dark. read more

Balboa is a small, but mighty theatre tucked away in outer Richmond. Even if you don't live close by, they are worth a visit for a showing. First off, their theatre is super cute. The have just two screens here but the space is cozy and the seats relatively comfortable. In theatre 1, you also get some slightly elevated seats in the back that feel a little fancier. They'll have all the big new films, as well as independents and special screenings for older films. I've come here for things like a Christopher Nolan batman marathon, but also more low key showings too. And finally, the concession meets two important criteria (for me). One, their popcorn does not come pre-buttered, meaning it's vegan by default. Second, they have an above average selection of beer at a reasonable price. Each time I go I'm able to enjoy a beer from Barebottle. P.S. I've heard bands will play here sometimes too, though I have not been witness to it. read more

My partner and I decided to see a movie on a Sunday, November 24, 2024, after a long exodus from movie theaters. I had fond memories of the Balboa Theater. It always felt comfortable and I enjoyed the popcorn from the machine. After the movies one could have a decent meal at the restaurant across the street, and parking was no problem. It was also a short drive from my home. Unfortunately this time, my EXPERIENCE at this theater was AWFUL . The VOLUMN was EXTREMELY LOUD, and even more loud with the movie previews. My ear drums actually hurt. The extreme loud volume might have been okay if it were a much larger theater, but not for a small one such as the Balboa. I had to ask an employee at the lobby to lower the volume. Another problem was the TEMPERATURE . Although I had on warm clothing, including a thick and insulated jacket, it was VERY COLD inside, even after putting my hands inside my jacket pocket the whole time. When I made a second trip to the lobby to ask that the heat be turned on, the INDIFFERENT EMPLOYEE stated that the heater was broken. After leaving. the theater and walking outside on a cold day, it felt warmer outside than inside the Balboa. We were charged $25.00 for two discounted senior tickets. NOT TOO CHEAP . The theater appeared empty with HARDLY A SOLE INSIDE. As I left, I felt that whoever managed the operations was NEGLIGENT and probably in violation of public health codes. MANAGEMENT ------- SHAME ON YOU. read more

My beloved local movie theater, I've been coming here for as long as I've been living in the Richmond district. Great popcorn, great staff and plenty of restaurants around to grab something to eat after the movie. read more

Great place to have movie nights with your family. The popcorn is amazing and the atmosphere is nice

Terrible popcorn. Rude staff. Racist owner. Ancient and uncomfortable seats. Don't even have brand name soda.

' The only one to survive since 1926! I remember they would run double features at a great price. The loss of the Coronet, Alexandria and Bridge theaters has left a void in the Richmond district. We really need to support theaters like this. They are offering a wonderful selection of virtual films, so get your popcorn, and yes you can bring food into your theater at home! read more

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They play amazing old school movies as well as new ones. They are a local theater. Their popcorn is amazing, and the staff aren't assholes. Nuff said. Give money to this business!!!! read more

Used to love coming here to watch foreign movies and independent films!! I love their popcorn and their jumbo hotdog, but this was a while ago. I haven't been to a movie theater since before the pandemic and I think I need to start going again and start out with watching films here like a good old days! read more

Favorite theater in town hands down. Great atmosphere and 90s style experience. Great selection of movies and doen to earth pricing. Real local delicay with all the neighborhood characters. read more

Balboa Theater - Front neon - Cinema Near Me - San Francisco, California

Growing up in the hood, we used to come here quite often. I haven't been back since in a long while. I recently came here to watch Frozen 2 with the family. While it's not as fancy as the multiplex, it is comfortable. They do have cup holders on the chairs. Chairs were comfortable. Popcorn was fresh. Sound is as good as what you find at the multiplex. Bathrooms need updating but that's not a deal breaker. Staff is nice. read more

Poorly run venue by inconsiderate people. If this were a for-profit company, they would have gone under a long time ago. Don't donate your money to an organization that can't manage itself. read more

I really like this theatre, considering it was my first time here and it has a limited amount of movies showing. I love how cozy and non crowded this theatre is. Sometimes, i want to watch and enjoy a movie where there is not too many people nor too loud, especially for a movie that just came out. This theatre had its own classy look to it and i just love how it is different from the crowded Metreon, AMC or Century 20 when i want some sort of mellow chill environment. Definitely hit this place up, but do not expect a huge list of movies, i believe the most is 4 shown. read more

Balboa Theater - Pretty adorable for a theatre this size - Cinema Near Me - San Francisco, California

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A beautiful theater with great late night events like showings of "The Room" and "Rocky Horror Picture Show." The staff is kind and helpful and the regulars make the experience a blast. Watch an indie film or a classic here, you won't forget it. read more

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