This is a big 12 theater cineplex in the heart of San Mateo. The theater harkens back to the golden age of cinema with simulated neon lighting, high vaulted ceilings and movie posters lining the walls. At the concessions stand, they even pop their popcorn fresh the old fashioned way. The prices are not old-fashioned though with promotional popcorn buckets going for $50. Inside each theater though is comfortable and technologically advanced with powered recliner seats, digital projection screens and Dolby sound. Getting tickets online through the app was easy for Project Hail Mary. Most of the other theaters were showing the new animated Super Mario Galaxy movie with plenty of kids running around. We had arrived early, so I poked my head into the adjoining theater that was showing classic movies and they were screening Ben-Hur from 1959. It was a throwback in time and seeing Charlton Heston bigger than life gave me a thrill from when we would see movies from when I was a kid. read more

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I've been coming to this theater for many years. No frills, but consistent. The staff are generally friendly. I'm not a popcorn fan, so I don't partake in the concessions. The theaters are clean. The reclining chairs are comfy. I appreciate that this theater still exists and offers somewhat affordable entertainment for the community. I believe they offer discounts all day on Tuesdays. read more

Century 12 San Mateo - Cinema Near Me - San Mateo, California

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This is usually the theater my husband and I choose to go to for movies. It is a much smaller theater than any other Cinemark I know of in area, but they have the most comfortable luxury loungers and are pretty spacious. It's usually not busy at all and there are never too many people there, which we like. We are morning people, so we tend to go to the movies in the morning, and sometimes there aren't many hot food options then. There have also been a few times where my husband chair was broken and couldn't recline. But we still will go choose to go here for the low crowds and comfortable seats. read more

Easy peasy parking across the street. The app has your ticket ready to be scanned by the friendly attendant. Lots of beverages both alcoholic and non. Love the recliners and small theater seating. I am a fan!! read more

Century 12 San Mateo - Cheers to 2026! - Cinema Near Me - San Mateo, California

Recently took advantage of discount Tuesday at this theater, watching Drop, a great thriller. However I was turned off by the place, from the moment I stepped inside. I encountered the slowest service ever, starting at the ticket check line, with a ridiculous family of three moving in slow motion, oblivious and inconsiderate of those around them, and confused on the kiosk used to access tickets. It seemed like it was their very first time at a movie theater (even though they were adults), clueless about what they were doing. And the workers next to them weren't helping. In fact, they were so inattentive, I just skipped the ticket check and walked right into the lobby. Service at the concessions stand was inefficient too, as I went to purchase a bottled beverage. No the place wasn't busy, the girl at the register was just SUPER SLOOOWWW with guest transactions on a weekday afternoon (I know this from my observation and interaction with her). Luckily, the auditorium wasn't problematic. It had comfy seats that recline a good amount, with swivel tables attached. And perfect temperature control. Everything else about the theater was standard, including reliable picture and sound, nothing special. This theater is sufficient for watching a movie if you don't care about the full experience. But due to the inadequate and incredibly slow service here, I can't give more than 3 stars. If you're planning to see a film in San Mateo, I recommend Cinépolis at Hillsdale over this. read more

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Highly recommend this theater for its cozy theater size but nice reclining seats that are comfy and spacious, plus it comes with an attached food table. Theater 12 looks small during the seat selection but there is so much space between each row that you can't go wrong with any row if personal space is a concern for you. I personally prefer the last row in this theater because of the distance to the screen. The last row reclines as well. The ticket booth and concessions stand are managed by the same person at night time inside the theater. There is 1 person behind the concessions area to grab popcorn. The lobby area is very simple and dated. read more

Century 12 San Mateo - The smaller theater. Very spacious between rows and big seats. - Cinema Near Me - San Mateo, California

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My go to movie theater as it is closed by. It is convenience located at Downtown San Mateo. It is considered small compare to other cinemark at other city. I even sometimes just stop by to get the popcorn. Each room is quite small but with recliner seat it is comfortable. Depend on day and time, park next to the theater could be a challenge as it fill up pretty quickly. read more

Older Caucasian lady refused our entry because we had a stroller. After paying for tickets and parking. So this theatre is not able bodied? My son is 40 lbs and can not walk. read more

Came here recently to see the new Thunderbolts* movie (amazing movie btw, 10/10 recommend) after grabbing dinner nearby and I gotta say I was impressed by how comfy this theater was. I never buy tickets online or in advance to avoid fees, and there's always seats, even for new movies on release day. We were in a smaller theater, but to my surprise, every seat was luxury recliner with a tray that swivels. It's been years since I went to this theater and while smile, it's very comfy. Parking is abundant with a garage right across the street. It's located in the heart of downtown San Mateo which makes it a go-to movie theater for the good old movie and dinner night. Will definitely be back read more

A good variety snacks and drinks. Popcorn is great!!! In the theater the seats are fully adjustable and comfortable. The sound is very good and it a pleasure to watch movies on a huge screen. read more

If i could leave no stars, then it would my my first choice. Me and my sister came to watch obsession, mind you I am 18 my sister is 16 however I haven't gotten my ID or license yet, and the oldest you have to be is 17, thus it wouldn't make sense to have to show that, a school ID should be fine or anything else because who brings their birth certificate with them? It would have been a smooth interaction if she had been a bit more understanding and kind. I didn't get her badge name however she is white and old and rude, you'll know a Karen when you see one. read more

Likes: Comfy seats, easy to book, big popcorn buckets, nearby parking lots Dislikes: none read more

Perfect vendors Perfect popcorn Perfect sponsor of Coca Cola I left due to the horror of the movie but they refunded me instantly. Thank you very much. Please bring real movies back instead of making by cvs pharmacy. I think they have your movie license. read more

I go here after work and the times I've went they are empty. Which I like because I go solo. I plan to go a lot and rack up points on the app. I enjoy the reclining seats but if you're reclined to the max, you might not see the bottom of the movie screen. (Coming from a petite woman) read more

Theres never any concessions when we come. Like ever. They steam hot dogs and pizza. I dont want to pre order my food.

I've always gone to this particular theater, for over a decade now. I just never got around to leaving a review. But that's changed today! I accidentally scheduled a showtime on the app for 11:45 PM instead of AM by mistake, even ordering food to be delivered to my seat at around that time. But when I explained it to the staff, they were SUPER nice about the whole debacle! They allowed me to swap my ticket to a showing that was pretty close to the AM one I wanted, and even allowed me to grab the food I had ordered for that super late time, all without a fuss. If that's not EXCELLENT Costumer Service, I don't know what is. Super proud to have given this place my business all this time. Thanks to all the employees who helped me make the best of my mistake! read more

Today - Screen 7 seat F5 broken Seat dirty and last person left a dirty face mask stuffed in the drink holder App didn't work and my tickets didn't show up in my account. I had to find my email from last month. We didn't order any food or popcorn today because during our last visit the popcorn was cold, stale, filled with crumbs nd seemed like it was from the day before. read more

Century 12 San Mateo - Broken seat - Cinema Near Me - San Mateo, California

I like going to this theater! It's nearby my home and the staff are nice. Looking forward to coming back when I have a chance.

I've always loved coming here seats are comfortable and the employees are great! especially this one guy I think he said his name was Isaac? overall a it was a good experience read more

Love this movie theater. I've been coming here for years. You just have to pick the right time and day to have an empty theater. Food and concessions are great. Employees are good. Also, definitely will keep coming back here. read more

Century 12 San Mateo - Popcorn/icee - Cinema Near Me - San Mateo, California

This Century theater is a staple of Downtown San Mateo if you're a local! It has renovated showrooms with recliners and food options upon entry. The staff is helpful and friendly, honestly sometimes it's the simpler things in life that make you happy! read more

30 minutes of commercials??? We arrived at 8:49pm for an 8:50pm showing of a movie tonight, but then had to endure 30 minutes of painful commercials. The movie finally started at 9:20pm. I don't know if it is Cinemark or Hollywood who is trying to kill the movie theater experience, but whoever you are, you're succeeding. read more

I enjoy this location! It's generally short staffed so make sure to get there early. Otherwise they have all the food snacks and even alcoholic beverages. The theater itself is small but the halls are modern and have reclining chairs. read more

Century 12 San Mateo - Cinema Near Me - San Mateo, California

Definitely will visit this theater again. The cinema is smaller than in Tanforan, but the same standard norms are included with some advantage - comfortable leather chairs with a table, beer and wine. Also, the location in San Mateo is busier, the streets are well lit, thus you feel comfortable. I enjoyed watching a movie here and knowing that after, I could go out and take a little stroll down San Mateo Alley. read more

Century 12 San Mateo - Cinema Near Me - San Mateo, California

I go to the movies weekly. I have to eat gluten free, and they make me a hot dog without the bun. They can't just take it out of the bun so they cook one fresh. They even bring it to my theater. Customer service lives at Cinemark in San Mateo! read more

So much has changed since the last time I reviewed this theater. I don't know if it was the pandemic? But this location is one that I will now actively avoid. Trust me, I'm really sad about this. My reasons are a mixture of how they manage the theater and the clientele. Recently I booked a matinee movie for "Past Lives", thinking this was a smart move on my part. Well, ended up not paying off. The theater didn't open on time, actually it opened 40 minutes late! There was a mob of people waiting to get into their movie. Because films are now automated, if your movie was set at 8:55 a.m., and they opened their doors at 9:30 a.m., you already missed a chunk of the film. I was one of those people. To top it off they didn't have any of the concessions running, I needed to use the bathroom, but didn't want to miss more of the movie. I left knowing that was my last straw. Second experience was earlier, say two months prior. My husband and I are in watching movies ("The Whale" and "Missing") in separate theaters, we both have the rudest young people dominating the space. My husband's experience was teenagers running up and down the aisles, then talking loud and playing on their phones. Mine was a full row of teenagers talking super loud during the movie. I wish that they had someone do a quality control check, like they do in Los Angeles. I know we're just the Bay Area, but hey, all of us pay for it. Third experience was we go to watch "Guardians of the Galaxy" and there is this kid, say 11 years old, that just wouldn't stop coughing without a mask. I know the mandate is over with, but his cough was the juicy kind. It was really hard to relax when that was going on the whole movie. Parking isn't included, unless it's Sunday. Then it's free. I'm over this location and hope that it does get better. read more

Good theater with plenty of snack options and comfortable chairs. tends to be nice and empty the earlier you show up. They also have a bar that opens at 10am. read more

Love this location Great food Great parking Comfy seats Over all 5 stars can't wait to come back read more

Century 12 San Mateo - It's been a while - Cinema Near Me - San Mateo, California

First time coming to this movie theatre as I typically frequent Cinepolis at Hillsdale Shopping Center. The movie was sold out there, but was able to snag some reserved seats here online. Not a fan that there is a surcharge to buy tickets online, but seems to be a trend for a lot of theatres. Located in downtown San Mateo, parking can be a little tricky since many have a 2h limit so recommend coming after 6pm or Sunday for free parking! The lobby needs a refresh. The seats were leather with recline and enjoyed that you could heat them. The seats were showing some wear, but overall still comfortable. Definitely won't mind coming back! read more

Came here last week for a movie on a Thursday night. The movie had been out for a number of weeks so we had the theater to ourselves. The chairs are very comfortable and spacious. As with most theaters, it was pretty darn cold, but we brought some layers. The sound was up pretty high--maybe next time I will bring some ear plugs, but this seems like it should not be necessary. read more

very good and great customer service! love the affordable seats and food! plus with movie rewards great discounts and perks!

Came to a movie 5 minutes before start and it was not cleaned from last movie, had to go and ask them to clean

Great experience it's been long over due for a visit to a movie theater I sure have missed going to the movies we usually go at least 2 times a month since SIP things have changed Limited seating for each movie marking on the floor to remind you to stay 6 ft apart hand sanitizer is everywhere Sanitize when you go in We purchased our tickets online so we just swipe our phones when we went in no tickets no touching Concession stand is open with social distance Plexiglass protects workers Must wear a mask We had at least 2 or 3 seats distance between us and other movie goers. Felt like we had the auditorium to ourselves. Great job Century I will be back soon read more

Century 12 San Mateo - Cinema Near Me - San Mateo, California

The family and I were invited to a private showing. Our first time back to the movie theaters since the pandemic. Movie theater was clean, reclining, warming chairs with trays. What an upgrade from just the regular fold up seats. Very comfortable. The trays are handy with having the kids. Hoping to come back soon. read more

Century 12 San Mateo - Cinema Near Me - San Mateo, California

Bought ticket online for 8:40 am. The cinema opened at 9:30 am. Everyone was waiting outside. Spent another 10 minutes in line waiting for a refund. Worst experience ever. read more

Century 12 San Mateo - Cinema Near Me - San Mateo, California

Went on Oct 26 and the service was amazing. The dude at the cash register, Yahir, was so kind and helped us with our transaction. And the other dude working with him that was sweeping, Vinnie, really seemed like he cared about keeping everything nice and clean. I would give this 6 stars if I could. Definitely coming back. I hope Vinnie and Yahir get the recognition they deserve! read more

Quick take: Everything is contactless First time inside a movie theater since 2019. There were guests sitting on both sides so we had to keep our masks on the entire time. We watched Nightmare Alley. It was a GNO so any movie would have been good. It was nice watching a movie on a full screen. Hopefully we will be able to continue to safely resume normal activities more this year. Fingers crossed. Stay safe everyone! read more

Come to watch Spider-Man and found for my over 2 hours movie I'm sitting straight I also try the chai next to me and it's not declining too. Very sad experience with theatre 11 row F read more

The seats here are big & comfy with the ability to recline. The little side table that swings forward make it really convenient to layout that concession stand haul of Warheads, Dibbs and Sno-Caps. My experience at this theater has been generally very good. Speaking of concessions, there's a good variety of options. I thought I saw wine and lattes being offered. You can count on being pretty safe here because there always seem to be a couple of police officers posted in or around the theater. Bathrooms (guys) have plentiful stalls and other vitreous china containment units, however, be careful washing you hands with the scalding hot water -- very dangerous, especially for kids. It's been like this for as long as I remember because I fall for it every time I use the sink. Great picture and sound quality makes this theater a really good option to catch the latest flix. read more

Nice theatre! We reserved a whole theatre shutdown to ourselves to support Shang Chi film. One is able to stretch the seats outwards and lie comfortably while watching the movie. Snacks are of the norm. Good size theater rooms. read more