best cinema for finding what you can't find anywhere else in the SFV. we go all the time. (minimal commercials). affordable read more

This location was the second of a two day Laemmie tour I somewhat spontaneously undertook during a recent LA area visit. As a first time visitor, the street access, parking and location of the cinema was somewhat unclear. But once I found the downstairs location, it gave pleasant impressions of a simpler 80's/90's time of moviegoing without today's sometimes excessive extra amenities. This feeling was further reinforced upon seeing their offerings of previously used film posters for free taking away, bringing back great memories of old video stores and sometimes cinemas that would give that same special opportunity to patrons. Inside, the vibe is a bit worn, but still welcoming, and the pricing seems to be slightly more modest than one might expect. The film I chose was on a larger screen. The sound was not fabulous, especially for a dialogue heavy film. It was surprising to see the seats had not been upgraded to the popular recliner style. But this also fit with the laid back slightly retro vibe of the place. I hope they continue to offer curated choices for a good while to come. read more

August 25, 2025 | Encino | After my friend and I had brunch just a few steps away, we saw the action-packed movie Relay at Laemelle Town Center 5! I love that this Theater plays foreign and independent films! Tickets | The front ticket office was covered, so we purchased tickets inside! Inside | It's an indie movie theater, a few of the seats have a little wear and tear, but they were cozy for sure! Customer Service | Friendly! Overall | Yes! I would easily go to the theater again! It's convenient, as it's right across from one of my favorite brunch places in Encino & I love that they play several independent films!! read more

See all

Wow! what a wonderful experience. I got my ticket, popcorn, and a soda for under $25. I love that this place is low-key and only two minutes from my house, truly a hidden gem. No crazy lines at the entrance, no waiting for snacks, and honestly... I loved the old school Pepto Bismol colored bathroom. The seats are comfortable, and seating is first-come, first-serve. It made the whole experience feel unique. Keep places like this alive before they disappear and get swallowed by capitalism and greedy corporations. I'll definitely be coming here for all the movies I'd like to see. read more

Laemmle Town Center 5 - Cinema Near Me - Encino, California

See all

I love that this is an older theater and the sound system isn't overwhelming and triggering. I can't go to movie theaters usually because they are waaay too loud for me. Here it's bearable with ear plugs. The seats are old and tattered but I'll take it in exchange for the more gentle sound experience. read more

Laemmle Town Center 5 - Cute little moment in the lobby. - Cinema Near Me - Encino, California

This is my second time going to Laemmle. I haven't gone to see a movie because I was so tired with the bigger cinemas. I saw this theater after having breakfast right across from it and decided to give it a try. The seats are comfortable, the popcorn is good, and the employees are always friendly. Make sure you have cash or your physical card, as they don't accept tap to pay. Will keep coming here :) read more

Laemmle Town Center 5 - HAMNEY movie poster - Cinema Near Me - Encino, California

See all

Thank the gods for these little indie film theaters! Every Tuesday you pay only $6! Mostly the theaters are pretty empty, and it concerns me greatly. Most films are just better seen on the silver screen! Even though the bathrooms are this hideous pepto bismol pink color, I appreciate this place. Please support them before they die out! read more

This movie theater is quite disgusting. With stale Popcorn, rancid butter/oil. The seats are very worn, all I could think about was bugs in the seats. The ceiling is missed several tiles, and the floor...I don't want to think what could be on the floor. I can say the staff is friendly. Can't say I'll be back. read more

Clean place and fabulous employees. Highly reccomend this theatre. Very interesting art films and main stream movies and film fests. Save the lamelles read more

Wonderful neighborhood theater with a grand Laemmle family history dating back to the 1920s. Fantastic movie selection, the staff is exceedingly friendly, clean comfy seats, and reasonably priced admission with very convenient underground parking. If I had to come up with something that needs improving I'd say that the popcorn was far too oily to be enjoyable. Overall I support movie theaters like this because they are magnets and anchors to the local communities and should be supported by everyone who loves the movies!!! read more

One of my favorite theaters in LA. Love the intimate, boutique feel of this theater. Awesome selection of movies for the true movie lover. This is where many film connoisseurs frequent. Highly suggest! read more

One of the last smaller theaters, but well kept. The picture is good, same with the sound. It's nice to find a theater that actually has seats that are quite comfortable and not the terribly uncomfortable recliners that just about every other theater has convinced people are a good idea. Concession stand is affordable. Lot's of food options around as well so a great place to have a night out. read more

I've been back to Laemmle Town Center a couple of times since they've reopened and it's so nice to be back in movie theatres. I live between this location and their NoHo location so really depending on how I'm feeling I'll choose which to come to. It may sound silly, but if I'm coming to an evening show I'll choose the Encino location ;) Always great service! We typically purchase our tickets here but I purchased them online this last time just in case, because they are still blocking seats out for distancing and I wanted to ensure we got into the showtime and movie I wanted to see. The seats are new and spacious, tons of room. Laemmle's are my favorite movie theatres because I typically don't watch mainstream movies but it is nice that they are tossing one or two of those in from time to time, along with the foreign independent films that I gravitate towards more frequently. We park underground and walk right in, easy breezy good time at the theatre. read more

Love this place. Offers great movie options at great ticket prices. Love the indie movie options too.

Not my favorite Laemmle theatre, but having said that, the Laemmle chain are my favorite theaters. The reason for the kiwis heating is that the theatre is not up to date. It's the kind of old flat uncomfortable seat theatre that you thought didn't exist anymore. But you should definitely check out the Laemmle theaters overall they show great quirky and foreign films year round. read more

I love this small complex in a large strip mall in Encino. It plays some of the best movies in town. Today, I saw a documentary - as Laemmle's are known for. They also play the smaller, artsy films and foreign films. These are some of the best films to see and they are often in the theaters for only 2 weeks. The service is friendly and although it is less upscale than some of the newer theaters, it is clean and comfortable. Movie Pass has made these theaters much more popular than in the recent past but it's nice to see people going back to the movies. I love this theater and all Laemmle's and highly recommend. Cannot wait to go back to see some of the other great selections they are offering. read more

Here the thing. If you like foreign movies, kinda stale popcorn, old style seating, no crowds, then this is the place for you. I can handle it once in awhile. read more

Thank goodness for Laemmle theaters! If you want something other than the latest Hollywood cookie cutter movie this place is where it can be seen. It's not a fancy theater but really all I care about is comfortable seats, and good sound. Besides, most of the movies here are story rather than action driven. We attended the early showing and were happy to find that ticket prices were much are less than the huge multiplex. Overall, a theater that has all that you'd expect, reasonable prices as well as something a little different than what you'd find at the big chain theaters. read more

Laemmle Town Center 5 - you're basic box office photo - Cinema Near Me - Encino, California

Small , hidden theater downstairs that dhow foreign and indie films. No reclining seats but more like rocking chair seats, very comfy!! Clean and nice! read more

Laemmle Town Center 5 - Cinema Near Me - Encino, California

See all

If you can find this theater, you will be in for a private old fashioned viewing experience. It's hidden underground in the middle of the shopping mall. Even when you get to the center and go down--it's not obvious. If you drive around and around the perimeter--you will not see it. You have to park and search for it. Only those that find it get to see the movie. We came here to see Lady Bird as it was not playing anywhere else. Seats are newer, leather, wide, very comfortable, small theaters, lots of leg room, but not stadium seating. When we sat down in the row in front of another couple, the woman grunted to her husband, "They have to sit right in front of us!" There are a ton of restaurants to dine at in this shopping center before or after the movie. When we got out of the movie late on a Saturday night the place outside was packed with tables on two levels for this restaurant that had music, and that hookah pipe that everyone passes around and gives each other a flu or oral herpes. Fun! read more

Went and saw Finding your Feet. Lovely movie. We had not been to this Laemmle theater in awhile and was very pleasantly surprised at how upgraded it has become. Our theater was one of the smaller theaters, the seats new and comfortable, spacious leg room and the seats are placed where no ones head will block your view. The artwork that is displayed in the lobby is fantastic. I suggest arriving to the theater to allow enough time to see all the art. Was a great afternoon! read more

I enjoy the smaller more intimate theaters because they're Better for people that are old and that have knee problems they're not as crowded they're not as loud and they're more economical read more

Seats are surprisingly very comfortable with great leg room. Laemmle is a unique theater chain we need to support.

I really like this small "art house" theater. They specialize in independent and foreign films, shown in small theater with comfortable seats. If you've never been here before you may not even know it's here. It's in the Encino Town Center, and the biggest name on the sign is "Michael's arts and crafts." Go inside--then downstairs, and you'll see the theater. They even accept MoviePass! There are lots of places to eat here as well. That said, parking can be a challenge, even with a large lot, so plan on getting there early. read more

Very nice experience. Not too loud previews as other theaters that blast your ears for an extended time. It is a long way from my home but happy to meet a friend from Los Angeles again read more

The staff is great and I love the movies shown, but their seats are so uncomfortable. I watch towards the back and my neck and shoulders were in pain after the movie. read more

Love this movie theater. They are showing all special movies I couldn't watch anywhere else. Hope they stay there long, not like the other Laemmle's at Fallbrook, which disappeared a few years back. I got to watch a few times their movie screening which I treasured. read more

I really like the Laemmle theaters - well most of them - the one in North Hollywood not so much. For the most part they show great indy and doc films, their prices are good and their concessions tasty and not outrageously expensive. This location in Encino is no different. There is parking here as well! If it's your first time, the theater is on the bottom floor of the shopping center. Lots of dining options for before or after the show. Great place to see a film in the Valley. read more

Very nice employees, very good movies Comfortable but not ultra plush like the newer cinemas read more

INDIE FILMS, and for that -- I LOVE LAEMMLE! This in old theatre that is in need of an update. The carpets are stained, the screens small, the chairs uncomfortable. BUT -- they show all the latest indie films, and they get extra points for that. The popcorn & concession items are inexpensive compared to other theatres...so all in all...there is a lot to enjoy about Laemmle. A few restaurants within the same mall-ish area, but tons of great restaurants nearby on Ventura...so it makes a really nice afternoon or a night! read more

I thought I reviewed this place years ago but apparently I didn't. When MoviePass started to advertise the $9.95 unlimited movies per month deal, I knew it was only good value if Laemmle's allowed it (they do!). I'm a snob. I rarely will watch American mainstream movies because they are shit. The theater itself is old and small. Seats range from comfortable seats which you can lean back on (but no buttons or things for your legs) to standard old school seating. They often have deals or promos so look out for those. Yes the theater caters to older people so get their early on line because older people tend to take awhile to get their tickets. They have great deals for seniors (my parents make it a "date" when they come here and have lunch). Yes you will see people coming in with flashlights trying to find a seat as well as getting food from their purse (my favorite is when they bring a canned soda and you hear it pop lol). I did notice if you go to the showings after 6PM (they run senior specials until 6 I believe) the theater is then fairly empty. Main reason I am giving this place 3 stars and not 4 is largely due to them not having a kiosk out front (again think about the clientele and how long they take). I'm used to getting a ticket 15 minutes after the movie's start time (to skip trailers and ads) right from the kiosk so here you cannot really do that.The place could also be cleaner and have showings later in the evenings. The parking lot is hit or miss. Even though I seem to come here when most things are closed, it's packed. I tend to park in the back of The Spot (that Persian hookah place-the one a Yelper said you can get oral herpes from lol) and walk through their opening. They recently put up a "NO EXIT" stand up sign. I walked right past it with their wait staff glaring at me but not saying anything. The only thing about parking in the back area is that I saw once a car that I believe was broken into (windows smashed). It does make me a little uneasy. I'm around 30 minutes from this theater but it's the closest one to me that carries non mainstream movies so I will continue to go here. read more

Small wonderful seats; comfortable; real butter on the real popcorn; the average patronage is 85 years. Most evening films seats are empty, but 4:00 pm shows sold out. The older men who work there are very knowledgeable and very kind. James and I forgot the name of the man with the longer beard and bald head. They are both dolls. As is the younger boy with the dark brown shag type haircut and a couple of women in their 30-40's. That's the difference - the employees seem to care. All except one. Thank you. read more

We used to go this theater a lot for years. We like the shopping center, it's cute, it has free parking, prices were OK. We also liked that they showed good art-house and foreign films. We stopped going since they started to show less interesting, edgy movies, more operas, Indian, etc. Recently, we didn't have a great experience. The place is outdated, you can't have a good view of the screen, no stadium seating here... Even if the people that were seating in front of us weren't tall, we couldn't have a good view of the screen. The sound is poor, too low. You can hear the sound from the movies playing in the next theater. People are right, there's an older crowd who comes here. We knew that, in the past wasn't so bad, just some occasional snoring during a quiet moment in the movie. I don't care about anyone's age as long as they're quiet during the movie. This time, everyone was acting like they were in their own living room, they lost their manners, cell phones ringing, they were reacting too much to the movie. Near my husband an old guy kept chewing continuously all the time, loudly (we don't know what he was really chewing). On my side, an old lady was yelling that she was too hot and needed the AC on (the temperature was fine) and kept getting food from her purse continuously, got a fan out, started to use it, kept complaining, dropping things, you get the picture. The staff is nice, I like art-house theaters, but this one went down in terms of the viewing experience. Don't think we'll go there again. read more

We like going to what I consider our little neighborhood movie theater. It's not glitzy, more of a throwback to the small town movie theater of my childhood. Ticket sellers and takers are friendly and lobby is neat but needs a facelift. Concession area stocked with goodies and there was the aroma of fresh popcorn. The restrooms are in desperate need of renovating. A sink was broken. Majority of fellow movie goers were in the 60+ crowd so it's a polite audience for the most part, except for the elderly that didn't silence their jitterbug cell phone. And the lady who blocked our row with her foldable walker. In fact, there were several canes, walkers, and wheelchairs (not throwing shade, I've used all of those to get around after 3 surgeries). We were in theater 3 - smallish with basic sound system. Leather seats are newer and very comfy. There's room to stretch your legs. No sticky stuff on the floor. A helpful usher got a headset for an elderly hard-of-hearing patron and patiently showed him how to use. There's a handful of restaurants close by if you want to grab a bite before the movie and convenient free parking. read more

I enjoy coming to this theater, especially when I want to see an indie film. The staff is always friendly, and I sort of like the mom and pop feel of the place. It's pretty typical of other Laemmle theaters, but I wish they would sell wine at the concessions :-) Screens are decent quality, seats are fine, overall a decent movie-going experience. 4 out of 5 stars and recommended. read more

This is my go to movie theater :) The films here are top notch Indie and foreign are mostly my favorite genres :) read more

See all

THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU HAVE UNTRAINED ENTITLED PEOPLE RUNNING THINGS. 6:38 Christmas evening I went in to see Nightmare Alley. The skinny blonde woman on the register DEMANDED my ID and vaccine card. She didn't ask it was a snap DEMAND from on high!! I said, as I was getting it out of my pocket, "Why would I show you of all people my medical records?" Her reply was, "Then get out!" I stopped and asked for her name or ID so I could report her nasty nasty attitude and she refused to answer. I asked for her manager and 4 guys surrounded me and they all said they were the manager on duty and she was also. That makes 5 Managers on duty in one theatre on one night. I said, " She doesn't need to be so nasty," and she said, "I wasn't nasty until you said F**k You." I NEVER ONCE SAID THAT OR ANYTHING ABUSIVE LIKE SHE DID. NEVER!!!!!!! I CALLED HER A BLATANT liar!! I repeated my request and the skinny blonde guy with ratty blonde hair said they don't need to give me anything and for me to get out. I left. Laemmle has long been known for having the worst, untrained people of any theatre chain in Los Angeles and at 70 and disabled, I no longer have to put up with the abuse, especially when there are 5 people suddenly surrounding me within 2 feet yelling at me. (Oops, they forgot that social distancing thing) I also find it interesting that you have 5 full time, very untrained, managers on duty on a single not so busy night. I pray that your fall in business continues because of their attitudes. They all need to be out of work. We've all been through a lot in the last 2 years and customer service with A SMILE should be the first thing one sees when they come in your door. Guess you forgot that in your training manual. read more

Love this cinema.. never crowded and has the fine classic movies As well as a lot of foreign movies, only 5 small cinemas cozy with a touch of a vintage feeling to it.. If you are into good made movies that are a bit off the mainstream. ..this is the place to go.. Just so Lion.. AMAZING. read more

Laemmle Town Center 5 - Cinema Near Me - Encino, California

Excellent small local theater that offers a variety of movies you won't see in the larger theaters. Great selection of indie and foreign films. Plenty of parking and a very friendly staff. The seats are pretty comfy, too! About the same price as most theaters. A great place to visit if you're tired of the same superhero movie remakes. read more

The theater itself is comfortable. My mother has issues walking any distance or on stairs, and the had a small lift to take her from entrance to Lobby level, which I'd only a few steps down. After that it is fully accessible and there is seats for the disabled at the back of the small theater. An important parking note, if you've never been here. There is a surface lot at the front entrance, but the theater is on a lower level. Especially if you are elderly or disabled, ( or simply for the sake of a direct path) you will want the underground parking, which is free and accessed from one of two entrances. There is one well down the parking lot to the right, behind Chili's ( which is a stand alone restaurant ) , and one right behind Wells Fargo at the far right of of the buildings connected to the mall entrance. Follow the right side of the bldg and make a left to the ramp down . Once inside, the mall entrance that will take you to the theater is the one on the left as you face the mall read more