Terrible sound system. Antiquated ads from the 1959s to 70s. Poor selection of concessions, the popcorn was terrible and no brand name soft drinks. Plus the theater was freezing and I'm always hot. read more

The 2025 SF Silent Film Festival took place here this past weekend, as the renovated Castro Theatre in the city has not yet reopened. At first glance, I noticed that some of the exterior lights were broken. Then, chaos at entry, as the lobby is cramped and not ideal for crowds of visitors swarming in at the same time, with a basic concessions stand smack in the middle to interrupt flow even further. But the theater still had a classic charm to it. Lovely artwork along the walls of the auditorium, colored lighting with an 80's vibe, and two levels of seating, old cushioned seats that were comfortable enough to sit in for a couple of hours. I sat in the very last row in the back, and the viewing and sound was just fine. There were technical difficulties, they couldn't get the english language captions on the screen (only french and german). Unable to resolve the issue, they ended up using a translator (not a professional one but it's the best they could do). It wasn't ideal, but the show must go on. Watched Saxophone Susy, featuring Anny Ondra's character who fakes her way into being a dancer in an entertaining display of physical comedy and slapstick humor. It was quite hilarious. Not to mention great musical accompaniment, mostly on the piano and drums but of course the saxophone too. There was mimimal interaction with staff, but the SF Silent Film Fest organization and service rarely disappoints, no matter the location. read more

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It's really great to have a local theater that flexes to have live music regularly. A beautiful venue as well with adult beverages and snacks to enjoy. Parking in the lot is a bit of a complication but you can get 3 hours of validation from the box office. read more

Beautiful theater! I came to this theater on Friday for the very first time on a double date and absolutely loved it. First of all, the bathrooms were clean which is extremely rare for a theater so that was nice to see. Second, I think the people who worked there noticed it was our first time there so we didn't know where to go but a man came up to my husband and I who guided us to validate our parking and showed us what theater we were in. Snacks and drinks were right up front, you can't miss it. Everyone was just so crazy friendly there, we loved it and look forward to coming back for another movie soon :) Highly recommend! read more

Really beautiful, ornate old theatre in the heart of Orinda. It's truly gorgeous inside and outside. The seats are old (no cup holders!) but there's a tons of seats and the design, decor, aesthetic are stunning. It gives you an old, nostalgic feel being in there and sitting in the theater. I definitely recommend checking it out! read more

Very small community theatre. Love the old style decor, our small theatre had an Egyptian theme. Not for everyone but we love the hometown feel. read more

When Doves Cry was an excellent tribute to Prince. We thoroughly enjoyed the concert. We are so glad we came. read more

Orinda Theater - Title of the show - Cinema Near Me - Orinda, California

Best customer service Beautiful experience Popcorn is delicious Seats are comfortable Parking safe and convenient read more

Great showing of Matinee! Loved the old style vibe of the theater, if the lobby was a bit small. read more

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This theater is a true gem. We live near El Sobrante, so it's only a marginally farther drive than if we go to the Hilltop megaplex, but it is well-worth the little bit of extra distance. I seriously love the old theater, with the old style seats and all the antique charm. Even the restrooms are reminiscent of a bygone era. Lots of movie memorabilia on display, as well. I've seen two movies here. One (last summer) was Oppenheimer, in the main theater. Most recently, I came with my family and we saw Lilo and Stitch in the medium-sized theater in the rear (the small theater in the middle is super cute!!). Ticket prices are on par with other theaters, and the concession stand has all the classics, too. Ready-made concessions are, well, ready-made. They also have food that can be cooked, but that might be a little bit of a wait, which is what we experienced when we saw Oppenheimer. We were given one of those restaurant buzzer things to pick up the food when it was ready. So as long as that doesn't bother you, order away! read more

The Orinda Theater is almost a great live music venue. Lovely decor, great staff and adequate parking. All this being said, this venue really suffers from a mediocre (at best) sound system that is fine for watching movies but just inadequate for live music when compared to similar theaters that employ modern sound reinforcement technology. If you're a casual concert attendee the sound is probably OK, it's certainly loud enough. Loud is fine, but sound at the Orinda Theater lacks the clarity and articulation of venues like the Oakland Fox, or the Guild Theater in Menlo Park to name just two. I attend live music shows throughout the Bay Area on a nearly weekly basis so I know most clubs and theaters putting on shows very well. In general comparison this venue is just OK. read more

WHEN: Sat @6pm (Thanksgiving Weekend) PARKING: Good amount of free street parking right in front and across the street! I've never been to ORINDA before, and this cute theater has that local feel and vibe to it. Was early to our movie time, and they have a "waiting area" in front of the snack bar. There's a lot you can do until movie time: - Check out the vintage lunchboxes on display - Check out all the movie posters on sale for only $10 - Use the Restroom - Check out the Main theater where they have murals on the walls. Our movie was shown in the smaller screening rooms and there was hardly anyone there. The concession served all sorts of snacks, appetizers and wine and beer....for reasonable prices! I got a LOVE LETTERS chocolate bar for only $5, which is around how much they cost at the grocery stores. From what they show on the big screen, it seems they hold several local events (concerts, stand ups etc.). read more

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Update. Past efforts denied refund. Today we are attending a 3pm show at the Orinda. I will not risk buying on line as the last time I did the purchase arrived in my email after I had already purchased a tix at the box office. I am presenting evidence and have requested a face to face with manager in hope of receiving desired service and refund. Stay tuned. Evidence is hard copy of on line purchase and time of arrival and credit card evidence of the purchase at the window. read more

The Orinda Theatre is the premiere experience for cinema. Beautifully restored, the experience begins with a magnificent neon signage that adorns the exterior of this movie palace. State of the art, projection and audio technology provide the ultimate experience in movie going.. read more

Love this theatre - looks great and always good vibes here! Wonderful place to see great films, whether new, vintage, or foreign, with state-of-the art sound system and visuals. Lots of opportunities to enjoy live performances as well. It is such an asset to film lovers and the community and surrounds! A well-loved and cared-for jewel, recently designated as being among the most beautiful movie houses in the world. read more

The event had a lot of energy and people were having fun!!! How adorable! Thank you for offering this venue in our town. It is delightful!

Free parking with validation, which the staff was happy to explain (and there was even an explanation shown before the film, on the movie screen!); adult beverages and snacks available in the lovely lobby; and a really fantastic lineup of old and new films (especially love the series highlighting women directors!!). An overall great experience! I am sorry to say I hadn't been to this theater in many years, but I will be back soon (oh, and the staff were all lovely!). read more

I so appreciate this theater for its attention to classic, indy, and foreign films. I don't think I've been disappointed in anything I've seen there in the past several years, and it's not because I'm easily pleased. The Secret Agent, Song Sung Blue, After Love, One Life, Hamnet, Elvis--the range is wide, but the grounded performances, lack of computer-generated-effects, and complex storylines inform all. After so many cinemas died during the pandemic, having one like this, with a big parking garage and validation available (despite sometimes confusing navigation by elevator), is a godsend. Please stay open. read more

Yesterday we returned for a great movie, great popcorn, and met a stranger and enjoyed conversations about our "ending" for the movie. I have complained at the unwillingness to refund me for a on line purchase that arrived after the movie started. Wrote the manager and asked to meet him as we were coming at 3pm. I promised the "proof" he required. As we walked in the Manager saw my fist full of proof and acknowledged me. He had lots to say to me, and did say he would pay for the ticket today, the money he owed me. And he did not look at the Proof. Wow, he did not look at the documented proof. I am smiling here as I recall the saying " I have an honest looking face" Great location, Manager has a staff providing great customer service and relations. Easy parking and right out the door lotsa good eats. read more

This is a very nice local cinema. They have good parking in the garage, on the street or about a block away. There are several good places to eat nearby. They have a choice and selection of films and events like no other theater in the Bay Area. Other groups and individuals promote their own events there. Last night it had a special set of films about faith and fear. They offer free films several times each month. I like old places. It is Art Deco from the 1940's. The smallest hall is like being in an Egyptian temple. read more

A beautiful well-restored picture house. They have done a terrific job and continue to meld the classic with the current.

This was my first visit to this theater and it was extremely disappointing. It looks absolutely beautiful from the outside and I have always wanted to see a movie here. The inside of the theater is very cute, artistic, and vintage looking but extremely small. The theater which I saw my movie in was tiny and cramped. Screen is not large at all, and if you're sitting in the back, don't expect a good view or any view at all. Seating is old fashioned and not "stadium style". Seating is all one level meaning if someone sits in front of you, your view could be completely blocked, which is what happened to us. We were constantly shifting in our seats trying to see the movie around someone else's head. Sound is not surprisingly very poor as well. There was no AC or ventilation of any kind either so it became very stuffy and hot inside, almost unbearable by the end of the movie. And to top it all off, they charge $12 for a CAN of beer. I would never see another movie here. read more

This is absolutely my favorite theatre!!! They often have films that no other theatres do. The individual theatres are small and intimate, very comfy, with great visuals and acoustics. The entire venue is charming, and the staff are lovely to deal with. For matinees, parking is terrific. Wish I could give them six stars. read more

This theater is an absolute historic gem! The main historic auditorium is gorgeous! The offer a full bar along with the usual snacks, and even hot food. And their popcorn is amazing! This place is truly a special place and I highly recommend! read more

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A great location, good schedule of movies. The staff are pleasant. The faculty is clean. The big issue is the air conditioning inside the theater. It's not comfortable at all. We have visited several times in the past. We will not return, due to the air conditioning and uncomfortable conditions. It's apparent, the theater has decided to alter the temperature, in order to offset costs of operating. read more

A beautiful art deco theatre showing special interest programming, interesting events, revivals, indies and foreign films. Plus they have great popcorn. I love coming here read more

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There is a charm in this movie theater absent from every other theater in the East Bay. It's OLD, and we just love it this way. We were in the small theater today and when the lights go off the stars high up in the ceiling appear, and it is just so cool. The fresh, perfectly salted, popcorn with REAL butter is as they say, "off the hook"; best theater popcorn we've eaten in a long long time. It is a must! The staff is friendly, they offer special screenings and free popcorn on Wednesdays. Support this awesome theater, we so appreciate all of the work it took to preserve this Orinda gem. read more

An absolute gem. Wonderful place and wonderful staff . They have a varied selection of films new and old as well as tasty grub to eat at the counter. My favorite place in the city read more

Beautiful old theater. Very well maintained and it's a pleasure to watch movies there. Love that they have hot food and beer as well.

Just fabulous. The beautiful interior and exterior Art Deco design is preserved and lovingly restored. The quality of films shown is excellent, and when I went, the audience was quiet and considerate. Only the Alamo Drafthouse/New Mission in SF offers such a quality movie-going experience. read more

Inexpensive, old, Small Town movie theater. The seats are miserably uncomfortable. The auditoriums are old and outdated. I would not want to be in here during a fire or an earthquake. If the movie was absolutely unbelievable, I could get over the unpleasant surroundings. But unfortunately, I saw a boring movie here and I could not even sleep comfortably in those chairs. this could be a very nice theater if they completely gutted it and outfit it with modern equipment. read more

Orinda is probably most famous for the classic theater that's easily seen from Highway 24. Then they turn on the marquee lights at night and it's downright mesmerizing. Can you imagine what it's like inside? I found out last Thursday. (Yes, free night. Yes, I'm a cheapskate, and I'm proud of it.) Small lobby where you can buy your popcorn. I didn't check the bathrooms, hopefully they were clean. None of this prepares you for the tall, ornate theater room, complete with a glittery gold curtain, painted art on the sides (including angels with stars covering, um, strategic areas), colored indirect lighting, and seating for over 700. Theaters built since 1970 just don't go to this effort. As a result, seeing a movie at the Orinda Theater is an event. Speaking of events, they have those too. Live concerts. As of this writing, local celebrity Rita Moreno is scheduled to perform some of her more famous songs in this venue. Parking is an ordeal. The parking garage doesn't look that big, and on-street parking is usually in short supply at all times. Get here early to make sure you can snag a spot. Or take BART. Basically, if you ever wanted to see a movie at the Orinda only because of the beautiful building, it will not be a wasted trip. read more

Love this theater! We try to catch as many movies as we can here. Easy parking, a great mix of places to eat nearby, and awesome snack bar - popcorn with real butter, cocktails, and all the usual candy and such with top notch chocolate too. This week we went to the monthly free movie, and it was Pretty in Pink. Super entertaining person made some announcements about sponsors at the start, gave out prizes, and it was such a fun vibe! Do all you can to support this gem, an awesome spot!! read more

I always see the Orinda Theater off the freeway and I finally had a chance to see a movie here on a quiet Saturday night. Evening tickets are $12 and the adjacent parking lot is free on the weekends! The parking garage is safe, well lit, and only a short walk from the box office. I came here to watch the documentary "Free Solo" and the theater was about a third full. The theaters are small and there are only three theaters in all. This place definitely has a local, neighborhood vibe to it. Nothing fancy or extravagant - just simple amenities and good friendly people. Don't expect fancy leather chairs or direct-to-seat service, but do expect a lot of character and charm. Tip: they have a box near the exit with free movie posters. My friend and I were able to walk away with a couple cool finds! read more

Solid small theater to watch art house and independent films. Nice snack bar with bar. Old charm inside.

I love this place! The theater itself is a landmark that transports you to the days past. Each room is beautifully covered in murals and the staff is always friendly. I love watching regular movies, foreign films (one of the few places that shows them around after the dome theater) and the monthly movie series through Diablo Magazine. I cannot wait to return here after Covid. I truly hope they withstand these hard times. read more

Super cute. The guy selling tickets is also the guy collecting tickets ... which is cute ... and very un-Baystreet- AMC. We came here to see Brave and it was shown in one of their smaller theaters. (I think my Dad's home theater is bigger). Aside from the 2 of us, there were only 4 other folks in that showing. I would have been annoyed at such a tiny theater if it were a big box movie opening night or if there were a ton of people, but instead it was just cozy. Decor is very cute although they need to remodel the bathrooms. I felt like I was back in highschool ... if I went to highschool back in the 70's. Sweet little town with good places to eat nearby and plenty of parking. read more

Orinda Theater - Cinema Near Me - Orinda, California

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I really like this place as it's charming and old school elegant inside. Prices are great and it's a fun place for a movie. The manager was really knowledgeable about movies and correctly predicted the outcome of the Oscars as they were showing many of the Oscar contenders when we came. read more

First off, I love that the Orinda Theater has partnered with MoviePass! I went this past Saturday to watch The Post (loved Meryl Streep!), and again on Sunday to watch Phantom Thread. I had a chance to experience the smaller theater to the left, and also the large/main theater room right behind the concession stand. Both rooms are absolutely gorgeous and are a treat just to look at (this theater definitely has a similar charm to the Grand Lake in Oakland). The seats are very comfortable, but don't expect them to rock/have movable armrests. The large theater room seemed to lack cup holders near the armrests and the ones in the smaller theater room didn't seem to have any bottoms to them... maybe I missed something? And you might think me ridiculous for mentioning this, but the women's restrooms are beautiful. They've got this colorful, tasteful art deco style and are IMMACULATE. I don't think cleaner movie restrooms exist. Do get on the email list and keep some things in mind: Super Tuesdays - All movies $8 Second Thursdays/Month - Free Classic Movies (When Harry Met Sally will be playing tomorrow night - 2/8) read more

Orinda Theater - 2.3.18 - FYI :) - Cinema Near Me - Orinda, California

This is a lovely old theater with a lot of charm. There's regal murals on the walls and a really cool big neon sign on the marquee! The seats are pretty comfy too with a lot of cushioning. The theater hosts a free classic movie night once a month, usually on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Before the movie, they host a trivia contest where you can win free cupcakes! They also serve beer and wine for $5/glass on these nights. TIP: Also, if you didn't know, the parking garage offers free parking for the first three hours with validation. And yes, even on free movie nights, you can take your parking ticket to the concession booth and they will validate it for you! read more