Five stars isn't high enough. I went to the Pageant Theater and even before I walked in, I noticed this place is on a killer block: a movie theater, vintage clothing store, hair salon and coffee shop all in a row. It's the perfect brick and mortar/ walkable town experience. When I went in, I felt like I was in a different era. The building itself has so much character and such a unique layout, I felt like I was Travis Bickle from taxi driver in that scene where he gets off his shift and goes to a movie theater after (but in a wholesome way of course). It's so assuring to know that places like this are still out there. If you're a Chico local or just blowing through the town, be sure to make a stop here because you definitely won't regret it. Can't wait to go back. read more

The last of Chico's independent movie theaters -- they screen international and independent films, and offer a superb selection outside the typical mega-plex repertoires. If you get there early, you can grab a seat on one of the big sofas on the front row. (You may want to bring a throw pillow or bulky jacket to provide lumbar support -- these are pretty tired, but still comfy if you have the right additional cushions.) Fresh, house-made popcorn. Plus, you can bring in coffee/beverages/eats from the cafe next door (when it's open). You can't beat the prices, especially because you're getting first-run international and independent films in Chico! General Admission: $6.50 Seniors / Children: $4.50 Matinee Price: $4.00 Cheap Skate Monday Nights: $3.00 read more

Pageant Theatre - Inside the theater is a beautiful deco-style mural. - Cinema Near Me - Chico, California

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This theater is a Chico icon! They provide a wonderful alternative to "mainstream" viewing at reasonable prices! Even the popcorn is affordable! read more

I hate going to movies. The seats are stiff, and even if they do recline they never let me snuggle up to my husband the way I want to. Plus, my feet are always cold (are all their vents on the floor?) and I like homemade snacks to munch on while Keanu drives the bus. Enter Pageant Theatre. I love this place. The couches make me feel like I'm right at home. The popcorn is homemade. They'll let you bring your fuzzy blanket and whatever other snacks or drinks you want to. Plus, they show good movies- mostly independent films. I've seen many a documentary there, and those are my favorite. Oh! And the best part are the prices! Who wants to pay $12.00 to be cold, stiff, and alienated from your spouse? The pageant is super cheap, especially on Mondays ($2.00 I think). read more

Locally owned movie theater with a variety of films. Great holiday movie spot. Double old school horror feature on Halloween. I've seen more than one cult classic on the big screen here. Wallet friendly Vegan/organic snack bar serves delicious popcorn. Snack bar also serves alcoholic beverages. read more

Pageant Theatre - Halloween 2017 - Cinema Near Me - Chico, California

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I love independent/international movies and the viewing experience is all the more enjoyable at this staple in the Chico community. They always have an excellent selection of titles with trailers/summaries/showtimes that can be found on their website. I try to go on Monday for the cheapskate price of $4 bucks, but the regular admission of $7.50 is still a deal compared to standard cinema tickets. You can bring food and drink from the neighboring eatery, Midtown Local, or grab some popcorn in-house. I recommend arriving early so you have a chance at seating you prefer as it is a small (albeit accommodating) theater. read more

Never again will I patronize this theater ... I've been many times and always enjoyed the atmosphere at the Pageant - even though the seats stink. Today it was stifling hot and when we asked about the air conditioning we got attitude - snooty response about what the thermostat said - which is not inside the main theater anyway. Half-way through the movie we finally gave up and asked for our money back and got loads of snark about why we should not be uncomfortable with a glare of daggers even though they admitted that the air conditioner was broken and tossed our money on the counter. All I can say is - if you have to argue and be rude to your customers over a $13 refund when you know the a/c is broken then you don't have the capacity to run that business. I will find other ways to see the films they offer there. read more

The Movie, The Biggest Little Farm was both entertaining as well as informative. These film showings are typical of smaller independently owned and operated movie theatres. Very comfortable and laid back venue. read more

Totally agree with Bevy M's review. Try Cafe Flo's next door when you find this gem in Chico!

You haven't been to Chico until you've seen a movie at Pageant. My mom used to bring me when I was little, and not much has changed. They still have couches, the sweet mural inside is the same, they still have difficulty centering the projector image onto the screen fifty feet away...I wouldn't change a thing. This is an institution and the only place in Chico to find independent films you haven't seen on the internet yet. read more

The Pageant is definitely my favorite place to see movies in Chico. Though their movie selection is limited, they choose excellent movies to show. So they're kind of weeding out the bad ones anyway. Plus, there are couches up front! What could be more fun than lounging on a couch, eating popcorn and watching a great movie? The people who work there are friendly. The seats (besides the couches) are comfortable. And the Monday night discount is awesome. And if all this wasn't good enough, the Pageant is right next door to Cafe Flo! Definitely check it out if you're in Chico and haven't already. read more

My favorite movie theater. Just don't want more people to discover it and ruin the smallness. Staff is warm and cheery!

The Pageant is the only place to see indie films for about 100 miles of Chico. Its old, kind of sticky, and there is popcorn on the very old sofas. But who cares? Before netflix, this place was a university town's only conduit to independent films. I saw great movies here, including Like Water for Chocolate, and Dead Poet's Society, which none of the other theaters in town showed at the time. The price is right, and the Pageant serves a vital need in the community, so please show them your support. read more

The Pageant has been a staple independently-owned theater in Chico for as long as I can remember (I was born in Chico 29 years ago). It is a small, modest theater which features both new, and older films. Though I no longer live in Chico, I appreciate coming here because of its local vibe and ambiance, and its great location a block away from the downtown strips. If you're a local, you'll likely run into a friend or acquaintance here. If you're visiting, you will also be warmly welcomed, because Chico locals are *often* warm and welcoming! Cafe Flo used to be a few steps away, but has been replaced with Midtown Local Cafe, which also features food. Grab a coffee, a bite and walk five steps to see a film in a small, intimate theater. Sounds lovely to me! read more

Pageant rules. No matter what they're playing, I almost always prefer it over whatever's playing at the ginormoplex on the other side of town. Funky, kinda run-down, cool mural of Godzilla on the wall, cheap-ish prices, independent & foreign movies...my kind of place. They have a small parking lot, but don't fear if it's full, there's usually plenty of on-street parking (unless you live within walking distance, like I do...life is good!!!) read more

If you get there early enough you can take a chance sitting on the couch, that is if you are adventurous enough and not afraid picking up who knows what creepy crawlies might be festering in the material. The theater is pretty small, maybe seats about 100 people, and depending on the movie the viewers will range from college aged who might have had a few drinks before or during the movie, to the middle age hippie crowd, to the Bourgeoisie-wannabe snooty art know-it-all that would rather die then see a Hollywood summertime blockbuster. You know pretty much the typical indie/art house crowd. A very loyal crowd of customers. And the added bonus you're rarely going to have kids in the theater making noise which makes for a nice viewing experience. Don't go nearly as much as I used to, but this place will always bring back some of the funnest movie memories with friends that I never would have seen on the big screen in Chico at the old UA owned theaters like Spinal Tap, Repo Man, Brazil, Bullwinkle cartoon marathons, and best of all the Spike & Mike's Sick and Twisted shows. read more

Great place to see an indie pic! They are friendly and affordable, I love going here. The atmosphere is so Chico-local it's great! Recently I went to see a very popular movie and was sold a ticket after the theater was sold out, unbeknownst to the clerk that sold me the ticket at the front. When I told the clerk that there were no seats, he went to double check and did everything he could to get us in, but the theater was just too packed. He ended up refunding our money and gave us two free passes! Such a nice guy and sparkling customer service. Love the Pageant! read more

The Pageant Theater is one of Chico's gems. It shows a wide-array of independent and foreign films in a comfortable and friendly environment. My mom lives near Sacramento and is an active movie-goer, but there are movies that come to the Pageant that she can't get access to in her area. More than once I've suspected that her visit to Chico had more to do with seeing a movie playing at the Pageant than visiting me! The theater has a great vibe and healthy-ish snacks (relative to a regular movie theater), and you can bring in your own food and beverages, which is awesome! I like to go around the corner for a coffee at Midtown Local to bring into the theater with me. I have seen some of my favorite movies at the Pageant during my 25 years living in Chico, from Flirting in 1991 to Captain Fantastic last week. If the Pageant closed its doors, I'd seriously consider moving. read more

I don't like watching movies at home and I don't want half my living room taken up with a big screen, so I go out to the movies. Problem is, I'm not always in the mood for something mainstream and man, it is disappointing what films Tinseltown skips sometimes. I count on Pageant for making up for this and they've done a very good job keeping me from having to head into Sacramento to watch something I've been very excited about. As long as Tinseltown continues to underestimate the intelligence of their audience, I hope we can count on Pageant to come through for us all. read more

We like the.movies, the price and the funkiness. popcorn is good too and they even have beer.

Definitely an experience you have to do- this place is so local Chico. Small room to view- friendly and feels very old school. I saw Old Country For Old Men here awhile ago, it was great. Not the cleanest feeling, germ-wise, but a very laid back, cool feel. Very solid. read more

awesome. unique, community oriented, a great place. yes, it is really small, but it's a wonderful place to go, especially for the cheapskate night. i have tons of memories, good and bad. throwing jujubes at an annoying dude on the couch across from me during a boring movie (he never figured out it was me), sobbing at the end of "requiem for a dream", etc. good times. read more

This place is so cute and quaint. The staff are awesome and the movies they show are generally very good. I haven't been there since they've upgraded it so I imagine it could only get better. read more

Old School at its very best. Wonderful place to see films that you won't find in the big theaters. Very intimate seating! Love the place.

I should really find time to go here more often. The Pageant is the place to go see independent and small movie releases that wouldn't otherwise come to a small town like Chico. If it were not for the Pageant people would have to travel a long way to see some of the best movies in the world. Chico is lucky to have the Pageant. read more

The Pagent is wonderful! Newer seats, new digital projector with great sound, not deafening but enjoyable level! The best movies, most thought provoking, discussion generating movies are shown here. Plus, they don't break the bank for tickets! Oh yes, no 20 minute series of 'trailers' before you get to see the movie! read more