This is not an upscale, renovated theater but it has a charm to it that I enjoyed. Movie tickets are $18 flat at the window (no fees if you go in person) and you do not pick your seat. It is first come, first served. The staff were nice and the concession prices were reasonable. I think there were 3 rooms screening movies total in the building, but two movies playing at the time we went. read more

Presidio Theatre - Interior - Cinema Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Fun to visit again ..watched football game ..got ice cream and a collectors t shirt ...presidio theater

Quick take: 3.5/5 Good option for catching movies no longer showing at major chains, but seating comfort is a major drawback. Small screen, very uncomfortable seating for taller people, slightly worn restrooms, and challenging parking. Arrive early for seating. In detail: I went to Presidio Movie Theater on a Wednesday night to watch a movie that was no longer available at AMC that week, which was the main reason I chose this theater. The screen is relatively small. It feels standard for a neighborhood theater, but noticeably smaller if you are used to larger cinema chains. The biggest issue for me was the seating. I am 6'1", and the seat back only supported about three fifths of my upper body. Sitting upright while trying to maintain proper neck and back support was uncomfortable throughout the movie. The restrooms were another disappointment. They felt outdated and not particularly well maintained, similar to old gas station restrooms. I purchased my ticket through the Fandango app. There is no assigned seating, so for popular movies or showtimes, arriving early is important to secure a decent seat. Parking was more difficult than usual. Many of the surrounding townhouses have driveways, which significantly limits available street parking around the block. read more

See all

Filthy, black carpets that have never been cleaned, poor a/c circulation, stuffy foul air that reeks of popcorn and the smell of food from the restaurant next-door read more

Small movie theater in the Marina neighborhood of San Francisco. Very easily walkable from Inn at the Presidio if lodging there and you like (as I do) a good 20ish min walk with gentle hills. Decent snack counter, although I didn't get more than a bottled water this for movie (was planning on an early dinner after). Comfortable seats. read more

This has been my favorite place to go see movies in the city. The theaters are small, the charm of the old building is fun and whimsical-truly a San Francisco gem read more

A local cinema spot, Presidio Theatre is family owned and a cute little spot to go catch a flick! They have a generous snack selection and keep the rooms clean and ready for each showtime. Though I wish they offered more movie selections, it's important to remember that they're a physically small location and can only host so many movies. I am happy to keep my money in our local economy and support a small business! read more

When it comes to this cinema, I have something of an extraordinary tradition: whenever I traipse into this neighborhood on foot from the nearby Presidio, typically touring a visitor along Chestnut Street, I'll drop by this theatre just to buy a big bag of their scrumptious buttered popcorn whether going for a movie or not. Always fresh-popped, their corn tastes like it's still cooked in tasty soy oil instead of despoiling canola oil, which some commercial cinema chains are resorting to. All I know is, this cinema's popcorn's extremely delicious and delectable with or without a movie! Recently, we stopped in to buy a last bag of popcorn, as we gather through the gossipy grapevine that this cinema's on the verge of closing down for good. We even sent to the owners a book, a city-set novel, as a token of appreciation, as well as consolation. Naturally, there's been no acknowledgment, much less expression of gratitude, true to that rampant lack of common courtesy or consideration so emblematic of all those fake & phony SF "Values!" At that particular last visit, the accommodating Asian lady ticket-seller was most friendly, receptive & helpful, however. Out of nowhere, though, while she was bagging the corn, appeared this curt young punk asking bluntly: cash or card? Card. Payment. Transaction. Silence. Not so much as a thank you much less, God & Heaven above forbid, a mannered smile. I asked him what was playing. He pointed abruptly toward the ticket station, muttering something about the schedule being posted outside. I suppose he didn't care to over-exert his vocal chords with superfluous conversation. If that's a prime sample of how the hired help greets patrons, it's very unsurprising this theatre's shuttering permanently. Farewell. read more

This used to be a nice big single theater, then just within the last few years they chopped it up into FOUR! Some of them are so small, you'd wonder why anyone would even bother going here rather than staying home. Everyone associated with this theater should be ashamed of themselves. You'd think chopping up theaters would've ended in the 70s. read more

Lovely old school, family run neighborhood movie theater! Love it! I will be back! Good popcorn. They serve beer. They have Coke Zero and they have red vines. I was a happy camper. read more

Presidio Theatre - Cinema Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Was very excited to visit this theatre, only to find out that they sold me a ticket for a film they weren't screening. Showed up to the film and found the place locked. Told by fandango that I can't get a refund. Saw a film here before that was cut off half way through, and never came back on. Love that it's a cool little local spot, but it's tremendously unorganized and and underwhelming. read more

Watched Wicked here with my wife. Great theater, comfortable seats and the popcorn was delicious. Will be going back for another date night

Trekked up here again from the Mission because I do adore old school theaters. This time I ordered a beer from concession in order to support the establishment even more. Paid with bills because I was under the illusion that cash was king for small businesses. The child at the cash register sheepishly messed up my change while the adult that was tasked with preparing my beverage popped the top off of a bottle of beer, poured it into a red plastic cup, and handed it to me with a grimace. Irked at the waste, and painfully aware of that grimace, I cringed and thanked them. What is that though? Am I a savage for just wanting to drink out of a beer bottle? I just wanted to see a movie, not to create more unnecessary plastic waste. Doubt I will go back soon. Alamo, Roxie, and Opera Plaza Landmark Cinema are all within walking distance from me and none of them have handed me a silly plastic cup. read more

It's a very prestigious theater. I visited during the Queer woman of color film fest. I loved how clean it was, how fancy the bathroom are. It's worth the visit. read more

Wonderful variety of films. Seats are comfortable and lots of restaurants and bars nearby to have something before or after a film.

Mom & pop theatre very centrally located. We went to see the 2nd Dr Strange movie and enjoyed the experience. There were only three other people in the theatre with us. Each theatre is actually larger than you'd think, but the seats are really close together so we had a hard time spreading out and getting comfortable. Not every seat in the theatre has the best view so I would definitely recommend getting there a few minutes early for any super popular movies so you don't get caught in a weird spot. There's a convenience stand when you walk in with a limited candy and popcorn options. The bathrooms were quite dated but still very usable. read more

This place has been here for years. The Presidio Theatre is the few survivors of vintage movie theaters in San Francisco. I like that they had good snacks and many different movies playing at the theater. They do also accept MoviePass. read more

See all

We love this great little local theater and come here all the time! It would be even better if the snacks were a bit more robust and the popcorn a little fresher. But overall, we're really happy to have it in the neighborhood! read more

I went to see Babylon and the theater was freezing-no heat. There were so many flies it was disgusting. They were all over the lens of the projector and therefore they showed up all over the screen throughout the film. I can't recommend this theater. read more

Super friendly staff, small intimate movie theatre. Great prices for tickets and concessions. Concessions vendor was so kind and welcoming. Will definitely be coming back!! read more

Cute little authentic movie theater. We watched Spider man and the Joker movies, the seats are comfortable and Chestnut Street is very lively. You can grab dinner and go right away to the movies. You can find street parking at night and during the day it might be more difficult to find a spot! read more

Presidio Theatre - Entrance sign - Cinema Near Me - San Francisco, California

The Presidio Theater is just like any other. The movie theaters are very weirdly positioned. The seating doesn't always make sense, and not all seats have a great view of the screen. The places themselves are ancient and sag to the degree that it isn't comfortable anymore. The lobby is tiny and gets crowded, almost instantly with people waiting for their theater to start seating. The snack stand takes up most of the hall and looks more like a run down 7-11 convenience store than anything. I have seen several movies at this theater, and each time the popcorn was burned, so the whole place smelled terrible. The employees were very apologetic each time and always are super lovely. The ticket prices are high but similar to what you'd find across San Fransisco. Parking is tough. There is some street parking that is free after 6 PM, but it fills up fast. Then there are parking garages nearby, but you might have to walk a bit. There are some excellent restaurants in the same area, such as Causwells. Overall, typical theater, run-down, but functional. read more

Such a cute vintage old school theater! The caramel popcorn with a cold beer was the perfect treat to enjoy with out movie.

I brought my nephew here yesterday evening to watch the Pikachu Detective movie. As I entered the theater, there was a woman behind me speaking loudly on her phone in Chinese which both my nephew and I understood her. She was having an inappropriate conversation about her family drama. As the previews started, she was still talking and I turned around and told her to please take her conversation outside. A few minutes later when my sister joined me, she whispered how excited she was about the movie and the woman behind me shouted, "YOU NEED TO SHUT UP, this is my theater I am the owner and you need to shut up because there is no talking in my theater!" This was in front of my nephew, her own daughter, other children and customers. She repeatedly told us to "shut up" and "that it was her theater." I don't give a sh** if this is your theater or not. Out of respect for customers that pay to enjoy a movie, take your phone calls OUTSIDE. As the owner you should KNOW BETTER and how dare you yell at your customers and in front of children?! Unfortunately, I will NOT be returning to this theater along with the other theaters they own in SF (Marina, Presidio and 4 Star). Take your $14 somewhere else...unless if you like getting bullied by the owner because it's her theater. read more

Meh. As others have said, its old and needs updating. I'm fine with old, it is somewhat charming as there is history there but at a whopping $14 for such antiquated amenities its a rip-off. I was just in theater 4, OMG so funny, it's the size of a huge bathroom. I actually didn't mind but $14 for it?! hmmmm read more

No parking (you can look nearby for a long time!), no credit cards ($10/ticket cash only), no super-fancy seats (like some of the other San Francisco movie theaters)... But the Presidio Theatre is conveniently located on Chestnut Street for grabbing a bite before or after and often plays some pretty decent movies. I enjoyed Madagascar II last night which was fairly empty (about 8 of us total!) and also 27 Dresses which was packed on a Sunday night. I haven't tried the food but the popcorn always smells tempting! read more

Excellent service, classy environment! The owner and her associates were very kind despite busy day. read more

I watched "The Time Traveler's Wife" here today with my dear cousin while my husband and other cousin watch "GI Joe". I love the nostalgic feeling I got while watching a movie here - sure it's not your modern stadium seating multi plex theaters where you have the most up to date sound system and amazing screen but it's a great experience! The theater itself is small but it brings you back to the old school. Parking is always difficult in this area but I don't mind spending the extra few minutes looking. The neighborhood's great and it's fun to grab a drink or lunch in the surrounding restaurants. Cute place to bring a date. I didn't eat any of their movie food cause we just had a huge lunch but if you want to buy something at the concession stand, make sure you bring cash. And if you forget, they have an ATM located in the theater lobby. Have fun! read more

It's old, but not really in a charming way, just in a really-needs-a-renovation way. Can they please start with the bathrooms? The bathrooms are disgusting. The cloth chairs are squeaky and scratchy. Our last visit ended us up in the tiny tiny Theater 4 and because we bought tix online and came close to the showtime, our only option was the front row, which really shouldn't exist because it's so damn close to the screen and straining your neck for a couple hours is no bueno. Also, there was a large dog behind me... It is *super* close to us and has a decent selection of new releases, so we'll keep coming, but I would never go out of my way to come here. read more

Small Neighborhood movie theater. Theater was small, picture quality & sound quality mediocre at best. Theater is old (chairs old and springs warn out) and didn't appear to be to clean. I prefer the bigger newer theaters, but might be worth checking out if you're just in the neighborhood and want to catch an obscure film this theater happens to be exclusively showing(though they usually stick with mainstream/block-busters). read more

So far, the 4 Star franchise has not disappointed me. Same goes for the Presidio, where I saw 'Wanted' a couple of days ago. One thing I love about SF are the vintage theater marquees that are still present to this day. Whether they are maintained well is another issue, but I definitely think it adds presence 'IN A WORLD' filled with pretentious, fast-food theaters. See what I did there? I also love love LOVE the fact that 4 Star has flavored brewer's yeast as popcorn toppings. I will never go back to generic butter flavoring again. Most Yelpers here don't seem to enjoy this theater on account of the treats, seats, etc. Look, I don't go to a theater specifically for the food, screen size, or seats (although the leather ones ARE nice). I go for the ambiance, the nostalgic decor, and most importantly THE MOVIE (hello?). I must admit I also kind of dig that at any moment this place could in fact turn into a skin flick house and nobody would bat an eyelash. Oh, I forgot, it's in the Marina. Never mind. read more

Presidio Theatre - Presidio - who knew? - Cinema Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nowadays, movie-goers are attracted to movie houses where a plethora of movies play until midnight. I, on the other hand, have been frequenting this theater since last year after I noticed they sell caramel popcorn at the concession stand. DELICIOUS! Plus it's located in Cow Hollow, a neighborhood I used to bar-hop a decade ago. The Presidio Theater is literally "as good as it gets," not to mention it's historic! read more

PRO TIP: If your ticket says Theatre 4, make sure you get in there early or you'll be in the front cranking your head up the entire time. That theatre room is tiny and the screen is pretty high. read more

I live in the neighborhood and love having movie theaters close by. What I like, aside from the location, is they generally have a good selection of movies, including some big budget, sometimes, artsy. Their pricing is typical The people are nice. The popcorn is OK, and I like they have the popcorn flavor powders. What I do not like, and this makes me nuts, is that with 4 screens, they often have shows all start at, or about the same time (like today - 2 shows start at 3:10, and 2 at 3:15), which means the lines for both tickets and then concessions, are for people to buy tickets to 4 movies, simultaneously, when they could easily stagger them - say 15 minute difference, which would spread out. Also, 1 (or 2?) of the screens are much smaller ones. I think it's wrong when theaters charge the same price for a totally different experience. It happens at other theaters too, and I think it's wrong. Also, their bathrooms should have been renovated a least 10 (or 20) years ago. read more

Really cute and quaint indie movie house. I am very surprised that there are still some of these struggling in the midst of Century and AMC. Rarely do you see a real marquee in the city. 2 friends had gone in to secure seats while I parked. I scurried in pass the concession and found that the entrance was exactly underneath the screen. So when you come in late to the movies, it is impossible to do so unnoticed. I found that kind of weird and different. It doesn't help when people come in and out as the light comes rushing in. Um yeah and I "forgot" to pay. The staff is extremely lax and there aren't several seecurity doors to pass through. It's not the most cushy theater with all the lavish amenities, but it's in a great neighborhood with widely available restaurants and bars to go before or after your flick. read more

Presidio Theatre - The Presidio Theater - Cinema Near Me - San Francisco, California

Was in the neighborhood and saw a flick was playing that I'd been meaning to see. Really dug the old school vibe of this place. Comfy seats. Air conditioning (that you can feel). Chill vibe, nice employees, was even allowed to stay and watch the beginning of the flick again! *that I'd missed Would visit again, though I'm used to them mall and megaplex places. read more

I came here to watch Birdman yesterday. It was one of the only theaters in SF that was playing it that day, believe it or not! And the appropriate time too, right before dinner. We ended up getting here 5 minutes before the movie started (lucked out with a great parking spot) and also lucked out that the movie wasn't sold out yet! Whew. The usher told us theater 4, and said it was a great movie and that we'd enjoy it. It was nice that it wasn't some teenager, like they have at Daly City Century theaters. Kind of like going to a neighborhood restaurant, versus some McDonalds! We walked into theater 4, and once you walk in, all the seats are looking at you. The screen is at your back, and there's an aisle down the center of all the seats. Kind of an awkward walk! But such a cute old-fashion setup. Screen quality wasn't IMAX or anything special, but it did the job. I wasn't disappointed with the quality at all; it was decent. The arm rests don't go up though, which I can see being bothersome for some folks. There wasn't much legroom, which was similar to an irritating flight on United Airlines. However the lack of people watching the movie helps too; for this movie it was about 2 people per row, with about 30 seats for the entire theater! So small, but very intimate. This is a great little movie theater if you want to spend time in the Marina before or afterwards, or are catching dinner in the area! read more

This is my favorite movie theater in SF, easily, and I'm from Austin - home of the draft house. What I like about it: It's basically just a great place to watch movies. They always have seating! They banned 3D!!! Let's face it, 3D sucks and was just invented to take money from people. They also play good movies. It's super cute. Whatever, this place rules. Kiss my piss if you don't agree and have fun at the soul sucking world of AMC and all their D's. read more

I liked it just fine. I was there to watch the Muppet movie on a weekday. I was in a small theatre which I can see being annoying on a weekend with a big box office movie but I had a lot of room to stretch out. I had a stupid grin on my face the entire time. I don't like Jason Segel as a person (long story) but this movie was great and thus made the theatre better by association. A little pricey but then again it was my birthday so I didn't have to pay. But still. I felt a little bad. Not enough to say no but enough where I wanted to treat my date out to a movie the next time around. read more

I went to their other theater 4 Star and came back with bed bugs. Went to this theater a month later and used my phone's flashlight to check the seats and what do you know, I found a bed bug hiding in the seat. Absolutely disgusting. Told the employees and they did nothing. Women working was also extremely rude and unwelcoming. Not to mention, I heard here talking about a customer who was trans and saying she was disgusting. Who talks about their customers like that? What kind of establishment are they running? Who employs transphobic people, especially in our progressive city of SF. Do not come here. read more