In the 21st century, streaming has become the predominant way people access movies, as they seem to prefer watching them from the comfort of their homes. As a result, cinema attendance has declined over the past couple of years and movie theaters are struggling to keep up, especially local independent ones. In the Bay Area, we have access to great local movie theaters that need our support! For all the cinephiles, I’ve compiled a list of treasured movie theaters (with student discounts) around the Bay Area that you can visit in your free time to watch a newly released film or finally check that movie off your watchlist!

Rialto Cinemas Elmwood

Can you call yourself a true Berkeley student if you’ve never heard of the Rialto Cinemas? The Rialto, as students call it, is the closest cinema to campus (about a 10-minute bus ride on the 51B), located right in the heart of Elmwood. The historic neighborhood theater typically shows mainstream movies that have just been released along with more niche films that wouldn’t be screened at a commercial theater. Occasionally, it even reruns older movies — it’s going to show The Rocky Horror Picture Show just in time for Halloween! The Rialto has a student discount, so be sure to check it out before buying tickets to your next movie.

BAMPFA

Most students might not think of BAMPFA as a place to catch a movie, but the museum regularly showcases different film exhibits and screenings. Located right across from the campus entrance on Oxford Street, BAMPFA screens films made by everyone from Martin Scorsese (for the film bros) to underground and avant-garde filmmakers (for the film majors). The student discount is unmatched: Students only pay $5! It’s a major steal if you ask me. 

Emeryville AMC Bay Street 16

The AMC in Emeryville is about a 30-minute bus ride away and the closest AMC to campus. Even though it’s not a local, historic theater, sometimes you can’t go wrong with a well-known, reliable theater that shows the newest mainstream movies (and the Nicole Kidman ad). A perk is that the Emeryville AMC participates in the student discount program; simply show your student ID at the box office to receive it.

Grand Lake Theatre

This beautiful, historic theater, nestled in Oakland’s Grand Lake neighborhood, is my personal favorite. It’s your classic, old-school movie theater with a breathtaking interior and was ranked one of the coolest movie theaters in the world! The low prices are definitely an incentive to visit, and during matinee hours prices can go down to $7.50. If you’re looking to learn more about Bay Area culture while seeing a new movie, I highly recommend the Grand Lake Theatre!

4-Star Theater, Vogue Theatre and Balboa Theater

Another historic movie theater to cross off your bucket list is one of these three sister theaters scattered around San Francisco. All three are run by the same nonprofit, CinemaSFbay. While these theaters might play select new films, they mostly delve into reruns of older films. They also screen seasonal themed films, so right now there is a wide selection of horror and fall movies on the schedule. I can’t forget to mention the Vogue Theatre has a student discount, so be sure to add these theaters to your next SF outing itinerary.

Alamo Drafthouse New Mission

Visiting this renovated, historic theater in San Francisco is an immersive experience that transports you back to when films were black and white, and the interior is so art deco. The theater is located in the Mission District with many flavorful eateries, shops and parks within walking distance (my personal favorite is Mission Dolores Park). Its screenings consist of a mix of mainstream, indie and older films, so there’s a showing for everyone. And, of course, student discounts are available at the box office if you show your student ID. This theater is one of the comfiest options because it has recliner chairs. So if you want a relaxing experience underneath an adorned vintage ceiling, this theater is for you!

Student organizations: SUPERB, CAP and student-made films

With all the amazing theaters within our reach, we also can’t forget about the film-watching opportunities right here on campus! SUPERB hosts many events for students to watch new and old movies for free. Sometimes it screens new films before they are released to the public or rerun older movies on campus. CAP Studios is a film production club that organizes CAPFest at the end of each semester, where you can watch student-created films. Lastly, if you look closely around campus, students often promote their own films through flyering, Instagram or other means.

2026 is looking to be a golden year for cinema, with people heading to the movie theater at an all-time high since 2019! Instead of doomscrolling your weekend afternoon away, go and see that new movie with friends, family or even on a solo date. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite to add to your Letterboxd top four. Support your local movie theater, buy that ticket and enjoy escaping into a new world, at least for a little bit.