The Balboa Theatre is not only a SF historic landmark, its one of the few proper theaters in SF that elevates the movie goers experience. Aside from the very ornate and luxurious interior, patrons are treated to a Wurlitzer pipe organ thats played before film and events. The large neon Balboa Theatre sign is emblematic of the theater and the neighborhood.

One of my favorite theatres in San Francisco! Its a great place to host an event; the staff is friendly. helpful and extremely accommodating, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the popcorn is unbeatable.

Ive been coming to this place ever since i was a kid. (15 years in total) we lived a good 10 min walk away from the theatre and my brother and i have so many good memories here,,,the movies,,the snacks,,and everything about this place makes me happyi unfortunately dont live in sf anymore, but i think of this place everyday :))

This movie house had hundreds of movies and impressively some movies were quite updated from Asian to Western. Since we were in the city, thus we decided to watch a local movie/documentary about the story of a man determined to build an opera house in the jungle that took place in 1982. It was great indeed! The title was “Burden of Dreams This movie house was more kinda like Netflix and chill. A must try!

Absolutely adorable local theater! Went there for the first time last night and had massive nostalgia. Reminds me of small town theaters in the Midwest, with the price tag to match. I’ll for sure be back to try the popcorn with the “real butter” (trust me, you’ll know what I’m talking about if you’ve been here)

It is a small theater neighborhood, so dont expect the bells and whistles of a big multiplex, like lazyboy chairs or cocktail service. I watched the movie 1917 on Feb 8, 2020 and it was pretty empty. My 4 stars are because its close to home, I was easily was able to find seats and to support a theater in my neighborhood. I dont want another theater closing like the Alexandria did. Its employee owned and they make their own quirky ads for popcorn and such. They also have pretty old movies that they replay from the 80-90s like Fright Night.

Great theatre. Old but makes it better. Just a good vibe, exactly what you should have at a classic cinema with 2 screens.

Best local Theater in SF, they have cute festivals and mini vintage movie watching events. We need to preserve this beautiful beacon of film and fan love

This place is all about its location. So if you live nearby you probably dont need me to tell you how convenient it is to not travel into to the heart of San Francisco to catch a new movie.Shout out to this places super corny popcorn skit clearly done by students to promote the concession stand

A historic, yet still relevant, SF movie house - the sort of theater that has all but vanished in SF. With the best popcorn in town, the most interesting programming this side of the Roxie, and yet still playing both blockbuster and critically acclaimed films, the Balboa is a true rarity. I feel privileged to live nearby!

Small neighborhood theater that will show old movies. Cozy, clean, and accessible. Also cheaper than a bigger, more mainstream theater.

Old theater, but very intimate feeling experience. Really has old school San Francisco vibes. Seats arent the most comfortable, but pretty every seat in the theater is a good one.

It can be romantic depending on whats showing and who you go with, some movies are made for children and some(like IT) arent. Large soda and popcorn come with free refills. Good, cozy, old fashioned style theater with decent prices and restaurants nearby if you arent in the mood for a beef or veggie dog.

Its a lovely little theater but it does need a renovation. Please support it though.

Cute theater that has 2 theater rooms, has restrooms prior to their entrances.Concession stand has a great variety of treats.Parking is mediocre outside as Balboa tends to be popular based on what time you go. Its paid spot parking.My suggestion is to park in neighborhood streets, this area tends to be more forgiving with street parking as its not timed/limited parking. Just be sure to turn your wheels and be mindful of street cleaning hours/days.

Historic and fun! Not the best screen ever but this theatre feels like home to me. Its an experience to be had in the neighborhood.

This is a very old movie theater I loved it

Its one of a kind.

This is my favorite movie theater. Even though it isnt as fancy as a lot of other theatres, it is a fun, nice, local theater that is good to support. A plus is t hff at they now sell beer in the theater! I really recommend supporting this local theater.

Good theater. Had a good time.

It is beautiful and charming theater with wonderful service.

Support local movie theaters. The balboa still retains its old school charm, after having updated to digital picture and sound a couple years ago. (Full disclosure I participated in the kickstarter that enabled that upgrade.) The seats are serviceable, but not super comfy for marathons and such. Thats the reason for the missing star.

Love this place! i go here with my dad a lot! Retro stuff! Arcade games are lit! Love the flavourings! but BRING BACK THE WHITE CHEDDAR flavor!!! :

I love this theater... its one of the few local theaters left in the city other than the Roxie & Castro. They have special deals like showing old school movies, Beer & movie nights, and they use to do this thing called popcorn palace where the first show on Saturday came with popcorn and a drink with the ticket.Theres two screens, usually a more adult film, and a family friendly one. They recently updated to digital projection and the sound a few years back which really has made it better. Its a long theater meaning the seats are like 10 seats wide but goes back like 30-40 rows.The staff is always friendly, and the concession prices are pretty cheap. With the large of the popcorn or drinks, it comes with a free refill.The ONLY thing I dislike about this theater are the bathrooms, but its an old building, and I think the bathroom is original to how its been built.This is a historical landmark in SF, and I try to watch all my movies there if they show it. The area is also nice with many places to eat and drink. The only issue is parking may be difficult if you cant find any, you may be walking a bit to find parking further out.

Classic movie theater experience with a twist! Best staff in movie theater setting you will ever encounter. Fun, and local! Must experience before they get evicted for condos.

Disappointing. The seats were remarkably uncomfortable, the staff was downright hostile (told us to get out immediately after our movie ended), and the projectionist was incompetent. For a $15 ticket, the experience shouldnt be so poor. This may be a local gem but management needs to make drastic changes if they want to stay competitive. I will not be back.

Great Experience Everytime and Very Helpful Staff

You gotta luv an old classic movie theater like this one, and their variety of events are amazing including live music.

I dont go out to the movies that often. But the Balboa Theatre is special. As a kid my mom went there in the 50s & took me there as a kid in the 80s, to see Ghostbusters Clash Of The Titans etc. Theyve always shown good movies. Alot of blockbusters & lesser known smaller films to. Whats so great about this place, is theyve been open since the 1920s & their prices have always been less than anyother movie theater in the city & I hope they stay open forever!

The Balboa is a great neighborhood theater that shows the latest blockbusters, independent movies and classics. I live in the neighborhood and try to support them as much as possible.

I love it! varied and eclectic programming to keep things lively! that amazing and beautiful neon sign blazing away into the foggy nights. to be blessed such as we are in the Richmond District with our two movie houses, I just cant describe!

One of the last neighborhood theaters. San Francisco classic!

A bit old and ratty but definitely with a lot of character. I wish I lived closer to attend more events.

It’s a neighborhood treasure. You won’t find fancy seats or anything like that just good seats and good folks there to enjoy a movie together

Like the beauty of a person is in the eye of the beholder, movie theaters are the same way. Sure, if you want fancy seating, modern architecture, or a gazillion movie option, FIVE STARS might seem a bit misplaced.But . . .If you want a place that has a local vibe, is just old enough to feel loved, and produces its own super-cheesy video game commercial, then the Balboa is all you need. The staff is always friendly, the movies are first run, and the beverage selection is awesome!We go here as often as we can — for the vibe, the location, and the offerings. See you at the movies!

Great little local movie theater.

Great staff, 5 movie pass for $40. Free on your birthday, comfortable neighborhood theater, clean

I came in with a friend of mine that I havent seen in a long time to watch Black Panther. Ive never been here before but I love the location. The staff is extremely friendly and supportable too. The prices for the condiments are outrageous like him many other theaters and its clean as well. And the architecture of the place is amazing.

Huge bonus points for being a neighborhood theater. I probably wouldnt get in a car to come to this place, but being walking distance makes this my go-to movie spot.The popcorn is great and the price is right. And they serve beer now (with local varieties).The screen is fine (no better or worse than watching at home) and the sound is good (better than at home).Theres typically plenty of seating and the chairs are relatively comfortable.

Old but great theater

Old-school theater (i.e. no stadium seating and the theater stretches way way back), average concession options, and oddball ads for the theater arcades at the beginning of the previews. Not all bad, but certainly nothing special outside of the nostalgia factor. They do have cool one-off showings, though, so check their website and Facebook page for those.

I love this theater. Its very welcoming. All the people that work there are incredibly nice. There are only two screens, which are pretty small, but thats what I love about this place. Every Wednesday night they play an old movie, which I enjoy with one of the many beers that they sell and delicious buttered popcorn :) highly recommend this place!

Nice and cozy local theatre with a small-town vibe.

Funky, fun, vintage theatre!

Great LOCAL small theatre. Beer and coffee available.

A landmark for the neighborhood! The screens aren’t too large but either are the ticket prices. Great local theater!

A nice neighborhood theatre with two large screening rooms. The tickets have gotten expensive recently, though. I like the classic Thursdays. And usually at least one of the movies is really good. Last night I saw The Wrecking Crew, a music film full of songs from the past, but the sound was flat, it spoiled the movie.

Nothing better than enjoying a movie than at your local theatre. The long history and quirkiness of this place will make you gravitate towards it every time you feel like watching a flick. Very classic and nostalgic feel, this place features classic decor of old movie posters, fresh popcorn and even beer! Because I grew up in this neighborhood, I will continue to support its local businesses and this theatre will forever be a part of my life!

Cool place, theater is a bit claustrophobic

My favorite movie theatre. Clean, friendly staff, great snacks and comfortable atmosphere.

This old theater is hanging on with themed movie-fests: Godzilla Fest, John Carpenter Fest, Studio Ghibli Fest, etc. Lots of restaurant choices on the same block. Parking can be very challenging.

Fantastic little theater, feels like home. Alex at the front was extremely helpful in finding us some delightful beer.

Old theater with small-ish screens, so I recommend trying to get there earlier so you can get closer. (The theaters are also arranged so that they are several times longer than the screen is wide, so it can end up looking something small if youre at the back)

Love bringing kids to this family oriented neighborhood theater! Comfy spacious seats and the kids love the popcorn flavor sprinkles. This charming theater is a gem!

What fun! A movie. Dinner. And a drink.Makes for a great evening.The poor corn is great too.

Great local theater with friendly staff

All alone on your birthday? No problem, you have a friend at the Balboa where your ID gets you in free on your special day. You can wear a party hat to any of the fine eateries nearby. The films aint bad, either. Dress warmly in winter. Dont miss the lobby exhibits.

Great place to enjoy a movie without having to go to one of the big movie theaters in the city. The Balboa has current movies out in theaters and a good number of showings per day. Great food places are all around it but you may not bring food into the theater. If you go often, I suggest getting their punch card which gives you access to 5 movies at a generous discount.

Love this old theatre. Prices are not cheap though. Even for the kids. Staffing is mixed. Can be a bit aloof. Yet Ill weather it all tokeep this neighborhood gem from shuttering.

Original, charming, and very quirky!

Cute theater and less expensive than the big theaters.

Great old two screen neighborhood theater. They got new seats and digital projectors a few years ago, but still do classic movies and special events almost as often as first run blockbusters. Just this weekend they had a Hitchcock festival on one screen with the new Avengers on the other. Good concessions including craft beer and ItsIts and all the staples of a theater.

This place is one of the best in San Francisco. I love the atmosphere here.

Fantastic experience at this movie theater, until it became 80 degrees (saw it on the thermostat) about half way through the film. Not sure if it was an incident, as everything else about the theater was amazing.

In a really quiet scene, one can hear the sound from the action movie in the auditorium next door ;-)

Ok, I get why people like it. Its a classic old movie theater with popcorn out front and a real neighborhood vibe. But...like old movie theaters, the screens are kind of small and Im afraid of a tall person sitting in front of me. That said, Id definitely come back for a non-blockbuster movie.

This is a great classic movie theater. Dont bother with the multiplex and treat yourself to top-notch, cozy home for cinema.They have cool weekly special screenings, good concessions, and always quality staff.

Im in love with independent film so comfort isnt my priority, though the Balboa is quite comfy. But they take some risks, which I love (i.e. Days of Youth, Inherent Vice, etc.) and I dont go into sensory overload with all the meaningless bells & whistles you find in big theaters. They were able to crowd fund their digital set-ups so you know this is a neighborhood treasure to a lot of people. Its like having your own intimate screenings except the popcorn is much better! Now if they add wine to their drink list, Ill be a more-than-happy patron for life!

Fun old time ie: REAL movie theatre

Like stepping into a time machine, back 50 years. This oldie but clean and comfortable theatre shows indies, classics, and new stuff that doesnt get wide distribution in the multiplexes. Lots of character. Worth going if youre anywhere within range.

Decided to update my review. Ive been going here consistently for a few years now and have fallen in love with the old school charm. The sound and video quality is fine (although not the greatest) but everything else is great- multiple movie passes, special events and they now serve alcohol!Local movie theaters are a dying breed, we should all be trying to save them.

One of the few remaining independent theaters in the Richmond. A little damp (why ever have carpeting in a foggy area?) but with visual charm and good popcorn. Even for huge premieres sold out other places (e.g., The Force Awakens), you can always find a seat here. Support local theaters!

This place has personality! It reminds me of the old neighborhood video stores where the clerks seemed to know every movie and the posters were for favorites, not current releases

Cute little hole in the wall. Check out Wednesday rewind for awesome 90s movies.

Service here is prompt. the theatre could use a bit of work. The restrooms look very old and definitely needs to be remade. movies here are the only place to go to in the area though. definitely a mom and pop kind of place. good for films to see after they are released for about 4 months or so.

The local community theater offers two showings, typically an indie (ex. Isle of Dogs) and blockbuster film (ex. Black Panther) simultaneously. The theater is no-frills unlike the bigger budget AMC theaters in the city, but will reliably have seats for opening weekend blockbuster showings.

The popcorn and numerous toppings make this my favorite theater to see a movie at. Not to mention the other amenities that are available, they also have a VHS night once a month where you can see a classic movie.

This movie theater is fantastic! It has a very old school vibe that gives it a charm most other theaters dont have. They play two movies at a time and often offer movies that are not showing in other theaters in the city. They have a fantastic snack bar and allow adults to get child size popcorn. I would travel the extra distance to get to this theater over the larger ones found throughout the city.

Awesome little theater. Best popcorn in town and friendly staff! Their Gyruss commercial is hilarious. Thanks folks!

A historic neiborhood movie palace! Great staff! Digital and Dolby. I have been seeing movies there since the 60s!

Nice

This movie theater is very nostalgic and adorable. I feel like theaters like this are fading so its important to support them, when possible.Pro Tip: They will treat you to a movie on your birthday.

The space is a legend and the special programming (i.e. Balboa Classics, Popcorn Palace) is unique in this city. Great concessions and popcorn toppings, knowledgeable staff, lobby evoking nostalgia. Love this place.

Love this old theater. Good sound and experience. They should update the concession stand.

The staff are really chill and the theater is small but cute. Their selection may be limited sometimes but its still my general go-to for enjoying movies.

Theater is great! As a teenager its nice to have a local and cheap movie theater, not to mention you dont have to worry about getting seats. Its one of those theaters where you can walk in the minute before the movie starts and therell almost always be seating.

Nice small and intimate movie theater. Would definitely go back!

Small, local movie theater with eclectic programming.

The Balboa Theatre is a lovely local place with great snack choices. The movies shown are limited, but they always seem to have the new, popular movies. They also recently got a permit to sell alcohol.

The legroom is great and the popcorn station is sooo good!

Best place in San Francisco (America? the world??) To catch a movie.

Lived this retro theatre. Neighborhood local cinema with event screenings and great atmosphere. Lovely popped corn and great choice of candies to boot. It helped that there was a girl scout outside selling cookies. Will return!!

Old indie theater.

Nice atmosphere, comfortable seating, accessible, excellent programming.

One of a few older movie theatres that remain in this city. Quaint, clean, and unique.

Best movie of my life, funny smell, good arcade.

Old timey classic San Francisco neighborhood theater. Usually shows independent and foreign films. Close to great restaurants and Boba tea place.

Great neighborhood cinema.

Very nice and quaint old art deco theater

Vintage posters. Great vibe.