Independent first-run theaters in California.
10 verified independent first-run theaters in California, in Alameda, Castro Valley, Larkspur, Martinez, Norwalk, Oakland. New releases at locally owned theaters.
Alameda Theatre & Cineplex
Alameda, CA
A restored 1932 Art Deco movie palace on Alameda's main street, now the centerpiece of an eight-screen complex. It shows current releases plus film series and live events, with recliner seating marked on the schedule.
Chabot Cinema
Castro Valley, CA
A local single-screen movie theater in Castro Valley with daily showtimes, discounted Tuesday and Wednesday tickets and a food menu on its website. It also hosts a horror film festival and can be rented privately.
Lark Theater
Larkspur, CA
A community-run Art Deco theater in downtown Larkspur that pairs limited-run and indie films with filmed opera and theater, family matinees, classic revivals and live jazz.
Contra Costa Stadium Cinemas
Martinez, CA
A stadium-seat multiplex in Martinez showing current Hollywood releases with luxury recliners, audio description, assistive listening and captioning listed on its schedule page.
Milagro Cinemas
Norwalk, CA
A Norwalk Town Square multiplex showing first-run films, with a $7 Tuesday family day and themed nights such as Cult Classic Mondays and Cine Tuesday.
Grand Lake Theatre
Oakland, CA
A 1926 Oakland movie palace with four auditoriums, no pre-show commercials and a Wurlitzer organ that rises before select weekend evening shows. It runs current releases in 3-D and 70mm, and Tuesday tickets are $6.
Bianchi Stadium 11 Theatres
Paramount, CA
A Paramount stadium-seat multiplex with a leather-recliner premium auditorium, rewards program, and $5 movies on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Marina Theater
San Francisco, CA
A Chestnut Street neighborhood theater in the Marina, run by Lee Neighborhood Theatres, showing a small rotating selection of current films and occasional special screenings with Q&As.
Presidio Theatre
San Francisco, CA
A Chestnut Street neighborhood theater in the Marina District, run by Lee Neighborhood Theatres. It shows a rotating slate of independent films, a documentary and the occasional classic alongside bigger releases.
Laemmle NewHall
Santa Clarita, CA
The Santa Clarita location of the Los Angeles-based Laemmle chain, showing a mix of new studio releases, indie titles and subtitled international films across a day of staggered showtimes.
See every independent cinema in California or independent first-run theaters nationwide.