BARTable movie theaters (yes, all 21 of 'em)

Whether you're looking for an action flick, rom-com or drama, we’ve rounded up all the movie theaters near BART.  

Best theaters to wine and dine

Photo courtesy of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.

Rialto Cinemas

The Rialto Cinemas in El Cerrito features a great mix of first run films as well as independent, foreign and classic films. Nosh on popcorn, snacks plus beer and wine, all of which is delivered right to your seat. Catch the newest Pixar flick or see a live performance from the National Theatre, all under one roof. Take BART to El Cerrito Plaza Station and walk 6 minutes to San Pablo Avenue. 

Cine Grand Fremont 7 

Catch a Hollywood or Bollywood film and enjoy popcorn, samosas and other Indian snacks at the Cine Grand Fremont 7. With big, comfy reclining seats, you’ll feel right at home here. Take BART to Fremont station and walk 8 minutes.  

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema 

The highly-anticipated San Francisco debut of this Austin-based movie house, bar and restaurant, lives up to the surrounding hype. The restored 1920s theater features an on-site bar, a buzzworthy lineup of new releases and indie films, plus meals delivered to your theater seat. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show! Take BART to 24th Street Mission Station and walk 5 minutes. 

The New Parkway Theater

A community-centered cinema and pub located in Uptown Oakland, The New Parkway Theater isn’t your typical movie theater. Sit back and relax in cozy couches, enjoy popcorn and other goodies from the café and bar, all delivered to your seat. With tickets usually running $10, $5 specials on Mondays, Karma Wednesdays (pay as you wish), plus discounts for students, seniors and cyclists who bring their helmets in. Did we mention kids three and under are free? Treat yourself or your family to a movie night and support local theaters. Take BART to 19th Street/Oakland Station and walk 9 minutes to 24th Street. 

Best theaters to catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster

Photo courtesy of CinemaTreasures.org.

CineLux Chabot Cinema  

Don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for tickets, popcorn and snacks? CineLux Chabot Cinema offers some of the lowest prices for tickets, with regular price of tickets around $8.50 and specials for “Terrific Tuesdays” being $5 all day. Take BART to Castro Valley Station and walk 14 minutes to Castro Valley Boulevard.  

Century 16 Bayfair 

Landmark Theaters Embarcadero Center Cinema 

If you’re in the Financial District and are itching to see a new movie, the Landmark Theatres Embarcadero Center Cinema is the perfect place to see blockbuster films and indie flicks. Take BART to the Embarcadero Station and walk 6 minutes. 

Century 20 Daly City 

Reclining seats, delicious surrounding restaurants, an XD theater and an awesome arcade? These are just some of the features at Century 20 Daly City. Take BART to Daly City Station and walk 7 minutes. 

AMC Metreon 16

The AMC Metreon 16 is arguably the best place to catch an IMAX movie in the Bay Area (and maybe even the country). With amazing surround sound, 3D effects and more, you’ll feel like you’re inside the movie at this theater. Take BART to Powell Street Station and walk 6 minutes. 

Cinemark Tanforan 

With multiple theatres, stadium seating and even caramel popcorn catch the latest 

block buster, shop until you drop and then enjoy a movie. All located inside the Shops at Tanforan, take BART to San Bruno Station and walk 7 minutes.

Built in 1941, The Orinda Theatre serves as the centerpiece for the adjoining Theatre Square.

Brenden Theatres 

Only a block away from Todos Santos Plaza, Brenden Theatres offers reclining seats, snacks and libations. Sit back, relax and enjoy your movie. Take BART to Concord Station and walk 11 minutes. 

Regal Cinemas Jack London 9 

You can see the latest block busters, enjoy a good meal, or have a drink, all in the same place. Regal Cinemas in Jack London Square is the perfect post-dinner date spot. Are you and your sweetie on a budget? Have date night on Tuesdays or Sundays where admission is $5. Take BART to 12th Street/Oakland City Center Station and walk 14 minutes or hop on the Free Broadway “B” Shuttle (now operating only Monday-Friday) toward Jack London Square. 

Orinda Theatre 

Opened during the tail end of Hollywood’s golden age in 1941, the Orinda Theatre is a multi-story complex filled with shops, services and dining establishments. Besides new-release screenings, the theater also offers free showings of classic films on the second Thursday of every month at 7pm. Take BART to Orinda Station and walk 6 minutes. 

Century San Francisco Centre 9 and XD

Want to take a break from shopping? Catch all the newest movie releases under the dome at the Century San Francisco Centre 9 inside of the Westfield San Francisco Shopping Centre. Offering movies in XD, sit back and enjoy a nice cold beer with your popcorn. Take BART to Powell Street Station and walk 2 minutes to Westfield San Francisco Shopping Centre. 

Best theaters to catch an Indie flick

Photo courtesy of Rialto Elmwood.

Rialto Elmwood 

Find yourself on College Avenue with nothing to do? The Rialto Elmwood features a diverse mix of films including films from Hollywood and an array of independent and foreign films from around the world. While you’re in the area, fill up on some amazing food at these restaurants. Take BART to Rockridge Station and walk 15 minutes to College and Ashby avenues.  

Landmark Shattuck Cinemas 

Featuring an eclectic mix of Hollywood favorites, foreign language cinema and independent films, the Landmark Shattuck Cinemas located in downtown Berkeley is a mecca for movie-goers, art-lovers and food-connoisseurs. With the addition of LOT 68, a stylish bar and café adjacent to the lobby, guests are invited to wine and dine before, during or after a movie. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley Station and walk 2 minutes.  

San Francisco Cinematheque 

Since its founding in 1961, San Francisco Cinematheque has become one of the most knowledgeable and respected showcases of experimental film and video in the world. Presenting 35 to 50 different programs every year, you won’t catch a Hollywood film here, but rather take in movies that lead to thought-provoking discussions. Take BART to Powell Street Station and walk 4 minutes.  

Oldies but goodies

Photo courtesy of Franck Bohbot.

The Roxie is the oldest continuously operated cinema in the United States, and the second oldest in the world. Opening its doors in 1909, the Roxie, over the course of 108 years, has been home to virtually every aspect of cinema. Take BART to 16th Street Mission Station and walk 3 minutes to this historic landmark. 

The California 

Built in 1913, “The Cal", plays a mix of Hollywood favorites and edgy independent fare. Originally a live stage theater, The Cal is known for its fleur-de-lys motif. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley Station and walk 5 minutes. 

Paramount Theatre 

Built in 1931, you can’t help but marvel in the beautiful art-deco architecture all around The Paramount Theater in Oakland. On select Fridays, you can catch a retro-flick return to the big screen and return to Hollywood's Golden Era. Paramount Movie Classics Night features 35mm film prints, a newsreel, cartoon, previews and prizes in the Paramount's own game of chance "Dec-O-Win”.  Take BART to 19th Street/Oakland Station and walk 5 minutes to the Paramount Theatre.