5 Los Angeles Movie Theatres That Won't Leave You Broke
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Los Feliz 3 is a go-to for blockbusters and indie films (Vintage Cinemas).
To many of you, the following information may come as a shock. To others, it may literally induce such a state. So, please, plan accordingly before reading the next sentence.
There are movie theatres in the L.A. area that are not the ArcLight. And, no, I am not referring to The Grove.
Still with me?
There are theatres, my friends, in this very city, that will not rob you of next month's rent for a bag of buttery popcorn. There are theatres that you can frequent and still entertain notions of sending your future children to college.
Take all the time you need to process this information, dear reader. When you’re ready, I’ll let you in on the city’s greatest cinematic steals. That sound emanating from your purse right now? It’s your wallet saying thank you.
Located in the heart of Los Feliz, this charming theatre boasts competitive prices on tickets and concessions without sacrificing quality. The three-screen theatre usually shows a mix of blockbusters and indie films, and is conveniently located near a variety of dining options. Street parking is hit or miss depending on the hour, but the lot behind the theatre offers 10 hour parking for a couple of bucks. A matinee ticket will set you back $6.50 and general admission showings, $9.50.
1822 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027.
If the ArcLight is the Ritz Carlton, consider this the alley behind a Motel 6. It may not be the nicest theatre on the list, but it is by far the cheapest. For a mere three dollars, you can see just about any movie that people were excited about three months ago. Some have called it where movies go to die. Others, the greatest deal in town. For three bucks, you can afford to check it out and settle the debate for yourself.
1003 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106.
The Aero Theatre in Santa Monica offers screenings of beloved movies old and new, frequently presented as double features, or accompanied by artist Q&As. While these events often sell out, with a little bit of forethought you could find yourself at anything from a free indie music video premiere to an $11 Ryan Gosling double feature. Keep the calendar bookmarked. Who knows what affordable surprises await.
1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403.
The Vista Theatre, located in Los Feliz (Vintage Cinemas).
This historic theatre has been preserved to retain its classic, old-timey feel but renovated to reflect modern advances is technology, quality and leg room. The single screen plays new movies in an atmosphere that evokes classic Hollywood. Tickets run $6.50 for matinees, and $9.50 for general admission. The ambience is just as impressive as the pricing. If the movie being played is one you haven’t seen, this is the ideal place to rectify that.
4473 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027.
While the Leammle on Sunset is long-gone, the one in Pasadena remains alive and well. You won’t always find the latest box office hits here, but there’s usually something better. Tickets are pretty cheap, running $11 for general admission and $8 for matinees, with special senior and student discounts depending on the day. Selections range from wildly popular to obscure. Foreign language films, awards contenders, low budget indies, and the random mainstream flick all live harmoniously together within the poster-lined walls of this Pasadena gem. And for you rule-breakers, there’s always ample free parking in the Vroman’s lot right behind the theatre (the one with all the signs reading “no theatre parking”).
673 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101.
Reach Staff Reporter Alicia Dewell here. Follow her on Twitter here.
