Top 5 Bay Area Movie Theaters

Sometimes, you just want to forget your troubles, turn off the lights and stare at a screen for a couple of hours. It's called escapism and it's the American dream. Here's our list for the best spots to pop some popcorn and zone out to the blockbusters, the indie films and the classics of the silver screen. Silence your cell phones, folks. It's the Top Five Bay Area Movie Theaters.

 

 
With fancy snacks, it's own cocktail bar and a sleek, modern, green building, this cineplex is the most popular spot in town, and winner of San Francisco Magazine's Reader's Choice for best theater. Most of the films shown here lean towards the artsy and independent, and there's valiated parking IN the building. The only caveat? The seats are assigned. That's right. You are actually stuck in 13G. It's weird and slightly exciting, especially when you watch rookies struggling with this unusual concept. Bonus: It's super easy to pay for one movie and sneak into a second.

 

 
Out in the middle of nowhere, this theater has indie films in tiny screening rooms. But the best part is, no one's ever there! EVER. Surrounding the theater are some of the best, off-the-beaten path restaurants in San Francisco. The theater even sweetly tells you where to go . Across town, you'll find the same vibe at Landmark's Lumiere.

 

 
One of the world's great movie palaces, the historic and stunning Castro Theater is a worth repeated visits for the stunning ceiling alone. But add the fact that this treasure shows vintage classics, cult films and themed nights, and the Castro Theater becomes pretty much the greatest place on Earth. Parking is tough, the snacks are standard, but there's a Walgreens across the street. Sneaking in your Skittles is a small price to pay for THE best place to see The Godfather, Casablanca and Goonies.

 
 
Huge! Massive! Giant: That's what you get at Cinemark 20. Know what else you get? Free parking, 20 screening rooms and the best, over-cooked Kettle Corn you'll ever have. The best times to go, if you can swing it, are mid-day, mid-week. Die-hard movie lovers can hang out here all day, taking in every single big-budget Hollywood movie at once.

 

 
Home to much more than movies, the Paramount is an art deco palace. Winner of the East Bay Express' Best Moviegoing Experience, the Paramount kicks up classics like King Kong and ET with games, cocktails and a Mighty Wurlitzer organ.