Below is a list of the top and leading Theatres in San Jose. To help you find the best Theatres located near you in San Jose, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
San Jose’s Best Theatres:
The top-rated Theatres in San Jose are:
- CineLux Theatres – locally-owned and operated since 1966.
- 3Below Theaters & Lounge – 3Below has 3 theatres with 100’s of events every year.
- California Theatre – restored 1927 motion picture house turned performing-arts venue, also offers private event options.
- Starlight Cinemas – this outdoor movie theater shows free films in St. James Park on four nights during the summer.
- Montgomery Theater – historic 1936 venue with elegant, contemporary decor for operettas, musicals & cultural events.
CineLux Theatres
CineLux Theatres‘s foundation is based on inclusion and diversity which the theatre has been upholding for over five decades. The theatre works diligently and hard to offer a culture of inclusion and community through showing diverse films. Their staff is also diverse, people from all walks of life and culture, turning this popular theatre into a cultural melting pot. Being locally-owned and independent unlike cinema franchises, CineLux has the capacity to foster and grow relationships not only with its customers but its community as well.
Products/Services:
Movies, theatre rentals, events, guest services, contests.
LOCATION:
Address: 2306 Almaden Road San Jose, CA 95125
Phone: (408) 265-7373
Website: cineluxtheatres.com
REVIEWS:
A very nice, small theatre with a good staff and snack bar. The theatres are smaller, very comfortable. Good sound. It Will not break your entertainment budget. – Bill Black
3Below Theaters & Lounge
3Below Theaters & Lounge in San Jose’s newest performing arts destination. Opened in 2018, 3Below has since grown into a popular theatre destination for people hooked on the performing arts. You can enjoy independent film showings, live improv comedy, professional live theatre, and more performances. The venue is also a gathering place for the Downtown San Jose community. If you want to experience some of the best theatrical performances or artistic showings, 3Below should definitely be on your radar.
Products/Services:
Community chorus, adult ensemble, teen apprentice program, classes for youth, stage, and screen society.
LOCATION:
Address: 288 South 2nd Street San Jose, CA
Phone: (408) 404-7711
Website: 3belowtheaters.com
REVIEWS:
What a great place if you’re over age 12 and love movies! We count on 3B for the good stuff (thoughtful, dramatic, international) film fare. Have enjoyed their live shows, too. The talent is always like Broadway-level! – Marcia Klein
California Theatre
California Theatre is a historic theatre in San Jose that is operated and managed by San Jose Theaters. The theater hosts regular performances from the Symphony Silicon Valley, Opera San Jose, and other performance groups. Originally built in 1927, the theatre was renovated in 2001. San Jose’s California Theatre merges the history of its film palace with up-to-date, state-of-the-art digital technology that boosts the value of its performing art even higher. A highlight in the San Jose performing arts scene, experiencing the theatre and its history is a must for every aficionado.
Products/Services:
Events, theatre, weddings, special events, gallery.
LOCATION:
Address: 345 S 1st St San Jose, CA, US 95113
Phone: (408) 792-4111
Website: sanjosetheaters.org
REVIEWS:
During this pandemic, it was a couple of months that I didn’t go to any movie theatres. I was so happy and comfortable inside the theater because we all wear a mask and observed social distancing. – Carolina Brock
Starlight Cinemas
Starlight Cinemas is the destination for people who want to experience Up on the Roof, four weeks of heart-warming movies that will feed your soul. The cinema provides snacks, cold treats, and hot bites. Over 40 movies are lined up for those who want to experience art, cinema, and everything in between. People have been raving about the experience, which should be an indicator for you, given that the theatre is located in the heart of San Jose’s downtown, which is stacked with other amazing cinematic destinations.
Products/Services:
Downtowner online, downtown farmer’s market, music in the park, downtown ice.
LOCATION:
Address: St. James Park N 2nd St San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: (408) 279-1775
Website: sjdowntown.com
REVIEWS:
This is always a load of fun after “Zombie-O-Rama”. I mean really, how much better does it get than to watch a zombie film under the moon while hanging out with a bunch of zombies? Thanks for the great fun! – Robin R.
Montgomery Theater
Montgomery Theater is home to events, concerts, shows, and to the Lyric Theater and Children’s Musical Theater San Jose. Constructed in 1936, the theater has maintained its historic charm and provides people a unique and intimate experience whether they’re watching a musical, a play, or a concert. The elegant theater is definitely one of the more popular theatrical destinations in the Downtown Bay Area and will continue to be one due to its popularity and rustic charm.
Products/Services:
Events, theater, theater rental
LOCATION:
Address: 271 South Market Street San Jose, California 95113
Phone: (408) 792-4111
Website: sanjose.org/montgomery-theater
REVIEWS:
Small but comfy place, friendly staff close to VTA and in the middle of the San Jose Downtown, I love it feels the real theater magic with good plays. – Juan Ramirez
Alain Atkins is the senior editor for Kev’s Best. Alain has been working as a journalist for nearly a decade having published pieces in many print and digital publications including the Argus Leader and the Huffing Post. Alain is based in St Louis and covers issues affecting his city and state. When he’s not busy in the newsroom, Alain enjoys backpacking.