These are 19 of the most unusual movie theaters in Southern California. (2023)

Want to add even more to your movie experience?

Instead of going to the same theater as always, or even a different oneThe Most Famous Movie Attractions in Southern California, you may want to try a slightly different location. We've rounded up a selection of outstanding cinemas that are worth the price of admission, whether for decor, history, or something else.

BEACH VILLAGE

Lido-Theatre:Art Deco is the norm here, inside and out. You may want to show up before lights out so you can enjoy the time.Sea Creature MuralsNothing through the theater walls. The women's restroom has a lush seating area thanks to Bette Davis. According to local lore, in 1938 the star walked past the theater while it was being built and she told the owner that "it's better to start with my picture," referring to her next film, Jezebel, that year. Yes. 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, 949-673-8350,https://regencymovies.com.

INNER KINGDOM

Tiki Mission Theatre:This place is a four screen screenProhibitedRemodeled in 2006 to offer ticket booths resembling tiki huts, a tiki-themed concession stand, and a garden with Maui statues. Although the menu is not Polynesian, the place prides itself on its pizza and Mexican cuisine. Tickets are good for 2 movies and are $9 for children 10 and older and $1,10798 for children 5-9. Ramona Avenue, Montclair, 909-628-0511,https://missiontiki.com/.

Lesekinos Cal Oaks con Titan Luxe:Just completed a multi-million dollar renovation, this theater features 17 screens including two premium Titan Luxe auditoriums with Dolby Atmos sound. The cash desk has been replaced by a reception desk, and there are sun loungers in all rooms. Six of the auditoriums also have waiter service and artisan food and beverage menus. 41090 California Oaks Road, Murrieta, 951-696-7045,http://caloaks.readingcinemasus.com/the-reading-experience/

In Temeku Cinema:What sets this theater apart is its popularity. If you check the comments on their Facebook page, you'll be surprised how many miles people travel to get here. It's an older place, but it's clean and well maintained and shows current movies for $3.75-$4.50 plus $2 for 3D. It also regularly shows old movies and offers raffles and free ticket giveaways. 26463 Ynez Road, Temecula, 951-296-9728,http://temecula.tristonecinemas.com.

LANGER STRAND

Old Towne Music Room:Silent and classic movies are shown here, accompanied when necessary by a 1925 Mighty Wurlitzer theater pipe organ. The organ components are fluorescently dyed so they glow under black lights, and singing precedes each film. Tickets are $10 general and $8 for seniors, but keep in mind that they are only available at the theater box office 30 minutes before each performance and can only be purchased with cash or check. 140 Richmond Street, El Segundo, 310-322-2592,www.oldtownmusichall.com.

Teatros Regency Norwalk 8:Located at the back of a strip mall, this cinema feels mundane until you step inside. The lobby walls are painted black and there's an impressive array of neon and other colored lighting, making you feel like you're on the deck of an alien spaceship or should have been in your disco outfit. There is no disco ball, but tickets to current movies are $2-$3, except Tuesdays when all seats are $1.50. If you want to watch a 3D movie, add $2. 13917 Pioneer Blvd., Norwalk, 562-804-5615,https://regencymovies.com.

THE ANGEL

Egyptian Theater:A courtyard lined with two rows of tall trees gives way to this theater filled with Egyptian motifs, including a bold sun-dappled auditorium ceiling. An interesting side note is that it opened in 1922, a month before the discovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb, sparking a craze for Egyptian art and architecture. It was renovated in 1998 when it was acquired by the non-profit cultural organization American Cinematheque. The theater shows classic movies with live performances by filmmakers and actors. 6712 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, 323-466-3456,http://www.americancinematheque.com/.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art:Cinema is an integral part of this venue, screening classics, documentaries, exhibit-related films, and more, as well as hosting film and film talks and other programs. Take a break from the museum exhibits with the Tuesday matinee series, which focuses on classic movies at 1:00 p.m. m. $2-$4, plus museum admission, Free: $25 Movies per night are $10 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 323 857-6010,www.lacma.org.

Beverly's New Cinema:The building is one of the oldest revival houses in Southern California. It opened as a music hall in 1920 and went through several incarnations until Quentin Tarantino bought it in 2007. Tarantino curates his selection of 35mm and oldies, shorts, and animated features. It is currently closed for updates but will reopen later this year. 7165 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, 323-938-4038,www.thenewbev.com.

Alte Kinos Los Feliz 3:The Art Deco theme screams retro, but this theater shows early movies. The auditoriums are cozy, only about 5 rows wide, but home fans enjoy the intimacy of the most modern arena-style theaters. 1822 N Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, 323-664-2169,www.vintagecinemas.com/losfeliz/.

Vintage Theater Vista Cinemas:Designed by theater architect Lewis A. Smith, this venue began life in 1923 as the Lou Bard Playhouse. Its courtyard is adorned with celebrity prints and has a Spanish Renaissance-style exterior, while the interior has an ancient Egyptian theme. The only auditorium has a 50-foot screen and JBL sound, and the theater offers "the most legroom in Hollywood." It shows classics on 35mm film and new movies on digital. 4473 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, 323-660-6639,http://vintagecinemas.com/vista/.

ORANGE COUNTY

The Frida cinema:Owned by a non-profit arts organization, this old-style theater has volunteers at the box office and concessions. The old conference room seats have recently been replaced with comfortable high back seats. Billing itself as "Orange County's Year-Round Film Festival," the venue screens independent, classic, short, anime, avant-garde, and current films. And as a bonus, each ticket comes with a discount offer at a local restaurant. 305 E. 4th St. #100, Santa Ana, 714-285-9422,www.thefridacinema.org.

Related:From chic to cheap, these are the best places to catch a movie in Orange County.

CGV-Kinos Buena Park 8 in Los Angeles:These state-of-the-art theaters offer selected current movies in 4DX and ScreenX. Movies viewed in 4DX engage your sensescomplete experience, while the seats move and vibrate three-dimensionally, there is wind, rain, fog, bubbles, snow and storm, lights and sounds and smells. ScreenX films are displayed on the side walls of the auditorium for a 270 degree view. The venues also feature curved screens, fully reclining chairs, personal cell phone charging stations and storage areas, and serve up signature popcorn, beer and wine. 6988 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, 714-252-6826 and 621 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, 213-388-9000,www.cgvcinemas.com. You can also find movies viewed in 4DX and ScreenX atRegal LA LIVE: a Barco innovation center:1000 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Ángeles, 844-462-7342, ext. 4046,https://www.regmovies.comand movies viewed in 4DX onCinepolis:8540 Whittier Boulevard, Pico Rivera, 562-205-3456,https://www.cinepolisusa.com.

WORD GABRIEL TAL

Museo Norton-Simon:Movie series are occasionally offered throughout the year at the on-site theater. They usually show another movie at 5:30 pm. every Friday for a month or more, all focused on one theme. Best of all, the exhibits are free with museum admission—$15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and free for children 18 and under, students, and active duty military—and no reservations are required to view.a little artbefore or after the show. 411 West Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, 626-449-6840,www.nortonsimon.org.

Regency Academy Cinemas:It opened in 1925 as the themed Bard's Egyptian (yes, another Lou Bard theatre) before being sold in 1942 to Fox, who covered the statues with murals of mermaids and underwater scenes. The venue hosted star-studded premieres in the 1950s, eventually becoming an academy and its past greatness buried under flat plaster. Its large auditorium was divided, with the ground floor divided into four theaters and the balcony divided into two. The result is some very bizarre seating configurations that persist to this day in this decidedly low-key theater. Some seats may need to be replaced and areas are sometimes cordoned off when it rains, but it's pretty clean and shows current movies at affordable prices, which is why the crowds come. Tickets are $2.50-$3.50 and on Wednesdays after 6 p.m. is Date Night with 2 tickets, 2 popcorn and 2 sodas for $10 1003 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626-229-9400,https://regencymovies.com.

Related:This man has maintained the Wurlitzer Organ at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse for 40 years.

San Gabriel Mission Theater:This stunning venue often hosts ballet and theater productions, but also has a series of Silent Sundays in August and occasionally at other times of the year. A wide range of silent films will be shown, from comedy to science fiction, all accompanied by the winner of the American Theater Organ Society's Organist of the Year at the 1924 Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel, 626- 308 -2868,www.missionplayhouse.org.