Second time at this theater. I have officially made this my favorite theater in Pasadena. It reminds me of the theaters I would go to growing up. It's not updated and fancy and be careful on the 1st floor screens and sitting too close, your neck may suffer. But the seats are comfy, plenty of legroom, their popcorn is great, and you cannot beat the price. read more

I checked out this theater because it is super close to my apartment and you really can't beat the $7 ticket price The Build: A budget-friendly, local theater with cheap tickets, but a very outdated and run-down setup. The seating layout is all wonky, the screen isn't centered, and the projector is positioned so that anyone walking down a certain aisle blocks the light. The Experience Profile: Comfort-wise, the theater was a pretty big letdown. The seats were kind of dirty and uncomfortable, and most of them had an annoying metal bar right in front of them. The atmosphere during the movie was also a mess, the crowd was talking most of the time and constantly walking in and out, which kept letting outside light into the room. The Verdict: While the $7 price tag is incredibly cheap, the janky setup, dirty seating, and constant distractions mean this won't be a regular spot for me. I would honestly rather spend a little extra money to go somewhere else where I can actually enjoy the movie. read more

First run movies at amazing prices. Staff is helpful and polite. Just saw you story 5. Love this place! read more

Regency Academy Cinemas - Concessions - Cinema Near Me - Pasadena, California

Need a cheap date? You can get 2 movie tickets, popcorn & drinks for $30! Keep in mind, you get what you pay for. The theater is old and so is the equipment (Ever see the theater in Desperately Seeking Susan?). The standard movie snacks are cheap, but still the same quality you'd expect at a newer Regency Cinema. The bathrooms are clean; however, there are no mirrors, which is a bummer for anyone who wants to check their hair and make up. The theaters are small, the seats creak, and if you stand up in the back, you just may block the movie projector and cast a shadow on the screen. I don't know about you, but I find that endearing. This place is a vibe. Great spot to catch a movie that isn't overreliant on digital sound and laser projection. The Academy provides an old school movie experience, complete with the tiny crackling sounds of yesteryear. If you want to simply take in a story on a big screen, this is a fun, cheap spot. Come alone or with a companion. I just want to see this Pasadena theater thrive and stand the test of time. read more

You really can't beat the price of the tickets here. And $2 hot dogs?? They're providing an affordable movie-going experience. As long as you don't come here expecting perfect image and sound quality, you'll be fine. read more

Since the hlp theater closed down it has been hard for us to find a theater with good prices . This theater has great prices ! Paired 9 dollars a ticket to watch Toy Story the other night . It is much cheaper than other theaters in the area ! Had an issue with my ticket but Jovanny was able to help us out ! He went above and beyond helping us out the other night ! Shoutout to him !!! Will definitely come back ! Great customer service! Good movie ! read more

I came here ages ago during their Studio Ghibli rerun and remembered it gave off a small, family theater vibe--kind of like the Laemmle Pasadena back when it used to exist. This time, this theater feels really dingy and unclean. Sure the tickets are cheap, but I rather pay more for a cleaner ambiance. Not returning here again. Also the movie barely fills up the entire screen. It's like they didn't even bother to position the projector. read more

Regency Academy Cinemas - The movie doesn't fill up the entire screen. It's really weird and feels like they didn't bother positioning the projector to their screen. - Cinema Near Me - Pasadena, California

The cheapest theater in SGV. Sure the furnishings are retro and old. But for less than $30, you can get 2 tickets for a first run movie and still get a large drink and popcorn. Also, they have simple hotdogs for $2. There's a cheap paid parking lot behind the theater and plenty of street parking after 5 pm. read more

Our first time here! Bought tix online to see the new Captain America movie --Matinees only $8! Even in a Sunday, traffic can change any time so add 30 min to your commute (we cut it too close from Pomona and missed the first 15 min). Found a parking structure 3 min walking distance away. The theater is not much to look at from the outside but the inside has kept the old vintage feel (in a good way). Two staff working today for tickets and concessions. Only 6 theaters on site. Bathrooms clean and functional. Stadium seating comfortable. Sound system decent. A fun affordable place to watch new movies! read more

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Love this place when your a girl on a budget and love the cinema great staff friendly clean and inviting the treats especially popcorn yum yum read more

CHEEP, rundown funky joint to catch a second run movie. Used to be a glamorous movie palace and if you look hard enough there are little bits and pieces hiding. Theaters like this are a rare and special thing and I give them extra credit for the cheap hot dogs. read more

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I love this place. Classic theater with classic prices. The staff is always very helpful. Parking lot in the back. Mini arcade with a claw machine. Clean bathrooms. Check their schedule because they play different classics all of the time. Please Always Exist. Thank You read more

Regency Academy Cinemas - Local Ghostbusters - Cinema Near Me - Pasadena, California

Ticket prices are super cheap here! Definitely come here if you want the movie theater experience but on a budget! This is a small theater with limited seats. This is an older theater as you can tell from the seats and projector screen. There's street parking available. There's 1 or 2 hr parking around. The staff will do a quick bag check, fyi! read more

Regency Academy Cinemas in Pasadena is a discount theater with a giant sign stating "San Gabriel Valley's Best Value Tickets & Showtimes". This theater actually shows first run films (aka new & recently released films). [Parking]: There's a paid parking lot behind the building (Academy Center [right next to 33 N Catalina Ave] - $1 per hour up to $8 per day), but free Sunday street parking on Colorado Blvd & nearby streets. [Admission]: Only one employee worked at the concession stand and the same employee also handled all ticket purchases/scanning ticket QR codes. Bag restriction = one bag per person and no larger than a backpack is permitted. I was the only person waiting in line on Sunday afternoon and waited 10 long minutes just to have the only employee scan my QR code (I got my ticket via Fandango ahead of time). [Price]: $5.50 for matinees (all films starting before 6 PM), $7.50 for evenings, $1.50 for a hot dog, $5.50 for one large fountain drink, $5.50 for one small popcorn, $5.75 for nachos, etc. Please see the website for each classic film showing on Flashback Tuesday. [Atmosphere]: The small arcade area feels very 90's and run-down. This is certainly not the cleanest theater because the staff didn't bother cleaning up leftover popcorn and drinks from the last show. Men's restroom on the 2nd floor was closed on the day of my visit. Is this the best discount theater in the SGV area to see latest movies on the opening weekend? 100% yes, but this is also a perfect example of you get what you pay for. 2-star on the overall experience, but bumping up to 3-star due to unbeatable ticket prices. read more

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I am sorry to say this is the most disgusting movie theater that I have ever been to. My daughter and I spent the day in San Marino and decided to see a movie before heading home. Our first impression walking in was as expected - a very nostalgic, small theater, which we expected. I visited the restroom prior to taking my seat and it was nasty. There was green slime and mold behind the sink and I wondered how long it had been sitting there for it to get to the point of being slimy. I joined my daughter and took my seat ready to enjoy the movie in spite of the bathroom. I was immediately hit with an awful smell - it smelled like cheap cleaner trying to cover up some other smell. Again, I tried to ignore the odors because I was excited to see the film. The last straw was the people talking, using their cell phones, and coming in and out of the door - every time someone would enter or exit, light would shine on the screen. There was a curtain in front of the door (maybe to prevent this), but it doesn't work. The employee that was standing at the exit was on his phone and was not giving the attention needed to keep the light out. We left after about 15-20 minutes in and will never be back. Regency Academy Cinemas, you have the potential of being a great little theater if only your managers and employees cared enough to make it happen. Enjoy the $30 donation and put some effort into your business. read more

This is the only place I will watch a movie in 2025. For two tickets, large popcorn and a large drink it's $30. Definitely not the sparkliest place to watch a movie. But over the years i have seen more movies at this theater than the rest of them combined read more

The most affordable theater around with first run films. I've been around forever and this theater has undergone major improvements (from their humble beginnings). I've moved to a spot practically just around the corner, so I'll be able to go back to the attending movies read more

Was bit by bed bugs at this theatre. Didn't know what was waiting for me in that theatre, if I had known ahead of time that there are bed bugs in this theatre then I wouldve never entered in! Even if the tickets were only $5.50 Its not worth it. Now I have a fear of being but by bed bugs in a theatre ... read more

Regency Academy Cinemas - Bed bug bites - Cinema Near Me - Pasadena, California

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The employees are very welcoming and helpful I like the affordablity of this movie theater

I visited Regency Academy Cinemas to watch Puss in Boots before winter break was over. I have two concerns about this theater: 1) Parking was exceptionally difficult to find, and most nearby parking only allows for one hour. The parking lot at the back says $1 / hr but there is no time stamp, so you have to take the risk of whether or not your car will be towed. 2) The theater is quite old; I'm not sure how long it's been here but you could see the wear-and-tear throughout the years and the history that it's been through. The seating and theater were pretty unkept and uncomfortable; there was popcorn and trash on the floors where we had to sit and the cup holders were sticky and grimy. There is one positive other than the friendly staff though, and that's the cheap movie tickets; it's hard to find tickets for under $5 these days. Also while the seating environment is icky, I liked that all seats were in front of the screen. At larger theatres like AMC, there is neck strain on some people who sit in the front; this didn't seem to be the case here. read more

I took my 3 kids here last month to see Garfield during a heatwave to escape the heat. I was so pleased with our experience. As a child of the 80s, walking into this theatre made me feel at home. The decor, the old arcade, the simple concessions stand, and most definitely the price. Movie theaters have become so prohibitively expensive and really only something for people who have money to burn. I'm so grateful and surprised that this place exists. The fact that I could take my 3 kids out for a fun afternoon for less than 50 bucks for all 4 of us including a bunch of candy and popcorn is really a gift. The staff was helpful and kind. The bathroom was clean. The theater itself was not too large and it felt nice watching a movie in a more intimate space. The movie was awful but I didn't care because we had such a lovely time. Parking is 3 dollars- bring cash! read more

The only good thing about this disappointing establishment was the nice employee working the front. The seats feel like i'm in the back of a cop car. The theatre smells like a homeless dudes unwashed scalp. The diet coke even tastes weird. Poverty place to be in. read more

Just saw "I wanna dance with somebody" and was so happy to see that this theater now shows movies that would typically take a month to be seen here. I love it! read more

Regency Academy Cinemas - The lobby - Cinema Near Me - Pasadena, California

It is so affordable with everything going up in price, I am so glad I can still afford to go to the movies.

Went to this theater for the first time with my family. Only 2 staffs and then one was closed. Only staff was doing both jobs selling tickets & food. Had to wait for awhile just to purchase tickets. After we bought our tickets from a female staff, another male staff (Julian Lopez) started staring at us and then asked to check our bags. Why? Was it because we didn't buy food/drinks? You didn't ask the people in front of us, so why are you asking us? What a joke. He was profiling us for no reason. I asked him why he didn't check the other peoples bags and he didn't answer me. Bad experience and will never come back again. You need our business, we don't need yours. read more

I love this cinema. The prices is awesome! They should continue with the prices! Also they should have more locations like this cinema in Every city Nationwide! Also continue with the rewards too!! read more

Had a wonderful time after attending the rose bowl foodie festival! Got there pretty late, and on a Sunday. The theater was empty, and the staff was very friendly and attentive! Would definitely visit again! read more

Ghettoest movie theatre ive ever been to. Y'all. We come in and we immediately noticed the dirty carpet and the less than enthusiastic front staff. I will say their popcorn is good. We walk to our theatre and immediately notice the broken ceiling and the water stained carpet and walls. It also smelled like mildew. THEN we walk into the actual theatre and see that my assigned seat was broken. And during our movie we could hear the other movie from the other theatre room. I was flabbergasted I wanted to laugh so hard But it was only 7,50 so it is what it is 0/5 for me dawg read more

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For the price it is a very nice spot but many small quirks- the seats need to be redone because you sink into it and as a result can't see well, and the projector was a bit misaligned. Other than that it was a bit bad experience! read more

This place is ok. I've been here only when they have a showing the my near by theater does not show. The place isn't the cleanest but its not the worst. The area and crowd is ok also, I feel like when i watch here the people aren't as quiet as other theaters but that on the guest not the theater i guess. Parking is good, its easy to find parking. read more

Regency Academy aka The $3 Theatre, this is a Pasadena institution! A Pasadena relic! A piece of history by now for sure. It's fairly easy to drive past the Regency without noticing, but you'd be doing yourself a huge disservice. If you don't have the funds to see a flick at the arclight, this is for you. Or even if you do, but you're down with saving money, viola. There is plenty of parking to be found nearby. What made me a lifelong fan of the Regency is the Wednesday Date Special. Every Wednesday after 6 pm, $10 gets you 2 tickets and 2 popcorns and 2 small sodas. I don't think you can find entertainment at that price anywhere in la county. Bless this mess. read more

Regency Academy Cinemas - Cinema Near Me - Pasadena, California

Unfortunately we walked in and out within 5 mins. The staff are incredibly sweet and welcoming but the environment was scary. I felt like I was asking thru the hallways of Hotel Cecil. The walls have been patched but you can see the bulges of mold painted over. I sat in our reserved seat and I fell through the seat and my husbands felt springs through his. I hoped for more, but it's unsettling to take your family or date to. I do wish them luck because I can imagine it being a gem in the 80's read more

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Omg I love coming here...$2.50 for all movie before 6 pm even on weekends. Best deal in town! Yes, it's a small theatre and the choice of movies is going to be the slightly older ones but it's a great experience especially if you want to see a movie that you missed when it came our first. I saw bohemian rhapsody here and loved it! Parking is 2 hours on the street (free) or you can pay in the lot they have. read more

Absolutely love this place. I have been coming here since I was a kid. It definitely is not the newest or fanciest theatre (bells and whistles) but great prices. Movie tickets are cheap $2.50 matinee or $3.50 after 4 pm. Bathrooms are kept fairly clean. The parking lot behind it charges a few bucks to park but the street also has 2 hours free parking if you can find it. Snacks are also more affordable then most other theaters. They play movies that are fairly new, going to DVD. I often see families come with groups of kids in the summer or on breaks. The deal is just too good. My son and I usually enjoy an ice cream cone from RiteAid which is across the street afterward. read more

Regency Academy Cinemas - Kids Combo $5 - Cinema Near Me - Pasadena, California

Had a great time watching Dungeons and Dragons! This theatre reminds me of when I was a kid and going to see a matinee was a) a thing and b) affordable. Plus, an employee named Nathan helped my friend and I choose which concessions we were in the mood for that day! Thanks Nathan! read more

Tell me what you can do with $3? You can't even buy a coffee for that price. I just came from Pie Hole and spent more on a slice of pie than the 2 tickets here. Yes the movies are not the newest ones, but for this price there is nothing to complain about. Grab someone or yourself and go! Probably one of the cheapest things to do in Pasadena! :) read more

Regency Academy Cinemas - Cinema Near Me - Pasadena, California

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It's a first time for everything and this is the last time for me here ! This theater is just old and mildew out nasty dirty ! The price is 7 dollars and I found out why by the looks of things it should be free! Come for a cheap night out but don't expect too much ! read more

The projector in theater 4 is dim and has been dim for quite a long time. Many of the seats in the other theaters are damaged and should be fixed. But still a top value! read more

I've been coming by to see movies at this theater since the 90's and loved it every since. You can't beat the price and the place is never full which is a plus. read more

Regency Academy Cinemas - Cinema Near Me - Pasadena, California

New management and directors that appreciate their customers. When your employees make a gross miscarriage of accusations they should be made to apologize and a compensate the wrongly accused customer for their time and imposition! read more