Movie house magic in San Francisco! February 20, 2026

Mentioned in this episode:

• AMC Metreon 16 - 4th and Mission Streets, San Francisco
• The Roxie - 3125 16th Street, San Francisco
• Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - 2550 Mission Street, San Francisco

Check out past episodes of this podcast at the To Do San Francisco podcast archive.

©2026 Sublime Experiences LLC. ℗2026 Sublime Experiences LLC. All rights reserved.

Transcript

Jamie Whitaker 0:17

Happy Friday, San Francisco. This is Jamie, and this is the To Do San Francisco podcast for February 20th, 2026. If you can hear my voice, it means you survived another week in the greatest and occasionally foggiest city on earth. You've done the work, you've hit the deadlines, and now you deserve a little magic. Give yourself a pat on the back, the weekend is officially calling your name. Today we're talking about escaping the living room. I know, the couch is comfortable and your cat is there, but nothing beats the shared silence or shared laughter of a dark theater. Whether you want a blockbuster that shakes your bones or a documentary that breaks your heart, the mission in South of Market have you covered. First up, the AMC Metrion 16 in South of Market. If you want the big screen experience, this is the final boss. We're talking about one of the biggest IMAX screens in the country. Right now, they've got the heavy hitters like Avatar, Fire and Ash, and Wuthering Heights. The convenience here is all about the signature recliners. Honestly, they're more comfortable than my bed. And the fact that you've got a whole food court downstairs in the Metreon, if you need a pre-movie bow or a post movie boba, it's there. It's high tech, high gloss, and perfect for when you just want to lose yourself in a different world. But maybe you want something with a bit more grit? Head over to the mission for the Roxy Theater. This is the oldest continuously operating cinema in the city, and it's a non profit, so every ticket helps San Francisco's keep San Francisco's soul intact. Today they're kicking off the 2026 Oscar nominated shorts, both animation and documentary. It's a cozy, no frills vibe, but the curation is world class. You go to the Roxy to see the movies that the algorithms won't show you. Just a few blocks away, we have the Alamo Draft House. This is the Goldilocks of theaters. They've got the prestige of a restored movie palace, but with a menu that delivers burgers and local craft beers right to your seat. They are currently finishing up some 2026 renovations, so the seats are fresher than ever. Plus, they have the Bear vs. Bull bar for a post show debrief and a strict no talking, no texting policy that they actually enforce in the theaters. It's a Cenophile's paradise with a side of fries. Before I let you go to grab those movie tickets, here is your civility tip for the day. When you're in the theater, remember that the person next to you is trying to escape the world too. Check your screen brightness before the lights go down. Even a quick check of a text can look like a supernova in a dark room. Let's keep the light on the screen and the vibes in the seats. Go see something beautiful today, San Francisco. I'll be right here waiting for you on Monday.