Small movie theatres have that chic, indie vibe that make you feel just a little bit more cultured. Laemmle's Royal Theatre is located on the edge of Santa Monica near Sawtelle and has a wide range of indie films. You have to check it out if you enjoy new local experiences! We saw Loving Vincent, which was one of the most breathtaking film experiences I've ever had. It was created entirely by painting each frame - 80,000 in all. You might not get the opportunity to see something like this in a large chain movie theatre, which is why places like Laemmle's are so important in the community! The ticket taker was super friendly and we even got a free refill on our large popcorn. It's reasonable for just $5.75 and they use REAL butter. No weird chemical stuff. Oh, I'll be back. Pro Tips: - Ask for your popcorn refill when you order because they'll give it to you in a cardboard box to bring to your seat (good if you're in a group of people) - Street parking is tough so try the garage off of Colby Avenue

Great vintage theatre, and great staff. We had the world-premiere for our feature film, 'The Astrid Experience' here. Honestly, it was a total smash of a night. The Laemmle Royal and Laemmle group were very supportive of helping us make the night a success. Beautiful vintage theatre, beautiful foyer, and beautiful exterior right on Santa Monica Boulevard that made for a great social scene for our red-carpet, step-and-repeat media display. Our only note was that the audio levels in the theatre were much lower than we wanted even though they were maxed out on the system, and didn't play our DCP as loud or full as some more modern theaters, but that can be the trade off for older venues. it was worth the technical trade off for us to have a theatre with a more vintage feel as it was a perfect fit for our movie, and the pros far outweighed any cons. I would definitely screen films here again and have recommended it to filmmaker friends.

First, it's great to still have theaters dedicated to foreign and art films. Next, the theater has excellent projection, sound and seats. But the experience of watching a movie here, at least in theater number 3, is spoiled by the floor lighting on the sides which is placed so high and so exposed that the bright LED bulbs are brighter than the movie screen! I literally had to hold a hand up against my head to block out the light. I've never been to another theater of any kind that had this issue and it's unimaginable to me that they have not fixed it since I'm not the only one who's complained. It would not be difficult to fix this with some molding and glue and I hope they do because until they do I can't come back and watch a movie here. I do recommend their other theaters, such as the one in encino, which doesn't have this bizarre and needless problem.

Love this cozy, friendly little theatre and all the foreign and arthouse films and the convenient parking! It's almost like a private screening room. BUT!! The plastic seat covers are SUPER SQUEAKY! Seriously, I know it's probably a cost issue to replace, but everytime somebody moves in their seat, me included--you can HEAR IT. I was trying to enjoy ELVIS but the seats are a serious deterrent. I try to avoid the 2nd St Laemmle theatre for traffic/parking reasons but might need to trade that inconvenience for a silent seat. I hope they can score some new covers. Otherwise, all good!

This is a small independent motion picture theater located in west Los Angeles. It is clean and well maintained with comfortable modern seating. I attended the screening of a new documentary there that was followed by a live Q & A session with the filmakers afterwards and the venue was great for just such an event. What I also found convenient was the city parking lot just a block to the east that accepted credit cards. Rest rooms were also clean at the theater. I would not hestiate to attend another screening there.

Great theater! I was here about a month ago while on a trip. Welcoming lobby with a lot of photos on the wall to look at. Staff were friendly. Got to see an old movie followed by a Q&A with the director, producer, & several of the actors. I had a great time! I was really happy to be able to go to a Laemmle theater while I was visiting LA after having seen the documentary Only In Theaters about the family who owns it - Greg and Tish Laemmle were there that night and both seem like such nice people!

Although this cinema is a small part of today's scene, it certainly feels like a throwback to another time, dating back to the 1950s or the 60s. Here you view in an auditorium that which today you can generally only experience in your living room. This is superior, in part because you can't be distracted to go to the refrigerator. Here you can feel and perhaps understand the continuity that the storyteller wants to share. And, if you can, take a like-minded companion.

I love Laemmle and the movies they show. I've been going to this theatre for 30 years, but no more. The last few times I've been there the experience has been completely ruined by groups of seniors talking through the entire movie. Today I asked them to be quite and was told to shut up. They seem to treat it as their own personal theater. I don't know if it's the same people (maybe they live nearby?) each time but it's a problem.

Perfect! My husband had never seen “Life is Beautiful” so when I found out this theatre was showing it for the 20th anniversary of its premiere, we traveled from SOCO-South Orange County- to see it! The theatre is small and well kept. The snacks were enticing and the popcorn smelled oh so good! I felt like I was at home and wasn’t bothered by the bustling city streets just beyond the theatre’s doors.

If there is a movie I really want to see I am willing to travel across the city to see it. It turns out, this is where Laemmle often screens some of their most interesting movies...so here I am. Small movie theater with a few medium size rooms. Leather seats are really comfy. Friendly staff and lovely history and photo wall in the lobby.

Same as 2nd Street but l saw the excellent "Tea With The Dames" today! Found a good space across the Street since they don't have to deal with the Farmers Market but being on Santa Monica Blvd. and near 405 makes it very conjested. Fortunately there are good restaurants and coffee shops nearby where you can wait out the traffic.

Mom saw this movie and loved it. Painting animation is such an artistic change in the appreciation of watching a story/movie. The artistry and visual filming made me feel the intensity of the story. Amazing!! I’m so happy I was able to see it in our Santa Monica theater this week. The only West Coast showing. (Per mom).

I know this is going to sound crazy, being that I am a frequent flier of the Marina Del Rey Dine-in theatre.. but after seeing Juliette Naked here (and seeing a photo for RAN - showing soon!).. It pretty much made me almost ashamed of admitting that I frequently go to to the AMC's! God save our Laemmle theatres!

Probably the smallest theater I've been to on the Westside, but a favorite nonetheless for the often quirky indie films they show. They sell Coolhaus ice cream sandwiches too, which is a plus in my book. Better to buy a prepaid movie card to be eligible for discounted rates.

Great little intimate theatre with first run foreign films and art house films the big chains won't carry. Really comfortable seating. Always friendly staff. Easy free parking on side streets during day. Easy free street parking after 9 pm on Santa Monica Boulevard

Awesome space! The theater itself is clean, compact, and the auditoriums have great/comfortable seats. Reasonable priced concessions, too. There are a number of food trucks and cafés nearby, so you can definitely grab a bite before or after your movie.

This was my first time at Laemmle theater. I'm in love with the setting, seats are comfortable, love small cozy setting, and seeing the star in person, and having an opportunity to ask questions. Surprisingly parking wasn't as bad as I anticipated.

I am grateful to Laemmle for bringing good cinematic art to the big screen. I had to drive an hour from the east side to be able to watch a decent movie; and I am thankful and hope that other laemmle locations would also sho movie like Capernaum

Great smaller theatre that shows lots of different foreign films all with subtitles, some really good! I highly recommend it, if you want meaningful stories and films that are not just full of special effects. Easy street parking in the area.

Laemmle is the ultimate destination for art house and foreign movies. Period. This is where you catch all the movies nominated in the foreign film category as you won't find them in the big box theaters! Need I say more?

This split the one theater into a multiplex, but each theater is nice and doesn't feel like shoebox. Has an ornate proscenium and seats that are stacked high (stadium style). And thankfully they still show art films.

I feel like I need a shower. Restrooms smelled of spilled sewage. Theater seats (theater 2 anyway) smelled like.umwashed homeless men have been sleeping on them. Hard to enjoy the movie in those conditions.

Super confi, not over crowded wich makes the experience great and the movie selection is always fantastic, one of the few cinemas where I can just go and know the movie playing will be worth my time

A small old theater, with relatively comfortable seating where one goes for the uniqueness and great quality of the non comercial movies, not so much for the looks of the theater inside and outside.

This is a fabulous theatre. We would love to do business with the owner! We had a great conversation. He is very reasonable and gracious person. Thank you Greg. Truly, SND Film Festival ~John Sill

Really well put together operation. The screens are a little small but everything else from the comfy seats to the friendly staff more than make up for it. I'll go again and recommend to friends.

One of the best art house theatres in LA. No parking Lot, so it's street parking behind the building about two blocks back. Screen #1 has stadium seating and the original theatres screen frame.

It's always a real pleasure going to this theater. Thankfully it survived the pandemic and is just as amazing as ever. Absolutely come here to experience movies as they should be experienced.

A place to see good international films outside of Hollywood mainstream- all the same. Visit and support this independent movie theater. Employees and owner are extremely friendly.

The selection of movies in this place is amazing. The movie theater is big, the sits are comfortable, the sound is great... I love it so much. Moreover, the staff is very friendly.

The Royal is that wonderful old fashioned movie house going experience of times gone by. Its programming is excellent. They always show the best of the best of foreign films.

Excellent variety of indy movies with great seating always available. Aside from worn box office curtains, this theatre offers a nice departure from mega cinema complexes.

Attended one of first reopening screenings. Just recently joined as a member and can’t beat walking to the theaters. Excellent theatrical experience and awesome staff.

Theater (#3) was pretty small, which is fine but the seats aren't staggered - they're perfectly in front of each other so the person in front of you blocks your view.

No parking and they have a bunch of patrons that want to talk during the movie. I am going to avoid this place since I don't want to have to police their theater.

Recently upgraded multiplex with prices a bit lower than area standard. Discount cards good for admission and snacks. Substantial senior discounts on Thursdays.

Good theatre showing good foreign films, most of which we will never see if not for places like this. Excellent sound and projection, good comfortable seating.

Great theater. Very laid back vibe. I bought two tickets online, and when I said my friend wouldn't be showing, they offered a refund. Honesty. Imagine that.

Quaint little theater for foreign films. Saw “The Peasants”. Loved it. Very intense story. Well done. Very artistically put together.

Great small cinema experience. Would definitely come back if I lived close by or they’re plying another film I’m excited to watch.

A good place to watch independent and foreign films. Small and cozy - feels like a neighborhood theater. Price is reasonable too.

I have always encountered very friendly and helpful personnel. It's my neigjborhood movie theater for artsy, independent movies.

The seats are so comfortable. The only problem is the lights to guide you to your seats are WAY TOO BRIGHT throughout the films.

Watched "Raise Hell! The life and times of Molly Ivins". It was wonderful and the theater was very accommodating. GO SEE IT!!!!

Spectacular theater Great vibe, awesome seating, it's a real movie watcher guys type of movie theater. Highly recommended!

Great theater. Terrifically comfortable seats. Best snack bar, bar none. Wide-ranging selection of films, a real plus.

Enjoyed the Film First step. Staff were nice. Theater & bathrooms very clean. Parked at public lot across the street

Great independent and foreign that you probably won't see in many other theaters or on Netflix. Great new seats too.

So convenient great choices. Matinee prices on up to 5pm shows. Love the laemmle they support film festivals. Yay

Good for Art House & limited release movies in Pasadena; not many like it in San Gabriel Valley, and I like it!

Love their programs and there are 3 theaters so the offerings are great. And the popcorn is even better!!!

Musty old and staff seemed miserable. Popcorn cheap brand but expensive price. Not worth it.

The best popcorn I have ever had. Staff is helpful and friendly. Seats are old but comfy.

Best choice of movies, super comfortable seats and great viewing after total remodelling.

Love this little old theatre. Great films selections, good crowds and comfortable seats.

It's heartwarming to see a movie theater where we can watch great independent films

Nice cozy theatre. Good sound. Very friendly crew. Worth a visit.

Great to be able to see low production and foreign movies …

My favorite local theater with just the kind of movies I like.

Looks clean very kind staff soft chairs and interesting snipes

My favorite movie theater because they show many great movies.

Fabulous movie, Hallajuha. Price was right for us seniors $6.

Exactly what you expect, and want, in an art house theater.

Great venue to catch up to the current foreign films.

Beautiful cinema and good movies (: …

Great films, great staff and wonderful prices!

Clean it up or tear it down!!!!!

Very Calm and Beautiful Ambiance

Good space for screening rental.

Great place to see unique films.