Reviews of The Frida Cinema (Movie Theater)

Isaiah Ulloa

Awesome theater that show great old movies, awesome independent and arthouse movies. A real love for film is felt here

Russell Tom

Wide range of programming for all movie lovers. Moviepass accepted (excluding special screenings). Check out their calendar on their official website. They also have prints at the theater with a mini-movie poster on the back. Lots of good eats and bars nearby such as 4th Street Market and McFadden Public Market.

Cameron tHegeRm

The best little independent theater in Orange County. Featuring recently replaced seating and some of the best movies that rarely hit the big screen any longer. They serve soda, candy and popcorn and an added plus, beer!

Matt Beard

Independent theaters are the best!

louis mac anany

Great little revival theater with older films, foreign, and independent selections. Don't miss the great miracles!

Jeremy King

Portal to another world.

Matthew Dawson

Great independent cinema. Seeing Horrible Imaginings filmfest at it's new home here. Love it! Perfect for film geeks!

Alexander Nissen

The theater itself is a bit worn out with some seats missing arm rests and the screen not exactly in 'mint condition', but good luck trying to find the type of movies and events that are hosted here at another theater. Great place to catch some older movies or indie flicks, as well as Q&As with cast and crew. Located right by plenty of places to eat and drink, I love having the chance to come here for a date night.

Carlos Casados - Hypnotherapy Breakthrough

I always love to support the arts and certainly this place takes care to represent! It's a small, wonderful place with lots of heart! Have a meal and a craft beer (or 3) at Würsthaus before the movie, if you can. It's basically, next door! Afterwards, you can walk around DTSA and get into some trouble!

Omar Dominguez

If u Kno u Kno . U Kno?

Robert Bradvica

Had a great time with great friends watching Epic Home Haunts and panel. Looks like the theatre has a lot of other fun movies. We will be back.

ryan rushing

This place takes you back in time it's an awesome movie theater and it's a great place to see those movies you can't see anywhere else really, or those movies that he grew up to is it remind you of the time when you saw them I love this place on will always be a supporter and fan

Ray Gonzalez

Very old theater but clean, kept up and a good place to see a movie

Anna Leonenko

I always have an amazing experience here. A great selection of true classics that you'll never find anywhere else. Incredible staff members too.

Sharon Garcia

Independent theater near the 4th Street market? Count me in! Went here on a date and they were showing the dubbed version of the original Ghost in the Shell. My date had purchased the rockets online but was running late, fortunately since he had sent me the link, I was able to get the tickets before he even got there. Overall, a great experience and I hope to come back again!

Gabriel Neeb

Great experience. Friendly staff and an eclectic selection of titles. Parking is low price if not free (time of day dependent), the concessions are pretty good. Check it out.

Eric Clark

I love this place 8t has an old school feel and it's a real good place to for events and if course the movies

Margaret Mikula

Had a great time with my husband and daughter watching The Rocky Horror Show, the shadow cast were amazing and fun. Hadn't seen it since I was a senior in high school, and that was a looonnnngg time ago. The murals on some of the building exterior walls are exquisite. The area around the Frieda Cinema (downtown santa ana, I think) is quite nice and geared toward people being together whether they were shopping, eating or catching up with friends and felt much like Barcelona Spain where we just spent several weeks.

Scott Essman

Great indie cinema!

Diana Zandate

Best art house cinema in OC, always amazing selection of film, friendly staff, small and cozy it feels like going over to a friends house love coming here!

Drew Clinton

Great little neighborhood indie theater showing classic and about to be classic film.

Patience Kleine

Great eclectic little theater, perfect for private showings, meetings, meetups and small shows.

Emil Grecian

Great local theater. Check their website every week to see what's on. Amazing Friday night movie series to catch horror classics as well.

Michael P Peaden II

Trevor is an unbelievable programmer and the selection of movies range the gamut of art house, cult classics, and old Blockbusters. Love the place and the volunteers who help run it

Bootleg Bill

Such a great theater I love it!

Sarita Why

One of the best movie theaters I've ever been too. Volunteers are awesome.

Justin Gomilla

Amazing movie theater! Attended an event here and the tickets were cheap, restrooms were clean, and service exceeded my expectations for a little theater in Santa Ana. They show older films and is perfect for a night out.

Anshuman Mitra

Cinephile Heaven

Dana Davidson

Parking here is pretty limited and the area is kinda sketchy, but the theater itself is nice. The staff are very helpful and patient, and the movies shown are niche, but still enjoyable for everyone. The theater itself is very clean, the aisles are wide and the seats are comfortable. The only complaint I have is the lack of variety on concessions. Can't wait to visit again.

arlette ochoa

We travel from the Pasadena area at least 2xs a month to watch movies here! Great staff and so many fun events. The popcorn is popped fresh and smells and tastes DELICIOUS!

Vivi Rodriguez

Wonderful little theater.

Eduardo Salazar

For film nerds

Jeremy Wan

Humble theater in Downtown Santa Ana. I came for a special screening of a limited release movie and was pleased with the theater itself. The lobby could use a little lighting to complement the wonderful decor. Ticket register can be confusing when there are a lot of people coming in, but its mostly alright. I give it 4* out of the 5 because these are mistakes that can improve the atmosphere and the experience of going to a non-franchised movie theater with it's own personality. Nevertheless, visit this theater as it will be worth your while!

Poiison CuppieCake

Awesome spot to come and see movies!! Specialy if you would like to enjoy something different. And it's not expensive!

Jay Davis

My new favorite theater! Such a friendly atmosphere and the staff is super friendly too. I’ve only been twice after discovering this gem about a week ago. I can’t wait to come back and view more movies here.

Joseph Leibrandt

Great non-profit art film theater. Support independent cinema!

Paul Carey

Great art house theater

Norma Edith Aguilar

Great cinema in downtown Santa Ana!

Harpreet Malla

Heavenly spot for indie film lovers to find uncommon fare and cult classics alike. Fully run by volunteers and decorated like a cinephile's haven.

Ian Cook

Friendly staff, great location. A wonderful place if you feel like getting a little extra culture in your life.

Rossana Alvarado

nothing rotten... no foul oder .. kind of fancy why lie.. TASTY BEER!! one for me one for him! ENGLAND is mine.

Jon Hernandez

Beautiful and friendly theatre

April McGee

Cool indie film theater for the artsy crowds. Lots of other indie retail businesses and eateries on the same street to choose from too. Best for the creatives.

Kimmy Jaber

Came here to see Promare, was awesome. Also happy to see October will be filled with awesome classics. This is a non-profit cinema that has volunteers, so don't forget to donate what you can. Always look up on the website for marathons they might be running, definitely will come back for future movies/marathons.

Traci Goodwin

I go for all my horror movie needs. Tons of indie stuff. They also run tons of awesome events and Rocky Horror. Definitely a great place to be any night of the week.

Sean Smith

Great place to see older or off the beaten path movies, from Casablanca to Buckaroo Banzai. Always friendly volunteers working there that share a passion for film.

Tobi West

Great place to see cult-classic movies! Comfortable seats, friendly service, snacks available.

David Howitt

Step back in time, bitchin theater, very friendly staff, great classics.

Luis Mendoza

Amazing movies that you cant see anywhere else.

Victoria Steger

Love the diversity of screenings here, the friendliness of the staff, and the creative artwork on display. Grab some dinner at 4th Street Market and then come here for the cutest date ever!

Csero Archer

Always a great time!

Tim Lukasik

Great theater to see unconventional but fun movies!

Robert Davis

Small but fun and lively.

Jay McWilliams

Was hell of a show lmfao

Travis Plante

Unique theater for true movie Aficionados

Linda Peterson

A gem! A place to see classic and cult movies the way they were meant to be seen.

SILVA BRIGADE HUMAN SERVICES

Could use more enthusiasm. So boring OMG.

Tony Duong

Great experience!

Loreto Carmona

It was a great theater! Great management! Clean. My mom and I drove from Long beach, to see a movie, which due to my fault of not checking the date, was not playing... the managers saw our embarrassment and disappointment and suggested another great movie And gave us complimentary tickets!! Needless to say, we will be back. And see the right movie, on the right date! Lol. Thanks guys!

Dick Jagger

A theatre showing arthouse, retro pics, and more. Went to see a 25th anniversary showing of 'Army of Darkness' and was a fun experience, which included a small orchestra playing music from the movie. Seats are old school cinema, comfortable but worn in, but not worn out. Concessions include standards, and with the added convenience of beer. Location is near many convenient eateries.

Joshua Sutton

Love the theater, the staff was horrible.

Dan Broadhead

Cool place for classic movies. Saw Clockwork Orange here. Not in a great area though so keep your eyes peeled and don't hang out too late.

cesar arciniega

Staff was friendly and helpful, popcorn and nachos were okay. There's not enough sound insulation at the entrance, so I could faintly hear people talking outside in the lobby. It's only really noticeable during quiet parts of the movie

Donovan Brown

Awesome theater with awesome shows and cast. Area around it has an amazing nightlife as well, making it a great late night spot.

Emmanuel Cabello

A wonderful cinema in the heart of OC! I love coming here to catch all of the classics. Plus, they have some truly great people working here. I recommend it to everyone.

Robert Clowdus

Great place to come and see classics on the big screen. Love the experience every time!

Cj

Love this place. They show great movies and have amazing snacks. Go support this local cinema :)

Scott Pensa

Great theater, I attended an autograph book signing for Don Coscarelli and they showed Phantasm. It was an awesome q&a with the writer and director, Don Coscarelli and with Reggie Banister.

Grant Erwin

I love the atmosphere and selection of films here. My favorite theater

David Trinh

It's a nice small theater. They show niche films like the anime movie "Promare". It seems to have two movie screens. The seats are newer and definitely better than most standard seats such as at the El Capitan. No assigned seating unfortunately. But if you're a fan of classic horror and niche films(E. G. Dracula or Tommy Wiseau's The Room), it's a nice spot to see films you'd normally watch on DVD in a theater setting with friends.

Roger Richards

The place for repertory cinema in Orange County

Steve Bryant

Excellent theater! Best selection of movies I have seen anywhere.

Nicolas Perez

Fantastic art house with a curation like no other. If you see a movie they are playing and have never heard of it, just go see it. Chances are you'll love it. Seriously, very good curation and events. All in all a great communal experience and unique time to be had in Santa ana.

Matt Fitt

We need more independent theaters like Frida Cinema!

Kai Force

Classic old theater with an Amazing Staff!! They carefully curate an awesome choice of movies, old and new, for all age groups. Their special events are Fantastic, they put a lot of time and effort into planning events and they're Great. I can't say enough good about this amazing movie house!!

Bob

Great place for retro and classic film viewing! The staff are great and events are memorable! (they could use some new seats though because these things are from the 70s...)

Kelly

I really dig all the events they have here. A variety of super entertaining showings and it's great to bring friends too!

Kyle

Amazing films, comfy chairs, and fun and friendly staff!

James LaFace

Excellent classic cinema! If you like classic movies on the big screen this is for you

Christina Cedeno

One of the best theaters in Santa Ana to catch a film. The month of the October is the best because they show a variety of horror / gore / zombie films!

Stephen Sanders

Great theater with a great community! There's are always great movies being played here.

Thaddius Dagenais

Went to see Rocky Horror Picture Show. Absolute blast, loved every minute of it all.

Ron Anderson

hi tokkllkiu u I7 have

Greg McEntyre

The Frida is a great art house theater, helping to revitalize part of Santa Ana. With connections to local businesses, fundraisers, charity events, film festivals, artists of all types, Q&A sessions with actors and directors, this theater keeps moving the bar higher. Executive Director Logan Crow is in his element running the Frida. Stop by and say hi, catch a performance of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and enjoy supporting the arts as often as you can.

Marco Montenegro

My new favorite theater. I can't believe it took me 5 years to make it here but now I can't wait to come back. Nice and clean. Friendly staff and awesome films selections. Looking forward to the really cool classic films that will be screening this summer. We just watched a Buster Keaton classic this Saturday accompanied by an organist. What an experience. I highly recommend this theater...it's more than movies it an event.

Antone Axten

Very friendly people. Operating a one of a kind movie theater in the area

Tim Bekmaz

Cool little independent theater! Had a great time. Oh and BEER!

Sonia Garcia

This place is one of a kind.

John Bower

Great theater with friendly staff and lots of cool events.

Nam Eric Doan

Not a member, but do come here occasionally, as they show some pretty cool films. Tickets are cheaper than big chain theaters too, though the venue and seating itself is a bit older.

Glenn Bush

Theater is awesome. Recently updated the seats. My family and I love attending screenings here of older movies. Reminds me of the theaters I would go to when I was kid. Friendly staff and a great movie going experience. Great pricing and easy to get to. They also serve beer and wine. Please support

Brandy Barber

Lovely, cozy indie cinema with eclectic programming for fans plus lots of fun themed nights.

JeZ Cole

Love this place they always have one of a kind events and guests. I attended their tribute to Selena two years ago. Most recently I attended the Dolores Huerta event and was able to meet Dolores and her son. The documentary based on her life was/is amazing I'm so glad they played it here!

Michael Sean Wright

A true gem for Orange County. The only indépendant, non-profit cinema in the OC. You are part of the community when you support free wheeling films here. Thoughtful programming and just plain fun.

Audrey Fisher-Price

A great theatre supported by the community. C'mon down and support this local gem!

quesna thach

Good place to see movie that aren't blockbusters. Lots of places to eat and hangout. First time there. Friendly staff. Would go again.

Matthew Millam

Kool theater!

Alec Figueroa

The Frida is an absolute blast of an arthouse cinema that NEEDS to be experienced by anyone who loves film!

Danielle H

Love it here!! So many amazing movies and great people who work there! Super classic

Manuel Delgadillo

Great Flicks!

Candace Carteen

Love love love this place. Great place to go when they have those select theater openings. This is one of the few Archie Cinemas that show those films in this area. They always got something new exciting and fun to watch. The staff is friendly knowledgeable and fun. Have questions about film? One of the many volunteers can probably give you an answer.

Chris Farmer

This movie house is one of the last places keeping old and classic movies alive these days.

Austin Chamberlain

I love this place. A film enthusiast's dream.

Kevin Lam

Art house which supports small production films or non-mainstream films. Great place to enjoy smaller films on the big screen

Pauul Kubasek

It's a great little 2 screen theater in downtown santa ana that shows some amazing movies...from indies to classics and everything in between, it's highly recommended! :)

Michael Tebo

Great art theatre. They have a warm, welcoming staff. There are shows with shadow casts here as well as Indie Films. Check it out. Parking can be a problem as it uses a local parking structure and no validations.

UnicornBuddy

Amazing theatre for anyone who likes a good movie. Clean, reasonably priced food, and extremely polite staff ready to answer any questions, this theatre is one that I love to go to and will continue to visit often.

Richard Alvarado

Great place to watch a film. If you love independent films this is most definitely a place to visit.

Jorge Urquiza

Good service and reasonable prices.

Ruby Velasco

Great art house cinema. Theres always something interesting playing at the Frida. Not as expensive as a regular movie ticket.

arron mccrory

Best little theater I've ever been to. They have great films and they offer beer!

Charles Purcell

The work they're doing here is excellent. It's a wonderful place to see some older films that you might not be able to see in a theatre anywhere else. And they have a lovely mural in progress featuring many of the films they've shown there.

Cynthia Garcia

This place is amazing, the staff are so friendly and the theater very clean. This place hold events, show documentary's, and beautiful indie movies. They have a simple concession stand and a beer or 2 on tap, definitely save movie if you buy the membership they offer.

Jon Condit

One of my favorite theaters anywhere

Devin Valdez

Love this theater. Only wish I lived closer so I could attend more often, the hour drive is still worth it when they have amazing events like the Watchmen anniversary with a Q&A from David FREAKIN Hayter! My very first visit they even waited to start the movie until everyone in the lobby got their snacks and found seats, I was blown away at how cool that was. Keep up the good work Frida, you are what all independent theaters should strive to be!

steppz .

Nice little theater. There's a parking garage behind the theater, which is convenient. Great place to see classic movies or special engagements. I went to see a documentary on the 80's Bay area thrash metal scene called Murder in the Front Row. I'll most likely be back to see some classic movies.

Gilbert Arias

Good old movies

Mark & Janet Salvaggi

Love the old movie feal.

Kyle Goebel

Very roomy, great prices, classic cinema experience overall.

Jesse Vanderhoff

Saw Pulp Fiction here. Older theater that compliments the style of the art district within Santa Ana. Certain alcoholic beverages can be purchased during shows which is unique compared to other theaters. Tickets were $10 each to this particular showing which is acceptable for the quality of the theater and the fact that older classic films are shown.

Jay Kaplan

Great

Brent

This is the heart of OC independent film community.

Nada Leon

Just remember that it's an art house type theater. You are not going to get premium recliner seating or mind blowing picture, instead you get a nostalgic experience, with cool quirky touches. They have all types of unique experiences, so keep an eye on their website. They recently had a cartoon block party, where you can dress in pajamas and eat cereal and pancakes! Where else can u find that!?

Matthew Portman

Frida Cinema never let's you down! It's easily my favorite movie theater in orange on account of the breadth of films they show here. Not only that, but they're also an independent non-profit movie theater that supports the arts! I love going there and intend to continue doing so throughout my time in Orange County.

Terra Brett

Great art house cinema. Street parking or structure behind the building.

Fernando Islas

one of my favorite theatres. i highly suggest that you come here for their throwback movies that they display on the big screen. i hope to come back soon as they often have special occasions and screenings of classics

Valeria Lucario

The kids selling tickets are nice. This is a cool place to see movies, sometimes they give you free tickets after the film!

Tiana Valdespino

Wish this place got more publicity! And I wish I could make it to more of their events. Free screenings, art shows, and performances. My friends band played here one night in one of the rooms, and they used the movie screen to project a light show as they played. Really cool. The lobby also had some local artists work on the wall which was cool to look at. Seriously such a cool place!

Franz Ferdinand

Great place to relax and catch a classic!

Joshua Green

The venue is nice and fairly priced for a arthouse theater. The only thing that bugs me is that they dont show a lot more lesser know foreign films. Stuff that may not sell tickets but would be really cool to see on the big screen. Hopefully they never get shut down though. It would be sad to see a theater like this close due to not being able to afford the space they are housed in.

Austen Manzani

Great small theatre ive never had a bad experience there

eric timmons

It's rare to find such an urban cultural experience in Orange County.

gear rack

Luv it

teray stephens

Great venue and the staff is excellent to deal with. Thank you Jordan and your team.

Jennifer Harris

Love this place.

Laura Bennett

It's eclectic and fun.

Anonymous User

Nice little community theater. A bit old, but that's to be expected. $10 tickets is a bit more than I expect for old films, but I had a good time.

Rick Johnson

This is a great, local art-house theatre. The movies and events are interesting. I love to see movies here when I can. I enjoy being exposed to good artistic movies that are NOT churned out by the Hollywood money factory.

Chris Turczynskyj

I find it difficult not to come to the Frida on a weekly basis. There is always at least one if not several amazing movies playing. You won't find reclining seats or the latest blockbuster films playing here, but what you will find are classic and indie films, and a staff that loves great movies, and it's likely someone will come out to talk to the audience briefly before your movie begins to talk about the film and upcoming films. This is my kind of theater, the kind that leaves me nostalgic, thoughtful, and/or delighted.

Mitch Weissman

A Hidden Gem!! For the Movie Connoisseur'.........Adding to the ELEMENT is an Art Gallery with One of a Kind' items!!!....A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE TO HAVE!!!

WhoLeeOohPonce

im soo happy theyre still here. love comin here n watch classic films. and the restrooms look soo clean now. love it

David Scott

One of my favorite places!

Jacob Benor

OC's best arthouse theater adds a much appreciated splash of cinematic culture to DTSA and its surroundings.

John Kuchinski

From Kurosawa to Wiseau this place champions the classics and cult films with equal joy. I was there to see The Mads and the staff were about as friendly and chill as you'll ever meet. You want to go here.

Mayra Isabel

The Frida plays the best movies you've probably never seen before, or the movies you fondly remember! The classics, the indies, the movies that changed your life! It's small but personal. The staff is the best, super friendly, they love movies and you can tell!

Oscar Garcia

Definitely a cute little local thing to do!

juan osorio

A great theater dedicated to showing unique cinema. They regularly do month long director series shows. It's a not for profit that listens to its member sponsors for choosing the cinema to be seen.

Carlos Guzman

It's raining and the water is dropping inside , so sad because the staff is very friendly.

Desiré Whitmore

Nice little art house theater. Concession stand is reasonable, and they give you normal sized popcorn not ginormous buckets. They have a very nice section of movies always.

Blake Michael Wilkins

Coolest retro theater around, with awesome lineups and fun events

lonnie sanez

Always an amazing experience. They're hands down the best theater in Orange County. Highly recommended

Nicholas Werner

Very cool vintage theater in Santa Ana. I adored the way the seats were arranged. The leg room was more than adequate. Anyone would enjoy the vintage feeling of this theater.

yvette cervantes

Great theatre and we love the movies choices and all the community events. It is really cool to know these non rprofit places exist.

Todd A

Great local art theater with a well curated calendar.

Bob Bretall

Great place to see classic movies and current indie films that never make it to the big chain theaters.

Kathleen Crehan

The Frida Cinema has great programming and a fun funky vibe. The staff and volunteers are helpful and kind and the popcorn is fresh so it’s a total win-win!

Brandon Moore

Non profit theater that loves it's movie watchers. You'll have a great time here.