Upcoming Movie Screenings in San Francisco, CA
The Roxie Theater and Mechanics' Institute frequently serve as primary locations for movie screenings in San Francisco. Local film enthusiasts often find events scheduled at the Marina Theater and the Balboa Theater, while virtual options provide additional ways to view content from home. These screenings typically cluster around the weekend, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday being the most active days for the city's cinema scene. Scheduling often favors evening sessions, though morning and afternoon time slots are also common components of the local rotation. Because major studios include this market in their promotional circuits, residents can access free advance screenings for various upcoming releases. This variety of venues and times ensures that there are multiple opportunities to catch films across the city throughout the week. Cinefind tracks new screenings and can auto-RSVP you to ensure you do not miss out on these events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which theaters in San Francisco host free movie screenings?+
Free screenings in San Francisco are frequently hosted at the Roxie Theater, Mechanics' Institute, Marina Theater, and the Balboa Theater, with virtual screenings also available.
What are the best days to find movie screenings in San Francisco?+
The most common days for screenings in the city are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
What time of day do San Francisco film screenings usually start?+
Most events are scheduled for the evening, though there are also many screenings held during the morning and afternoon hours.
Do I have to pay for advance screenings?+
It depends on the screening. Many advance passes from studios and distributors don't cost anything, while others are ticketed - each listing shows what's required to attend.
Does a pass guarantee me a seat?+
Usually not. Most screenings are intentionally overbooked so the theater fills up, and seats go first-come, first-served at the door. A pass gets you in line, not a reserved seat.
How early should I arrive?+
Earlier than you think. For big releases, people line up well before showtime. Plan on getting there at least 45-60 minutes early, and earlier for major titles.
How do I get passes on Cinefind?+
Create a free account to see the RSVP link for any screening. Pro members can turn on alerts for films they're watching and Auto-RSVP, so Cinefind can try to claim passes for them as soon as they drop.
What's the difference between an advance screening and a repertory screening?+
Advance screenings happen before a film's release, usually with a pass rather than a ticket. Repertory screenings are showings of already-released or classic films, typically ticketed by the theater.
Upcoming Screenings in San Francisco
16 films · 17 screenings
Focker-In-LawMonday, November 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM — AMC Metreon 16 IMAXAvailable on 1 siteGet the RSVP link
EbenezerMonday, November 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM — AMC Kabuki 8Available on 1 siteGet the RSVP link
Allowed to Birth: The Journey of a Global MidwifeWednesday, November 4, 2026 at 11:30 AM — The NEONAvailable on 1 siteGet the RSVP linkWednesday, December 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM — BATS Improv TheatreAvailable on 1 siteGet the RSVP link
ForbiddenFriday, November 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM — Mechanics' InstituteAvailable on 1 siteGet the RSVP link
Pacific HeightsFriday, November 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM — Roxie TheaterAvailable on 1 siteGet the RSVP link- The Charlie O'Leary StoryFriday, November 6, 2026 at 11:30 AM — United Irish Cultural CenterAvailable on 1 siteGet the RSVP link
Hold on to Your Music - A Mother's LegacySunday, November 8, 2026 at 9:00 AM — Jewish Community Center of San FranciscoAvailable on 1 siteGet the RSVP link
Monsieur AznavourTuesday, November 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM — Alliance Française de San FranciscoAvailable on 1 siteGet the RSVP link
InterstellarWednesday, November 11, 2026 at 1:30 AM — AMC Metreon 16Available on 1 siteGet the RSVP link
Baby FaceFriday, November 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM — Mechanics' InstituteAvailable on 1 siteGet the RSVP link
Friday the 13thFriday, November 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM — Roxie TheaterAvailable on 1 siteGet the RSVP link
Ladies They Talk AboutFriday, November 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM — Mechanics' InstituteAvailable on 1 siteGet the RSVP link
Remember the NightFriday, December 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM — Mechanics' InstituteAvailable on 1 siteGet the RSVP link
Cameron Winter at Carnegie HallSaturday, December 5, 2026 at 4:00 PM — Roxie TheaterAvailable on 1 siteGet the RSVP link
Le filTuesday, January 19, 2027 at 10:00 AM — Alliance Française de San FranciscoAvailable on 1 siteGet the RSVP link
FragileTuesday, March 9, 2027 at 10:00 AM — Alliance Française de San Francisco, 1345 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94109Available on 1 siteGet the RSVP link
Past Screenings
The Gymnasts of Fisherman ColonySunday, November 1, 2026 at 1:00 PM — Roxie TheaterThis screening has passed.
The GhostSunday, November 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM — United Irish Cultural CenterThis screening has passed.
SéanceSaturday, October 31, 2026 at 1:00 PM — Roxie TheaterThis screening has passed.
UsFriday, October 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM — Roxie TheaterThis screening has passed.
Steel MagnoliasFriday, October 30, 2026 at 11:00 AM — Mechanics' InstituteThis screening has passed.
The Nightmare Before ChristmasFriday, October 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM — Manny'sThis screening has passed.
The Great ExperimentThursday, October 29, 2026 at 6:00 PM — Roxie TheaterThis screening has passed.
Playing with Fire: An Ecosexual EmergencySunday, October 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM — Roxie TheaterThis screening has passed.
The Promise of LoveSunday, October 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM — United Irish Cultural CenterThis screening has passed.
One in a MillionSaturday, October 24, 2026 at 3:40 PM — Roxie TheaterThis screening has passed.
CasperSaturday, October 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM — 4-Star TheaterThis screening has passed.
Take Me HomeFriday, October 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM — Roxie TheaterThis screening has passed.
Hocus PocusFriday, October 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM — Roxie TheaterThis screening has passed.
BitchWednesday, October 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM — El RioThis screening has passed.
The Last WaltzWednesday, October 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM — Jewish Community Center of San FranciscoThis screening has passed.
This Is BuzzTuesday, October 20, 2026 at 8:20 PM — Roxie TheaterThis screening has passed.
Her SongTuesday, October 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM — 1345 bush streetThis screening has passed.
The ScoutSunday, October 18, 2026 at 5:15 PM — Roxie TheaterThis screening has passed.
The 9 Lives of Barbara DaneSunday, October 18, 2026 at 3:10 PM — Roxie TheaterThis screening has passed.
George Kuchar: An InterviewSunday, October 18, 2026 at 7:00 AM — Phyllis Wattis Theater, SFMOMA 1st floorThis screening has passed.