7 Reasons Cinema Under The Stars is Bringin’ Back the Movie Date

We’re always on the lookout for great date ideas in San Diego, and this is a winner!

Taking a date to the movies is simply cliché. But for true romantics, there’s one cool way to flip the script.

In San Diego, drive-ins and classic theaters have undergone a cultural renaissance. Like the revival of speakeasy cocktail-clubs and vinyl records, movie’s are finally cool again!

One such place is Cinema Under the Stars. Located in Mission Hills, this killer concept has old-school vibes in a modern setting. One visit and you’ll agree they provide exception to the rule that movies make a bad first date.

So why should you go? We have 7 GREAT reasons.

# 7 Outdoor Ambiance

Drive-through theaters exude a sense of the American Graffiti era in their own right. And nothing can beat cozying up with your date underneath the San Diego starlight.

Cinema Under the Stars is decked-out with single and double recliners, love seat cabanas, blankets, heaters and more. This is a fantastic way to get intimate with your date.

Better than drooling into your cell-phones at a boring restaurant, anyway.

#6 Modern Technology

Not everyone’s a fan of black-and-white classics and that’s often what they play. Still, the ultramodern HD screen and state-of-the-art surround sound system shines. Also, the cinema has a retractable roof that allows moviegoers to attend whether there’s rain or shine.

#5 Location

San Diego is truly proud of it’s city. But the fact it spans 4,526 square miles makes it tough to “see and do” everything it has to offer.

The cinema is centrally located in Mission Hills and is typically operational after heavy traffic times. By doing so, they provide an easy getaway after a stressful week.

That means you can offer to pick your date up, no matter where they live – it’s always a classy move!

#4 Late Showtimes, Affordable Concessions

All showings begin at a reasonable 8pm. This allows ample time to knock off work, clean up and hit happy hour for a bite beforehand.

The venue offers coffee, tea, sodas, popcorn and assorted candy all for $2 each. With those prices, your budget will increase ten-fold.

#3 Reservations

Let’s be real. Typical movie theaters are a rip-off. You might spend $35 just on tickets to a boring film in a theater with sticky floors. Why not spend a meager $15-$18 at Cinema Under the Stars?

It’s also possible to reserve seats online, which is highly encouraged. If you enjoy your visit, you can then become a member. Once you do, expect a wealth of discounts and perks.

#2 Classic and Current Flicks

We all enjoy irreverent B-movies from time-to-time. But nothing beats the classics!

During the winter months (January 15 – April 30), the cinema only shows current movies. For those who want to take their date on the more old-school route, classics and cult favorites show in warmer months (May 5 – October 29). Their upcoming schedule is as follows:

Café Society – Woody Allen’s new star-studded film – Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12.
A Bigger Splash – “A sensuous, erotic potboiler” – Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19.
War Dogs – “Based on a true story” – Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26.
Sleepless in Seattle – The classic Tom Hanks film needs no introduction – Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3.
The Princess Bride – Every 80s and early-90s child’s top ten – Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10.
Love Actually – Romantic comedy template – Friday, December 16 and Saturday, December 17.

#1 Bonus Points for Originality

Bringing your date to Cinema Under the Stars will definitely solidify your status as a true romantic.

Though it’s tough to do in these tech-heavy times, it’s refreshing to scrap the cell phones for 90 minutes. You might even end up holding hands with your date.

Shocking in this day and age, we know.

Cinema Under the Stars is located at 4040 Goldfinch St. in Mission Hills. 619.295.4221.