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Cinemas

Aero Theatre

πŸ“ Wilshire Montana, CA

β˜…4.6(566 Google reviews)

Historic Santa Monica cinema run by American Cinematheque, specialising in classic films, retrospectives, and art house screenings. Features modern seating and excellent projection quality with filmmaker Q&As and special festival programming.

βœ“ Classic cinema atmosphereβœ“ Excellent picture and soundβœ“ Filmmaker Q&Asβœ“ Art house programmingβœ“ Membership priority seatingβœ“ Walkable location
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Sean Tuell

A truly classic Los Angeles movie theater. It’s relaxed neighborhood vibe and old Hollywood charm combined with modern seating and excellent picture and sound quality make for an amazing movie experience. The American Cinematheque runs the theatre and they do an excellent job of programming the schedule. Every genre and decade of film classics from around the world are represented, from silents to modern classics, you absolutely can’t go wrong. It really gives you the freedom to choose any movie on the schedule and know it’ll be a great experience. Whether it’s a cool new discovery or a trip down memory lane, they’ve got you covered. Lots of great places to eat and drink in the neighborhood, very safe and walkable coastal location. Fun fact, the Aero is the theater Travolta & Russo meet up after a showing of the film β€œTouch Of Evil” in the film β€œGet Shorty”. I highly recommend. Happy Trails!

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with older children and teens who appreciate classic or international cinema in an intimate setting. The programming is curated and specific β€” not mainstream family releases. Excellent picture and sound quality reward film-minded audiences.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Arrive early β€” members have priority queuing and walk-in guests queue separately
⏰Check American Cinematheque's schedule for filmmaker Q&A events before booking
🎟️Small restrooms are manageable and move slowly during interval β€” go before the film
πŸš—Walkable Santa Monica location means good dining options nearby for pre or post-film meals

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.6
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566 Google reviews

Excellent picture and sound quality50%
Classic cinema atmosphere25%
Membership priority seating system15%
Friendly and helpful staff10%
S

Sean Tuell

7 months ago

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β€œA truly classic Los Angeles movie theater. It’s relaxed neighborhood vibe and old Hollywood charm combined with modern seating and excellent picture and sound quality make for an amazing movie experience. The American Cinematheque runs the theatre and they do an excellent job of programming the schedule. Every genre and decade of film classics from around the world are represented, from silents to modern classics, you absolutely can’t go wrong. It really gives you the freedom to choose any movie on the schedule and know it’ll be a great experience. Whether it’s a cool new discovery or a trip down memory lane, they’ve got you covered. Lots of great places to eat and drink in the neighborhood, very safe and walkable coastal location. Fun fact, the Aero is the theater Travolta & Russo meet up after a showing of the film β€œTouch Of Evil” in the film β€œGet Shorty”. I highly recommend. Happy Trails!”

J

John

2 months ago

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β€œIt was my first time seeing a movie at the Aero Theatre. My experience was excellent. The movie was chrystal clear and the sound was fantastic. The staff was super friendly and I already purchased a ticket to see a different movie there next week.”

D

Douglas Holmes

6 months ago

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β€œRestored recently, its a small but nice little theater. Currently a art film movie house. Nice concession stand, clean but small restrooms. Totally enjoyable experience.”

A

apm393

2 months ago

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β€œWaited over an hour to get ok at best seating, while paid members get to line up 30 minutes before with priority seating. Having to pay $85 just to guarantee good seats doesn't sit well with me. Very unpleasant experience, will not be coming back here again. That being said, screen and audio quality were both great. Staff was also pleasant enough and very informative. Expect a line for the bathroom as the theater itself is rather small, but moves surprisingly fast. The person manning the line was incredibly on top of things.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

The Aero Theatre is a restored single-screen cinema operated by the American Cinematheque in walkable Santa Monica. Programming covers classic Hollywood, international cinema, retrospectives, and special festival events often accompanied by filmmaker Q&As. Modern seating, excellent projection, and clean facilities sit inside the restored historic building. Members receive priority queuing; walk-in guests queue separately.

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