News Summary
As the fall movie season approaches, San Diego prepares an array of cinematic experiences, featuring spooky films and nostalgic classics. The city’s theaters are presenting special programs like horror classic screenings at the Davis-Horton House, family favorites at the Rooftop Cinema Club, and unique outdoor events. With surprise film screenings and Halloween-themed gatherings, San Diego’s cinemas are set to engage and entertain audiences, ensuring movie lovers have plenty of options to celebrate the season.
San Diego is gearing up for an exciting fall movie season, offering a wide range of theatrical experiences that highlight both spooky films and nostalgic classics. Local theaters are presenting several unique programs designed to cater to horror film enthusiasts, families, and those seeking a taste of timeless cinema.
One of the most exciting offerings is at the Davis-Horton House in the Gaslamp Quarter, which is screening horror classics such as Night of the Living Dead and House on Haunted Hill. These screenings come with a self-guided haunted tour, adding a chilling layer to the experience for those brave enough to attend.
The Rooftop Cinema Club is also embracing the spooky season with special programming titled “Put a Spell on You.” The lineup includes family favorites like Hocus Pocus and spooky thrillers such as Practical Magic and The Silence of the Lambs. This charming rooftop venue provides a unique backdrop for enjoying these beloved films under the stars.
Additionally, the Angelika Film Center and Reading Cinemas will introduce audiences to “Top Secret Cinema,” featuring surprise film screenings. Themes will include “Hitchcock-tober” and “Noir-vember,” offering a mysterious twist for attendees eager to see what cinematic gems unfold each week.
The Balboa Theatre will entertain audiences with a diverse selection of films, including screenings of the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show, featuring a live shadow cast, and the silent horror film Nosferatu accompanied by live organ music—a treat for film and music lovers alike.
Mission Hills is hosting an outdoor cinema that showcases short horror films created by local indie filmmakers, benefiting from an intimate and cozy setting that encourages community engagement around Halloween-themed storytelling.
Regal Mira Mesa will celebrate horror with its “31 Screams on Screen” event, showcasing a number of famous horror titles, including Friday the 13th, and complementing the screenings with themed snacks that match the films’ scary aesthetics.
Meanwhile, the historic La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas, known as the oldest movie house in San Diego, will feature nostalgic classics this fall, including Beetlejuice and The Stepfather, catering to fans of retro cinema.
In terms of upcoming theatrical releases, audiences can look forward to Black Phone 2, scheduled for October 17, as well as Guillermo del Toro’s anticipated Frankenstein, and a re-release of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Moreover, starting October 29 through November 2, all five Twilight films will return to select theaters to commemorate their 20th anniversary.
Family-friendly Halloween-themed films will also be showcased in various city and county parks, with favorites like Coco and Hocus Pocus set to entertain audiences of all ages.
Special outdoor screenings at Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel, titled the Ritual Pool Cinema, will feature Halloween films, adding a refreshing dimension to movie nights in the scenic surroundings of the hot springs.
The Digital Gym Cinema will also hold a double feature with Spanish-language horror films, enriching the community’s cinematic offerings during the Halloween season.
Lastly, the San Diego Halloween Film Fest is scheduled for October 31, promising a lively atmosphere where costumes and indie films come together, fostering local talent and creativity within the community.
This fall, San Diego promises a blend of thrills, chills, and nostalgia, providing a wealth of options for moviegoers to embrace the Halloween spirit.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Magazine: Fall Movie Screenings
- IGN: San Diego Comic-Con 2025
- San Antonio Current: Fall Film Frenzy
- Google Search: Fall Movies 2025
- Fox5 San Diego: Fall Movie Guide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film
- NBC San Diego: Killer Movie Franchise
- Google News: Future Movie Releases 2025
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
