You know that feeling when you just want a movie night that doesn't cost as much as a car payment? It's getting harder to find. But tucked away at 1599 San Jacinto Ave, there is a spot that somehow manages to stay relevant while everything else changes. I’m talking about Regal San Jacinto Metro 12.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a local legend. While big-city theaters are charging $20 for a seat and another $15 for a soda, this place feels like a neighborhood stronghold. It's not just a building with screens. It’s where half the Inland Empire went for their first dates, and where families still pile in on Sunday afternoons because, let’s be real, the popcorn is actually good here.
The Recliner Revolution in San Jacinto
If you haven't been in a few years, you’re in for a shock. The old, stiff folding chairs are long gone. Most people don’t realize that Regal San Jacinto Metro 12 went through a massive glow-up. They installed those deep, electric luxury recliners that make it almost too easy to fall asleep during the trailers.
It changed the game.
Before the upgrade, it was just "the local theater." Now? It’s a destination. There’s something about hitting that little button and feeling your legs go up while the AC blasts on a 100-degree California day. It’s peak comfort.
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The sound systems are punchy, too. We’re talking all-digital projection. When you're watching something like Avatar: Fire and Ash or the 2026 re-releases of The Lord of the Rings, you want that bass to rattle your teeth. This place delivers that without the chaotic crowds you'd find at the massive megaplexes in Riverside or Temecula.
Why Locals Choose This Over the Others
Let’s talk about the competition for a second. You’ve got the Regal Edwards Temecula and the AMC over in the mall. Sure, they’re big. But they’re also a nightmare to park at.
At Regal San Jacinto Metro 12, parking is basically a breeze. You pull up, you walk in. No trekking through a three-story parking garage.
- The Vibe: It’s surprisingly clean. The staff actually seems like they want to be there, which is rare these days.
- The Food: People swear by the popcorn here. I don't know if they use a different salt-to-butter ratio or what, but it hits different.
- The Pricing: It’s competitive. If you’re a Regal Crown Club member, you’re basically stealing tickets with the amount of points you rack up.
One thing that’s kinda cool? The staff gets into it. For big premieres, you’ll often see the lobby decked out with themed decorations or a photo booth. It makes the "event" of going to the movies feel real again, rather than just scrolling through Netflix at home.
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Recent Hits and 2026 Showtimes
Right now, the lineup is looking stacked. We've got 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple pulling in the horror fans, and Zootopia 2 is basically a lighthouse for every parent in the city. If you’re looking for something weirder, they’ve been screening Primate and the anniversary re-issue of The Lego Movie 3D.
They also do these "Monday Mystery Movies." You pay five or six bucks, and you have no idea what film is playing until the lights go down. It’s a gamble, but it’s a fun way to spend a Monday night for cheap.
Managing Your Expectations
I’m not going to sit here and tell you it’s a 5-star resort. It’s a 12-screen theater in a town that’s growing fast. Sometimes the crowds can get a little rowdy, especially on Friday nights when the high schoolers descend.
And look, after the Hemet theater closed down, everyone started funneling into San Jacinto. That means prime-time shows for the big blockbusters sell out fast. If you’re planning to see a Saturday night screening of Avatar, do yourself a favor and buy the tickets on the app before you leave the house. Reserved seating is a blessing, but only if you actually reserve a seat.
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Getting There and Grabbing a Bite
The location is basically perfect if you’re hungry. You’re right near:
- Top Grill (literally a stone's throw away)
- Starbucks (for that pre-movie caffeine hit)
- Los Portales Taco Shop
It’s easy to make a whole afternoon of it. Grab a taco, hit the 3:40 PM matinee, and you’re home before the sun goes down.
Pro Tips for the Best Experience
Don't just walk up to the box office like it's 1995.
First, get the Regal Unlimited pass if you go more than twice a month. It pays for itself instantly. Second, check the "Value Days." Usually, Tuesdays are the secret handshake of movie-goers—cheaper tickets and discounted popcorn.
Finally, if you’re sensitive to noise, try the weekday matinees. It’s like having a private screening room for a fraction of the cost.
What to do next
If you're planning a trip this weekend, jump on the Regal website or the app right now to check the specific times for The Lord of the Rings marathons or the latest horror drops. Pick your seats in the middle of the house—rows F through H are the sweet spot for the best sightlines and audio balance in these specific auditoriums. Make sure your Regal Crown Club account is active so you don't miss out on the 2026 promo credits they're running for the winter season.