National Cinema Day: How To See $4 Movies In San Ramon

SAN RAMON, CA — If you’d like to meet (or re-meet) Barbie, Ken, J. Robert Oppenheimer, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, or dozens of other characters for less than the price you’d normally pay for a small fountain drink, you’re in luck: The LOT Cinema at City Center is one of 3,000 theaters nationwide offering $4 tickets to any movie all day long on Sunday, Aug. 27.

The theater is participating in the second National Cinema Day, an attempt by the nonprofit Cinema Foundation to relieve flagging ticket sales. Last summer, 8.1 million people bought $3 tickets, breaking the record for single-day sales in 2022, according to a news release from Regal Cinemas.

Regal, AMC, Cinemark, and other major theater chains are participating in the promotion. The chains are also offering concession deals as well: Regal is offering a $4 popcorn and soda combo, AMC is offering a $5 popcorn and soda combo, and Cinemark is offering $1 off of any size of popcorn, soda or candy.

Taxes and online fees are not included in the price for tickets or concessions.

“Settle into those luxurious recliners, order from the full bar, and enjoy exclusive dine-in service while you watch Barbie, Oppenheimer, TMNT: Mutant Mayhem, Gran Turismo, and more,” City Center said in an announcement. Tickets can be purchased at thelotent.com or at the box office. See here for Sunday showtimes.

Nearby, Regal Hacienda Crossings ScreenX in Dublin, Livermore 13 Cinema, and the Vine Cinema and Alehouse in Livermore are also participating. For a full list of participating theaters, visit nationalcinemaday.org.