Roxie Cinema, Independent movie theater in Mission District, San Francisco, US

The Roxie Theater, known as Roxie Cinema, is a 300-seat movie theater at 3117 16th Street in the Mission District of San Francisco. Its neon marquee has no space for movie titles. A second 49-seat room, the Little Roxie, opened two doors away in 2003.

The Roxie was founded in 1912 and has operated continuously since, making it one of the oldest movie theaters in the US. Renamed the Roxie in 1933 after earlier names including the Poppy, Rex and Gaiety, it gained its neon marquee with no space for film titles. In 1976 four film lovers bought it and turned it into an arthouse cinema; a 49-seat Little Roxie opened in 2003.

The Roxie focuses on independent and international films that rarely reach mainstream theaters. The programming draws a loyal crowd that returns regularly for special screenings and conversations with filmmakers.

The theater is a short walk from the 16th Street BART station, so it is easy to reach without a car. Tickets for special screenings tend to sell out quickly, so booking ahead is a good idea.

Both screening rooms have wider seats designed for larger-bodied patrons, which is rare in small independent theaters. The Roxie was also among the first cinemas in San Francisco to offer gender-neutral restrooms.