Running across three Sundays from June 22 to August 3, Retro Rewind builds on the enthusiasm generated by recent silent film screenings like The Mark of Zorro and the Charlie Chaplin triple feature, which drew near-capacity crowds and rave reviews for their blend of live music and vintage cinema. With Retro Rewind, San Diego Theatres shifts from the silent era to the VHS generation, presenting ‘80s and early 2000s films that defined youth culture and pop entertainment.
The series opens on Sunday, June 22, with a 1pm screening of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the 1986 John Hughes comedy about one teenager’s epic day of cutting class. That evening at 6pm, Fast Times at Ridgemont High brings its unforgettable blend of teenage angst, surfer stoner antics, and classic rock to the screen. On July 13, the matinee belongs to The Goonies, a 1985 treasure-hunt adventure through booby traps and pirate lore, followed by The Lost Boys at 6pm, a darkly stylish take on teen vampires set in coastal California.
The series concludes on August 3 with two genre-bending hits. At 1pm, it’s Ghostbusters, the 1984 supernatural comedy that launched a franchise and taught us not to cross the streams. Later that night, Edgar Wright’s zombie rom-com Shaun of the Dead closes the series at 6pm with British humor and undead mayhem.
Each screening will feature fun, retro-themed concessions and drinks, continuing the theater’s tradition of turning moviegoing into an immersive experience. Two showings are available each Sunday, and tickets start at $26. All attendees must have their own ticket, and for R-rated films, children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Located in the heart of the Gaslamp, the 100-year-old Balboa Theatre has become a cherished venue for both locals and tourists seeking a more intimate, classic cinema experience. With Retro Rewind, San Diego Theatres adds a modern twist to its repertoire of throwback events, inviting fans of all ages to rediscover these iconic films the way they were meant to be seen—on the big screen, surrounded by a community of fellow fans.
Tickets and more information are available at sandiegotheatres.org/retro-rewind.
Originally published on June 8, 2025.
