By Mario Sanguinet

June 18, 2025

For three weekends this summer, the Balboa Theatre will screen two films from (mostly) the 80s in their RETRO REWIND Summer Film Series. This is the first time the San Diego Theatres do something like this.

This summer on one Sunday each month, starting June 22, the Balboa Theatre will have a movie double feature from the 80s. A double dose of nostalgia for anyone, from the Boomers to the Zoomers. Taking all those who walk through its storied doors back in time.

The RETRO REWIND Summer Film Series will showcase two films per Sunday, one that is family friendly (rated PG-13 and below) in the early afternoon and one that is slightly less so (rated R) in the early evening. These films are another way of expanding the San Diego Theatres’ entertainment portfolio, adding to their already successful run of Silent Movie Mondays, which recently wrapped up its first season.

“It’s a way to pass down these experiences,” said Ivan Valdez, Director of Marketing & Communications at the San Diego Theatres. “We wanted to do it in a way that was approachable to all ages [with the PG and PG-13 films] and then something a little racier [with R films].”

The films selected to be screened during this (mostly) 80s rewind are certified cult classics and crowd favorites. 

The first of these double features will be on Sunday June 22. At 1 p.m. you will be able to watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Then at 6 p.m. you can watch the film that launched the teen movie genre as we know it today and is based off San Diego’s own Clairemont High: Fast Times at Ridgemont High. 

The second of these double features will be on Sunday July 13. Enjoy the Steven Spielberg produced adventure and beloved classic The Goonies at 1 p.m. Then come back at 6 p.m. for a different vampire coming of age film in The Lost Boys.

The final installment of this inaugural season of double feature will be on Sunday Aug. 3. Experience the call and response engendered by the all-consuming earworm in Ghostbusters. And wrap up the RETRO REWIND Summer Film Series by coming to see Simon Pegg fight zombies in Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead.

“Revisiting cult classics on the big screen is a time-honored tradition that we are thrilled to continue at the Balboa Theatre,” said Steven Johnson, Vice President, Business Development, Marketing and Communications for San Diego Theatres. “This series of classics in the Balboa Theatre will make you feel like you did the first time you experienced them.” 

If you have never seen any of these films or want to catch them again on a big screen or in a movie theater, now is the time. While there are a few places around town that hold outdoor movie nights, from the beach to rooftops, it might be worth remembering: there are no true movie theaters or cineplexes in downtown San Diego. At least not anymore. There used to be a few, but they now mostly live in our memories.

You could absolutely avoid leaving your house and watch any of these films from the comfort of your own couch, in your most comfortable stretchy pants, on your streaming service of choice. But then you would be missing on the specialty themed cocktails and treats the Balboa is preparing for each of these screenings.

Besides, there is something truly communal and unique about watching a movie on a big screen, “that indescribable feeling we get when the lights begin to dim.” And what better way to escape the summer heat and global events than with movie nostalgia.

To learn more about San Diego Theatres RETRO REWIND Summer Film Series or buy tickets for any of the screenings visit their site.