Movie night gets a glow up at Regent’s Cinema by the Sea

Movie night in Santa Monica is getting a glow-up!

Cinema by the Sea –– a six-week, oceanfront film series that blends boutique hospitality with a distinctly local theme –– debuts Saturday night at the Regent Santa Monica Beach.

The series transforms the hotel’s lower pool deck (separate from the pool itself) into an intimate outdoor theater with lounge chairs, couches, and fire pits overlooking the ocean.

“This isn’t a generic movie night,” Regent spokesperson Lauren Green tells The Sun. “We wanted to create something that reflects Santa Monica’s place at the end of Route 66 — something that celebrates travel, storytelling, and summer.”

Each screening is capped at 50 to 60 guests, she says, creating a more curated, upscale alternative to the city’s larger free movie events.

The lineup follows that road-trip theme, mixing family favorites with cult classics:

• July 25: Cars (G)
• August 1: Eat Pray Love (PG-13)
• August 8: To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (PG-13)
• August 15: Little Miss Sunshine (R)
• August 22: Almost Famous (R)
• August 29: Grease (PG)

Tickets are $40 and include unlimited popcorn, a candy bar, soft drinks, and complimentary bottled water.  The resort will also provide blankets, but guests may still want to bring a jacket for once that ocean breeze kicks in.

Movie-goers can also order from a curated menu of upscale comfort food like sliders and fries, along with themed cocktails inspired by each film. For Grease, that includes a custom “Pink Lady Elixir.”

“It’s about translating the films into the experience,” Green says.

Looking to make a night of it?  The hotel’s restaurant, Orla by Michael Mina, sits just steps from the screening area, providing an easy pre-show dinner option.

While Santa Monica has no shortage of outdoor movie events, Cinema by the Sea is clearly aimed at a different audience — one looking for a more polished, hospitality-driven night out.

“It is a luxury resort experience—we have everything covered,” Green says.  “It’s just great, fun vibes.”