Krikorian Buena Park Metroplex
8290 La Palma Avenue,
Buena Park,
CA
90620
8290 La Palma Avenue,
Buena Park,
CA
90620
2 people
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Krikorian Premiere Theatres
Firms: Perkowitz + Ruth
Previous Names: Metroplex 18 at Buena Park Downtown
Nearby Theaters
Krikorian’s Metroplex 18 was opened May 2, 2003 with 4,800-seats. Built behind the Buena Park mall, as part of a mall redevelopment project, the freestanding structure sits on the former site of a JC Pennys, in an entertainment strip known as the “Buena Park Downtown”. The theatre was intended as Krikorian Premiere Theatres' flagship location and the company’s first venture in to a new style of megaplex, the “metroplex”.
With a classic movie palace inspired lobby and high end accoutrements throughout, the metroplex was planned to bring together the grand movie going experience of yesteryear’s movie palaces with the function of modern megaplexes. From imported crystal chandeliers and commissioned artwork to a custom designed Klipsch sound system and top of the line equipment, no expense was spared. At some point, the effort almost took on a “spending money for the sake of spending money” approach and several of the luxury features, such as the “sky bar lounge” never materialized as fully functional
Unfortunately, the grand vision never lived up to attendance expectations, as the theatre has settled in to a rather average megaplex business level. Isolated behind a half vacant mall, that never kept pace with the theatre, the metroplex stands as somewhat of a wasted effort. It was closed on January 24, 2026.
Contributed by
ecorche
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Recent comments (view all 18 comments)
Buena Park is now developing another “revitalization” project, which includes a movie theatre, about two miles from this center. Located on a twelve acre property, at the corner of Orangethorpe and Beach, the 450,000+ square foot retail and entertainment complex, branded “The Source”, is slated to have a 1,200 seat cinema. No operator has been named for the theatre yet and the seating capacity suggests it will be relatively small (perhaps a luxury concept or dine-in?), but, considering the lackluster shopping complex Krikorian has to work with, any direct competition will likely be bad news for the Metroplex 18.
Hasn’t that project been in the works now for like 6 years? Will it finally get off the ground?
They have started work on the site and their first stage (I’m not sure what stage the theatre is tied in to) is slated for an early 2015 opening.
This opened on May 2nd, 2003. Its grand opening ad can be found in the photo section.
I have been going to this theater since I was a young boy! I LOVE this theater! Yes the mall surrounding it is a failed mall but this theater has charm! Test it go out in the winter stand in the court yard in front of the theater and just enjoy. And then go in and watch a movie! I’m always treated by happy smiling faces of people always willing to have a conversation. Thisbtheater is definitely something special :)
Please rename theatre to Krikorian Buena Park Metroplex and the total seats is 2,048, it has recliners.
Seating Capacity:
Theatre 1, 9, 10 and 18 218
Theatre 2, 3, 4, 5, 14, 15, 16 and 17 67
Theatre 6 and 13 65
Theatre 7, 11 and 12 127
Theatre 8 127 Dolby Atmos
Theatre 9 218
Theatre 10 220
1/24/26: Website says “temporarily closed”. Anyone know why?
Perhaps, the temporary closure is due to demolition work on the neighboring Sears property; something like a hazardous waste removal stage in the project (maybe asbestos abatement). I have no idea if that’s the reason, but it seems feasible.
Heard that the mall has evicted Krikorian and will be taking over the theater. Possibly have another operator come in at a future date. No idea on how long this will be closed for.
Looks like you are right. Their website has posted a closure notice: “Krikorian Premiere Theatres Buena Park Metroplex 18 is Now Closed. We would like to sincerely thank our patrons, the community and, most of all, our loyal staff for 22 years of amazing memories amazing popcorn and amazing times at the movies.”