Regency Buena Park Downtown 18 & REX

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.

It was taken over by Regency Theatres and reopened on July 15, 2026 as the Regency Buena Park Downtown & REX.

Recent comments (view all 22 comments)

N8 on November 7, 2017 at 8:54 pm

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 :)

ridethectrain on July 7, 2025 at 2:58 pm

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

OldManDave on January 24, 2026 at 1:48 pm

1/24/26: Website says “temporarily closed”. Anyone know why?

CTCrouch on January 25, 2026 at 12:37 am

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.

jmarellano on February 3, 2026 at 6:44 am

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.

CTCrouch on February 4, 2026 at 8:27 am

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.”

BigScreen_com on February 23, 2026 at 3:26 pm

Buena Park, CA: Krikorian Buena Park Metroplex 18 Closed [Feb 23, 2026]

ForgttenDayton on May 17, 2026 at 12:39 pm

George Krikorian owner of Krikorian Premiere Theatres still owns and operates the 10 screen LexLive.

jmarellano on July 21, 2026 at 9:37 am

This theater was never an AMC. Its still closed. In fact it will be reopening sometime in the future under Regency Theaters. They have posters up around the building announcing the reopening soon.

m00se1111 on July 21, 2026 at 11:31 am

Updated on BigScreen July 15th

theatre will be open as “Regency Buena Park Downtown 18 & REX” - no involment from AMC..

https://www.bigscreen.com/j/Buena-Park-CA-Regency-Buena-Park-Downtown-18–REX-Coming/8409

REX is the naming of the bigscreen enhanced experience at a Regency Theatre.