The Laemmle Claremont 5, Claremont’s well-loved movie theater that called the Claremont Village its home for over 18 years, has officially taken its final bow. The Laemmle closed on January 28, 2025, leaving many members of the city mourning the loss of their local movie theater.
Although it was a sad announcement, many saw it coming. Laemmle has been struggling financially since the COVID-19 quarantine started in 2020, when people were restricted from visiting public places like theaters. This left the theater in great distress, struggling to continue when there was very little business to be had. This disaster was so dominating that the Laemmle nearly closed its doors back in 2023. Luckily, it was able to get back on its feet with support from its community, truly showcasing the love Claremont citizens have for this establishment.
One person who is proud of his love and loyalty to this theater is Octavio Hernandez, a teacher at CHS. He believes the impact that Laemmle had on Claremont was larger than what met the eye.
“I feel like films, especially [those] at the Laemmle, showed many different perspectives on the world,” Hernandez said. “I feel not having the Laemmle will really hurt the overall art of our city.”
While this closing is causing many to feel down, the lack of a movie theater in Claremont is only temporary. Regency bought the Laemmle Claremont 5 back in November of 2025 and is planning to reopen it as a movie theater in May of this year. Although Regency might not capture the original charm of the Laemmle, there will at least still be a movie theater in its place.
However, some are concerned that the new owners will cause the theater to take a turn for the worse. One aspect that has proven to be a large concern is the potential for the new owners to raise the ticket prices. One of the Laemmle’s greatest aspects was their $7 movie tickets that made involvement in art much more accessible to a wide range of citizens.
Although the rise in prices is a concern, some think that it might be worth the investment. Claremont High School freshman Claire Ferree is hoping that Regency is able to improve the movie theater experience.
“I feel like even though it will be more expensive, it will be better,” Ferree said. “Like improved seats and snacks. I think this will make more people want to go.”
With mixed emotions flying through the air, one thing is for sure: the Laemmle Claremont 5 will be missed, and our city will never feel quite the same. Whether that is for the better or worse, only time can tell.
