Editors Note: Nicole DeVries, was a staff writer for the Spartan Daily in the Spring 2025 semester.
Located just two blocks from San José State on the corner of South Second and San Carlos streets, 3Below Theaters blends films, themed screenings and live performances.
Nicole DeVries, SJSU alumna and 3Below Theaters staff member, has worked at the theater since August.
“I would describe 3Below as a comfortable, fun, and eclectic space that brings movies and theater to life in a unique way,” DeVries said. “We focus on creating community and connection through films, giving experiences a personal touch that you won’t find at a standard movie theater.”
She said the theater themes its spaces with recognizable movie references – including hidden doors decorated like scenes from The Wizard of Oz and the Harry Potter franchise.
Inside the theater you’ll see they have a retro theme going in the lobby. However, when walking into the theaters each one seems to have its own theme, which depends on what is being screened.
The staff has even been leaning into preparing for “Wicked: For Good” with an Elphaba statue and a yellow brick road pathway inside the venue.
“Every day just feels fun when you’re here,” she said.
3Below Theaters offers a student discount that can be used for both tickets and concessions, such as: “Free Film Wednesdays”, “Bottomless Popcorn”, and “$5 Fridays.”
Michael Coaxum, staff member, said many students still don’t know about it.
“Yes, we do have a student discount both for the tickets and for snacks … we also hand out coupon books with a bunch of deals in them,” Coaxum said.
These booklets are super accessible and easy to obtain. Simply head into 3Below, show your student ID, and request one.
The theater has been intentionally curating programming that is geared to student interests and identities.
DeVries said one of the theater’s major efforts is “The Big Screen Project,” which includes a collection of film series centered around different communities and perspectives.
“Some of our notable series include Reel Justice, focusing on African American stories, Reel Pride, highlighting LGBTQIA+ experiences, and Reel Heroes, exploring stories around disability and caregiving,” she said.
The Big Screen Project is a year-long film initiative at 3Below featuring 18 curated series and hundreds of films. The purpose of this project is to inspire conversation and connections, inviting the community to come together, according to 3Below.
DeVries mentioned one of her favorite series that just started is the “Omg I Love That Movie” series.
This series highlights heavily quoted and rewatched films like “Mean Girls,” with themed experiences like mocktails or costume nights.
Jasmine Reyes, an SJSU third-year psychology student, attended a screening of the Smashing Machine.
“It feels like you’re just hanging out in a space that’s made for people who actually enjoy movies … there’s little doors here and there that open up with the most random cutest things,” Reyes said.
“I think the best sellers are definitely the gelato. We usually sell out of that really fast…we offer free samples too, so come by just for the samples” Coaxum said.
Coaxum said one of the films currently generating excitement is “The Smashing Machine.”
“We just started showing that and we’ve had a lot of people come in. So pretty excited for it,” he said.
For DeVries, the larger goal is helping more students feel at home downtown.
“3Below stands out because it is community-focused and always has something unique happening … we want students to feel welcome and excited to make 3Below their go-to movie theater since we’re two blocks down the street from SJSU.” she said.
