If you’ve ever stood in the middle of Times Square, dizzy from the neon and the guy in the bootleg Elmo suit, you know that finding a moment of peace is basically impossible. But then there’s the AMC Empire 25. It’s this massive, slightly chaotic vertical maze of cinema that’s been a staple of 42nd Street for years. Finding amc empire 42nd street showtimes isn't just about picking a movie; it’s about navigating one of the busiest theaters on the planet. Honestly, it’s a lot.
What's Actually Playing Right Now?
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what’s on the marquee. We’re currently in a weirdly packed January 2026. If you’re looking for a big, loud spectacle, Avatar: Fire and Ash is still dominating the IMAX screens with those 3D visuals that make your head spin (in a good way).
But the real talk right now is the Middle-earth marathon. For some reason, people are flocking back to see the remastered extended editions. Today, Saturday, January 17, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is the big ticket. It’s a 3-hour and 51-minute commitment, so you better hit the restroom before the Battle of Helm’s Deep starts.
If you’re not into hobbits, there’s plenty of other stuff:
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple – This one is playing in the PRIME theater with the shaking seats. It's intense.
- Marty Supreme – A bit more "artisan," usually tucked away on one of the higher floors.
- Zootopia 2 – For the families or anyone who just wants something light after a long day of NYC walking.
- Greenland 2: Migration – Disaster movie vibes for those who find Times Square too calm.
Showtimes generally start as early as 10:00 AM for the early birds and run well past midnight. Seriously, you can catch a screening of Dead Man’s Wire at 12:30 AM if you’re a night owl.
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The Layout is a Total Workout
The Empire 25 isn't your neighborhood suburban theater. It’s built upwards. You’ll be riding escalators for what feels like ten minutes just to get to your screen. Pro tip: if your movie is on Level 4 or 5, give yourself an extra 15 minutes. The escalators are slow, and the crowds are real.
IMAX vs. Dolby vs. PRIME
You've got choices here. The IMAX with Laser is great for the sheer scale. But honestly? The Dolby Cinema is where it’s at. The seats are more comfortable, and the sound doesn't just hit you; it vibrates your soul. They also have "Laser at AMC" which is their standard now—it's crisp, but it won't change your life like the Dolby room will.
Avoiding the "Tourist Tax" on Tickets
New York is expensive. We all know this. But you don't have to get completely fleeced.
Discount Matinees are a thing. If you catch a show before 4:00 PM, you usually save about 20% off the evening price. It makes that $25 ticket feel a bit more manageable.
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Then there’s the Stubs Insider thing. It’s free to join. Most people ignore it, but if you go on a Tuesday or Wednesday, tickets are often 50% off for members. In 2026, they’ve kept this going because, let's be real, mid-week business needs a boost. Also, students and military get a break—just make sure you actually have your ID on you. The staff at 42nd Street have seen every excuse in the book; they won't budge without the plastic card.
Survival Tips for the Concession Stand
You’re going to be hungry. It’s a law of nature.
The menu has expanded way beyond just popcorn. You can get Stone Fired Pizzas (about $10.99) or those Pretzel Bites with the questionable but delicious cheese sauce.
If you're feeling fancy, the MacGuffins Bar is on the house. You can grab a drink and take it into the theater. Just try not to spill your $16 cocktail when the jump scares happen in Primate.
A quick price check for your wallet:
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- Large Popcorn: $10.99 (and yes, you get one free refill)
- Large Soda/ICEE: $7.99
- All-Beef Hot Dog: $7.99
- Impossible Nuggets: $10.49 (actually surprisingly good)
Getting There Without Losing Your Mind
Address: 234 West 42nd Street.
Don't drive. Just don't.
If you absolutely must drive, expect to pay $30-$40 for parking at places like Icon or Edison ParkFast nearby. Use an app like SpotHero to book ahead, or you’ll be circling blocks until the credits roll.
The subway is your best friend here. The A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, and 7 all stop at Times Square-42nd St. It’s a short walk from the station. Just follow the "Exit to 42nd St" signs and look for the massive AMC glowing sign next to Madame Tussauds.
The Reality of the Empire 25 Experience
Is it the cleanest theater in the world? Probably not. Is it crowded? Always. But there is something undeniably "New York" about watching a blockbuster in the heart of the city. You might have a tourist talking behind you or a teenager laughing too loud, but the energy is unmatched.
It’s one of the few places where you can see a massive Hollywood film, a tiny indie flick like The Choral, and a Telugu action epic like Mana ShankaraVaraprasad Garu all under one roof.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Book Online: Use the AMC app. Don't wait for the kiosks. The lines at the Empire are legendary for being terrible.
- Check the Floor: Look at your ticket for the auditorium number. If it’s in the 20s, you’re going for a long escalator ride. Start moving early.
- Validate Nothing: This theater doesn't usually validate parking. Budget for the garage fee.
- Join Stubs: Even the free tier gets you that popcorn refill. It pays for itself in one visit.
- Scan for "Screen Unseen": If you're feeling adventurous, look for the $5 or $10 "Screen Unseen" showtimes. You won't know the movie until it starts, but it’s a cheap way to spend a Monday night.
Check the latest amc empire 42nd street showtimes before you head out, because in Times Square, things change fast. Enjoy the show.