Big Spring is one of those places where history feels heavy and the wind never really stops blowing. If you’re living in Howard County, you know the drill: options for a Friday night can feel a bit thin. That's why Cinemark Cinema 4 Big Spring is such a weirdly vital landmark. It’s not the biggest megaplex in Texas—far from it. It only has four screens. But honestly? In an era where streaming is trying to kill off the local theater, this little spot at 1801 East FM 700 is holding its own.
People often ask if it's worth the drive from places like Coahoma or Forsan. The answer depends on what you're looking for. If you want a thousand-seat auditorium with 4D seats that punch you in the back, you’re probably heading to Midland. But if you want a clean, quiet place where the popcorn is actually fresh and you don’t have to fight a crowd of teenagers just to get to the concession stand, this is your spot.
The Reality of Cinemark Cinema 4 Big Spring in 2026
Let’s be real for a second. We’ve all been to those massive theaters where the floor is so sticky you almost lose a shoe. Cinemark Cinema 4 Big Spring usually dodges that bullet. Because it’s smaller, the staff—mostly locals who probably went to Big Spring High—actually keep up with the mess.
Right now, the theater is running big titles like 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and Avatar: Fire and Ash. Because there are only four screens, the rotation is tight. You won't find those obscure indie documentaries here. You get the hits.
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What You Get for Your Money
Prices here are a breath of fresh air. While theaters in Dallas or Austin are charging upwards of $18 for a standard ticket, Big Spring has kept things grounded.
- Standard Tickets: Often hover around the $4.50 to $6.00 mark depending on the time of day.
- Discount Days: Tuesdays are still the legendary "Discount Day." If you’re trying to take a family of four to the movies without taking out a second mortgage, Tuesday is the move.
- The Concessions: Look, it’s Cinemark. You’re going to pay for that Large Popcorn. But the "Senior Day" discounts and the Cinemark Movie Rewards program actually work here, so use them.
The Seating Situation: Luxury or Retro?
There's been a lot of talk online about the seats. Some older reviews mention "horrible" chairs, but let's clear that up. Cinemark Cinema 4 Big Spring has undergone some updates. While it doesn't have the "Luxury Loungers" in every single room like the newer builds, they do have stadium seating that’s way better than the flat floors of the 90s.
Is it the peak of luxury? Maybe not. Is it comfortable enough to sit through a three-hour Avatar sequel? Yeah, it is.
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One thing most locals appreciate is the AC. West Texas heat is no joke. Walking into one of these dark rooms when it’s 105 degrees outside is basically a religious experience. Occasionally, they actually keep it too cold. My advice? Bring a hoodie, even in July. Honestly, you've probably learned that lesson the hard way already if you've lived here long enough.
Finding Your Way There
The location is basically attached to the Big Spring Mall area. It's easy to find at 1801 East FM 700. Parking is rarely an issue because, again, it’s a four-screen setup. You aren't competing with 500 other cars.
Pro Tips for the Best Experience
- Buy Online: Use the Cinemark app. Even though it’s a small theater, Friday night 7:00 PM shows for Marvel or Disney movies will sell out.
- The Kiosks: If the line at the counter is long, just use the self-service kiosks near the entrance. They’re usually faster.
- Accessibility: They do offer assisted listening devices and wheelchair-accessible seating. If you need a closed-captioning device, just ask at the box office. They're usually pretty helpful with those.
Why This Place Beats Midland
I know, I know. Midland has the IMAX. It has the fancy dining options. But Cinemark Cinema 4 Big Spring has something those places don't: peace.
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There is something deeply nostalgic about a 4-screen theater. It reminds you of a time when going to the movies was a community event, not a logistical nightmare. You see your neighbors. You see your kids' teachers. It’s "Big Spring" in the best way possible.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're planning to head out this weekend, here is exactly what you should do to maximize the trip:
- Check the schedule on the official Cinemark website or Fandango. Don't rely on third-party Google snippets that might be cached from three days ago.
- Join Movie Fan for free. It’s the basic tier of their rewards program. You earn points on the popcorn you were going to buy anyway.
- Arrive 15 minutes early. Not for the trailers—you can skip those—but to ensure you get the middle-row seats. In a four-screen theater, the "sweet spot" for sound and vision is narrower than in a massive auditorium.
- Dress in layers. Seriously. The HVAC system in this building is aggressive.
By keeping it local at Cinemark Cinema 4 Big Spring, you're making sure that the city keeps its entertainment options. Without this theater, the nearest movie would be a 45-minute haul down I-20. Nobody wants that. Support the local screens, get the extra butter, and enjoy the show.
Next Steps for Movies in Big Spring:
- Check Showtimes: Visit the official Cinemark Big Spring page for today's exact movie starts.
- Review Ratings: If you had a great (or weird) experience, leave a review on their local Google Business profile to help other Howard County residents.
- Plan for Tuesday: Mark your calendar for the next Discount Tuesday to save on both tickets and concessions.