You’re probably standing in a parking lot or sitting on your couch, searching for cobb theatre movies playing because you remember the popcorn, those specific reclining seats, or maybe just the giant sign that’s been a staple in your neighborhood for years. But here’s the thing: if you’re looking for a "Cobb" sign, you might be looking for a ghost.
Actually, it’s more like a corporate witness protection program. Back in 2017, the Mexican giant Cinemex bought Cobb Theatres and started rebranding them as CMX Cinemas. Then 2020 happened, which was basically a horror movie for the theater industry. CMX filed for bankruptcy, came back, and then, in a wild twist, filed again on July 1, 2025.
So, if you’re trying to find what's on the big screen today, January 15, 2026, you’re actually looking for the CMX lineup. Most of the old Cobb spots—like the Hollywood 16 in Tuscaloosa or the Lakeside Village in Lakeland—are still running, just under the CMX flag.
What’s Actually on the Big Screen Right Now?
January used to be the "dump month" where studios sent movies to die. Not anymore. Right now, the theaters (whether you call them Cobb or CMX) are packed with some surprisingly heavy hitters.
Avatar: Fire and Ash is still the 800-pound gorilla in the room. It’s been out since December, but people are still flocking to the 3D and IMAX screenings. If you haven't seen the "Fire" Na'vi yet, James Cameron is still taking everyone's money.
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Then there’s the big horror release everyone is whispering about: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. It officially opens tomorrow, January 16, but if you’re checking the "Cobb" (CMX) listings today, many locations are running "Opening Night Fan Events." It’s Nia DaCosta directing and Cillian Murphy is back. It’s gritty. It’s loud. It’s exactly why people still go to theaters instead of waiting for streaming.
The Mid-January Lineup
- Greenland 2: Migration: Gerard Butler is back at it, trying to survive a crumbling planet. It’s a solid PG-13 disaster flick that’s pulling decent crowds.
- Zootopia 2: If you have kids (or just like sloths), this is the default choice. It’s been out a few weeks but remains a top performer at the afternoon matinees.
- Primate: This one is a bit weirder—a sci-fi horror that’s getting mixed reviews but has some incredible visual effects that look best on a premium screen.
- The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants: Another heavy hitter for families.
Why the Cobb Branding Still Sticks
It’s kinda funny how we stick to names. In Alabama and Florida especially, people still say, "Let's go to the Cobb." It's a legacy thing. The company started in 1924 in a tiny town called Fayette, Alabama. For a hundred years, it was the "neighborhood" theater chain for the South.
Even though the logo on your ticket says CMX, the bones of the theater—the CMX CineBistro setup, the luxury seating, the "SuperSaver" afternoon prices—all evolved from that original Cobb blueprint.
Honestly, the "CineBistro" experience is where the Cobb legacy really lives on. It was one of the first to really push the "dinner and a movie" concept. Today, you can sit in those overstuffed leather seats, order a burger and a local craft beer, and have it brought to you while you watch something like Marty Supreme (the new A24 flick starring Timothée Chalamet as a ping-pong pro).
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Finding Showtimes and Avoiding the "Ghost" Locations
The July 2025 bankruptcy filing was a Chapter 11, which basically means "we're fixing our debts," not "we're closing everything." However, a few underperforming spots did get the axe.
If you’re looking for cobb theatre movies playing in your specific city, don't rely on those old "CobbTheatres.com" bookmarks. They usually just redirect to the CMX Cinemas homepage.
- Check the CMX App: It’s the most reliable way to see if your local spot is still open.
- Look for "Saver" vs "SuperSaver": Most CMX (former Cobb) locations have tiered pricing now. If you go before 4:00 PM, you can usually snag a ticket for about 40% less than the prime-time Friday night price.
- Tuesday is still the "Golden Day": Most of these locations still honor the "Value Tuesday" tradition. It’s usually the cheapest ticket you’ll get all week.
The Weird Stuff: Events and Fathom Specials
One thing the former Cobb locations are doing more of in 2026 is "Event Cinema." It's not just movies.
For instance, tonight some locations are showing The Bay Area Pun-Off or 40th-anniversary screenings of Labyrinth. There’s also the IMAX EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert which is a limited-run thing. If you're bored of the standard blockbusters, these "one-night-only" events are usually tucked away at the bottom of the showtimes list.
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Making the Most of Your Trip
If you’re heading out tonight, remember that the "Cobb" experience is now very tech-heavy. Most locations are 100% reserved seating. Don't be that person who shows up and tries to find four seats together in a dark room.
Basically, book on the app. Use the "rewards" program (it’s usually free to join) because they track your points and eventually you get a free popcorn, which, let’s be real, is the only reason half of us go to the movies anyway.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Movie Night
Stop searching for "Cobb" and head over to the CMX Cinemas official site or download their app. Since 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and Avatar: Fire and Ash are the biggest draws this week, check for the IMAX or D-BOX listings specifically if you want the high-end experience. If you’re trying to save a few bucks, aim for a SuperSaver matinee before 4:00 PM. Double-check your specific location’s status, as the 2025 restructuring meant a few shift changes in theater hours across the Southeast.