Tucson has plenty of flashy new spots to catch a flick, but honestly, there is something about the Cinemark Century El Con 20 that just feels like home. It's tucked away at 3601 East Broadway Boulevard, right where the old-school vibe of the El Con Mall meets the modern XD screen experience. If you’re hunting for el con theater tucson movie times, you’ve probably noticed they have a massive lineup. We’re talking 20 screens. That is a lot of popcorn.
One thing you'll notice quickly is that while the newer theaters in town are all about those fancy leather loungers that basically turn into a bed, El Con has kept things a bit more traditional. Now, don't get me wrong—some of the seats have been updated, but you aren't always going to get that full "lay flat and sleep through the trailers" experience here. For some of us, that's actually a plus. It feels like a real movie theater, not a living room. Plus, the ticket prices often reflect that, making it a go-to for families or anyone who doesn't want to drop fifty bucks just to see a two-hour comedy.
Catching the Right Vibe: El Con Theater Tucson Movie Times and Formats
Checking the schedule here can be a bit of a whirlwind because they rotate films fast. Since it's a 20-screen house, they carry everything from the massive Marvel blockbusters to those random indie films that only stay in theaters for a week.
If you're looking for the "big" experience, you have to look for the XD tag next to the showtimes. XD is Cinemark’s version of IMAX. It stands for Extreme Digital. Basically, the screen is massive—wall-to-wall and ceiling-to-floor—and the sound system is tuned to be loud enough to rattle the ice in your soda. It’s definitely the way to go for something like Avatar: Fire and Ash or whatever high-octane thriller Gerard Butler is starring in this month.
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What’s Playing Right Now?
- Blockbusters: You’ll find the heavy hitters like Zootopia 2 and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple taking up multiple screens.
- Special Events: El Con is great about hosting Fathom Events or "Premiere Nights." Recently, they had a Gundam Double Feature that brought out the hardcore fans.
- Classic Series: They often run anniversary screenings. Catching The Lord of the Rings on the big screen in 2026 is a whole different vibe than watching it on your couch.
The showtimes usually kick off around 11:00 AM for the early birds and stretch all the way to 10:30 PM or 11:00 PM for the late-night crowd. Honestly, if you can swing a mid-day Tuesday, do it. Cinemark does this "Discount Tuesday" thing where tickets are way cheaper. You just have to sign up for their Movie Fan program, which is free. It’s a no-brainer.
Navigating the El Con Experience
Let’s talk about the actual theater for a second. It's located in what was Tucson’s first regional shopping mall. Because of that, parking is usually a breeze—there is a giant lot right in front of the theater. You aren't going to be circling for 20 minutes like you might at some of the downtown spots.
Inside, it's classic Cinemark. The arcade is still there, which is a great way to kill ten minutes if you show up too early. The concessions are what you'd expect: popcorn, nachos, those giant Icees that give you a brain freeze if you’re not careful. Some people complain that the theater can get a little warm in the summer, especially during those 110-degree Tucson July days. It’s worth bringing a light hoodie just in case they’ve overcompensated with the AC, or being prepared for it to be a bit "cozy" if the system is struggling.
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Why Locals Keep Coming Back
You might wonder why people choose El Con when the Tucson Marketplace or Park Place theaters are right there. It comes down to availability. With 20 screens, el con theater tucson movie times are just more frequent. If you miss the 7:00 PM start at another theater, El Con probably has a 7:15 PM, a 7:30 PM, and a 7:45 PM.
Also, the staff is generally super chill. It’s a high-volume place, so they’ve seen it all. Whether it's a rowdy opening night for a horror movie or a quiet Sunday morning matinee, the energy is pretty consistent. It’s a community hub. You’ll see students from the U of A, families from the Sam Hughes neighborhood, and retirees catching the early bird specials.
Pro-Tips for Your Visit
- Book Online: Use the Cinemark app or Fandango. It saves you from standing in line at the kiosk, and you can pick your seats in advance. Reserved seating is pretty much standard now.
- Check the Format: Don't accidentally book a Spanish-dubbed (en Español) screening unless that’s what you’re looking for. They offer several.
- The Movie Club: If you go more than once a month, the paid Movie Club membership pays for itself because you get a free ticket every month and 20% off snacks.
El Con isn't trying to be the fanciest theater in Arizona. It’s trying to be the most reliable one. It's the place where you go when you just want to see a movie without all the extra "luxury" fluff that sometimes makes going to the cinema feel like a chore. Just a big screen, a dark room, and a big bucket of popcorn.
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To make the most of your trip, check the current schedule on the Cinemark website about an hour before you head out. Showtimes can shift slightly, especially on opening weekends. If you're heading there on a weekend evening, give yourself an extra 15 minutes for the popcorn line—it can get legendary.
Actionable Next Step: Open the Cinemark app or visit their official site to see the specific el con theater tucson movie times for today. If it’s Tuesday, make sure you’re logged into your rewards account to see the discounted pricing before you hit "purchase."