You’re probably looking for den of thieves movie times because you just saw a gritty trailer or caught a clip of Gerard Butler looking exhausted and holding a massive rifle. It’s a mood. But here is the thing: if you head to Fandango or your local AMC app right now expecting to find a matinee for the original 2018 flick, you’re going to be staring at a "no screenings available" screen.
That sucks.
But there's a reason for it. Most people searching for these showtimes are actually caught between two worlds—the cult classic status of the first film and the massive hype surrounding the upcoming sequel, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.
The Confusion Over Current Screenings
Honestly, unless you live near a "second-run" theater or a very specific indie house doing a heist-marathon night, the original Den of Thieves isn't in wide theatrical release. It’s been years since it dropped. Christian Gudegast’s gritty Los Angeles saga has moved almost entirely to the digital space.
You’ll find people checking den of thieves movie times because they've heard rumors of a re-release. It happens. Studios love to put the first movie back in theaters a week or two before a sequel hits to drum up "theatrical organic interest." If you’re seeing listings pop up, check the date carefully. It’s likely a promotional screening or a very specific fan event at a venue like the Alamo Drafthouse, which frequently programs mid-budget action gems from the last decade.
Wait.
There is also the "Pantera" factor. Den of Thieves 2: Pantera has been the talk of action cinema circles for a minute now. Gerard Butler is back as "Big Nick" O'Brien, and O'Shea Jackson Jr. returns as Donnie Wilson. If you’re seeing showtimes listed for later this year or early next, you’re looking at the sequel. Don't show up expecting the 2018 Federal Reserve heist only to realize you’ve walked into a high-stakes diamond heist in Europe.
Where to Actually Watch the First One
Since the theatrical window for the first film is basically closed, your best bet isn't a ticket booth. It’s your couch. Currently, the licensing for Den of Thieves (the unrated version is better, by the way) bounces around between Netflix, Hulu, and Peacock.
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Streaming rights are a mess.
One month it's on Netflix’s Top 10 because a bunch of people rediscovered the shootout scene, and the next month it’s gone, tucked away on a premium cable app like Starz. If you’re dead set on seeing those tactical reloads on a big screen, keep an eye on local "Cinema in the Park" events or boutique theaters. They are the only ones still giving Big Nick the 40-foot-high treatment.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With These Showtimes Again
The search for den of thieves movie times has spiked recently because the sequel is finally a reality. Production wrapped in Europe—specifically across stunning locations in Serbia and France—and the buzz is different this time. The first movie was a sleeper hit. It was messy, long, and unapologetically masculine. Critics sort of hated it at first, calling it a "Heat" rip-off, but the audience score told a different story.
It has "rewatchability."
That’s why people are looking for theaters. They want that visceral, ear-splitting sound design of the final shootout in a calibrated room, not through tiny TV speakers. If you've never experienced the sound of the SCAR-L or the M4s in that movie through a theater-grade subwoofer, you haven't really heard them.
Predicting the Pantera Release Schedule
When Den of Thieves 2: Pantera actually hits, the den of thieves movie times will be everywhere. STX Entertainment and its partners know they have a "dad cinema" powerhouse on their hands. Expect a traditional rollout:
- Thursday night "Early Access" screenings around 7:00 PM.
- Standard Friday wide release with IMAX or Dolby Cinema options (if they can wrestle screen time away from whatever superhero movie is out).
- A heavy presence in suburban AMC and Regal locations where these types of mid-budget actioners thrive.
The plot this time follows Nick chasing Donnie into the world of diamond thieves and the infamous "Pantera" mafia. It’s a bigger scope. It’s international. It’s probably going to be just as loud.
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Don't Get Fooled by "Ghost" Listings
Google is weird. Sometimes you’ll search for den of thieves movie times and see a snippet for a theater in a different time zone or an old cached page from 2018. It’s frustrating.
Always verify the year.
If the listing says "2018," it’s an error or a private rental. If it says "2025" or "2026," you’re looking at the sequel's preliminary schedule. Most major theater chains don't even post specific hourly times until the Tuesday or Wednesday of the release week. So, if you're checking three months in advance, you’re only going to find "Coming Soon" placeholders.
The Cultural Staying Power of Big Nick
Why are we even talking about a movie from years ago? Because Den of Thieves isn't just a movie anymore; it’s a vibe. Gerard Butler’s performance as a burnout, semi-corrupt cop who is literally falling apart physically is strangely compelling. It’s the antithesis of the polished, perfect hero.
People want to see that on a big screen.
They want the tension of the "dead space" during the heists. The film’s director, Christian Gudegast, spent a lot of time with actual undercover cops and bank robbers to get the technical details right. That authenticity translates well to the theater experience, which explains why the demand for showtimes persists years after the DVD hit the bargain bin.
How to Get Notified of Real Showtimes
If you want to be the first to know when the sequel drops or if there’s a special anniversary screening of the original, don't just keep refreshing Google.
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- Set a Google Alert: Use the specific phrase "Den of Thieves 2 tickets."
- Follow Christian Gudegast on social media: He’s surprisingly active and often shares behind-the-scenes updates that hint at release windows.
- Check the "Special Events" tab: On the AMC or Regal apps, skip the main "Movies" section and look at the "Fan Events" or "Re-releases" category.
Basically, the era of "just showing up" at the theater is over. You have to be tactical, much like the characters in the movie.
Actionable Next Steps
To actually see Den of Thieves or prepare for the sequel's showtimes, do this:
First, check JustWatch. It’s the most accurate way to see where the original is streaming in 4K right now. If it’s on a service you don’t have, wait. It’ll rotate soon.
Second, if you’re looking for the new movie, bookmark the official STX Entertainment website. They post the definitive list of participating theaters about two weeks before the premiere.
Finally, if you’re a die-hard fan, look for local film festivals or "Action Fest" style events in major cities like LA, New York, or Atlanta. These are the most likely places to host a "double feature" where you can see the original and the sequel back-to-back. That is the only way you're going to get that true theatrical experience for the first film at this stage of the game.
Keep your eyes on the release calendar for the "Pantera" subtitle. That is the key to unlocking the theater doors again.