Finding something to do on a Tuesday night in Bloomington usually involves a choice between a sticky-floored bar or yet another round of takeout. But honestly, if you haven’t looked at the Indiana University Cinema schedule lately, you’re missing out on the best deal in town. It’s not just a place for film students to hide from the sun; it’s a world-class venue where you can see a 35mm print of a grindhouse classic one night and a 4K restoration of a Taiwanese masterpiece the next.
The 2026 spring season is particularly stacked. I’m talking about over 80 screenings ranging from Doctor Zhivago to modern Indian police dramas. If you’ve ever felt like modern multiplexes are just loud, expensive boxes designed to sell you $10 popcorn, the IU Cinema is the antidote. It’s quiet. It’s dark. The seats are a lush crimson. And most importantly, people actually watch the movie instead of scrolling through TikTok.
What’s Actually Playing Right Now?
The Indiana University Cinema schedule for early 2026 is a bit of a whirlwind. If you're looking for something to see this week, you've got some heavy hitters coming up.
On Wednesday, January 21, they’re showing Edward Yang’s Yi Yi. It’s a 4K restoration. If you haven't seen it, it's basically a three-hour hug that makes you contemplate every choice you've ever made. Then, just to keep things weird, Thursday, January 22, features Dredd 3D. Yes, the 2012 sci-fi flick with Karl Urban. It’s part of their "Not-Quite Midnights" series, and seeing those visuals on a massive screen is honestly a religious experience for genre fans.
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Highlights You Can't Miss This Spring
- Ms. 45 (Jan 23): A 35mm print of Abel Ferrara’s revenge thriller. It's gritty, it’s loud, and it’s exactly what the Cinema does best.
- Santosh (Jan 24): A 2025 release from Northern India about a widow who becomes a police officer. It’s part of the International Art House Series.
- Twin Peaks (Feb 1): They are literally showing Season 2, Episodes 6-9. Who does that? IU Cinema does.
- Megalopolis (Jan 29): Francis Ford Coppola’s latest "fable." Love it or hate it, you have to see it on a big screen.
The Guest List is Better Than Yours
One of the coolest things about the Indiana University Cinema schedule isn't just the movies, it's the people who show up. They have this thing called the Jorgensen Guest Filmmaker Series. Basically, they fly in legendary directors and actors to just... talk. For free.
This March, Jennifer Reeder is coming to town. She’s the mind behind some of the most "monstrous femme" visionary films out there. There’s a conversation event on March 12 that you should probably circle in red on your calendar. Earlier in February, Mike Figgis is stopping by for a screening of Megadoc.
It’s kind of wild that you can sit in a room in Southern Indiana and listen to an Oscar-nominated director explain how they framed a shot. You don't get that at the AMC Bloomington 12.
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The "How To" Guide for Not Getting Shut Out
Here is the thing: the Cinema only has 260 seats. That’s it. It’s intimate, which is great until you show up five minutes late for a sold-out screening of The Hidden Fortress (which is playing Jan 22, by the way).
Tickets are usually cheap. We’re talking $5 for students and $8 for general admission. Half the stuff is free, but you still need a ticket. You can grab them online, but there’s a $1 fee. If you're cheap like me, walk over to the IU Auditorium box office during the day or show up an hour early to the Cinema lobby to get them without the fee.
Pro Tip: If a show says it's "sold out," don't give up. They have a standby policy. You stand in a line outside—yes, even if it's snowing—and about 10 minutes before the movie starts, they let in as many people as there are empty seats. I’ve gotten into some of the best shows this way.
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Why This Schedule Matters More Than You Think
In a world where everything is streamed on a 6-inch phone screen, the Indiana University Cinema schedule is a reminder that movies are supposed to be a communal event. It’s an academic unit, sure, but it feels like a neighborhood hangout.
The diversity is the point. You might go to see Doctor Zhivago on May 2 because you like epics, but then you see a trailer for a silent film with a live orchestra and suddenly your whole weekend is booked. They even do "CINEkids" screenings where kids under 12 are free. It’s the only place I know where you can find a five-year-old and a PhD candidate both staring at the same screen in total silence.
Making the Most of Your Visit
If you’re planning to hit up a screening, don't just show up at the start time. They have a strict "no late seating" policy for most big events. If you aren't in your seat five minutes before the lights go down, they might give your spot to someone in the standby line.
Also, the parking situation is... Bloomington. If you have a campus permit, you're fine. If not, the Henderson Garage is your best bet, or you can try to snag a spot on 7th Street if you’re feeling lucky.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Live Site: Head to the official IU Cinema calendar right now. The schedule updates constantly, and "Free but Ticketed" events disappear fast.
- Buy a Punch Bowl: If you plan on going a lot, look into their multi-film passes. It saves a few bucks and makes you feel like a regular.
- Follow the Blog: The "Establishing Shot" blog run by the cinema staff often gives context for the weirdest movies on the schedule. Read it before you go so you can pretend to be an expert to your date.
- Join the Newsletter: Honestly, it’s the only way to know when a surprise guest like Francis Ford Coppola is going to be announced before the tickets are gone.
Basically, stop watching Netflix on your couch this Thursday. Go sit in a red chair, turn off your phone, and let a 35mm print remind you why you liked movies in the first place.