Honestly, the biggest mistake people make with Lincoln Center movie showtimes is assuming they’re just checking a local AMC schedule. I’ve seen it a dozen times. Someone shows up at the Metropolitan Opera House looking for the popcorn counter, only to realize the "movie" they’re looking for is actually a 4K restoration playing in a basement theater across the street.
Lincoln Center isn't one building. It’s a massive cultural campus.
If you’re looking for a flick here, you’re likely dealing with Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). They operate the Walter Reade Theater and the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center. This isn't where you go for the latest Marvel blowout; it’s where you go for the Venice Golden Lion winners or a retrospective on Diane Keaton.
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The Confusion Over Venues and Times
You've got to be specific about where you're headed. The Lincoln Center movie showtimes for the New York Jewish Film Festival (NYJFF), which is running right now through January 28, 2026, mostly live at the Walter Reade Theater at 165 West 65th Street.
But then there's the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center just across the way at 144 West 65th Street. That spot has two smaller theaters: the Francesca Beale and the Howard Gilman. If your showtime says "EBM," don’t go to the Reade. You’ll be late. Trust me.
Showtimes here are precise.
Unlike the multiplexes that run 25 minutes of trailers, FLC screenings usually start within five to ten minutes of the listed time. If the schedule says 6:15 PM for Jim Jarmusch's Father Mother Sister Brother, you should be in your seat by 6:10 PM.
What’s Playing Right Now (January 2026)
The current slate is heavy on international heavyweights and festival darlings. If you're looking at the calendar for this week, here is the vibe of the current Lincoln Center movie showtimes:
- Father Mother Sister Brother: Jim Jarmusch’s latest starring Adam Driver and Cate Blanchett. It’s a Venice winner and it's playing multiple times a day (usually around 1:15 PM, 3:45 PM, 6:15 PM, and 8:45 PM).
- The Secret Agent: Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho. It’s a Brazilian epic that won big at Cannes. Expect showtimes scattered throughout the afternoon and late evening.
- It Was Just an Accident: Jafar Panahi’s Palme d'Or winner. This one is a must-see for the cinephile crowd.
- Resurrection: A 160-minute dreamlike journey from Bi Gan. Note the runtime—this is a commitment.
The New York Jewish Film Festival is also in full swing. On January 22, you’ll find All I Had Was Nothingness at 2:30 PM and 7:45 PM. Then there's the closing film, Fantasy Life, starring Amanda Peet, which wraps things up on January 28.
Why the Walter Reade is Different
The Walter Reade Theater is widely considered one of the best places to watch a movie in the world. Seriously. The sightlines are perfect. There’s not a bad seat in the house.
It also has a massive screen and top-tier sound, but it feels intimate.
The Furman Gallery is right outside the theater doors, usually hosting some sort of film-related exhibit. It’s a great place to kill twenty minutes if you’re early. And you should be early because the FLC crowd is serious. These aren't people checking their phones during the climax. They’re people who will audibly sigh if you kick their seat.
Getting Your Tickets Without the Headache
Don't just walk up to the box office at 7:00 PM for a 7:00 PM show.
While you can buy tickets on-site, the popular screenings—especially for the NYJFF or new Jarmusch releases—sell out fast. General public tickets are usually $19. If you’re a student or a senior (62+), it drops to $16.
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Members get the best deal at $14, plus they get that sweet early access.
Standby Lines: The New York Tradition
If a show is "Sold Out" online, all hope isn't lost.
Lincoln Center has a legendary standby line system. You show up about an hour before the Lincoln Center movie showtimes and stand in a literal line outside the venue. If there are no-shows or extra house seats, they release them one by one right before the lights go down. It’s a gamble. Sometimes you win, sometimes you’re standing in the cold on 65th street for nothing.
Navigating the Campus
Getting there is easy if you know the subway. The 1 train stops right at 66th Street-Lincoln Center. If you take the A, B, C, or D, you’re getting off at Columbus Circle and walking north about six blocks.
Parking? It’s a nightmare.
There is a garage under Lincoln Center (entrances on 62nd and 65th), but it’ll cost you. You’re looking at $40 to $50 unless you find a pre-pay deal on an app. Honestly, just take the train or a yellow cab.
Where to Eat Before the Lights Dim
If you have a 6:15 PM showtime, you need a quick bite.
- Indie Food and Wine: Located right inside the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center. It’s basically the "cafeteria" for film nerds. Good sandwiches, decent coffee.
- The Smith: Across Broadway. It’s loud, it’s busy, but the service is fast.
- P.J. Clarke’s: For a classic burger and a drink before a late-night screening.
- Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi: If you want to make it a real "night out," though you’ll need a reservation weeks in advance.
The "Looking for Ms. Keaton" Series
Looking ahead to February 2026, there’s a massive retrospective called Looking for Ms. Keaton.
This is where the Lincoln Center movie showtimes get really fun. They’re showing Annie Hall in a new 4K restoration on February 16 and Crimes of the Heart on 35mm on Valentine's Day. If you haven't seen Diane Keaton on a big screen in 35mm, you haven't really seen her.
The FLC curators love 35mm. They’ll fly in prints from archives all over the world. It’s part of the reason why the showtimes are often "one night only" for certain titles.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want to actually enjoy your movie at Lincoln Center, follow this checklist.
- Double-check the venue. Is it Walter Reade (165 W 65th) or Elinor Bunin Munroe (144 W 65th)? They are close, but every minute counts.
- Buy online. Use the FLC website. Print your ticket or have the QR code ready.
- Arrive 20 minutes early. This gives you time to hit the restroom, grab a water, and find a seat before the "no late seating" policy kicks in for certain festivals.
- Check the runtime. Foreign films and festival entries often run long (looking at you, Resurrection). Plan your ride home accordingly.
- Join the membership. If you plan on going more than three times a year, the $14 member tickets pay for the membership fee pretty quickly. Plus, you get invited to free member screenings.
The beauty of Lincoln Center is that it treats film like art, not just "content." Whether you're there for a Brazilian thriller or a Woody Allen classic, the experience is designed to be immersive. Just make sure you're at the right theater at the right time.
Next Steps:
Check the official Film at Lincoln Center digital calendar to confirm today's specific seat availability for Father Mother Sister Brother or the NYJFF screenings. If a show is listed as "Standby Only," plan to arrive at the 65th Street box office at least 60 minutes before the listed showtime to secure a spot in the standby line. For the upcoming Diane Keaton retrospective in February, set a calendar alert for the ticket on-sale date, as 35mm screenings in the Walter Reade frequently sell out during the first 48 hours.