Movies are back. Like, really back. If you’ve been sticking to your couch lately, you’re missing the actual vibe of a local theater. There's just something about that smell of artificial butter and the way the bass in an IMAX theater rattles your ribcage that a soundbar at home can’t touch. Finding movie showtimes Daytona Beach used to be a matter of checking the back of a newspaper, but now it’s a digital scavenger hunt across ONE DAYTONA, the Pavilion, and the beachside.
Honestly, the local scene has leveled up. We aren't just talking about sticky floors and stale Raisinets anymore. We're talking luxury recliners, full-service kitchens, and screens so big they make your 65-inch OLED look like a postage stamp.
The Heavy Hitters: Where to Catch the Blockbusters
If you’re looking for the biggest screens in town, you basically have two primary choices that dominate the landscape.
CMX Cinemas Daytona & IMAX is the crown jewel of ONE DAYTONA. It’s sitting right across from the International Speedway, which makes it a nightmare for parking during a race weekend but a dream for a Friday night out. They’ve got 12 screens, but the IMAX is the real draw. This isn't one of those "Lie-MAX" screens either; it’s a massive setup. This January, they're leaning hard into the big stuff. You’ll find multiple daily screenings for Avatar: Fire and Ash—James Cameron basically demands you see his work on a screen this size. They also have showtimes for Marty Supreme and Zootopia 2, usually staggered every two hours starting around noon.
✨ Don't miss: Why La Mera Mera Radio is Actually Dominating Local Airwaves Right Now
Then you have the Regal Pavilion & RPX over in Port Orange. It’s about a fifteen-minute drive from the heart of Daytona, but many locals prefer it because the surrounding area is a bit more chill. The RPX (Regal Premium Experience) is their answer to IMAX. It’s got a custom sound system that is loud. Like, "can't hear yourself think" loud. They are currently running a lot of 2026’s early hits, including Greenland 2: Migration and the new Anaconda reboot.
The Indie Choice: Cinematique of Daytona
Sometimes you don't want a $200 million explosion. Sometimes you want a movie that makes you feel slightly confused but intellectually superior. That’s where Cinematique comes in. Located on South Beach Street, it is the only non-profit indie theater in the area.
You won't find SpongeBob here. Instead, they focus on foreign films, documentaries, and those weird A24 movies that everyone talks about on Twitter. The seating is more like a café than a traditional theater. They have tables, and they serve actual food and wine. It’s the kind of place where you can catch a midnight screening of a cult classic or a premiere of a local Florida filmmaker's passion project.
🔗 Read more: Why Love Island Season 7 Episode 23 Still Feels Like a Fever Dream
Planning Your Night: What You Need to Know
Finding the right movie showtimes Daytona Beach isn't just about the time on the screen. It’s about the logistics.
- Reserved Seating is Mandatory: Both CMX and Regal use 100% reserved seating now. Gone are the days of sending one friend in early to save a row of seats with their jackets. If you don't book online, you're going to end up in the front row, crane-necking for two hours.
- The Price Gap: A standard matinee at Epic Theatres (a bit further out in Deltona or Palm Coast) might run you $9.00. However, if you're hitting an IMAX 3D show at CMX on a Saturday night, expect to drop nearly $20 just for the ticket.
- Special Events: Keep an eye out for Fathom Events. The local theaters are big on these. This month, there are special 20th-anniversary screenings of Madagascar and even some Metropolitan Opera broadcasts if you’re feeling fancy.
Why Epic Theatres of West Volusia is Worth the Drive
If you’re willing to drive about 25 minutes west to Deltona, Epic Theatres offers the Epic XL experience. It’s often a few bucks cheaper than the Daytona proper theaters. They’re currently running a "Flashback Cinema" series. You can see classics like The Outsiders or Casablanca on the big screen for a fraction of what a new release costs.
Their "Resident" pricing is a local secret. If you can prove you live in Volusia County, you can sometimes snag tickets for $8.50, which is basically unheard of in 2026.
💡 You might also like: When Was Kai Cenat Born? What You Didn't Know About His Early Life
Finding the Best Deals
Movie-going is expensive. There is no way around it. But you can hack the system if you're smart.
Regal has the "Unlimited" pass. If you see more than two movies a month, it pays for itself. CMX has its own rewards program that gives you points toward that overpriced popcorn. Honestly, the best deal in town is usually the Tuesday specials. Most theaters in the Daytona area still do some version of "Discount Tuesday," where tickets are significantly marked down—sometimes as low as $6 or $7.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Trip
Stop searching "movies near me" and hoping for the best.
Check the specific theater apps like Regal or CMX directly rather than relying on third-party aggregators which sometimes lag on showtime updates. If you're heading to ONE DAYTONA, arrive at least 30 minutes early. The security lines and the walk from the parking garage can be a trek. Lastly, if you’re going to Cinematique, check their calendar for the "Talk Back" sessions where they host Q&As after the films; it’s the best way to actually engage with the local film community.