You’re standing on the corner of Colesville and Georgia, looking at that massive neon sign, and you're thinking one of two things. Either you want the biggest, loudest blockbuster possible, or you're looking for that obscure 35mm restoration of a French noir film from 1964. Silver Spring is weird like that. It’s one of the few places where a massive corporate IMAX sits right next door to a historical temple of cinema.
Honestly, finding movie showtimes silver spring isn't just about Googling a list. It’s about knowing which "vibe" you’re actually buying a ticket for. If you end up at the wrong one, your night is basically ruined.
The Regal Majestic vs. The AFI Silver
The divide is real. Most people just click the first link they see, but the experience at 900 Ellsworth Drive is worlds apart from what’s happening at 8633 Colesville Road.
Regal Majestic & IMAX: The Blockbuster Hub
If you want Avatar: Fire and Ash or the latest Marvel sequel, this is your spot. It’s huge. It’s loud. It has those reclining seats that make it nearly impossible to stay awake if the movie is a slow burn.
Current heavy hitters on the schedule for early 2026 include Greenland 2: Migration and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. They also do a lot of international cinema, specifically big Bollywood releases like Dhurandhar and The Raja Saab.
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One thing people get wrong? They think every screen here is a recliner. It’s not. Some auditoriums still have the standard stadium seating. If your back is picky, check the amenities under the specific showtime before you drop $20.
AFI Silver Theatre: For the Film Snobs (And We Love Them)
This is the American Film Institute’s home base. It’s a 1938 Art Deco masterpiece. You aren’t going here for popcorn that tastes like fake butter; you’re going here to see a 70mm print of Boogie Nights or a retrospective on Stanley Kubrick.
The programming for early 2026 is stacked. We’re talking Breathless, the 1986 version of The Fly (presented by Count Gore De Vol, a local legend), and the Capital Irish Film Festival running from late February into March.
The seats don't recline. They’re "historic." But the sightlines are perfect, and the audience actually stays quiet. It’s a different world.
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Why Parking Changes Everything
Don't just drive down and hope for the best. Downtown Silver Spring will eat your soul if you don't have a parking plan.
The Wayne Avenue Garage is the gold standard for both theaters. It’s right there. The Town Square Garage on Fenton Street is the backup.
- Monday – Saturday: You have to pay until 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday: It’s free. Totally free.
- Validation: Regal usually doesn't validate, but some nearby restaurants do.
If you’re heading to the AFI, the Veridian Garage on East-West Highway is a solid $6 alternative if the main decks are packed. It’s a five-minute walk, tops.
Hidden Gems and Weird Screenings
The "JANS" series (January Series) at Regal is surprisingly cool this year. They are doing these one-off screenings of classics like The Matrix, Pee-wee's Big Adventure, and The Godfather Part II. It’s a way to see the big-screen hits without the AFI’s academic atmosphere.
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Also, look out for the "Monday Mystery Movie" in the IMAX. You pay a lower price, usually around $5 or $7, and you have no idea what the movie is until the credits roll. It’s a gamble. Sometimes it’s a masterpiece; sometimes it’s a movie about a dog that plays volleyball.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Trip
Stop paying full price. If you go to the movies more than twice a month, the Regal Unlimited pass is $23.99 and pays for itself instantly.
For the AFI enthusiasts, get the membership. It supports film preservation, and you get discounts on the festivals, which sell out fast—especially the Irish Film Festival.
Check the "Open Caption" showtimes if you have trouble hearing over the IMAX boom. Regal is getting much better at scheduling these during prime hours, not just Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.
Finally, if you're hitting a late show at the Majestic, the food options in the plaza start closing around 10:00 p.m. Grab your Nando's or Chipotle before the 9:45 p.m. screening, or you'll be stuck with a $9 bag of Milk Duds for dinner.
Next Steps for Your Movie Night:
- Check the Specific Format: Ensure your Regal showtime explicitly says "Recliner" if that’s a dealbreaker for you.
- Verify the Screen: At the AFI, "Theater 1" is the big historic room; the other two are smaller, more modern pods.
- Download the Apps: Both Regal and AFI use digital ticketing now—don't stand in the box office line like it's 1999.