Honestly, trying to track down movie theater showtimes in Boca Raton can feel like a part-time job if you aren't looking in the right spots. You'd think it's just a quick Google search, but then you're hit with three different "Boca" theaters that are actually in Delray or Deerfield, and suddenly you're twenty minutes late for the trailers.
I’ve spent way too many Friday nights navigating the Glades Road traffic only to find out the 7:30 p.m. showing of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple was sold out two hours ago. It happens.
📖 Related: The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window: What People Actually Missed
Boca is weirdly specific about its cinema culture. You have the high-end "I want a blanket and a martini" vibe at Mizner Park, and then you have the massive, sprawling complexes where the popcorn buckets are the size of a small toddler.
The big players and where to find them
If you’re looking for sheer volume, Cinemark Palace 20 and XD is basically the mothership. It’s tucked away on Airport Road, right near Florida Atlantic University. Because it has twenty screens, this is where you go when you want options.
Right now, they’re running a heavy rotation of the big hitters. You’ve got Avatar: Fire and Ash taking up the XD (Extreme Digital) screens—which, if you haven’t done XD, is basically Cinemark’s version of IMAX with better seats.
Current showtimes for the big releases like Zootopia 2 and Marty Supreme usually start as early as 10:00 a.m. for the weekend matinees and run well past 11:00 p.m. for the night owls.
Then there’s iPIC Theaters in Mizner Park. This is a different beast entirely. You aren't going here just to "see a movie." You're going here to be pampered.
They have "Premium Plus" seating which includes:
- Full-leg reclining leather seats
- At-seat runners who bring you truffle fries
- A literal pillow and blanket
- Access to the Tuck Room for a drink before the flick
The showtimes here are a bit more spaced out because they need time to reset the "dining room" (the theater) between screenings. If you’re looking for Greenland 2: Migration or The Housemaid, expect sets around 4:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 10:00 p.m.
Don't forget the West Boca staples
If you live closer to the Everglades than the ocean, Regal Shadowood 16 is your spot. It’s on Glades and 441. It’s a bit more "classic" than the iPIC, but they’ve upgraded most of the theaters with those king-size recliners that make it impossible to stay awake if the movie gets boring.
They are currently leaning hard into the sci-fi and horror slate. I noticed Primate and 28 Years Later have staggered starts every 45 minutes during peak Friday and Saturday windows.
What’s playing right now?
The January 2026 slate is actually surprisingly crowded. Usually, this is the "dump month" for bad movies, but we've got some heavy hitters sticking around from the holidays.
Avatar: Fire and Ash is still the king of the box office. If you want the 3D experience at Cinemark Palace, you basically have to book 24 hours in advance.
Marty Supreme, that A24 ping-pong movie with Timothée Chalamet? It’s playing at both the Living Room Theaters (which is super indie and cool, located right by the FAU library) and the bigger chains.
Here is a quick vibe check on the current top films in Boca:
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Best seen at Cinemark Palace 20 (XD Screen) or iPIC (for the luxury). It's a three-hour commitment. Wear comfortable pants.
Zootopia 2
This is dominating the morning and afternoon showtimes. If you're heading to Regal Shadowood, be prepared for a lot of excited kids.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Danny Boyle is back, and the showtimes are mostly evening-slated. It's intense.
Living Room Theaters: The "Secret" Spot
Most people forget about this one. It’s on the FAU campus but open to the public. They show the stuff the big chains won't touch—international films, small documentaries, and Oscar shorts. Plus, they have a really solid cafe.
A few tips from a local
Park at the garage in Mizner Park if you're going to iPIC, but give yourself 15 minutes. That garage is a labyrinth.
If you're going to Cinemark, use the back entrance off Spanish River Blvd if Glades is backed up. It'll save you ten minutes of staring at brake lights.
Also, check the "Bistro" menu at Cinemark before you go. They’ve tried to compete with iPIC by offering actual meals, but it’s hit or miss. The pizza is fine; the burgers are... well, they're theater burgers.
The "Value" Play
Look, Boca isn't cheap. A ticket at iPIC with a drink and a snack can easily clear $60 per person.
If you want the best bang for your buck, hit the Regal Shadowood matinees before 4:00 p.m. You get the same reclining seats for about half the price of a prime-time ticket.
Alternatively, Cinemark has "Discount Tuesdays." You have to be a member of their rewards program (it's free), but the tickets drop significantly. It’s the only time you’ll see the theater packed on a weeknight.
Practical Next Steps
Stop refreshing the generic search results that give you showtimes from three days ago.
- Download the apps: The Cinemark and Regal apps are much more reliable for real-time seat maps than third-party sites.
- Book the XD or IMAX early: For Avatar, the "sweet spot" seats (middle-middle) go first.
- Validate your parking: Especially at Mizner. Don't pay for parking if the theater offers a validation stamp.
- Check the rating: Boca theaters are pretty strict about R-rated IDs, especially with the college crowd nearby.
Go grab your tickets for the 7:00 p.m. set at Palace 20 if you're looking for the best crowd energy tonight.