Finding movie theater showtimes in Myrtle Beach used to be simple. You’d check the paper or call a recording. Now? You’re scrolling through twenty different apps, wondering why one says a movie starts at 7:00 PM and another says 7:15 PM, only to realize the "start time" actually means twenty-five minutes of trailers and a very loud ad for a local personal injury lawyer.
Honestly, the movie scene in Myrtle Beach has changed. We’ve seen the rise of "luxury loungers" that basically turn the theater into a giant living room, and haptic seats that kick you in the back when a bomb goes off on screen. If you're looking for a flick this week, you’ve got a few heavy hitters to choose from.
Where to Actually Go: The Big Three
Most people end up at Cinemark at Myrtle Beach inside the Coastal Grand Mall. It’s the central hub. Right now, they’re pushing the big spectacle stuff—think Avatar: Fire and Ash (yes, James Cameron is still at it) and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
If you haven't been lately, they've leaned hard into the D-BOX seating. Basically, the chair moves. It's cool for about ten minutes, then you might start feeling a little motion sick if you just finished a heavy meal at the food court.
The Market Common Vibe
Then there’s the Grand 14 Cinema at Market Common. This place feels a bit more "upscale" because of the surrounding neighborhood. You can grab a decent dinner at Tupelo Honey or Nacho Hippo and then walk over. They’re currently running a mix of the big blockbusters and some surprisingly decent mid-budget thrillers like The Housemaid (starring Sydney Sweeney) and the survival horror Primate.
The seating here is those high-back rockers. Not full recliners like Cinemark, but plenty of legroom.
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North Myrtle and Conway
For those staying further north, the AMC CLASSIC Myrtle Beach 12 near the Myrtle Beach Mall is the go-to. It’s a bit more "classic" (read: older), but the ticket prices are usually a few bucks cheaper. They’ve got Greenland 2: Migration and Zootopia 2 on heavy rotation right now.
If you’re willing to drive inland about twenty minutes, B&B Theatres Conway 12 is actually a hidden gem. They have heated reclining seats. Seriously. Heated seats in a movie theater. It’s a game changer when the AC is blasting at 60 degrees in the middle of a South Carolina summer.
Breaking Down the Current Schedule
Showtimes fluctuate, but here is the general rhythm of the week for mid-January 2026.
- Matinees: Usually start around 11:00 AM or 12:30 PM. This is when you’ll find the $7 to $9 tickets.
- Prime Time: The 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM window is the busiest. If you're going to the Grand 14 on a Friday night, book ahead.
- Late Night: Both Cinemark and AMC are running 10:30 PM and 11:15 PM sets for the R-rated stuff like Marty Supreme.
What’s Playing Right Now?
The big draw this month is definitely the Lord of the Rings 25th Anniversary (2026) Re-releases. They are showing the extended editions on a rotating schedule.
- The Fellowship of the Ring: Look for Friday night slots (Jan 16 and 23).
- The Two Towers: Typically Saturday afternoon/evening.
- The Return of the King: Sunday marathons. Be prepared to sit there for four hours.
The "Luxury" Tax: Is It Worth It?
Let's talk money. A standard ticket is going to run you about $12.50. You want the XD (Extreme Digital) screen at Cinemark? Tack on another $3.50. You want the D-BOX vibrating seat? That's another $8.00.
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By the time you buy a large popcorn and a soda (which, let’s be real, costs more than the movie), you’re looking at a $40 night for one person.
Pro Tip: Go to AMC on a Tuesday. They still do the "AMC Stubs" discount days where tickets are significantly cheaper. Also, Cinemark has an Early Bird special for the first showtime of the day—usually anything before 1:00 PM is almost half price.
Why the "Start Time" is a Lie
If the showtime says 7:00 PM, the movie is starting at 7:22 PM. Every theater in Myrtle Beach is now running at least 20 minutes of previews.
The only exception is if you’re seeing a special Fathom Event or a one-night-only screening of a concert film (like the Megadeth: Behind the Mask doc playing Jan 22). Those usually start much closer to the posted time because they don't have the standard trailer reel.
Getting Your Tickets Without the Headache
Don't use the kiosks at the mall. They're usually sticky or broken.
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- Use the Apps: Atom Tickets and Fandango are fine, but the theater-specific apps (Cinemark or B&B) usually waive the "convenience fee" if you join their free rewards program.
- Reserved Seating: This is standard now. You don't have to show up 30 minutes early to "get a good seat." You can literally walk in as the last trailer ends and your seat will be there.
- The "No-Go" Zone: Avoid the front three rows at the Grand 14. The screen is tilted in a way that will give you a neck cramp before the first act is over.
Special Events to Watch For
On January 19th, it’s National Popcorn Day. Most of the theaters in the area, specifically the Regal and Cinemark locations, are doing some kind of "Free Large Popcorn" deal if you come in costume or sign up for their loyalty app. It’ll be crowded, so maybe skip that day if you hate lines.
How to Plan Your Night
If you're aiming for a seamless evening, start at Market Common. Park in the parking deck (it's free) and walk to the Grand 14. After the movie, everything is still open. You can get dessert at Peace Love and Little Donuts or a beer at 810 Billiards & Bowling.
If you're at Coastal Grand Mall, just know that the mall doors close before the late movies end. You’ll have to exit through the specific theater doors into the parking lot. It sounds obvious, but every night there’s someone wandering the mall corridors wondering why the gates are down.
Check the digital boards as soon as you walk in. Sometimes a showtime gets pushed back 10 minutes because of a technical glitch, and the apps won't update that fast.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Tuesday Discounts: If you're on a budget, wait for Tuesday to hit AMC or Cinemark.
- Join the Rewards Program: Even the free tiers save you about $2 per ticket in fees if you book online.
- Book the Extended LOTR Editions Now: These anniversary screenings are selling out faster than the new releases because of the "nostalgia" crowd.
- Avoid the Coastal Grand Food Court on Weekends: If you're seeing a movie at Cinemark on a Saturday, eat elsewhere or you'll spend your entire pre-movie window waiting for a gyro.
The movie-going experience in Myrtle Beach is actually pretty solid compared to other tourist towns. You’ve got options from the "budget" AMC to the high-end B&B in Conway. Just pick your seat ahead of time, ignore the "7:00 PM" start, and maybe bring a hoodie—those theaters are cold no matter what the thermometer says outside.