You know that feeling when you're craving a massive bucket of buttery popcorn, but you spend forty minutes scrolling through theater sites just to realize you missed the last showing of the one movie you actually wanted to see? It's annoying. Honestly, finding movie theater showtimes in New Braunfels shouldn't feel like a part-time job. Whether you’re trying to catch the latest blockbuster at EVO or looking for that nostalgic vibe at the drive-in, the cinematic landscape here in the Texas Hill Country has changed a lot lately.
New Braunfels isn't just a Gruene Hall and Comal River town anymore. It's a legit entertainment hub. But if you’re just Googling "showtimes" and clicking the first link, you're probably missing out on the better seats, cheaper tickets, and the weirdly specific perks that each spot offers.
The Reality of Showtimes at Santikos New Braunfels
If you haven't been to the Santikos off I-35 recently, you're missing the "food locker" era of cinema. It's kind of wild. You order your food, and instead of waiting in a clunky line or having a server awkwardly interrupt your movie, you get a notification and grab your grub from a heated locker.
As of January 2026, showtimes here are heavily skewed toward the big hitters. We’re talking massive windows for Avatar: Fire and Ash and Zootopia 2. If you’re looking for Marty Supreme or The Housemaid, those slots are tighter, usually tucked into the mid-afternoon or late-night blocks.
Pro tip: Don't just show up on a Tuesday. Everyone knows about "Super Tuesday" discounts, which is great for the wallet, but it's a nightmare for seating. If you want those plush, fully adjustable recliners without sitting next to a stranger who chews like a lawnmower, aim for a Monday night. They even do a "Monday Mystery Movie" for five bucks. You don't know what you're seeing until the lights go down. It's a gamble, sure, but for the price of a fancy coffee, it's the best deal in town.
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EVO Cinemas Creekside: More Than Just a Screen
EVO is basically the heavyweight champion of movie theater showtimes in New Braunfels. Located in the Creekside Town Center, it’s the place you go when you want the "whole experience."
They’ve got 14 screens, which sounds like a lot until a major Marvel or DC flick drops and suddenly 10 of those screens are playing the same thing every thirty minutes. For January 2026, the schedule is packed with 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and Greenland 2: Migration.
Here’s what people get wrong about EVO: They assume the showtimes on Fandango are the "be-all and end-all."
Actually, EVO often runs special screenings—like the Madagascar 20th Anniversary or the Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience—that don't always pop up on generic search aggregators. You've gotta check their direct site or app for the fan-specific events. Plus, they’re currently in the middle of a massive expansion, so the construction can make parking a bit of a headache. Give yourself an extra fifteen minutes. Seriously.
The Nostalgia Hit: Stars & Stripes Drive-In
Look, sometimes you don't want a recliner. Sometimes you want the windows down and the Texas air. Stars & Stripes is one of the few places where "showtimes" actually mean "double features."
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They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays usually, but the rest of the week is gold. This January, they've been pairing Zootopia 2 with Greenland 2. It’s a weird combo, but it works. The box office typically opens about an hour before the first film starts.
- Audio tip: They broadcast the sound over FM radio. If your car has a "battery saver" mode that shuts everything off every 10 minutes, bring a portable radio.
- The Cafe: Don't skip the 50s-style cafe. The "Chy-Burger" is a local legend for a reason.
Hidden Gems and Live Performance Showtimes
If you’re looking for something that isn't a CGI explosion, the Brauntex Theatre downtown is your spot. It’s not a traditional movie house anymore, but they still run cinema classics and, more importantly, live showtimes that most locals forget to check.
In late January 2026, they’ve got Robert Neary doing a Neil Diamond experience and even a Beatles tribute. It’s a different vibe—historic, intimate, and you aren't surrounded by teenagers on TikTok.
How to Actually Score the Best Seats
Getting the right movie theater showtimes in New Braunfels is only half the battle. The other half is not ending up in the front row where you have to crane your neck at a 45-degree angle.
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- The "Middle-Middle" Myth: Most people aim for the dead center. In theaters like Santikos or EVO, the audio is actually calibrated for a spot about two-thirds of the way back.
- App Loyalty: If you're a regular, the Santikos loyalty program is actually worth it. It’s free, and you rack up points for those $18 popcorn tins faster than you'd think.
- The "Schertz" Alternative: If New Braunfels is sold out for a Friday night premiere, check the EVO in Schertz or the Santikos in Cibolo. They are only 15 minutes down the road and often have way better seating availability because everyone in NB is trying to cram into Creekside.
What’s Playing Right Now (January 2026)
The current slate is surprisingly diverse. We're seeing a lot of "Return to Cinema" style events.
- The Lord of the Rings trilogy is getting limited re-releases (2026 versions) with staggering runtimes. The Return of the King is clocking in at over four hours.
- Horror fans are flocking to Primate and Mercy.
- For the kids (and let's be honest, the adults), The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants has showtimes virtually every hour.
Your Next Steps for a Movie Night in NB
Stop refreshing the same Google search page. If you want a smooth night, pick your "vibe" first.
If you want luxury and high-tech food lockers, head to Santikos.
If you want the big-screen blockbuster energy with a side of bowling or arcade games, EVO Creekside is the move.
If you’ve got a car full of kids or a date you actually want to talk to, the Stars & Stripes Drive-In is unbeatable.
Check the specific theater apps for real-time seat maps before you leave the house. Most showtimes for the upcoming weekend drop on Tuesday evenings or Wednesday mornings, so that’s the best time to snag the prime seats for a Friday night.