Finding the right flick shouldn't feel like a part-time job. Honestly, when you're looking for movie theater showtimes in Overland Park, the sheer number of options can be a headache. You’ve got the massive multiplexes with the rumbling seats and then these quiet, tucked-away gems that feel like a secret.
It’s January 2026. The weather is predictably "Kansas moody," and the big holiday blockbusters are finally making room for some weird, interesting indie films and high-stakes sequels. If you’re trying to plan a Saturday night out at Prairiefire or just a cheap Tuesday matinee near Oak Park Mall, here’s the actual deal on where to go and what’s playing right now.
The Big Players: Where the Screens Are Huge
If you want the "event" experience, you're basically choosing between AMC and B&B. They own the lion's share of the screens here.
AMC DINE-IN Prairiefire 17 is the heavy hitter. It's located right off 135th Street. This place is usually packed because, well, you can eat a full meal while watching a three-hour epic. Right now, they’ve got a massive slate. We’re talking Avatar: Fire and Ash taking up most of the IMAX and Dolby screens. If you missed the earlier ones, they are also running special 2026 anniversary screenings of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. It's a long sit—over three hours—but seeing those New Zealand landscapes on a Laser at AMC screen is something else.
Then you have AMC Town Center 20 in Leawood. Yeah, technically Leawood, but let's be real: it's across the street from OP. This is where you go if you want the most variety. They have twenty screens. If a movie exists, it’s probably playing here. They’ve been showing 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and that new A24 flick Marty Supreme starring Timothée Chalamet.
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What about B&B Theatres?
Don't sleep on B&B Theatres Overland Park 16. It's also on 135th, but further west. They have these "Grand Screens" that are genuinely competitive with IMAX. Their 2026 lineup includes Greenland 2: Migration and Zootopia 2. Kinda perfect for a family day when the kids are bouncing off the walls.
Finding the Best Movie Theater Showtimes in Overland Park
Don't just Google "movies near me" and click the first link. That’s how you end up in the front row with a literal neck cramp.
The trick to 2026 showtimes is checking for the "premium" formats first. Most people don't realize that Cinemark 20 and XD in Merriam (right on the edge of OP) actually has some of the best pricing for their XD screens if you go before 4:00 PM. They are currently screening The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants and Primate.
Current mid-January 2026 highlights include:
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- Avatar: Fire and Ash (The 3D shows at Prairiefire are usually 5:50 PM and 9:00 PM).
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (Late night shows are trending at AMC Town Center).
- The Housemaid (Catch this one if you liked Parasite).
- Madagascar: 20th Anniversary (Great for a nostalgic Sunday matinee).
If you’re looking for something that isn't a superhero or a cartoon, you’ve gotta head to the Glenwood Arts Theater. It’s located in the Ranch Mart South shopping center. This place is legendary. It’s where you find the stuff that doesn't get a Burger King tie-in.
They are currently showing Hamnet and Song Sung Blue. The showtimes here are a bit more "old school"—usually around 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 7:00 PM. No reclining seats that vibrate, but the popcorn is actually better. It’s real butter. Seriously.
Saving Money Without Looking Cheap
Let's talk about the "Discount Tuesdays" myth. Most people think every theater does it. They don't. Or at least, they don't do it the same way.
AMC still has their Stubs program. In 2026, they’ve actually expanded it. If you’re a member (even the free tier), you get 50% off tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the AMC DINE-IN Studio 28 in Olathe or the Town Center location.
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If you want the absolute cheapest tickets in the metro, you head to Overland Park Cinemas on West Overland Road. Their general admission is like $3.00. It’s a "second-run" theater, meaning you won't see Avatar the day it drops, but you’ll see it three months later for the price of a taco.
Why Showtimes Shift
Ever notice how showtimes change on Thursdays? That’s because the "cinema week" starts on Friday. If you’re looking for a movie on a Friday night, don't even bother checking the schedule until Wednesday afternoon. That’s when the managers finalize the counts.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Trip
- Book the "middle-back" at Prairiefire: If you're doing the dine-in thing, the front rows are awkward for eating. Aim for Row G or H.
- The "Secret" Parking at Town Center: Don't fight for the spots right in front of the AMC 20. Park behind the Apple Store and walk the two minutes. You’ll save ten minutes of circling like a shark.
- Check the "Sensory Friendly" Slots: AMC Prairiefire runs these on Saturday mornings. The lights stay up a bit, and the sound is lower. It's a lifesaver for families with kids who have sensory sensitivities.
- Bring a Jacket to Glenwood Arts: I love that place, but they keep the AC at "Arctic Tundra" levels year-round.
Instead of just scrolling through a massive list of times, pick your "vibe" first. If you want a steak and a beer with a blockbuster, it’s Prairiefire. If you want a quiet indie film and a sense of history, it's Glenwood Arts. And if you're just trying to keep three kids entertained for under fifty bucks, Cinemark in Merriam is your best bet.
Check the specific theater apps for the most accurate 2026 data, as third-party sites sometimes lag on the "Sold Out" status for the big IMAX releases. If you're heading out this weekend, aim for the 4:00 PM sets—you beat the dinner crowd and usually snag the best seats.