You're standing in the middle of Tysons Corner Center, bags in hand, wondering if you can catch a flick before the traffic on 495 turns into a total nightmare. Honestly, finding movie theater showtimes in tysons used to be a simple Google search, but now? Between the different malls, the "Boro" expansion, and three distinct luxury theaters all within a two-mile radius, it’s kinda easy to end up at the wrong parking garage.
Tysons isn't just a shopping hub anymore. It’s a movie-going gauntlet. Whether you want the massive IMAX screen at the main mall or the heated recliners and craft cocktails over at The Boro, you've got options. But those options come with different schedules, different vibes, and definitely different price points.
The Big Three: Where to Find Showtimes Today
If you're looking for a screen right now, you're basically choosing between the "OG" AMC, the upscale CMX CineBistro, or the tech-heavy LOOK Cinemas.
AMC Tysons Corner 16
This is the one everyone knows. It’s perched right on the third floor of the main mall. If you’re looking for the biggest blockbusters—think Avatar: Fire and Ash or the 2026 re-release of The Lord of the Rings—this is usually the safest bet.
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They have the IMAX with Laser and the Dolby Cinema. If you haven't tried Dolby Cinema yet, the seats literally vibrate during explosions. It's intense.
Current showtimes for hits like 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple usually run every hour starting from midday. Just a heads up: trailers here run forever. They say 20 minutes, but it's usually closer to 30. Don't rush your Auntie Anne’s pretzel.
LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Tysons at The Boro
Located just across the way at The Boro, LOOK is a different beast. It’s a "ninja service" theater. You sit down, scan a QR code, and someone brings you a Wagyu burger or a plate of edamame while the movie is playing.
- Pro tip: Arrive 30 minutes early. Seriously. If you order food right when the movie starts, the kitchen gets slammed, and you might be eating your dinner during the credits.
- The Vibe: It's newer, cleaner, and the heated recliners actually work.
- Showtimes: They tend to have more "Artisan" or indie-leaning schedules mixed with the big hits like Greenland 2: Migration.
CMX CineBistro Tysons Galleria
This one is for the "adults only" crowd (well, mostly). It’s in the Galleria, tucked away near the high-end shops. It’s pricey. You're paying for the exclusivity and the fact that you won't have a group of teenagers talking through the climax of Marty Supreme.
They have a strict "no late arrivals" policy. If you’re five minutes late, they won't let you in. They take their cinema seriously.
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Why Movie Theater Showtimes in Tysons Are Tricky
Tysons traffic is a real variable. A showtime at 7:00 PM at AMC might require you to leave your house in Arlington or Vienna at 6:15 PM just to navigate the parking deck.
Parking at the main AMC is free (and massive), but finding a spot near the theater entrance on a Saturday night is like winning the lottery. At The Boro (LOOK Cinemas), you usually get validation, but the garage is tight. CMX at the Galleria is probably the easiest for parking, but the mall itself is a maze if you enter through the wrong door.
What’s Playing Right Now (January 2026 Edition)
If you're checking movie theater showtimes in tysons this week, the schedules are dominated by a few massive titles.
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- The Lord of the Rings 2026 Event: Both AMC and LOOK are running these extended editions. AMC has them in the "Laser" format, while LOOK offers a more intimate setting.
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: This is the big R-rated draw right now. CMX CineBistro is the best place to see this if you want a quiet, dark room without distractions.
- Zootopia 2: If you have kids, the AMC 1:20 PM or 3:45 PM slots are the sweet spots. Avoid the 7:00 PM shows unless you want to be surrounded by tired, cranky toddlers.
The Cost Factor: Tysons vs. The World
Let’s be real: Tysons is expensive. A ticket at CMX CineBistro can easily push $20+ before you even look at the menu.
Discount Tuesdays are still a thing at AMC. If you're a member of their Stubs program (even the free version), tickets are significantly cheaper. It’s the only way to see a movie in Tysons for under ten bucks these days.
LOOK Cinemas also has some competitive pricing for their matinees. If you can sneak away from work for an 11:50 AM showing of The Housemaid, you'll save enough for a decent lunch at the Whole Foods next door.
How to Guarantee a Good Experience
- Book ahead: Tysons theaters use reserved seating. If you show up at the kiosk, you’re going to be stuck in the front row breaking your neck to see the screen.
- Check the format: Don't just look at the time. "Laser at AMC" is standard now, but "IMAX" or "Dolby" is a different price bracket.
- The "Silent" Rule: Tysons audiences are generally okay, but CMX is the only one that truly enforces the no-talking policy. If you're a purist, go there.
Actionable Steps for Your Movie Night
Start by picking your vibe. If you want the mall experience and a huge screen, check the AMC Tysons Corner 16 schedule via the AMC app to snag a center-row seat in the Dolby theater. For a date night where the food matters as much as the film, use the LOOK Cinemas website to pre-order your first round of drinks so they arrive during the trailers. If you're coming from the Metro, the AMC is a direct walk from the Tysons Corner station (Silver Line), while LOOK is a slightly longer five-minute walk toward The Boro. Always factor in an extra 15 minutes for the Tysons parking garages, regardless of what the GPS says.