If you've lived in Warren County long enough, you probably remember the sticky floors and the neon glow of the Regal Pohatcong. It was the definitive spot for movies at Phillipsburg NJ for over two decades. You’d grab a slice at the mall, walk over, and catch the latest blockbuster. But if you’ve driven past Pohatcong Plaza lately, you’ve noticed the silence. The marquee is dark. The parking lot, once packed for Friday night premieres, is hauntingly empty.
Honestly, the local movie scene took a massive hit that it’s still recovering from. The Regal Pohatcong officially closed its doors on March 9, 2025, leaving a gaping hole in the community's entertainment options. It wasn't just a random business decision; it was the ripple effect of Cineworld's massive Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing that eventually caught up with our corner of New Jersey.
Why movies at Phillipsburg NJ changed forever
It’s kinda weird to think about. For years, we had twelve screens right there on Highway 22. Now? You have to cross a bridge or drive twenty minutes just to smell overpriced popcorn. The closure of the Pohatcong 12 was part of a broader trend where massive theater chains realized they couldn't sustain massive multiplexes in every suburban pocket, especially with streaming breathing down their necks.
But let’s be real: watching a movie on your couch isn't the same. You miss the rumble of the bass. You miss the collective gasp of a crowd. While the physical building in Phillipsburg is currently out of commission—and some reports even suggest demolition is the long-term play for that site—the demand for cinema hasn't actually died. It’s just moved.
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Where people are actually going now
Since the local Regal bit the dust, the "Phillipsburg movie crowd" has basically split into two camps. You're either heading into Pennsylvania or trekking deeper into Jersey.
The PA migration
Most locals just hop over to Regal Northampton in Easton. It’s only about 15 minutes away, sitting on the Easton-Nazareth Highway. It’s got the 4DX and RPX screens that we never had in the old Pohatcong location anyway. If you want the "fancy" experience with the heated recliners and the full-scale IMAX, AMC Center Valley 16 is the other big player. It’s a bit of a haul, but if you’re seeing something like Avatar: Fire and Ash or the Lord of the Rings 2026 re-releases, the screen quality makes the gas money worth it.
The New Jersey alternatives
If you’re a Jersey loyalist, you’re likely heading to Cinépolis Mansfield in Hackettstown. It’s smaller, sure, but it feels a bit more personal. Some people even make the trek to AMC DINE-IN Bridgewater 7, which is basically a full-out restaurant where they happen to show movies.
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The surprising history of cinema in the area
We think of "movies at Phillipsburg NJ" and we think of 1990s multiplexes, but the history goes way deeper. People forget that Phillipsburg once had its own "Opera House" vibes similar to the Rowland Theater in nearby PA or the historic spots in Montana. There was a time when the downtown area was the hub for entertainment before the "plaza era" shifted everything to the outskirts of town near the I-78 corridor.
There’s often talk among local developers about bringing a "boutique" cinema back to the area. You see it happening in places like South Orange, where the SOPAC movie theater recently reopened under Box Office Cinemas. The model is changing: fewer screens, better food, and more "event" style screenings.
Current 2026 Showtimes: What’s playing nearby?
Since you can't walk into a theater in Phillipsburg proper today, January 18, 2026, here is what the neighbors are showing. It's a weirdly diverse lineup this season.
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- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: The sequel everyone was waiting for is dominating screens at Regal Northampton.
- Zootopia 2: Still holding strong for the families over at AMC Center Valley.
- The Lord of the Rings 20th Anniversary Re-releases: They are doing these massive marathon events this month.
- Wicked: For Good: The second part of the musical adaptation is still pulling in crowds across the border.
Practical tips for Phillipsburg moviegoers
Don't just drive out to Easton without a plan. Since we lost our local screens, the remaining theaters get crowded fast, especially on Discount Tuesdays.
- Get the Apps: If you’re going to Regal Northampton, the Regal Crown Club is basically mandatory to avoid those insane "convenience fees" on every ticket.
- Watch the Bridge: If you’re heading to Easton on a Friday night, remember that bridge traffic can turn a 10-minute drive into a 30-minute nightmare. Leave early.
- Check for "Fathom Events": Since we don't have a local theater for indie films, these one-night-only screenings at the bigger chains are the only way to see niche content.
The reality of movies at Phillipsburg NJ is that the "golden age" of walking to the theater in the plaza is over. We are in the era of the "destination" cinema now. It takes more effort, but honestly, the seats are more comfortable and the sound is better than it ever was in the old days.
If you are looking to catch a show tonight, your best bet is to check the live seating charts for Regal Northampton or AMC Center Valley before you leave the house. Most of the prime 7:00 PM slots for the Lord of the Rings events are selling out days in advance. You should also keep an eye on the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Easton; while they focus on live shows, they occasionally run classic film series that feel way more special than a standard multiplex.
Plan your route via Route 22 West and make sure to pre-order your snacks on the app—waiting in a 20-person line for a soda is a rookie mistake in 2026.