You'd think after years of streaming taking over our living rooms, the local theater would be a ghost town. Honestly, it’s the opposite in Folsom. People here are surprisingly picky about their seats and their popcorn. If you’re looking for movies in Folsom CA, you’re basically choosing between two very different vibes that have split the town into two camps.
There's the "I want a dinner and a drink" crowd at Palladio, and then there’s the "just give me the classic multiplex experience" crowd over at Iron Point. Both are great, but if you pick the wrong one for a first date or a noisy toddler outing, you’re gonna have a bad time.
The Palladio Powerhouse: Luxe vs. The 16
The Palladio at Broadstone is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the local scene, but it’s actually two separate entities. Most people just say "I'm going to the Palladio," but that's like saying you're "going to the store" without specifying if it's Gucci or Costco.
Palladio 16 Cinemas
This is the workhorse. It’s got 16 screens, tons of showtimes, and it’s where you go to see the massive blockbusters like Avatar: Fire and Ash or Zootopia 2. They’ve recently leaned into laser projection and recliners in most of their theaters because, let’s be real, nobody wants to sit in those old folding chairs anymore.
What’s cool about this spot is the accessibility. They are heavy on the assistive listening devices and descriptive narration. It’s a clean, reliable spot. Plus, if the movie ends and you’re still not ready to go home, you’re literally steps away from Barnes & Noble or the fountain where the kids can run off their sugar high.
Luxe Theater (The "Fancy" One)
Then there’s the Luxe Theater. This is located at 400 Palladio Parkway, and it’s where things get a bit more upscale. If you’re looking for a date night, this is it. They’ve got a full bar and a kitchen that actually serves real food—not just "nachos" that are basically plastic cheese on cardboard.
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The seats are huge. The legroom is generous.
Interestingly, the Luxe is also becoming a bit of a cultural hub for the area. In late February 2026, they’re hosting the Northern California Short Film Festival. It’s a three-day event (Feb 27 - March 1) that brings in indie filmmakers from all over. It’s a nice change of pace from the usual superhero sequels that dominate the screens most of the year.
Century Folsom 14: The Iron Point Staple
On the other side of town, near the outlets, you’ve got Cinemark Century Folsom 14. This place feels a bit more like the classic movie-going experience we grew up with, but modernized.
It’s located at 261 Iron Point Road.
- The Vibe: It’s efficient. It’s fast.
- The Food: They have a self-service kiosk system for snacks that actually moves pretty quick.
- The Perks: They offer "Luxury Loungers" (electric recliners) in almost every auditorium now.
One thing Century does better than almost anyone else in the area is their international lineup. Because Folsom and the surrounding areas like El Dorado Hills and Rancho Cordova have such a diverse population, you’ll often find a heavy rotation of Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil films here. Titles like Dhurandhar or Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi get prime evening slots here, which isn't always the case at the big corporate chains in other cities.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Movies in Folsom CA
People often complain that Folsom doesn’t have an IMAX. And they’re right.
If you want that true 70mm or massive-scale IMAX experience, you’ve gotta drive about 15 minutes up the hill to the Regal El Dorado Hills. It’s a bit of a bummer for Folsom purists, but it’s the truth. Folsom is great for "Standard Format" and "RealD 3D," but for the "Extended Edition" of The Lord of the Rings marathons (which are making a huge comeback in early 2026 for the 25th anniversary), you might find yourself crossing city lines.
Another misconception? That it’s always expensive.
If you’re smart, you go on Discount Tuesdays. Almost every theater in town drops their prices significantly. You can usually snag a ticket for about half the price of a Friday night showing. Also, Cinemark’s "Movie Club" is actually a decent deal if you go more than once a month—it basically pays for itself with the snack discounts alone.
The "Secret" Screenings and Throwbacks
If you're tired of the latest Marvel or Disney flick, keep an eye on the schedule for "Flashback" events. Both the Palladio and Century have started leaning heavily into nostalgia.
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In January and February 2026, there’s a massive push for 25th-anniversary screenings of The Fellowship of the Ring. These aren't the theatrical cuts either; they are showing the 4-hour extended versions. Sitting in a recliner for four hours sounds like a lot, but for a Tolkien fan, it's basically a religious experience.
Why Location Matters More Than You Think
Choosing where to see movies in Folsom CA often comes down to what you're doing after the movie.
- Century Folsom 14: Best if you’re already doing some shopping at the Folsom Premium Outlets or need to hop right back onto Highway 50.
- Palladio 16: Best if you want to make a whole afternoon of it—dinner at Chicago Fire or some pre-movie shopping.
- Luxe: Strictly for when you want to feel like a grown-up and not worry about a teenager kicking your seat.
The Future of Folsom's Cinema Scene
The local scene isn't just about the big screens. We’re seeing more "event" style cinema. The Northern California Short Film Festival is a prime example of this. It’s the first edition of the festival, and it’s a sign that the community wants more than just Hollywood. They want storytelling that feels a bit more grounded.
Also, don't overlook the "Special Events." You can now book private watch parties at Cinemark for about 20 people. It’s become a huge thing for kids' birthdays or even corporate "team building" (which is usually just an excuse to watch Greenland 2: Migration on the company's dime).
If you’re heading out this weekend, check the showtimes early. Even with all these screens, the popular 7:00 PM slots for new releases like Marty Supreme or The Housemaid (starring Sydney Sweeney) tend to sell out, especially at the Luxe where seating is more limited.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Trip
- Book Online: Don't be that person waiting in line at the box office. Use the Cinemark or Atom Tickets apps. You can pick your specific seat, which is a lifesaver if you have a "preferred" spot.
- The "Luxe" Secret: If you're going to the Luxe at Palladio, arrive 20 minutes early. Since they serve real food, the servers need time to get your order in before the lights go down and the trailers start.
- Check the Subtitles: If you're looking for international films, Century Folsom 14 is your best bet, but double-check the "Showtime Features" on the website to ensure you’re getting the right language/subtitle combo.
- Validate Your Parking: If you’re at the Palladio during a busy weekend, remember that the parking garages are free, but they fill up fast. The garage behind the theater is usually a safer bet than the street spots.
Whether you're there for the 3D spectacle of James Cameron's latest or a quiet indie short at a local festival, Folsom's movie scene is surprisingly robust. It’s less about the movie itself sometimes and more about whether you want a cocktail or a giant bucket of buttery popcorn in your hand while you watch it.