Laughlin is weird. I say that with total affection. It's this neon-soaked strip of casinos sitting right on the edge of the Colorado River, looking across at Arizona like a younger, more relaxed sibling of Las Vegas. Most people come here for the $2 blackjack or the jet skis, but if you’re looking for movies in Laughlin Nevada, you’re actually in for a treat that most Vegas tourists completely miss.
Honestly, catching a flick here feels like a throwback. You don’t have to deal with $25 parking or the crushing crowds of a Strip megaplex. Instead, you get these intimate, often surprisingly high-tech theaters tucked inside the resorts. Whether you’re a local or just hiding out from the desert sun for a few hours, the cinema scene here has a specific "river vibe" you won't find anywhere else.
Where to Catch the Latest Hits: The Big Three
You basically have three main choices when you want to see a movie in this town. Each one has a totally different personality. You've got the classic casino experience, the "mall" vibe, and the resort getaway.
1. Riverside Cinema 6-Plex
This is my personal favorite. It’s located inside Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort. Because it’s right in the heart of the action, you can walk off the casino floor and be in a theater in about three minutes. They recently went through some renovations, so don't let the "classic" exterior fool you.
We’re talking plush, electric reclining seats. The kind where you might actually fall asleep if the movie is a slow-burn drama. They use Dolby Digital surround sound, and currently, for early 2026, they are running the heavy hitters. You’ll find Avatar: Fire and Ash taking up the big screens, along with 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple for the horror fans.
One quirky thing? They have an on-site bar. Being able to take a real drink into a movie while sitting in a leather recliner is basically the peak Laughlin experience.
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2. Laughlin Stadium 9
Located in the Laughlin Outlet Center, this is your go-to if you want that traditional stadium-seating feel. It’s run by Phoenix Theatres. It’s usually a bit quieter than the Riverside, which is great if you hate hearing people crunch on popcorn three rows back.
They are famous for Bargain Tuesdays. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, show up then. The seats are comfy, the digital projection is crisp, and it’s right near the food court if you want a Cinnabon after the credits roll. Just a heads up—the parking garage at the outlet mall can be a bit of a maze, so give yourself an extra five minutes.
3. Brenden Avi 8
This one requires a little bit of a drive. It’s about 15 minutes south of the main strip at the Avi Resort & Casino. It’s technically on the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation.
Why go out there? Because it feels like a mini-vacation. The Avi has its own private beach on the river. You can spend the morning by the water and then hit the Brenden Avi 8 for a matinee of Zootopia 2 or Greenland 2: Migration. They also have a massive arcade right next door, which is a lifesaver if you have kids with more energy than a three-hour blockbuster can drain.
The Secret History of Hollywood on the Colorado
Laughlin isn’t just a place to watch movies; it’s actually a place where they make them. Most people don't realize that some pretty iconic scenes were filmed right where they’re standing.
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Take the 1995 classic Leaving Las Vegas. You know those gritty, dimly lit casino interiors where Nicolas Cage is spiraling? Most of those weren't actually filmed in Las Vegas. They were shot 90 miles south, right here in Laughlin. Specifically, they used the Gold River Casino, which most people know today as the Laughlin River Lodge.
There's also a great trivia bit for fans of the Tom Hanks movie That Thing You Do!. At the very end of the film, there’s an epilogue that tells you what happened to all the band members. It mentions that Lenny (the goofy guitar player) ended up managing a casino in Laughlin. It’s a small nod, but it shows how this town has always been in the periphery of Hollywood's imagination.
What's Playing Right Now? (January 2026 Edition)
If you're heading to the box office this week, the lineup is actually pretty stacked. The "New Year" slump hasn't hit the river yet. Here is what's currently dominating the screens at the Riverside and Avi:
- Avatar: Fire and Ash: It’s long (over 3 hours), so those recliners at the Riverside are basically mandatory.
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: The latest Danny Boyle-produced zombie flick. It's intense, R-rated, and definitely not for the kids at the Avi arcade.
- Song Sung Blue: A musical drama about a Neil Diamond tribute act. It’s hitting home for the Laughlin crowd, especially since the Don’s Celebrity Theatre often hosts similar tribute acts in person.
- Primate: The new "tropical horror" movie that's been trending.
- Hamnet: A more sophisticated period piece about Shakespeare’s family for those who want something a bit deeper.
Pro Tips for the Best Experience
Look, I’ve spent enough time in these theaters to know the shortcuts. If you want to make the most of your movie night, keep these things in mind:
Skip the Online Fees
At the Riverside, the locals will tell you to just buy your tickets at the box office. Online booking sites often tack on a $2 or $3 "convenience fee." In Laughlin, that’s the price of a small soda. Just walk up. It’s rarely sold out unless it’s opening night of a Marvel movie.
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The "Old Movie" Discount
Sometimes the Riverside does special runs of older films on Wednesdays for a deep discount. It’s a great way to see a classic on the big screen for about $6.
Temperature Control
This is the desert. The AC in these theaters is no joke. Even if it’s 110 degrees outside, you will probably want a light hoodie inside the 6-Plex. Trust me on this one.
Why Laughlin Beats the "Big City" Cinema
Most people think they need to head to Vegas or Kingman for a "real" cinema experience. They're wrong. Laughlin offers something those places don't: peace.
There is something incredibly relaxing about walking out of a dark theater, seeing the sun setting over the Mojave mountains, and hearing the water of the Colorado River lapping against the docks. It turns a simple "going to the movies" chore into an actual evening out. Plus, the popcorn is usually fresher because they aren't cycling through five thousand people an hour.
Your Next Steps for a Movie Day in Laughlin
- Check the times: Head over to the Riverside Resort website or the Brenden Theatres page to see the exact showtimes for today.
- Pick your vibe: If you want a drink and a luxury seat, go Riverside. If you want a beach day followed by a movie, head south to the Avi.
- Arrive early: Give yourself 20 minutes to navigate the casino floor. It’s easy to get distracted by a hot slot machine on your way to the popcorn stand.
- Validate your parking: If you're at the Outlet Center (Stadium 9), make sure you ask if they provide validation so you don't get hit with a surprise fee on the way out.
The movies in Laughlin Nevada are a hidden gem. They offer a blend of high-end tech and small-town charm that’s becoming harder to find. Next time the desert heat gets to be too much, grab some tickets and sink into a recliner. It's the best seat in town.