Honestly, the way we catch a flick has changed so much lately that just "going to the movies" isn't the simple plan it used to be back in the day. If you're looking for movies in Sioux Falls theaters right now, you aren't just looking for a seat; you’re looking for an experience, or maybe just a cheap way to keep the kids from tearing the house apart on a Tuesday afternoon. Between the heated recliners on the west side and the vintage charm of downtown, Sioux Falls actually has a weirdly diverse cinema scene for a city this size.
It's January 2026. The wind is probably whipping across the Empire Mall parking lot, and you need a place where the air doesn't hurt your face.
Most people just Google "showtimes" and drive to the closest screen. Big mistake. You're leaving money on the table, or worse, you're missing out on the best popcorn in the 605. Whether you're heading to Cinemark Century Stadium 14, hitting the budget-friendly West Mall 7, or trying to snag a seat at the State Theatre, there’s a strategy to this.
What’s Actually Playing Right Now?
The big talk this week is definitely 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. It just hit screens on January 16th, and if you’re a fan of the original Cillian Murphy flick, you’ve probably already heard the buzz. It’s gritty. It’s intense. It’s also playing at almost every major theater in town, including both Cinemark locations.
But if zombies aren't your vibe, there’s a surprisingly heavy hitter in the "re-release" category. We are seeing a massive resurgence of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Specifically, The Return of the King is doing a special run at the Century Stadium 14 on Carolyn Avenue. It’s over four hours long. Seriously. If you’re going to sit through that, you better hope you’re in one of those XD auditoriums with the premium seating.
For the families, Zootopia 2 is still hanging around and doing great numbers, and Avatar: Fire and Ash is basically the wallpaper of the cinema world at this point—it's everywhere.
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The Indie and Arthouse Scene
If you want something that isn't a sequel or a franchise, you have to head to the Sioux Falls State Theatre on Phillips Avenue. They do things differently. You won't find Fast & Furious 15 there. Instead, they’re showing stuff like Bugonia and Peter Hujar's Day.
Also, they have a "State100" series going on. They’re playing the 1926 version of Faust later this month. It’s silent. It’s creepy. It’s exactly the kind of thing that makes you feel more cultured than you actually are while you drink a local craft beer in a restored 1920s movie palace.
Movies in Sioux Falls Theaters: The Breakdown
Let’s talk logistics. You have four main players in town, and choosing the wrong one can ruin your night.
Cinemark Century Stadium 14 (The West Side Heavyweight)
This is the one near the mall. It’s the "big" one. If you want the XD experience—which is basically Cinemark’s version of IMAX with better sound and a massive screen—this is where you go. They’ve got the heated Luxury Loungers. Pro tip: if you're seeing Avatar: Fire and Ash, the 3D XD is worth the extra five bucks.
Cinemark Century East at Dawley Farm
Basically the same experience as the west side but usually a bit quieter. If a movie is sold out at Stadium 14, check Dawley. It’s tucked back there by the Target, and honestly, the parking is way less of a headache.
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West Mall 7 (The Budget King)
People call this the "cheap theater," but it’s actually a "first-run" theater now, not a dollar theater. You can see the same movies as the big Cinemarks—like The Housemaid or Greenland 2: Migration—but for a fraction of the cost. The seats aren't as fancy. The sound isn't going to rattle your teeth. But if you’re taking a group of five people, you’ll save enough for a decent dinner afterward.
The State Theatre (The Date Night Spot)
You go here for the vibe. The seats are arguably the most comfortable in the state. They have those little swivel tables for your snacks. They serve actual food and wine. It’s only one screen, though, so you have to plan ahead because they sell out fast, especially for the weekend showings of stuff like Hamnet.
Hidden Costs and How to Avoid Them
Popcorn is a scam. We all know it. But we all buy it. At the Cinemarks, you're looking at nearly $10 for a large bucket.
If you’re a frequent flyer, the Cinemark Movie Rewards program is actually one of the few loyalty programs that doesn't suck. You get a "free" ticket every month with the paid tier, but more importantly, you get 20% off concessions. That adds up if you’re a glutton for movie theater butter like I am.
West Mall 7 is where you go if you want to feast. Their concession prices are much more grounded in reality. You can get a large combo there for what a small drink costs at the "premium" spots.
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What’s Coming Next?
Looking ahead to the end of January and early February, there are a few dates you should circle on your calendar.
- January 23rd: Return to Silent Hill drops. This is going to be a big one for the horror crowd.
- January 30th: Send Help, the new Sam Raimi survival thriller, opens.
- February 4th: A weirdly specific date, but Iron Lung is scheduled to hit.
The Sioux Falls movie landscape is basically split between the "Blockbuster Experience" and the "Cinematic Gem." You have to decide what kind of night you want. If you want to be blown away by tech, go west. If you want to feel the history of the city, stay downtown.
Real Talk on "Reserved Seating"
Sioux Falls theaters have almost all moved to reserved seating. Gone are the days of showing up 20 minutes early to throw your coat over a chair. This is a double-edged sword. It means you can roll in right as the trailers start, but it also means if you don't book your tickets by Friday morning for a big release like 28 Years Later, you’re going to be stuck in the front row breaking your neck to see the screen.
Check the apps. Atom Tickets or Fandango are fine, but the Cinemark app is usually more accurate for the Sioux Falls locations specifically.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Movie Night
- Check the State Theatre schedule first. Since they only have one screen, their movies change frequently and sell out. If there's something you want to see there, grab it now.
- Join the "Movie Club" if you plan on seeing at least one movie a month. It pays for itself immediately at the Dawley Farm or Stadium 14 locations.
- Tuesday is your friend. Almost every theater in town offers discounted tickets on Tuesdays. It's the best time to see those big-budget films like Avatar without the "blockbuster" price tag.
- Validate your parking. If you go to the State Theatre on a weekday before 5:00 PM, remember that the ramps and meters are active. After 5:00 PM and on Sundays, it's free. Don't let a $20 ticket ruin your $15 movie.
The movie scene here isn't just about the film; it's about escaping the South Dakota winter for a few hours. Pick your theater based on your budget and your comfort level, and maybe skip the front row. Your neck will thank you.