Honestly, if you're planning a night out in Ontario, California, you’ve probably realized something quickly. We’re spoiled for choice, but we're also kinda overwhelmed. Between the massive sprawl of Ontario Mills and the towering screens over on 4th Street, finding movies in theaters in ontario ca isn't the problem. The problem is picking the right experience so you don't end up in a "sardine can" seat with lukewarm popcorn.
Right now, in January 2026, the local cinema scene is buzzing with some heavy hitters. We’re talking about the long-awaited return to the world of 28 Days Later with the release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Plus, there's the sheer visual spectacle of Avatar: Fire and Ash still holding strong on the big screens.
The Big Players: Where to Actually Go
Most people default to whatever shows up first on Google, but locals know there’s a massive difference between the two main hubs.
AMC DINE-IN Ontario Mills 30
This place is a beast. If you haven’t been recently, it’s basically the gold standard for "I want my dinner delivered while I watch zombies." They’ve got the signature recliners which, frankly, are way better than the cramped seating you’ll find in older spots. Right now, they’re leaning heavily into the tech. You can catch 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple in Dolby Cinema here. If you haven't done Dolby, it's basically like the floor is trying to talk to you through vibrations.
Current highlights at Ontario Mills include:
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- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (The Ralph Fiennes and Cillian Murphy reunion people are losing their minds over).
- Avatar: Fire and Ash (Still a monster on the 3D screens).
- Night Patrol and Sheepdog for the indie-leaning thriller fans.
- The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (For when the kids are driving you crazy).
Regal Edwards Ontario Palace & IMAX
Located on East 4th Street, this is where you go for the "Real" IMAX. There's a lot of debate on Reddit about "Lie-MAX" versus the real deal, and the Ontario Palace is widely considered one of the few true large-format screens in the state. If you’re seeing something like Avatar or the Lord of the Rings 2026 re-issues, do it here.
Why Movies in Theaters in Ontario CA Hit Different
There’s a weird misconception that movie theaters are dying. Tell that to the crowd at the Ontario Palace on a Friday night. It’s packed.
One thing people often miss is the sheer variety of international and specialty content we get here. Because of our location in the Inland Empire, theaters like the AMC 30 often run Telugu and Hindi films that you won't find in smaller cities. For instance, Anaganaga Oka Raju has been drawing solid crowds lately. It’s a level of variety that makes the Ontario film scene more than just Hollywood blockbusters.
The "Hidden" Gems Nearby
If you’re willing to drive ten minutes outside Ontario proper, the experience changes.
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- Harkins Chino Hills: People swear by the popcorn here. Like, it's a "thing." They use real butter, which sounds small until you’ve had the chemical-tasting stuff elsewhere.
- Laemmle’s Claremont 5: If the big blockbusters feel too "loud," this is the spot for foreign films and documentaries. It’s underrated and usually much quieter.
- Maya Cinemas Chino: Great for a slightly more community-focused vibe, often playing family hits like Zootopia 2 and David.
What’s New This Month (January 2026)
We are currently in a weirdly great window for movies. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple just dropped on January 16th, and it’s definitely the "must-see" of the moment. It’s got that gritty, Danny Boyle-style energy but with a much bigger budget.
If you’re more into survival thrillers, Greenland 2: Migration is playing at most Ontario locations. It’s a sequel, sure, but it actually holds up. And for the horror fans, Primate has been getting some decent word-of-mouth for being genuinely unsettling.
Getting the Best Value
Look, tickets aren't cheap anymore. Basic tickets are hovering around $15-$22 depending on the format.
- Discount Tuesdays: Both AMC and Regal still do this. If you’re a rewards member (which is usually free to join), tickets are significantly cheaper.
- The IMAX Factor: Don't waste the extra $5-$8 for IMAX on a romantic comedy. Save that for the movies where scale actually matters.
- The Food Situation: AMC Dine-In is great, but remember you’re paying "restaurant prices" for "theater food." Most locals hit up the restaurants around Ontario Mills first (like Yard House or Cheesecake Factory) and then just do popcorn at the flick.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
Basically, if you want the best seat, book 48 hours in advance for any Friday or Saturday night showing. The middle-back rows at the Ontario Palace IMAX sell out first for a reason—that's the "sweet spot" where the screen doesn't require you to crane your neck.
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Check the showtimes specifically for "Open Caption" if you have trouble hearing over the loud explosions or just prefer subtitles; AMC Ontario Mills is surprisingly good about offering these sessions during the week.
Stay away from the very front rows at the Mills unless you want a literal headache. Trust me.
If you're ready to head out, check the latest times directly on the AMC or Regal apps, as they update more frequently than third-party sites. Catch 28 Years Later while it’s still on the big screen—that cinematography deserves the largest canvas possible.