Finding something to do on a rainy Tuesday in the South Sound usually leads to one of two places: a coffee shop or the cinema. If you're looking for movies in theaters in Tacoma, you’ve probably noticed the vibe is shifting. We aren't just stuck with the usual generic multiplex experience anymore. Between the indie charm of Fawcett Avenue and the high-tech recliners over at Point Ruston, the local movie scene has become surprisingly layered.
Right now, in mid-January 2026, we are in that weird, wonderful post-holiday pocket. The massive blockbusters like Avatar: Fire and Ash are still hogging the big screens, but we’re also seeing the arrival of gritty winter releases like 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
The Heavy Hitters and Why They Matter
Honestly, everyone is talking about Avatar: Fire and Ash. James Cameron basically lives to prove people wrong about "superhero fatigue" or whatever we’re calling it this year. It’s long. Very long. Like, over three hours long. If you're going to see it, you basically have to go to the Cinemark Century Point Ruston. Their XD screen is the only way to justify sitting through that much CGI.
Then there’s 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. It just dropped on January 16th. It’s Danny Boyle returning to the franchise he started, and the word on the street is that it’s terrifyingly quiet. Not a jump-scare fest, but a "make you check the locks on your car" kind of movie.
If you have kids—or you're just a Disney adult, no judgment—Zootopia 2 is still hanging around. It’s been out since late November but it’s still pulling decent numbers. It's safe, it's funny, and it keeps the kids quiet for 108 minutes.
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Where to Actually Watch Movies in Tacoma
Choosing the right theater is arguably more important than the movie itself. Tacoma has some distinct personalities when it comes to cinema.
The Grand Cinema: For the Soul
If you care about film as an art form, you go to The Grand. It’s a non-profit. It’s run by volunteers. It’s tucked away at 606 Fawcett Ave. They are currently showing things you won't find at the AMC, like Hamnet and the Korean thriller No Other Choice.
They do this thing called "Weird Elephant" where they show cult classics late at night. On the schedule for this weekend? This Is Spinal Tap. It’s loud, it’s 10 p.m., and it’s exactly what the Tacoma art scene feels like.
Point Ruston: The "Date Night" Spot
Cinemark Century Point Ruston is where you go when you want to feel fancy. The recliners are those heated "Luxury Loungers" that make it very hard to stay awake if the movie is boring. Since it’s right on the waterfront, you can grab a burger at Stack 571 before the show.
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They have the full 2026 lineup right now:
- Marty Supreme (that A24 flick starring Timothée Chalamet as a ping-pong pro)
- The Housemaid (Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried being creepy)
- Song Sung Blue (The Neil Diamond tribute band story with Hugh Jackman)
The Nostalgia Hit: Blue Mouse Theatre
You haven't really lived in Tacoma until you’ve been to the Blue Mouse in the Proctor District. It’s been there since the 1920s. It’s one screen. It smells like real butter. This week they’ve got Song Sung Blue playing. It’s intimate. It’s the opposite of the "megaplex" experience.
The Surprise 2026 Trend: The Lord of the Rings
This is the part that most people aren't talking about yet. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Fellowship of the Ring, theaters across Tacoma are doing a massive re-release of the extended editions.
Starting January 16th and 17th, you can catch The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers back on the big screen. The Return of the King hits on January 18th. We’re talking about the 4-hour-plus versions. Regal Lakewood and AMC Tacoma 16 are both leaning into this. It’s a commitment, but seeing the Pelennor Fields on an RPX or IMAX screen hits differently than your living room TV.
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Dealing with the Logistics
Tacoma theaters aren't as cheap as they used to be. A standard ticket at The Grand is about $10.50, which is honestly a steal. If you head to Point Ruston on a weekend night, you’re looking at closer to $18 for an XD seat.
Pro-tip for the frugal: Cinemark has $5-ish tickets on Mondays, and The Grand does $6 tickets on Thursdays. If you're a regular, the Cinemark Movie Club is actually worth the $9 a month just to skip the online fees. Those fees are a total scam and they add up fast.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Movie Night
If you're planning to see movies in theaters in Tacoma this weekend, here is your game plan:
- Check the Specifics: Don't just show up. Use an app like Fandango to check if the showtime at the Blue Mouse is actually happening, as they sometimes have private events.
- Pick Your Experience: If you want the latest tech and a view of the Sound, book a recliner at Point Ruston for Avatar: Fire and Ash.
- Support Local: If you want something meaningful, head to The Grand Cinema for The Chronology of Water or Hamnet.
- The LOTR Marathon: If you're a Tolkien fan, clear your schedule for Sunday, January 18th. The Return of the King extended edition is a 4-hour-and-27-minute beast. Wear comfortable pants.
- Parking Warning: If you're going to Point Ruston on a Friday or Saturday night, give yourself an extra 20 minutes just to find a spot in the garage. It’s a nightmare.
Tacoma’s cinema scene is finally finding its balance between corporate comfort and indie grit. Whether you’re at a historic landmark in Proctor or a high-tech hub on the waterfront, the movies are officially back.