If you’re standing on Morton Avenue wondering what to do tonight, you’ve probably realized that finding the right flick in a town our size can be a bit of a gamble. Jacksonville isn't Chicago. We don't have fifty screens within a five-mile radius. But honestly? That’s kind of the charm. Between the big recliner vibe out south and the historic "best deal in town" spot downtown, there’s actually a lot going on with movies in theaters Jacksonville IL right now.
Forget the generic national lists. If you’re here, you want to know what’s actually on the screen at RMC or if the Illinois Theater is still doing that legendary popcorn deal.
Where to Catch a Show in Jacksonville
We basically have two main players. They couldn't be more different if they tried.
- RMC Stadium Cinemas (South Jacksonville): This is where you go for the "big" experience. It’s located right near the Links Golf Course. If you want those massive, motorized recliners that make you want to take a nap during the trailers, this is your spot.
- The Illinois Theater (Downtown): This place is a landmark. It’s been sitting on Mauvaisterre Street forever. It’s got that old-school balcony feel that you just don't get at the multiplexes.
There's been a lot of talk lately about the Illinois Theater building. A local group, the Center for the Arts, has been working on a massive fundraising push to turn it into a multi-use civic center. The good news for us movie buffs? They’ve explicitly said they want to keep cinema alive there. So, even as the building evolves, that downtown movie tradition isn't going anywhere yet.
What’s On Screen: January 2026 Hits
Right now, the schedule is surprisingly packed. We’re in that weird post-holiday pocket where the massive blockbusters like Avatar: Fire and Ash are still lingering, but the new year horror and action flicks are starting to creep in.
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The Big New Releases
The current heavy hitter is undoubtedly 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. It’s lean, it’s mean, and it’s definitely not for the kids. If you’re heading to the RMC Stadium Cinemas, they’ve got it running in their "Mega Suite," which is basically their version of the premium large format.
For something a bit lighter, Charlie the Wonderdog is currently the go-to for family afternoon matinees. It’s simple, it’s cute, and it keeps the kids quiet for 90 minutes.
The Return of the King (and the Fellowship)
One of the coolest things happening with movies in theaters Jacksonville IL this month is the Lord of the Rings 25th-anniversary event. Both RMC and the Illinois Theater have been cycling through the trilogy.
- The Fellowship of the Ring (2026 Event)
- The Two Towers (2026 Event)
- The Return of the King (Opening January 18, 2026)
Seeing these on a big screen again—especially the Battle of Pelennor Fields—is something you just can't replicate on a 55-inch TV at home.
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Dealing with the "Best Movie Deal"
If you’re on a budget, you have to talk about the Illinois Theater’s $9 deal. Seriously. You get the movie, a drink, and popcorn for nine bucks. In 2026, that’s basically unheard of. You’ll spend more than that just on a medium soda at a theater in Springfield or Peoria.
Why People Choose the Recliners
On the flip side, some nights you just want to sink into a chair and not move. RMC’s recliners are the big draw there. Plus, their projection is arguably a bit crisper for the high-CGI stuff like Zootopia 2 or the SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants.
Beyond the Blockbusters: Flashback Cinema
Jacksonville has a sneaky-good classic movie scene. The "Flashback Cinema" program brings back older hits for two-day stints. Coming up this week, the original 2004 Mean Girls is playing on Sunday, January 18th.
Later in the month, keep an eye out for Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar (January 24th). If you missed that one in theaters back in 2014, do yourself a favor and go. The organ soundtrack alone is worth the ticket price.
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A Few Real-World Tips for Jacksonville Moviegoers
- Check the Times Twice: Our theaters sometimes have "split" schedules where they only show a movie at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM on weekdays. Don't just show up at 5:30 PM expecting a show to start.
- The "Mega Suite" Factor: At RMC, the Mega Suite tickets are a couple of bucks more, but the screen is significantly larger. For a movie like Iron Lung (coming January 29th), it’s worth the upgrade.
- Parking Downtown: If you’re heading to the Illinois Theater, parking is usually easy around the square, but on Friday nights when the restaurants are busy, give yourself an extra five minutes.
- Popcorn Perks: If you’re a popcorn fanatic, RMC usually does the "bucket" refills, while the Illinois Theater's combo deal is the better one-time value.
What's Coming Next?
Looking toward February, the schedule is already shaping up. We’ve got Titanic returning for the Valentine’s crowd starting February 1st, followed by Casablanca on February 8th.
For the horror fans, the buzz is all about Iron Lung. It’s based on that claustrophobic indie game about a submarine in an ocean of blood. It’s slated to hit Jacksonville screens on January 29th, and honestly, seeing that in a dark theater might be too much for some people. Sorta terrifying, actually.
Actionable Steps for Your Night Out
- Download the RMC App: If you’re going south, the app lets you pick your specific recliners. Nothing sucks more than getting stuck in the very front row because you waited to buy at the kiosk.
- Check the Flashback Schedule: Visit the Flashback Cinema website to see the full January/February lineup so you don't miss the 4K restoration of The Outsiders.
- Support Local: If you want to see the Illinois Theater stay a theater, go buy a ticket. The $9 deal is great, but they rely on that foot traffic to keep the lights on while the civic center plans move forward.
The movie scene here isn't just about what’s on the screen; it’s about the community. Whether you're laughing with the "Plastics" downtown or jumping at a jump-scare in a recliner out south, there's plenty to see right now.