You’re standing in the middle of Turkey Creek. It’s windy, you’ve got a half-eaten pretzel in one hand, and you’re staring at your phone trying to figure out which movie won't be a total waste of ten bucks. We've all been there. Honestly, finding movies in theaters Knoxville TN shouldn't feel like a part-time job, but between the IMAX screens out west and the indie vibes downtown, it’s easy to get choice paralysis.
Knoxville’s movie scene is actually pretty stacked right now. Whether you’re looking for a massive blockbuster at the Regal Pinnacle or something a little more "I wear a beanie and drink local roast" at Central Cinema, there’s a seat waiting for you.
What’s Actually Playing Right Now?
If you're heading out this weekend, the marquee is looking a bit wild. We’ve finally hit that mid-January sweet spot where the big holiday leftovers are still hanging around, but the weird, gritty stuff is starting to pop up.
Right now, the heavy hitter is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. It just dropped today, January 16, 2026. It’s a Nia DaCosta flick, and Cillian Murphy is back. If you want to see Ralph Fiennes looking stressed in a post-apocalyptic world, this is your best bet. You can catch it at pretty much every major screen in town, including the Regal Riviera on Gay Street and the Cinebarre at West Town Mall.
If you've got the kids in tow, Zootopia 2 and The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants are still dominating the matinee slots. For the "grown-up" crowd, Marty Supreme—that’s the one with Timothée Chalamet as a ping-pong pro—is getting a lot of buzz for being genuinely strange.
Quick Look at the Current Lineup:
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (Horror/Sci-Fi) – Major release as of Jan 16.
- Avatar: Fire and Ash – Still hanging on in IMAX if you haven't seen the blue people yet.
- Primate – A natural horror movie set in Hawaii. Kinda terrifying if you don't like chimps.
- The Housemaid – A psychological thriller that’s been sneaking up the charts.
- Greenland 2: Migration – Gerard Butler doing what he does best: surviving things.
Choosing the Right Knoxville Theater
Look, not all theaters are created equal.
If you want the "full" experience, you go to the Regal Pinnacle at Turkey Creek. It’s got the IMAX, the 4DX (where the seats move and you get sprayed with water), and ScreenX. It’s huge. It’s also usually packed. If you’re going there on a Friday night, basically expect to park in a different zip code.
On the flip side, if you're looking for a "dinner and a movie" vibe without leaving your seat, Regal Cinebarre West Town Mall is the spot. You can order a burger and a beer while you watch. Just don't be the person who drops their fries during a quiet scene.
For the true cinema nerds? Central Cinema in Happy Holler is where it’s at. They aren't usually running the big Marvel-style hits. Instead, you'll find stuff like The Elephant Man or The Princess Bride playing for a few nights. They’re even doing a "January Giallo" series right now for the horror fans. It’s small, it’s local, and the popcorn is actually affordable.
The "Secret" Screens and Local Gems
Most people forget about Regal Downtown West. It’s tucked away, but it’s often the only place in town showing foreign films or smaller indie releases like A Private Life (starring Jodie Foster) or the Met Opera encores.
Then there’s the AMC Classic Knoxville 16 over by Ten Mile Creek. It’s a bit older, but if you’re looking for a slightly cheaper ticket or a quieter atmosphere, it’s a solid alternative to the Regal monopoly.
Why the Location Matters
- Gay Street (Regal Riviera): Best for date night. You can walk to The Tomato Head or Cru Bistro right after the credits roll.
- Turkey Creek (Pinnacle): Best for the "Wow" factor. If the movie has explosions, see it here.
- Oak Ridge (Cinemark Tinseltown): Technically a short drive, but they have those luxury loungers that are way too comfortable. Seriously, I’ve almost fallen asleep in those things.
Dealing with the Knoxville Movie Rush
Pro tip: Use the Regal Unlimited or AMC Stubs apps. Knoxville is a Regal town (their corporate HQ is literally right here), so the Unlimited pass is a no-brainer if you see more than two movies a month.
💡 You might also like: Becka Mack Playing for Keeps Series: Why These Hockey Bros Own Your TBR
Also, Saturday nights at West Town Mall are chaos. If you’re trying to see a movie there, give yourself an extra 20 minutes just to navigate the parking lot. Or, better yet, go to a Tuesday night "Value Day" screening. Most theaters in town do some kind of discount then, and it’s way less of a zoo.
What’s Coming Next?
Keep an eye on the calendar for late January. H Is For Hawk with Claire Foy is coming out on the 23rd, and the much-hyped Iron Lung (based on the indie game) hits theaters on the 30th.
If you're a fan of Charli XCX, her mockumentary The Moment is also landing at the end of the month. Knoxville theaters are already starting to put up the posters.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Movie Night
- Check the "Mystery Movie" Schedule: Regal Pinnacle often runs a "Monday Mystery Movie" for five bucks. You don't know what it is until it starts, but it’s usually an early screening of a big upcoming release.
- Validate Your Parking: If you go to the Regal Riviera downtown, don't forget to get your parking ticket validated. The garages can get pricey if you're sitting through a three-hour epic like Avatar.
- Book the Recliners Early: The luxury loungers at Cinemark Tinseltown and Cinebarre sell out days in advance for big hits. Don't show up expecting a front-row seat to be comfortable.
- Support Local: If you’re tired of the same three trailers, go check out Central Cinema’s website. They do weird double features and local filmmaker nights that you won't find at the multiplex.
Knoxville has a weirdly deep love for the movies. Maybe it's because it's the home base for Regal, or maybe it's just because there’s nothing better to do on a rainy East Tennessee afternoon. Either way, get out there and see something on the big screen. The popcorn is calling.