If you’re looking for movies in theaters Oxnard CA, you’ve probably noticed something weird lately. It’s not just about the popcorn prices—though, honestly, spending $10 on a bag of air and salt is its own kind of tragedy. It’s the fact that our local cinema scene has split into two totally different worlds.
On one side, you have the high-tech, luxury experience at The Collection. On the other, you have the classic, downtown vibe of Plaza Stadium. Depending on which one you pick, you’re either getting a vibrating seat and a $20 ticket or a slightly older chair and a way better deal on snacks.
Picking the right theater in Oxnard isn't just about what's playing. It's about whether you want to be "immersed" in a 4D earthquake or if you just want to watch a flick without feeling like you're paying a car note.
The RiverPark Giant: Cinemark Century XD
Most people heading to the movies in Oxnard end up at Cinemark Century RiverPark 16 and XD. It’s basically the flagship. If you haven't been to "The Collection" at RiverPark, it's that massive outdoor mall where everyone hangs out.
Right now, the big draw is the XD (Extreme Digital) screen. Is it worth the extra few bucks? Kinda. It’s a wall-to-wall screen with a custom sound system that literally makes your hair move during action scenes. If you’re seeing something like Avatar: Fire and Ash or the 2026 re-release of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, the XD screen is probably the move.
But here is the thing.
The seats here are "Luxury Loungers." They’re electric, they recline, and they are dangerous. I’ve definitely seen people fall asleep during the trailers because they got too comfortable.
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What's Playing Right Now (January 2026)
The lineup this week is a weird mix of massive sequels and some surprise indie hits.
- Avatar: Fire and Ash: James Cameron is still doing his thing. Expect 3D glasses and a three-hour runtime.
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: The sequel everyone’s been waiting for. It’s gritty, loud, and definitely not for kids.
- Zootopia 2: The safe bet for the family.
- Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2026 Event): They are doing these 25th-anniversary screenings that are packed.
- Greenland 2: Migration: Gerard Butler vs. the end of the world. Again.
The Downtown Choice: Plaza Stadium Cinemas 14
If you want to avoid the chaos of RiverPark parking (which is its own circle of hell on a Saturday night), you head to Plaza Stadium Cinemas 14 on West 5th Street.
It’s in Centennial Plaza. It feels more like a "neighborhood" theater. Honestly, the screens aren't as massive as the XD one at Cinemark, but the tickets are usually cheaper. If you’re taking a group of four people, the price difference between downtown and RiverPark starts to look like a whole extra dinner at one of the nearby taquerias.
They also get the big releases. You’ll find The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants and Marty Supreme playing here alongside the blockbusters. Plus, they’re right next to some great local food spots, so you aren't stuck with just mall food.
How to Actually Save Money in Oxnard
Stop paying full price. Seriously. If you’re looking for movies in theaters Oxnard CA, the "Standard" price is a trap.
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- Discount Tuesdays: Both Cinemark and most local spots do the Tuesday deal. At Cinemark, you can usually get tickets for nearly half off if you're a member of their "Movie Rewards" program (the basic tier is free).
- Early Bird Matinees: If you can catch a show before 1:00 PM, you’re golden. You’ll save about $5 to $7 per ticket.
- The Costco Hack: Sometimes the Costco near Rice Avenue still carries the Cinemark gift card bundles. You get $50 worth of credit for about $39. It covers your tickets and your overpriced nachos.
- National Popcorn Day: This is specific, but on January 19th, some theaters (like Regal in nearby areas and sometimes Cinemark) offer deals if you come in costume.
The Experience Gap: XD vs. Standard
We should talk about the "Format" wars. When you go to buy a ticket, you’ll see XD, RealD 3D, and Standard.
Standard is fine. Really. Unless the movie was specifically filmed for IMAX or high-dynamic range, your eyes might not even tell the difference after ten minutes.
However, for the Lord of the Rings re-releases happening this month, the XD audio is actually a significant upgrade. Peter Jackson’s sound design is built for those massive speakers. For a rom-com or a smaller drama like Song Sung Blue (the Neil Diamond tribute movie with Hugh Jackman), save your money and stick to the standard screen.
Parking and Logistics (The Real Struggle)
The Collection at RiverPark is beautiful, but the parking is a nightmare. If you’re going to Cinemark, don't try to park right in front of the theater. You’ll just circle for twenty minutes and miss the previews.
Pro tip: Park in the back lots near Whole Foods or the Target side and just walk the five minutes.
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Downtown at Plaza Stadium is much easier. There’s a parking structure right there, and it’s usually way less congested. If you’re a "get in and get out" type of person, Downtown Oxnard is the superior choice.
Beyond the Big Screens
Sometimes the best movies in theaters Oxnard CA aren't in the big multiplexes.
Keep an eye on the Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC). They occasionally do "Film + Live Orchestra" events or local documentary screenings. It’s a totally different vibe from the popcorn-munching crowd at the mall.
Also, if you're willing to drive 10 minutes to Ventura, the Century 10 Downtown often carries smaller indie films that don't always make it to the Oxnard screens.
Upcoming Special Events
- Oscar Movie Week: Starting in late February, Cinemark usually does a "Festival Pass" where you can see all the Best Picture nominees for a flat fee.
- Anime Nights: There’s a big "Gundam Premiere Night" and Zombie Land Saga event coming up this month for the Crunchyroll fans.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Movie Night
Instead of just winging it, here is how you should actually plan your night in Oxnard:
- Check the App First: Use the Cinemark or Atom Tickets app to see if a show is "Almost Sold Out." The Luxury Loungers mean there are fewer seats total, and they go fast on Friday nights.
- Eat Before You Go: There are about twenty restaurants within walking distance of the RiverPark theater. The Yard House or Lazy Dog are great, but for something quicker, try Settebello.
- Join the Club: If you go to the movies even once a month, the Cinemark Movie Club usually pays for itself by waiving the online booking fees alone.
- Check the Format: Don't accidentally buy a 3D ticket if you hate wearing the glasses over your regular glasses. Look for the "2D" or "XD" tags specifically.
The Oxnard film scene is surprisingly robust for a coastal city. Whether you're there for the high-end reclining experience or just a cheap Tuesday night out, you've got options that beat driving all the way into LA. Just remember to park far away from the entrance and never, ever pay full price on a Tuesday.