If you haven’t been to the top floor of the Providence Place Mall lately, you’re in for a bit of a shock. Honestly, the place looks like a construction zone in some spots and a futuristic playground in others. That’s because the theater—formerly the Showcase Cinema de Lux—is officially under new management. Apple Cinemas has taken the reins, and they are currently in the middle of a massive, multi-million dollar "open renovation" that’s changing everything we knew about catching a flick in downtown Providence.
You've probably noticed the plywood. It’s everywhere. But don't let the dust scare you off. The movies in theaters Providence Place Mall are still running full steam ahead, even as the building evolves around you. It’s a bit chaotic, sure, but the endgame is pretty wild: they’re adding a bowling alley, a trampoline park, and upgraded recliners to every single auditorium.
The Identity Crisis: Showcase vs. Apple Cinemas
For twenty years, it was Showcase. Then, seemingly overnight in late 2024 and early 2025, the Apple Cinemas logo started popping up. If you're searching for "Showcase Providence," your GPS might still lead you there, but the branding on your ticket will say Apple.
They are keeping 17 screens active. That is a lot of real estate. Right now, the experience is a mix of "old mall nostalgia" and "new luxury." Some theaters still have the older rocking chairs, while others have been swapped out for the deep-sink power recliners that make you want to nap through the trailers.
What’s Playing Right Now?
The lineup is surprisingly diverse. Because they have so many screens, they don't just stick to the massive Disney or Marvel blockbusters. On any given Tuesday, you’ll find a mix of:
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- Mainstream Heavyweights: Think Avatar: Fire and Ash or Zootopia 2.
- The Horror Corner: There's almost always a niche horror flick or a sequel like 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple or Five Nights at Freddy's 2 lurking in the smaller auditoriums.
- International Hits: This is where Providence Place actually beats the suburban theaters. They lean heavily into Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema. You’ll see titles like The Raja Saab or Mana ShankaraVaraprasad Garu with active showtimes, drawing a huge crowd that you won't find at the Warwick or Lincoln locations.
They also host the Metropolitan Opera live broadcasts. If you want to see The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay on a 60-foot screen, this is the spot. It’s a weirdly perfect blend of high-brow culture and "mall rat" energy.
The IMAX Situation (Is it "Real"?)
Let's talk about the big screen. The IMAX at Providence Place is one of the few "real" ones in New England. By "real," I mean it’s a 1.43 aspect ratio powerhouse, not just a slightly larger screen at the back of a standard room.
It stands six stories high. Back when Oppenheimer came out, this was one of the only 25 theaters in North America capable of showing it in 70mm film. While they’ve moved toward IMAX with Laser for the current 2026 season—which is brighter and has better contrast—the sheer scale of the room remains the same. If you’re seeing a movie like Greenland 2: Migration, pay the extra ten bucks for the IMAX. The sound system alone will rattle the popcorn right out of your hand.
The Parking Nightmare (and How to Avoid It)
Parking at Providence Place Mall used to be the best deal in the city. Two dollars for the whole day? Those days are dead and buried.
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As of mid-2025, the rates spiked. If you're in the garage for more than two hours, you’re looking at a jump to $10 or $15 depending on the day. Since most movies (looking at you, Avatar) are pushing three hours, you’re basically guaranteed to pay the higher tier.
Pro-tip: Use the "Parkwiz" app or just pay via the QR codes on the pillars before you head back to your car. The machines at the exits are notoriously finicky and will absolutely cause a backup on the ramp at 10:00 PM on a Friday.
Food: Beyond the Concession Stand
Honestly, movie popcorn is fine, but it’s expensive. You’re looking at about $75 for two people if you get tickets, large drinks, and a couple of snacks.
If you have time before your show, skip the theater nachos. The Cheesecake Factory is right there on the same level, though the wait times are usually legendary. For something faster, Johnny Rockets or the food court downstairs (get the Kong Dog) is a better bet.
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Apple Cinemas is also building out a "Bar & Lounge" inside the theater itself. They’re trying to mimic the "dine-in" vibe where you can grab a cocktail like a "Lux Margarita" or some Thai Chicken Bites and bring them into the movie. It’s a work in progress, but the bar area is already a decent spot to kill time if your friends are running late.
The Weird Stuff: Bowling and Trampolines?
This is the part that people get wrong. It’s not just a theater anymore. Apple Cinemas is pivoting to an "entertainment hub" model because, let’s be real, just selling movie tickets is a tough business in 2026.
By the holiday season this year, they’re supposed to have the Bowling Lounge and the Trampoline Park fully operational inside the theater complex. It sounds loud. It sounds like a lot of kids. But they’re separating the "action zones" from the actual cinema corridors to keep the noise bleed to a minimum.
If you’re planning a birthday party or a group outing, this makes the mall a one-stop shop. You can jump for an hour, bowl a game, and then go see The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.
Why You Might Want to Go Elsewhere
Look, Providence Place isn't for everyone. If you hate crowds, stay away on Saturday nights. It gets loud. The security presence is heavy, and the "youth escort policy" (where minors need an adult after a certain hour) is strictly enforced.
If you want a quiet, boutique experience, you might prefer the Avon Cinema on Thayer Street for indies, or the Showcase in Warwick for a more traditional suburban vibe. But if you want the biggest screen, the loudest sound, and the ability to go shopping for a new pair of sneakers immediately after the credits roll, the mall is still king.
Your Next Steps for a Better Movie Night
- Check the Format: Before you buy, look for "ACX" or "IMAX Laser" on the Apple Cinemas website. These are the renovated rooms with the best seats.
- Validate (If You Can): Keep your eyes peeled for validation kiosks. They don't always work with the new LAZ parking system, but it's worth a shot to save that $10.
- Join the Rewards Program: Apple Cinemas has a "subscription" style pass that actually pays for itself if you see more than two movies a month.
- Arrive Early: Since the mall is massive, it takes about 10 minutes just to get from the garage to the theater entrance on the top level. Don't underestimate the walk.