If you’re walking down Phillips Avenue right now, you probably feel that bite in the air. It's mid-January in South Dakota. Honestly, there isn't much to do when the wind starts whipping across the prairie other than hunker down with a giant tub of buttered popcorn.
Finding movies in theaters Sioux Falls is easy enough, but actually deciding which screen is worth your ten bucks? That’s the tricky part. Between the historic charm of downtown and the massive multiplexes on the edges of town, the vibe varies wildly. Whether you’re looking for the newest horror sequel, a massive CGI spectacle on an XD screen, or a silent film from 1926, the local scene is surprisingly stacked this month.
The Big Hitters: What’s Dominating the Screens
If you head over to the Cinemark Century Stadium 14 or the Century East at Dawley Farm, you’re going to see a few names on the marquee over and over.
Right now, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is the one everyone is talking about. It just hit theaters on January 16, 2026. Directed by Nia DaCosta, it’s a sequel that feels much grittier than the previous installments. Cillian Murphy is back, which is basically all the reason most people need to go. It’s playing at both major Cinemark locations with plenty of late-night sets if you want that extra "scary movie in the dark" vibe.
Then you’ve got Avatar: Fire and Ash. James Cameron’s latest is still chugging along. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and see it on the XD screen at the Stadium 14. The 3D is actually worth the extra few dollars here; it’s not just a gimmick.
For the families, Zootopia 2 and The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants are still holding down the afternoon slots. Zootopia 2 has been out since late November, but it’s surprisingly resilient. Kids love it, and let’s be real, the sloth jokes still land for adults too.
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A Quick Look at the January Slate
- The Housemaid: Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried in a thriller. It’s getting a lot of buzz for being genuinely unsettling.
- Greenland 2: Migration: Gerard Butler doing what he does best—surviving the end of the world. It’s a solid popcorn flick.
- Marty Supreme: A bit of a wildcard starring Josh Safdie and Timothée Chalamet. It’s stylized, weird, and definitely for the "A24 crowd."
- Anaconda: This isn't a reboot. It's a meta-comedy starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd. It's basically about two guys trying to remake the original Anaconda. It’s hilarious.
The State Theatre: Downtown’s Crown Jewel
You can’t talk about movies in theaters Sioux Falls without mentioning the Sioux Falls State Theatre. If you haven't been since the restoration, you’re missing out.
They do things differently. Instead of just the latest Marvel or Disney flick, they lean into the "STATE100" series. Since it's 2026, they are celebrating the centennial of 1926. This weekend, they are showing The General and Faust. Seeing a silent film in a theater that was actually built to show them is a surreal experience.
They also get the "prestige" stuff. Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao, is playing there right now. It’s the kind of movie that needs a quiet, respectful audience, and you get that downtown. Plus, the beer and wine selection is miles better than the soda fountains at the mall.
The Budget Move: West Mall 7
Let’s talk about the West Mall 7. It’s a Sioux Falls institution. Honestly, if you have a big family, this is the only way to see a movie without taking out a second mortgage.
They’ve got most of the major hits like Anaconda, The Housemaid, and David (the animated story of King David). The seats might not be the ultra-plush recliners you find at Dawley Farm, but the prices are unbeatable. It’s the perfect spot for a rainy—or snowy—Tuesday afternoon.
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Special Events and Re-Releases
One thing that’s been huge lately is the return of "Event Cinema."
Cinemark is currently running a massive Lord of the Rings marathon. They are showing the 2026 4K restorations of the trilogy. The Fellowship of the Ring is playing now, with The Two Towers and Return of the King rotating through the weekend. These are long—we’re talking 3 to 4 hours—so make sure you hit the restroom before the Orcs show up.
Over at the Washington Pavilion, the Wells Fargo CineDome is doing its usual mix of educational and visually stunning docs. T.REX and Wings Over Water are the current highlights. If you have kids who are obsessed with dinosaurs, the CineDome is non-negotiable.
Where to Go Based on Your Vibe
Sometimes it’s not about the movie; it’s about the room.
If you want the absolute best picture and sound, go to Century Stadium 14 on the west side. Their XD theater is the gold standard in the city.
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If you want a date night that feels sophisticated, go to the State Theatre. Walking out of a movie and being right in the middle of the downtown lights is a great way to end an evening.
If you’re out east doing some shopping at Target or Kohl’s, Century East at Dawley Farm is super convenient. It’s generally a bit quieter than the west side location, which is nice if you hate crowds.
Practical Tips for Sioux Falls Moviegoers
- Book Online: For the State Theatre, this is a must. It’s a smaller house and those plush seats fill up fast. For the Cinemarks, use the app to skip the kiosk lines.
- The XD Factor: If a movie is "visual," like Avatar or 28 Years Later, spend the extra few bucks for XD. The sound system alone makes a difference you can feel in your chest.
- Parking Downtown: If you’re hitting the State, remember that the parking ramp is free after 5 PM and on weekends. Don't stress about the street meters.
- Rewards Programs: If you go even once a month, the Cinemark Movie Rewards actually pays for itself pretty quickly with the waived online fees.
Movies in theaters Sioux Falls provide a much-needed escape from the winter doldrums. Whether you're laughing at Jack Black's antics in Anaconda or contemplating the post-apocalypse in 28 Years Later, there’s something special about seeing it on a big screen. Check the showtimes, grab a coat, and get out there.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the current weekend showtimes at the Sioux Falls State Theatre for their centennial series, or use the Cinemark app to snag a reserved recliner at the Stadium 14 for the Lord of the Rings 2026 re-releases. If you're on a budget, head to West Mall 7 for their $5-ish tickets.