Honestly, the hardest part about catching a flick near the Niagara River isn't choosing a movie. It's figuring out which "Falls" theater you're actually going to. If you’ve spent any time in Western New York, you know the drill. You tell your friends you're seeing movies playing at the Falls, and half of them show up at the Regal UA Falls in the city, while the other half are wandering around the outlet mall looking for a marquee that isn't there anymore.
It’s January 2026. The mist from the Horseshoe is freezing into those weird, beautiful ice sculptures, and the best place to be is inside a dark room with a massive bucket of popcorn. But let’s be real: the "Falls" movie scene has changed. Between the legacy of the old Dipson houses and the current dominance of the Regal outposts, the options are surprisingly deep for a tourist town in the dead of winter.
What’s Actually on the Big Screen Right Now?
If you walked into the Regal UA Falls (officially the Regal Bistro at The Falls) today, the marquee is dominated by sequels we’ve been waiting a literal decade for.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is the heavy hitter right now. Nia DaCosta took the reins for this one, and seeing Ralph Fiennes in a zombie landscape is... well, it’s intense. It’s got that R-rating grit that feels appropriate for a cold January night. If you’re looking for something a bit more family-oriented, Zootopia 2 and The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants are basically running on a loop. It's funny—SpongeBob still pulls a crowd in 2026. Some things never change.
Then there’s the spectacle. Avatar: Fire and Ash is still lingering in the premium formats. Look, if you haven’t seen a James Cameron movie on a screen the size of a barn, have you even seen it? The runtime is a massive 3 hours and 15 minutes, so maybe skip the extra-large soda unless you’ve got a bladder of steel.
Current Heavy Rotation
- Marty Supreme: Timothée Chalamet is everywhere, but this Josh Safdie flick is actually getting decent buzz.
- The Housemaid: Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. It’s a psychological thriller that’s a bit of a slow burn, but it fits the winter vibe.
- Greenland 2: Migration: Gerard Butler is back doing what he does best—surviving the end of the world.
- Primate: A horror-survival flick that’s been surprising people. It’s lean, mean, and under 90 minutes.
The Local Secret: The Capitol Theatre
Most tourists stick to the Regal near the mall, but locals know the Capitol Theatre often has the better "vibe." They’ve been leaning hard into the nostalgia lately. For example, they’re currently running a 20th Anniversary screening of Madagascar. Yeah, I feel old too.
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But it’s not just kids' stuff. They’ve got Charlie the Wonderdog (starring Owen Wilson) playing for the afternoon crowds, and they’ve been known to sneak in some interesting limited engagements.
One thing people get wrong about the Capitol is the seating. It’s not the old-school "crunchy" seats from the 90s anymore. Most of these rooms have been upgraded to the luxury recliners. Honestly, if a theater doesn’t have a seat that lets me lay horizontal at this point, I’m probably not going.
Why People Get Frustrated With Showtimes
Here’s the thing about movies playing at the Falls: the scheduling is erratic. Because we're in the "off-season" for tourism, theaters like the Regal UA Falls sometimes adjust their mid-week schedules.
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Don't just trust a random Google snippet from three days ago. Check the actual cinema sites. Also, keep in mind that National Popcorn Day is coming up on January 19th. If you show up at the Regal dressed as a movie character, they’re handing out free large popcorns. I’m fully expecting to see at least four people dressed as Na’vi from Avatar in the lobby, which is always a choice.
Coming Soon to the Falls
If you’re planning a trip for late January or early February, there’s some wild stuff on the horizon:
- Mercy: Dropping around January 22nd.
- Return to Silent Hill: This is the one the horror fans are whispering about. It starts its run on January 23rd.
- Iron Lung: Based on the game. Mark January 30th on your calendar if you want to feel claustrophobic for two hours.
- WWE Royal Rumble 2026: Yes, they’re showing it live in the theater on January 31st. There’s usually a promo code (like WWEROYALRUMBLE) if you’re bringing kids.
The Experience Factor: Food and Tech
Let’s talk about the "Bistro" part of the Regal UA Falls. It’s kind of a polarizing topic. Some people love being able to order a full burger and a beer while watching Anaconda (the new one with Paul Rudd and Jack Black). Others find the clinking of silverware during a tense scene in Dead Man’s Wire to be a bit much.
Personally? I think for a January matinee when it’s ten degrees outside, there’s nothing better than a hot meal in a theater.
If you’re a tech snob, you’re probably looking for ScreenX or IMAX. For the true IMAX experience, you might find yourself driving a bit further out toward the Transit Center or Elmwood, but the local Falls screens have been holding their own with the 4K laser projections.
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Actionable Tips for Your Next Trip
Stop paying full price if you can avoid it. If you’re a Regal Crown Club member, you’re already getting the Tuesday discounts, which are still a thing in 2026.
Also, keep an eye out for the "JANS" series—that's the January Anniversary Specials. They’ve been playing classics like Reservoir Dogs and The Sugarland Express for a fraction of the cost of a new release.
Next Steps for You:
Check the specific showtimes for the Regal UA Falls or The Capitol Theatre via their official apps before you leave the house. If you're heading to a 7:00 PM show of Avatar, get there by 6:30 PM if you want to snag the good parking spots near the entrance—Niagara Falls wind is no joke in January. Pick your movie, grab your tickets early for the weekend shows, and don't forget to ask about the National Popcorn Day special if you're going on the 19th.