You’re standing in the parking lot of the Cielo Vista Mall, squinting at your phone, trying to figure out if that one horror movie is actually worth the $15 ticket. El Paso has this weird, sprawling theater scene that most people think is just "the same five blockbusters everywhere." Honestly? That’s just not true. Between the massive IMAX screens at Premiere Cinema and the specialized "Movie Parties" at Alamo Drafthouse, the city actually has a pretty diverse lineup right now.
Finding movies playing in El Paso today isn't just about checking a generic app. It’s about knowing which theater fits the vibe you're after.
What’s Actually on the Big Screen Right Now?
January 2026 is turning out to be a massive month for El Paso cinephiles. It's not just the leftover holiday hits. We’ve got some heavy hitters like 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple taking over the screens at both the AMC El Paso 16 and the Cinemark Tinseltown Las Palmas. If you’re into that gritty, Nia DaCosta directed atmosphere, it's playing practically every hour.
But maybe you're not in the mood for zombies.
Avatar: Fire and Ash is still holding strong on the premium screens. If you haven't seen it in IMAX at the Bassett Place Premiere Cinema, you're basically missing the whole point of James Cameron's existence. The colors are insane. Seriously.
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Here is a quick look at some of the major titles currently rotating through the Sun City:
- Greenland 2: Migration: Gerard Butler is back in survival mode, and it’s playing at almost every Cinemark location, including the one on East Montana.
- Zootopia 2: For the families, this is the big one. You’ll find it at Santikos The Grand at Fort Bliss and the Cinemark West.
- Marty Supreme: This is the one everyone’s talking about—Timothée Chalamet as a table tennis pro. It's a Safdie brothers film, so expect it to be loud and stressful in the best way possible.
The Best Spots for the "El Paso" Experience
Most locals have a ride-or-die theater. If you’re on the West Side, you’re probably hitting Flix Brewhouse. They brew their own beer on-site—try the Luna Rosa Raspberry Wheat if they have it on tap. It makes the three-hour runtime of some of these epics way more bearable.
Over at Alamo Drafthouse (Montecillo or East El Paso), things get a bit more niche. They aren't just showing the new stuff. This week, they’ve got a massive Twilight Saga marathon happening. Yes, really. They’re calling it "Dolly Weekend" soon too, celebrating Dolly Parton’s birthday with screenings of 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.
The Flashback Cinema series is also a big deal here. This Sunday, you can catch Mean Girls (the original, obviously) at the Premiere Cinema Bassett. Next week, they’re bringing back Interstellar. Watching that on a big screen again? Literal chills.
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Why You Should Care About Theater Tech
If you're heading to the Cinemark Tinseltown, you've got to check if your movie is in ScreenX. It’s that 270-degree panoramic thing where the movie wraps around the side walls. It’s definitely a "love it or hate it" experience. Some people say it’s distracting, but for something like Avatar, it’s basically like being inside a video game.
Then there is D-BOX. These are the seats that move and vibrate with the action. You can find these at the Cinemark East Montana. Is it a gimmick? Kinda. Is it fun during an explosion? Absolutely.
Don't Forget the Small Stuff
It’s easy to get lost in the "Cinemark vs. AMC" debate. But movies playing in El Paso also include indie gems and international cinema that usually fly under the radar.
The Alamo Drafthouse is currently running a "Queer Film Theory 101" series, featuring My Own Private Idaho. If you want something a bit more intense, they have "Terror Tuesday," which is showing The Cat, a wild flick from Hong Kong.
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Even the Cinemark West is getting in on the action with international releases like No Other Choice (Korean with English subtitles) and All You Need Is Kill (Japanese). It’s great to see El Paso finally getting more than just the standard Hollywood fare.
Pro-Tips for El Paso Moviegoers
- Tuesday is still the golden day: Most theaters, especially AMC 16 and Cinemark, still do "Discount Tuesdays." You can usually grab a ticket for about half the price.
- Fort Bliss Residents: The Santikos The Grand is arguably one of the cleanest theaters in town. Even if you aren't military, it's worth the drive for the popcorn alone.
- The "No Talking" Rule: If you go to Alamo, they will kick you out for talking or being on your phone. They don't play. If you've got a chatty friend, maybe take them to the Cielo Vista 14 instead.
What to Watch This Weekend
If you only have time for one movie, go see 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. It’s the most "theater-worthy" experience out right now. If you have kids, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is actually surprisingly funny for adults too.
Basically, the El Paso movie scene is currently a mix of high-budget spectacles and weird, wonderful retrospectives. Whether you're at the far East side Cinemark or the West side Flix, there's actually a lot more going on than most people realize.
Check your local showtimes early. The IMAX screenings at Bassett tend to sell out on Friday nights, especially for the Lord of the Rings 2026 event screenings that have been popping up. Seeing The Fellowship of the Ring on that screen is a core memory in the making.
Go grab some popcorn—extra butter, obviously—and enjoy the show.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Movie Trip:
- Download the Apps: Don't rely on Google alone; the Cinemark and Alamo Drafthouse apps often have "web-only" deals or early access tickets for things like the Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience coming in February.
- Arrive Early at Flix: If you're ordering a full meal at Flix Brewhouse, get there 30 minutes before the trailers. It ensures your food arrives before the lights go completely dark.
- Check the Format: Before you buy, verify if it’s XD, IMAX, or Standard. A $2 difference can be the gap between a "meh" screen and a wall-to-wall masterpiece.