Honestly, if you're looking for movies playing in joplin mo right now, you’ve picked a wild week to head to the theater. Usually, mid-January is where big studios dump the projects they don't know what to do with. But 2026 is hitting different. Between a massive 25th-anniversary re-release of The Lord of the Rings and some genuinely creepy new horror, Joplin’s screens are surprisingly crowded.
You’ve basically got three main spots to hit. There’s the big Regal Northstar over by the mall, the B&B Joplin 7 on the south side of town, and the indie-favorite Bookhouse Cinema on Broadway. Each one has a totally different vibe. If you want the massive popcorn and the recliner that practically turns into a bed, you go to Regal. If you want a local craft beer and a movie that makes you think, Bookhouse is your spot.
The Big Names Dominating the Screens
The heavy hitter right now is Avatar: Fire and Ash. Yeah, James Cameron is still at it. It’s been out since December, but it's still pulling massive crowds at Regal Northstar. If you haven’t seen the "Ash People" version of Pandora yet, the 3D screens in Joplin are still the way to go. It’s long. Like, "bring a neck pillow" long.
Then you’ve got 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. This isn't your standard zombie flick. Nia DaCosta took the reins for this one, and Ralph Fiennes is apparently doing some of his most unsettling work as Dr. Kelson. It's playing at both B&B and Regal, and local feedback is basically that it’s way more of a psychological thriller than a "running from monsters" movie.
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Why Joplin is Obsessed with Middle-earth Right Now
The coolest thing happening with movies playing in joplin mo this weekend is the Lord of the Rings 2026 Event. Regal is running the trilogy back-to-back. Today, January 17, they’re showing The Two Towers. Tomorrow, the 18th, is the big one: The Return of the King.
We’re talking about the 4-hour-plus extended-ish versions. It’s a marathon. You’ll see people in full Gandalf robes walking through the Northpark Mall parking lot. Don't be alarmed; it's just Joplin being Joplin.
Where to Catch Movies Playing in Joplin MO
Regal Northstar (The "Big" One)
This is the 14-screen behemoth at 201 North Northpark Lane. It’s where you go for the blockbusters.
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- What’s hot: Zootopia 2 is still killing it with the morning crowds.
- The Vibe: High energy, lots of teenagers, and that specific smell of movie theater butter that stays in your clothes for three days.
- Pro Tip: They’re doing a "Treat Yourself Tuesday" thing, but on weekends, those afternoon matinees fill up fast.
B&B Joplin 7 (The South Side Choice)
Located at 3217 South Hammond Blvd, this place feels a bit more modern to some folks. They’ve got the Marquee Suites which, quite frankly, are dangerous because I’ve definitely fallen asleep in those chairs before the trailers even finished.
- Current Standouts: They have Greenland 2: Migration and a horror flick called Primate.
- The Vibe: A bit more relaxed than the mall theater.
Bookhouse Cinema (The Indie Gem)
You won’t find Avatar here. You’ll find things like Marty Supreme or The Housemaid. It’s at 715 East Broadway. This is a converted old building with a full kitchen. Honestly, the food is better than some actual restaurants in town.
- Unique Factor: They do "Silent Library" vibes but for movies. It’s for the "film" people, not the "movie" people, if that makes sense.
What Else is Popping Up?
There are some smaller releases and re-issues sneaking into the schedule too. Madagascar is having a 20th-anniversary run, which makes me feel incredibly old. Also, keep an eye out for All You Need Is Kill—Regal is doing both the English dub and the original Japanese subbed version. It’s rare to get both options in a town this size, so take advantage of it.
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If you’re a horror nut, We Bury the Dead is playing late slots. It's got a 61 score on most tracking sites, which isn't amazing, but for a late-night Joplin crowd, it usually delivers the jumps.
Making the Most of Your Joplin Movie Night
If you're planning to see movies playing in joplin mo this weekend, here’s the actual move. Start at Bookhouse for an early dinner—get the brisket nachos, trust me—and then head over to Regal for a late-night screening.
Check the showtimes on the Regal app before you leave. The mall traffic around Range Line Road is always a nightmare on Saturday nights, so give yourself an extra 15 minutes. Also, B&B usually has better deals on popcorn refills if you're the type of person who eats a bucket during the previews.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the LOTR Schedule: If you want to see The Return of the King on Sunday, buy tickets now. It's the 2026 anniversary event and it will sell out.
- Verify the Version: If you're heading to All You Need Is Kill, double-check if you're clicking the "Sub" or "Dub" link on the Regal website so you don't end up surprised.
- Bookhouse Reservations: If you're eating at Bookhouse Cinema before a show, try to get there 45 minutes early. The kitchen is small and they make everything to order.
- Weather Check: It's January in Missouri. If a sudden ice storm hits (as it does), Regal is usually the last thing to close, but B&B often updates their Facebook page faster with weather cancellations.