You’re standing in the parking lot off Telshor, scrolling through a glitchy app, trying to figure out if you have enough time to grab a slice at Dion's before the previews start. Honestly, it shouldn't be this hard. But finding exactly which movies playing in las cruces are worth your ten bucks—and which theater won't leave you sitting in a puddle of mystery soda—is sort of an art form.
Las Cruces isn't just a "one-theater town" anymore, even if it feels like Allen Theatres has a bit of a monopoly. You've got the big reclining seats at Telshor 12, the classic vibe (and cheaper tickets) at Cineport 10, and then that one-of-a-kind experience over in Mesilla that most newcomers completely overlook.
The Heavy Hitters: Where to Catch the Big Blockbusters
If you want the full "shaking walls and 40-foot faces" experience, you're basically heading to the north side. Telshor 12 is the crown jewel for most locals. They’ve got the reclining seats that make you want to take a nap, but the real draw right now is the sheer variety.
Right now, as we hit mid-January 2026, the screens are dominated by some massive leftovers from the holidays and a few gritty new arrivals. Avatar: Fire and Ash is still eating up the IMAX-style screens because, well, it’s James Cameron. It's long. Like, "bring a lumbar pillow" long.
But if you're over the blue people, there's a surprising amount of variety. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is finally out, and Nia DaCosta is definitely leaning into the "horror" side of that franchise more than the "action" side. It's dark. It's intense. It’s also playing at the Cineport 10 for a few bucks less if you don't mind the slightly older seats.
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What's actually on the marquee today:
- Avatar: Fire and Ash: Still the visual king.
- Zootopia 2: Keeping the kids (and honestly, the adults) busy with Judy Hopps.
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: For the people who think zombies are still scary.
- The Housemaid: Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried in a thriller that’s basically Parasite meets Single White Female.
- Marty Supreme: Timothée Chalamet playing a table tennis pro. Yeah, you read that right.
Why Everyone Forgets the Fountain Theatre (And Why That’s a Mistake)
Seriously, if you haven't been to the Fountain Theatre in Mesilla, are you even living here? It’s the oldest movie house in New Mexico. It’s tiny. It’s historic. The murals on the walls look like they’ve seen some things.
They don't do the Avengers or the Fast and Furious sequels. They do the stuff that wins Oscars or moves you to tears in a language you don't speak. Right now, the Mesilla Valley Film Society is screening Jim Jarmusch’s Mother Father Sister Brother. It stars Adam Driver and Cate Blanchett, and it’s basically three different stories about how weird it is to be a grown-up around your parents.
The best part? You can grab a drink at La Posta next door and actually bring it into the theater. Try doing that at the mall without getting a side-eye from a teenager with a flashlight. Just a heads up though: the AC in there is legendary. Even in the middle of a desert winter, bring a jacket.
Navigating the "Hidden" Showtimes
One thing that drives people crazy about movies playing in las cruces is how the showtimes shift. Allen Theatres usually updates their roster on Tuesday nights for the coming weekend. If you’re checking on a Monday for a Friday night date, you might see nothing. Don't panic. They just haven't pressed "publish" yet.
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Also, a lot of people think the Video 4 is still a thing. It’s not. It’s been gone for ages, but for some reason, old Google maps pins still trick people into driving over there. Stick to Telshor or the Cineport (near the Mesilla Valley Mall) if you want the big screens.
The "Cheap" Secret: Cineport 10 vs. Telshor 12
Let's talk money. Movies are expensive now. Between the ticket, the popcorn that costs more than a steak, and the gas, you’re looking at a $50 night for two people.
If you want to save a few bucks, the Cineport 10 is usually the way to go. They show the same first-run movies as Telshor 12, but because the facility is a bit older and doesn't have the "luxury" recliners in every single house, the tickets are often cheaper.
Pro Tip: Look for the "Value Tuesday" deals. Most people think they ended after the pandemic, but Allen Theatres usually still runs some form of discounted mid-week ticket. It’s the best way to see something like Greenland 2: Migration—which is surprisingly good for a sequel—without feeling like you overpaid for a disaster flick.
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What's Coming Up Next?
If you’re planning ahead for late January, keep an eye out for Mercy. It’s that sci-fi thriller with Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson. It officially drops on the 23rd, but you know there will be those "early access" screenings on Thursday night.
Then there’s Hamnet. Chloé Zhao (who did Nomadland) directed it, and it’s based on that massive bestseller about Shakespeare’s son. It’s going to be a "bring the tissues" kind of movie. The Fountain Theatre will likely get a longer run of this one since it fits their vibe perfectly.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Movie Night
Don't just wing it. If you want a good night out in Las Cruces, follow this flow:
- Check the Fountain Theatre website first. If they have an indie hit like Hamnet or a classic revival, go there for the atmosphere. Plus, the popcorn has real butter. Actual butter.
- Book Telshor 12 for the "Events." If it’s Avatar or a big horror movie, you want that ATMOS sound system. It’s worth the extra $3.
- Eat before you go. Hit up Andele’s or Habanero’s nearby. Theater food is fine, but you're in Las Cruces—the Mexican food here is better than anything you'll find in a concession stand.
- Use the App. Allen Theatres has a loyalty program. If you go more than once a month, those points actually add up to free popcorn pretty fast.
Go see a movie. Support the local screens so they don't turn into more car washes or storage units. There is something about sitting in the dark with a bunch of strangers that Netflix just can't replicate.
Check the specific showtimes for today, January 18, 2026, directly on the Allen Theatres site before you head out, as Sunday schedules can sometimes have earlier final showings.