You’re probably looking for a place to catch a flick tonight, but if you haven’t checked the local listings lately, things look a little different around here. Lynchburg isn't exactly a one-screen town, but the landscape has shifted. Honestly, the biggest news is that Venue Cinemas—the long-standing budget-friendly spot on Old Forest Road—shut its doors in late 2025. It’s a bummer for anyone who loved a cheap matinee.
So, what’s left? Basically, if you want the full-scale cinema experience, you're heading to Candlers Mountain Road.
Right now, movies playing in lynchburg va are centered almost entirely at the River Ridge Mall and the nearby Cinemark. But don't let the lack of theater variety fool you; the January 2026 lineup is actually pretty wild. We’re seeing a mix of massive sci-fi sequels, some surprisingly gritty horror, and a massive nostalgia trip with a 25th-anniversary re-release.
The Big Screen Heavyweights at River Ridge
The Regal River Ridge is currently the king of the hill in Lynchburg. It’s got 14 screens, and right now, they are leaning hard into the blockbusters.
If you haven't seen James Cameron’s latest, Avatar: Fire and Ash, it’s still hogging the premium screens. It’s long. Very long. Like, 3 hours and 15 minutes long. You’ll definitely want one of those stadium seats for that one.
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Then there’s 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. People have been waiting decades for this. It’s gritty, it’s R-rated, and it’s currently the most-talked-about thing at the concessions stand. Danny Boyle is back at the helm, and it feels much more like the original 2002 film than the sequel did.
What’s Playing Right Now (January 17, 2026)
Here is a quick look at what you can actually catch if you head out this weekend:
- Avatar: Fire and Ash: Usually has a late-night 8:30 PM slot if you’re a night owl.
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: Multiple showtimes, including a 7:00 PM and a 9:45 PM.
- Greenland 2: Migration: Gerard Butler is back saving his family from more space rocks. It’s surprisingly good for a sequel.
- Primate: A new R-rated horror flick that’s getting decent word of mouth.
- The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants: For the kids (or the college students at Liberty who grew up on it).
One weird but cool thing? They are doing a 25th-anniversary run of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. This Saturday, you can actually see The Two Towers on the big screen again. It’s the extended edition, so prepare to be in that seat for nearly four hours.
The Cinemark Situation
Just down the road, Cinemark Movies 10 still operates, but it’s a bit of a different vibe. While Regal gets the opening-night gloss, Cinemark often holds onto titles a bit longer or picks up the mid-tier releases that get squeezed out of the 14-screen multiplex.
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Kinda interestingly, Cinemark has been leaning into "event" cinema lately. They’ve got listings for stuff like Elvis Presley in Concert and even some Met Opera broadcasts. If you’re tired of superheroes and sequels, that’s usually where you find the "adult" movies—the ones where people actually talk instead of blowing things up.
Why the "Budget" Theater is Missed
Losing Venue Cinemas really changed the math for a lot of families in Lynchburg. You used to be able to take a whole crew to a movie and not need a small loan for the popcorn.
Now, a night out for two at Regal can easily north of $40 before you even touch the snacks.
Pro tip: If you're heading to Regal, join their Regal Crown Club. It’s free. On Tuesdays, they usually do discounted tickets, and they frequently have "Mystery Movie" nights where you pay five bucks to see a movie before it’s officially released—you just don't know what it is until the lights go down.
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Beyond the Multiplex: The Academy Center
Don't forget about the Academy Center of the Arts downtown. While they aren't a traditional movie theater, they’ve been doing more "film as art" events.
For instance, this weekend they have an Animation Festival happening. It’s a nice break from the corporate mall atmosphere. It feels more "Lynchburg," if that makes sense. You can grab dinner on Main Street and then walk over for a screening that isn't just another Marvel spin-off.
Looking Ahead to February
If nothing on the current list grabs you, the February slate looks promising. Wuthering Heights (the new R-rated adaptation) is coming just in time for Valentine's Day. There’s also Iron Lung, which is based on that indie game everyone was obsessed with a few years back.
The horror trend isn't slowing down, either. M3GAN 2.0 is looming on the horizon, and the marketing is already everywhere.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Movie Night
- Check the App: Don't just show up. Regal River Ridge uses reserved seating. If you want the "good" middle seats for Avatar, you need to book them at least a few hours in advance.
- National Popcorn Day: Heads up—Monday, January 19th is National Popcorn Day. Most theaters in town, including Regal, usually offer a free large popcorn if you come in costume or have their loyalty app.
- Validate Your Parking: If you're hitting the mall theater, remember the parking lot near the old Macy's entrance is usually the fastest way in and out after a late show.
- Verify Showtimes: Always double-check Fandango or the Regal site directly. Showtimes change based on demand, and sometimes those 10:00 PM screenings get pulled if the theater is empty.
Lynchburg might have fewer theaters than it did five years ago, but the quality of the projection—especially the Laser Stadium seating at River Ridge—is the best it’s ever been. Grab your tickets early, especially for the Lord of the Rings re-releases, as those have been selling out surprisingly fast with the local college crowd.