So, you’re looking for movies playing in Mobile AL, but you don't want to just stare at a generic list of titles that doesn't tell you if the popcorn is actually fresh or if the theater still smells like 1998. Mobile is a weirdly great movie town. We've got the massive multiplexes out on Schillinger and the fancy "dine-in" vibes, but we also have those little pockets of local soul like the Crescent downtown.
Right now, the lineup is actually pretty wild. We are deep into January 2026, and the holiday blockbusters like Avatar: Fire and Ash are still hogging the big screens, while some newer, darker stuff is starting to creep in. Honestly, it’s a weird transition period for cinema, but if you’re bored on a Saturday night in the Port City, you’ve actually got options.
The Heavy Hitters: Where to Find the Big Screens
If you want the full sensory overload—loud enough to rattle your teeth—you’re probably heading to AMC Mobile 16 or the CMX Hollywood 16 & IMAX. These are the titans.
Avatar: Fire and Ash is still the big beast in the room. If you haven't seen it in 3D yet, you’re basically missing the point of the movie. Most people are flocking to the 6:15 PM or 9:30 PM sets at AMC on Schillinger Road. It's long. Like, three-hours-and-fifteen-minutes long. Bring a pillow or at least some lumbar support.
Then there’s 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. This one is a bit more intense. Nia DaCosta took over the director’s chair for this sequel, and it’s leaning heavy into the "survivors are worse than the zombies" trope. You can catch this at almost every major theater in town, including Regal Mobile Stadium 18, which is usually a bit easier to get into if AMC is packed.
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What’s Actually Worth Your Ten Dollars?
Kinda depends on your mood. If you have kids, Zootopia 2 and The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants are the default winners. They’re playing everywhere from Nexus Cinema Dining to the smaller spots.
But if you want something that’ll actually make you think, look for The Housemaid or Marty Supreme. Marty Supreme is that Timothée Chalamet ping-pong movie—yeah, you heard that right—and it’s surprisingly good. It's got that A24 vibe that feels a bit more "New York" than "Mobile," but it’s a nice change of pace.
Hidden Gems and Independent Vibes
Now, if you’re the type of person who hates sticky floors and wants a glass of wine with your flick, you have to talk about the Crescent Theater on Dauphin Street. Honestly, it’s the heart of the downtown scene.
They do this "Tuesday Talkies" series that is absolute gold. This month, they’re showing non-silent films from the Golden Age of Hollywood. If you’re reading this around January 20th, they’re playing The Stranger, which Orson Welles directed and starred in. It’s a classic Nazi-hunter noir that feels strangely relevant even now. They also have happy hour prices from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, which is basically the only way to watch a movie in 2026 without going broke.
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Dinner and a Show?
Nexus Cinema Dining over on Bruns Drive is still the go-to if you want to eat a real meal while watching a movie. They’re showing Greenland 2: Migration right now. Is it a masterpiece? No. Is it fun to watch Gerard Butler try to save his family while you eat a burger? Absolutely.
One thing most people don't realize about Nexus is that their showtimes for the big movies like Primate often sell out faster for the evening slots because they have fewer seats per screen. If you're looking for movies playing in Mobile AL on a Friday night, book Nexus early or you'll be sitting in the front row straining your neck.
Why the Location Matters
Mobile is spread out. If you’re in West Mobile (WeMo), you’re spoiled for choice with AMC and Nexus. If you’re downtown or in Midtown, the drive out to Schillinger can be a soul-crushing 25-minute trek through traffic.
- AMC Mobile 16: Best for the "classic" movie experience and IMAX.
- Regal Mobile 18: Usually has the most diverse "event" screenings, like the Lord of the Rings 2026 re-release events.
- Crescent Theater: For when you want to feel sophisticated and support local.
- CMX Hollywood 16: If you’re already over by the mall and want that IMAX fix.
The "Coming Soon" Factor
If nothing currently playing tickles your fancy, the next few weeks are looking stacked. Mercy, that Chris Pratt AI-judge thriller, drops around January 22nd. There’s also Return to Silent Hill for the horror junkies, which is supposed to be way more faithful to the games than the old movies were.
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Basically, the movies playing in Mobile AL right now offer a bit of everything—from $10 classic nights downtown to $20 IMAX spectacles in West Mobile.
To make the most of your night out, check the specific showtimes on the theater's direct website rather than relying on third-party aggregators that sometimes lag behind. If you're heading downtown to the Crescent, arrive 20 minutes early to grab a spot for happy hour. For the blockbusters at AMC, consider the "Thrills & Chills" or "Artisan" screenings if you want a crowd that’s actually there to watch the movie instead of scrolling on their phones.
Check the digital schedules for AMC and Regal for those specific 2026 anniversary screenings—they usually only run for a night or two and disappear. If you want a dinner spot, Nexus is your best bet, but make sure to look at their "percent full" indicator on their site so you don't end up in an empty theater—or worse, a completely packed one where you can't get a refill.