You're standing in the middle of River Park, the wind is probably whipping a little harder than you’d like, and you’re staring at your phone trying to figure out if there is anything actually good playing. We’ve all been there. Fresno isn't exactly Hollywood, but between the massive IMAX screens at Edwards and the indie vibes over in the Tower District, there’s usually something worth the $15—or $20, if you’re a sucker for the fancy popcorn buckets.
Honestly, the lineup for movies showing in Fresno right now is a weird, chaotic mix. We’ve got massive sequels that have been delayed for years, some truly bizarre horror, and a surprising amount of nostalgia hitting the big screen. Whether you’re heading to Maya Cinemas by Fresno State or trekking out to El Paseo, here is the breakdown of what’s actually worth your time.
The Big Hits: What Everyone is Talking About
If you haven't heard about 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, you might be living under a rock. Or maybe you just don't like zombies. It officially opened this Friday, January 16, and the hype is pretty real. Seeing Ralph Fiennes in a Danny Boyle-directed zombie flick is... different. It’s playing basically everywhere—Regal River Park, Maya, and the AMC over at Fashion Fair.
Then there’s Avatar: Fire and Ash. Yeah, James Cameron is still at it. It’s long. Like, "don't buy the large soda" long. It’s clocking in at over three hours, so if you’re going to see it, do yourself a favor and hit the MPX screen at Maya or the IMAX at Edwards Fresno Stadium 22. The visuals of the "fire" Na'vi are stunning, but your back will thank you for the recliner seats.
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A Few Other Notable Releases
- Greenland 2: Migration: Gerard Butler is back doing Gerard Butler things. It’s a solid "world is ending" popcorn flick.
- The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants: If you have kids, or if you’re just a millennial who refuses to grow up, this is the move.
- Wicked: For Good: The second part of the adaptation is still drawing crowds. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are basically permanent fixtures on the marquee at this point.
Why the Tower Theatre is Still the Coolest Spot
Look, the multiplexes are fine for the blockbusters. But if you want a "real" Fresno experience, you have to see what’s happening at the Tower Theatre. They aren't doing the standard 20-screen rotation. Instead, they do these one-night-only events that are kinda legendary.
For example, this Friday, January 16, they are doing a screening of the 1991 classic Point Break. But it’s not just the movie; Bojesse Christopher, who was actually in the film, is going to be there for a live Q&A. Where else in the Central Valley are you getting that? They also have a screening of The Warriors coming up on the 31st. It’s cheap, it’s historic, and the atmosphere is a million times better than a sterile mall theater.
Finding the Best Movie Theaters in Fresno
Not all theaters are created equal. Depending on where you live—North Fresno, Clovis, or out by the 99—your go-to spot probably varies.
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Maya Cinemas Fresno 16
This is arguably the best "bang for your buck" spot. It’s right across from Fresno State at Campus Pointe. They have the "Maya Rewards" which actually saves you a decent amount if you go often. Plus, their MPX large-format screen is a great alternative if you don't want to deal with the River Park crowds.
Regal Edwards Fresno Stadium 22 & IMAX
This is the big one. If a movie is meant to be seen on a screen the size of a barn, you go here. The parking at River Park can be a nightmare on a Saturday night, so maybe give yourself an extra 15 minutes unless you want to park by the REI and walk.
AMC Centerpoint 10
A bit more low-key. If you’re looking for Marty Supreme or some of the A24 releases like The Moment, this is often where they end up. It’s usually a bit quieter than the Regal, which is nice if you actually want to hear the dialogue instead of someone’s teenager whispering three rows back.
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The Lord of the Rings Marathon? Yes, Really.
This is the part that surprised me. Apparently, there’s a massive re-release event happening this weekend for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
- Friday, Jan 16: The Fellowship of the Ring
- Saturday, Jan 17: The Two Towers
- Sunday, Jan 18: The Return of the King
Maya Cinemas is running these, and they are the extended versions. We are talking four hours of Hobbits and Orcs. It’s a commitment. But seeing the Battle of Helm’s Deep on a professional sound system again? That’s hard to pass up.
Tips for Your Movie Night
If you're heading out to see movies showing in Fresno this week, keep a few things in mind. First, buy your tickets online. I know it sounds obvious, but for stuff like the 28 Years Later opening or the Point Break event at Tower, things actually sell out now.
Second, check the "Early Access" screenings. Sometimes theaters like Regal or Maya will do a "Fan Event" on Thursday nights for movies that officially open on Friday. You usually get a little collectible pin or a poster, and the crowd is way more into it.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Maya Cinemas app for the LOTR marathon times if you want to lose your weekend to Middle-earth.
- Grab tickets for the Tower Theatre events at least 48 hours in advance—the Q&A sessions are popular with the local film crowd.
- Download the Regal app if you’re heading to River Park; they’ve been doing "Unlimited" promos that basically pay for themselves if you see more than two movies a month.
- Avoid the 7:00 PM rush at River Park on Friday; try a 4:00 PM matinee to save a few bucks and actually find a parking spot.