Finding something decent to watch on a big screen in Sioux City shouldn’t feel like a part-time job. Honestly, between the sprawl of Southern Hills and the downtown vibe of the Promenade, the options get a bit overwhelming if you're just looking for a quick Friday night plan. You've probably noticed that the big-name sequels are hogging most of the screens, but there is actually some weird, cool stuff playing right now that isn't getting nearly enough hype.
If you are hunting for movies showing in Sioux City IA, you’re basically choosing between two main hubs. You have the AMC Southern Hills 12, which is where everyone goes for the heated recliners and the mall proximity. Then there’s the ACX Promenade Cinema 14 downtown on 4th Street. Both have their perks. AMC is great if you want to fall asleep in a warm chair during a three-hour epic; the Promenade is better if you want to grab a drink and actually feel like you're out on the town.
The Big Hits and the Survival Epics
Right now, the heavy hitter is Avatar: Fire and Ash. It’s long. Very long. James Cameron basically decided that three hours wasn't enough, so you’re looking at a 192-minute commitment. It’s showing in RealD 3D at both major Sioux City spots, and honestly, if you aren't seeing it in 3D, you’re kinda missing the point. The visuals of the "Ash People" on Pandora are stunning, but definitely bring a snack. Or a meal.
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. It’s a lean, mean 110 minutes. This isn't just another zombie flick; it’s Nia DaCosta taking the reins of the franchise Danny Boyle started. It’s gritty, it’s R-rated, and it’s pulling some surprisingly high audience scores at the Southern Hills 12.
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If you’re into the "natural disaster" vibe, Greenland 2: Migration is also doing the rounds. Gerard Butler is back doing Gerard Butler things—saving his family from the aftermath of a comet strike. It’s playing several times a day at both theaters. It’s the kind of movie that makes you glad Sioux City is relatively flat and far from the coast.
Family Picks and Nostalgia Trips
Parents in Sioux City are currently flocking to Zootopia 2. It’s been a long time coming. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are chasing a mysterious reptile this time, and the mammal metropolis looks as detailed as ever. It’s a safe bet for the kids, especially since it clocks in under two hours.
- The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is also taking up some screen real estate.
- Madagascar is back for a 20th Anniversary run, which makes me feel incredibly old.
- Charlie the Wonderdog is the underdog pick—literally. It’s a PG-rated family film that’s a bit quieter than the Disney blockbusters.
Interestingly, there’s a massive nostalgia event happening this month. All three Lord of the Rings movies are back on the big screen as special 2026 events. We're talking The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. These are the long versions. Seeing Return of the King at the AMC Southern Hills is a 4-hour and 27-minute odyssey. That is a lot of time to spend in a heated recliner, but for Tolkien fans, it’s basically a pilgrimage.
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Why the "Indie" Scene in Sioux City is Changing
There is a common misconception that Sioux City only gets the big popcorn movies. That’s not quite true anymore. The AMC "Artisan Films" tag has been popping up more frequently. This week, they’ve got Hamnet, which is a fictionalized look at Shakespeare’s family life. It’s a PG-13 drama that feels very different from the CGI explosions happening in the next auditorium over.
Another one to watch for is Song Sung Blue. It stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson and is based on a true story about a Neil Diamond tribute band. It’s got that "feel-good" vibe that usually does well in the Midwest. It’s playing at both the AMC and the Royal 3 Cinema if you feel like driving out to Le Mars.
What’s Coming Up Next?
If you’ve already seen everything on the current list, the schedule for the next couple of weeks is looking pretty stacked. Chris Pratt has a new sci-fi thriller called Mercy opening on January 23rd. The premise is actually kind of cool—he’s a detective in the near future who has to prove his innocence to an AI judge.
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Looking further ahead into February:
- GOAT arrives on February 13th (an animated "roarball" movie).
- Iron Lung hits theaters on February 2nd. This is the one based on the indie horror game where you're trapped in a sub in an ocean of blood. It’s going to be intense.
- Solo Mio is scheduled for early February as well.
How to Actually Get the Best Experience
Don't just walk up to the counter and buy a ticket. Both the AMC and ACX have loyalty programs that actually save you money if you go more than once a month. AMC’s "Discount Tuesdays" are still a thing in Sioux City, which is the best way to see Avatar without spending twenty bucks on a ticket.
Also, keep an eye on the "Screen Unseen" events. AMC does these occasionally where you pay a flat $5 fee for a mystery movie. You don't know what it is until it starts. It’s a gamble, but it’s a cheap way to spend a Monday night.
When you're looking for movies showing in Sioux City IA, remember that showtimes change fast. The Promenade downtown tends to have a more "adult" atmosphere with their bar service, while Southern Hills is the king of comfort. If you're heading to a 4-hour Lord of the Rings marathon, choose the heated recliners. Your back will thank you.
To make the most of your trip, check the theater apps directly before you leave. Third-party sites often lag on last-minute schedule changes, especially for the smaller screenings like Night Patrol or Primate. If you're planning a weekend outing, booking reserved seating at least 24 hours in advance is basically mandatory for the 7:00 PM slots.