Waco has changed a lot, but the ritual of hitting the theater on a Saturday night is still the heartbeat of the city. Honestly, there is something about the buttery air at the AMC Galaxy 16 or the massive scale of the Cinemark Waco and XD that just beats a couch and a remote. If you’re looking for movies showing in Waco this weekend, you’ve actually got a pretty wild mix to choose from.
We aren't just talking about your typical blockbusters.
Right now, January 17, 2026, the local screens are dominated by a massive nostalgia trip—specifically, the 25th-anniversary re-releases of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It's kinda surreal to see The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers back on the marquee, but for people who want to see the Battle of Helm's Deep on a screen larger than a garage door, this is the week to do it.
Where to Find the Best Movies Showing in Waco
If you’re heading out, you basically have two main hubs, plus the historic Hippodrome downtown which is doing more live events these days than cinema.
The AMC Galaxy 16 on Valley Mills Drive is usually the go-to for the IMAX experience. If you’re planning to see James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash, that’s where you want to be. It’s been out since December, but the 3D screenings are still pulling crowds because, well, it’s Cameron.
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Then you have Cinemark Waco and XD over by Central Texas Marketplace. They have those luxury loungers that make it way too easy to fall asleep if the movie hits a slow patch.
What’s on the Marquee This Weekend?
The big new arrival this weekend is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
It’s been a long wait for Danny Boyle and Cillian Murphy to return to this universe. This isn't your standard zombie flick; Nia DaCosta directed this one, and the word is it’s much more of a psychological "folk horror" vibe than the previous entries. It’s showing at both AMC and Cinemark with late-night slots that are perfect if you like leaving the theater when the streets are empty and every shadow looks like a "runner."
If you’re taking the kids, Zootopia 2 and The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants are still holding onto several screens. Zootopia 2 in particular has been a massive hit—it’s actually a bit smarter than the first one, dealing with some pretty heavy themes about technology and privacy that might go over the kids' heads but will keep the adults from checking their watches.
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- Greenland 2: Migration: Gerard Butler is back doing what he does best—surviving the apocalypse. This sequel takes the Garrity family out of the bunker and across a frozen Europe. It’s gritty, loud, and exactly what you want from a January action movie.
- Primate: A newer R-rated horror release from Johannes Roberts. If you liked The Strangers or his Resident Evil reboot, this survival horror in a tropical setting is right up your alley.
- Dead Man’s Wire: For the true crime fans. This one stars Bill Skarsgård and Al Pacino, directed by Gus Van Sant. It’s a bit more of an "art house" pick, showing mostly at the AMC under their "Artisan Films" banner.
Special Events and Re-Releases
The real story for movies showing in Waco right now is the "2026 Event" for Lord of the Rings.
Today, January 17, is specifically the day The Two Towers returns.
It’s a long sit—nearly four hours—so maybe skip the extra-large soda. AMC and Cinemark are both running these, but check the times carefully. These aren't playing all day; they usually have one afternoon and one evening slot.
Wait. Did you know the Waco Hippodrome is hosting a "Best of Bread" tribute tonight?
Yeah, not a movie, but if the theater is sold out, downtown usually has some live alternative. They’ve moved away from being a primary cinema and more into a "dinner and a show" venue for comedy and music.
Pro Tips for the Waco Cinema Scene
The "Secret Movie Series" at Cinemark is a weirdly fun gamble. For five bucks, you get a ticket to a movie that hasn't been released yet. The catch? You don't know what it is until the credits start rolling. It’s a great way to see something like Mercy (the upcoming Chris Pratt/Rebecca Ferguson sci-fi) or Return to Silent Hill before your friends do.
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Also, if you're hitting the AMC Galaxy 16, be aware of their "Parental Escort Policy."
After 6:00 PM, they are pretty strict about guests under 16 having an adult with them. It keeps the Friday night chaos to a minimum, which most of us actually appreciate.
Is it Worth Seeing Avatar: Fire and Ash Still?
Honestly, yeah.
Even though it’s been out for a month, the IMAX 3D at Valley Mills is the only way to justify the ticket price. The story is... well, it’s an Avatar story. But the visuals of the "Ash People" and the new volcanic biomes are stunning. If you haven't seen it yet, do it now before the screens get taken over by the February rom-com rush.
What's Coming Next Week?
If nothing on the list today grabs you, hold out for next Thursday.
Return to Silent Hill and Mercy both drop on January 22nd. Mercy is particularly interesting because it's a "90-minute real-time" thriller where a detective has to prove his innocence to an AI judge. It feels very Black Mirror, and the buzz from early screenings is actually pretty high.
Next Steps for Your Movie Night:
- Check the exact minutes: Movie times shift. If you’re aiming for the Lord of the Rings re-release, those 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM slots fill up fast because they are limited engagements.
- Download the apps: Both AMC and Cinemark in Waco use reserved seating now. Don't be the person who shows up and has to sit in the very front row with their neck craned at a 90-degree angle.
- Look for the XD or IMAX tags: If you’re seeing Greenland 2 or Avatar, the extra five bucks for the "Extreme Digital" (XD) screen at Cinemark is worth it for the sound system alone.