If you’re trying to catch a flick in Sioux City, things are... well, they're complicated. Honestly, it’s a bit of a weird time for the local cinema scene. You’ve probably noticed the drama if you live here. One day you’re buying popcorn downtown on 4th Street, and the next, there are literal padlocks on the doors and legal notices taped to the glass. It's a mess.
Movies Sioux City Iowa used to mean choosing between the big mall experience or the charm of the historic downtown district. But as of early 2026, that choice has mostly been made for you by a messy mix of lawsuits and unpaid rent. If you want to see the latest Marvel epic or a Disney sequel on a Tuesday night, you're likely heading to the mall.
The Current State of Sioux City Theaters
Right now, the heavy lifter in town is the AMC Southern Hills 12. Located right there at 4400 Sergeant Road, it’s basically the only traditional multiplex left standing while the downtown situation figures itself out. They’ve got the heated recliners, which, let’s be real, are the only way to watch a three-hour movie like Avatar: Fire and Ash without your back giving out.
They’re doing the usual AMC stuff—Discount Tuesdays, the "Popcorn Pass" (which is actually a decent deal if you go more than once a month), and the MacGuffins Bar for the 21+ crowd. But because it’s the only big game in town, it can get crowded.
Then there's the Promenade Cinema 14. Or what’s left of it.
This place has been a roller coaster. Back in October 2025, the doors were locked because of a rent dispute between the tenant, ACX Cinemas (Main Street Theatres), and the landlord, YAM 4th Street Promenade. We’re talking over $65,000 in back rent according to the court filings.
It’s a shame. The Promenade was the anchor for downtown entertainment. Now, it’s just a big, empty building while lawyers argue. There have been rumors of it reopening under new management—or maybe the old management if they settle—but for now, the lights are off.
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What Happened to the Riviera?
If you’ve been around a while, you remember the Riviera Theatre. It sat empty for ages before FEH Design and some local developers turned it into the RE/MAX City Centre.
They did something cool here. They didn't just bulldoze it. They kept one of the original theater spaces for community events and speakers. When the Promenade abruptly shut down right before the Sioux City International Film Festival last year, the RE/MAX center stepped up. It became the emergency home for the fest.
It’s not a "movie theater" in the sense that you can go there every Friday for a new release, but it’s a vital backup for the city’s film culture.
The Festival Scene is Still Alive
Despite the theater closures, the community isn't giving up on cinema.
The 2026 Sioux City International Film Festival is already on the books for October 1st through the 4th. It’s the longest-running short film festival in Iowa, which is a pretty big flex for a city of our size.
Even without a permanent downtown home, the organizers are making it work. They’re focusing heavily on the craft of acting this year, with workshops and guest artists. It’s sort of inspiring, actually. The buildings might be locked, but the people still want to see stories.
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Also, don't sleep on the Siouxland Inspirational and Historical Short Film Festival. That’s happening November 8, 2026, at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. It’s free. It’s local. And it usually ends with a discussion and treats, which is way better than just shuffling out to a parking lot after the credits roll.
A Look Back: The Orpheum’s Movie History
You can't talk about movies in this town without mentioning the Orpheum Theatre.
Built in 1927 by Rapp & Rapp, it was a legitimate movie palace. We’re talking 2,690 seats and a Wurlitzer pipe organ.
In the 70s and 80s, they "twinned" it—basically cut the beautiful auditorium in half with a sheetrock wall to show two movies at once. It was a dark time for architecture. Thankfully, the restoration in 1999 fixed that. While it’s primarily a performing arts center now (home to the Sioux City Symphony), it still captures that "moving picture house" soul that the modern multiplexes just can't replicate.
Practical Advice for Moviegoers in Sioux City
So, what do you actually do if you want to see a movie tonight?
First, check the AMC Southern Hills 12 schedule online before you leave the house. Since they're the primary venue, showtimes for popular hits like Zootopia 2 or the Lord of the Rings 2026 re-release events fill up fast.
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Second, if you’re looking for something indie or local, you’ve got to follow the Sioux City International Film Festival on social media. They are the ones scouting alternative locations and pop-up screenings while the Promenade sits in legal limbo.
Third, consider a short drive. If you're really craving an independent theater vibe, sometimes heading out to the smaller towns in the Siouxland area is worth the gas money.
The Bottom Line
The story of movies Sioux City Iowa right now is one of transition. We have a solid corporate option at the mall and a struggling, legal-drama-filled situation downtown. It’s frustrating for people who want to support the 4th Street businesses.
Support the local festivals. Go to the mall for the blockbusters. Keep an eye on the RE/MAX City Centre for special screenings. The downtown screens might be dark for now, but the community’s interest in film hasn't dimmed at all.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep these steps in mind:
- Download the AMC app to snag reserved seating early, especially for weekend matinees which are 20% off before 4 PM.
- Mark October 1-4 on your calendar for the International Film Festival; even if a location isn't finalized, the tickets usually go fast once showtimes are announced.
- Follow local news updates regarding the "YAM 4th Street" lawsuit. If a settlement is reached, the Promenade could reopen faster than expected, revitalizing the downtown nightlife overnight.