You’re standing in the popcorn line at the Dawley Farm Village, smelling that artificial butter and wondering if you should’ve just stayed home and streamed something. We’ve all been there. But there’s something about seeing movies Sioux Falls SD Century style that hits differently than a Netflix binge on a Tuesday night.
Honestly, the theater scene in Sioux Falls has changed a ton over the last few years. It’s not just about the big screens anymore; it’s about where you can actually kick back without a stranger’s elbow in your ribs. Whether you’re heading to the Century Stadium 14 on the west side or the Century East at Dawley Farm, the experience is a bit of a mixed bag.
People always argue about which one is better. One side of town has the "new" feel, while the other has the classic stadium vibe. But if you're looking for the real dirt on where to spend your twenty bucks, you have to look past the marquee.
The Tale of Two Centurys
Sioux Falls is basically split down the middle when it comes to Cinemark. On the west side, you’ve got the Century Stadium 14 and XD at 2400 South Carolyn Avenue. This is the heavy hitter. It’s got the XD (Extreme Digital) screen, which is Cinemark’s answer to IMAX. If you’re going to see a massive blockbuster like Avatar: Fire and Ash or the latest Lord of the Rings re-releases hitting in early 2026, this is where you go for the wall-to-wall sound.
Then there’s the Century East at Dawley Farm. It’s tucked away on the east side at 1101 East 54th Street North. It’s generally considered the "newer" spot by locals, even though it’s been around for a while now. The vibe here is a little more relaxed.
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What’s Playing Right Now?
If you're looking for showtimes, the early 2026 lineup is surprisingly packed. We’re seeing a weirdly cool mix of high-concept horror and massive sequels.
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: Nia DaCosta is taking over the director's chair for this one, and the buzz is that it’s way more atmospheric than the original sequels.
- Marty Supreme: A24’s latest, starring Josh Safdie. It’s a ping-pong biopic—yeah, you read that right.
- Zootopia 2: The kids are going to be swarming the theaters for this one, so maybe skip the Saturday matinee if you want peace and quiet.
- Iron Lung: The movie adaptation of that claustrophobic indie game. It’s coming out at the end of January, and it’s perfect for a big screen where you can really feel the pressure of the ocean.
The Recliner Debate: Let’s Get Real
Here is the thing. Most people in Sioux Falls complain that we don't have enough theaters with those massive power-reclining loungers. The Century 14 on the west side has been the staple for years, but it’s still largely stadium seating. You get the high-back chairs, but you aren't exactly laying down for a nap.
If you want the ultimate comfort, you actually have to look toward the Sioux Falls State Theatre downtown. I know, it's not a "Century" theater, but they have the heated leather recliners that make the Cinemark chairs feel like park benches. However, the State mostly plays classics and indie stuff. If you want the new SpongeBob movie or Greenland 2: Migration, you’re stuck with the Century seats.
Pro-Tips for the Sioux Falls Movie-Goer
Don't just show up and pay full price. That's a rookie move. Cinemark has the Movie Club, which is actually worth it if you go more than once a month. You get a credit for a ticket, 20% off concessions, and you can skip the online fees. Those fees are a total scam anyway—basically five dollars just for the privilege of clicking a button.
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Also, watch out for the temperature. A former manager from the Century East recently leaked that the HVAC is controlled by a corporate office far away. They keep it between 68 and 72 degrees. One theater might feel like the Arctic while the next one is a sauna. Bring a hoodie. Seriously.
Parking and Food Hacks
- Century West: Parking can be a nightmare on Friday nights because of the surrounding shops. Park further back near the mall side and just walk. It’s faster than circling the front lot for twenty minutes.
- Century East: Much better parking situation. Plus, you’re right by Dawley Farm, so you can grab a decent dinner before the movie instead of surviving on a $12 bucket of popcorn.
- The "Secret" Matinee: If you can sneak away on a Tuesday, the prices are significantly lower. It’s the "Discount Tuesday" special, and it usually applies to almost everything except the weird "special event" screenings.
Why the State Theatre Still Wins the Vibe Check
We can’t talk about movies Sioux Falls SD Century without mentioning the competition. The State Theatre on Phillips Avenue is the crown jewel of the city. Built in 1926 and restored a few years back, it’s where you go if you actually care about the experience of cinema.
They do these "State 100" screenings of old classics like Lawrence of Arabia or 12 Angry Men. There’s something special about sitting in a 100-year-old building with a glass of wine and a bag of popcorn that actually tastes like corn. It makes the multiplex feel a bit sterile.
Is it Worth the Trip to Dell Rapids or Tea?
Sometimes the Sioux Falls theaters get too crowded. If you want a small-town feel, the Dells Theatre in Dell Rapids is a hidden gem. They have "coconut butter" popcorn that people swear by. It only has one screen, but they usually get the big new releases.
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Then there’s the theater out in Tea. It’s a bit of a drive, but if the Sioux Falls Centurys are sold out of Avatar tickets, you can usually find a seat there.
The Future of Sioux Falls Cinema
With 2026 bringing movies like Wuthering Heights and the Pretty in Pink 40th-anniversary screening, the theatrical experience isn't dying—it's just shifting. We’re seeing more "event" cinema. People don't just want a movie; they want a festival. Cinemark’s Oscars Movie Week is a perfect example. You can buy a festival pass for $40 and see all the Best Picture nominees. It’s a marathon, but for a movie nerd, it’s basically Christmas.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Movie Night
If you’re planning to catch a flick this weekend, here is the move:
- Check the XD Schedule: If it's a visual spectacle, go to the west side Century 14. If it's a comedy or a drama, go to the East side for a quieter crowd.
- Download the Cinemark App: Set your "favorite" theater to see the real-time seat map. Don't be the person who gets stuck in the front row because you didn't check the map before leaving the house.
- Join the Rewards Program: Even the free tier of Cinemark's rewards earns you points for every dollar spent. It takes forever to get a free movie, but a free popcorn every now and then is better than nothing.
- Visit the State Theatre at Least Once: Even if you love the big blockbusters, go see a classic downtown. The atmosphere is unbeatable, and the community support keeps that historic landmark alive.
Movies in Sioux Falls are about more than just the film. They’re about escaping the South Dakota wind for two hours and getting lost in a story. Whether you’re at the Century East, the Stadium 14, or the historic State, you've got some of the best viewing options in the region right in your backyard.
Next Steps: Go ahead and check the current seat availability on the Cinemark website for the Century Stadium 14. If the back rows are full for the XD screenings, consider shifting your plans to a weeknight or heading to the Century East location to secure a better viewing angle.