You’re sitting on the couch in West Burlington, staring at a streaming menu that feels five miles long, and honestly, nothing looks good. We’ve all been there. You want the smell of actual popcorn—the kind that probably isn't great for your arteries but tastes like heaven—and a screen so big you can't see your kitchen's dirty dishes in the reflection.
If you’re looking for movies West Burlington Iowa, you're basically looking for the Westland Mall. That’s the hub. But things have changed a bit over the years, and navigating showtimes or figuring out which theater actually has the "good" seats can be a bit of a headache if you haven't been in a while.
The Main Event: CEC Westland Mall 10
Most people around here just call it "the mall theater." Located at 550 South Gear Avenue, the CEC Westland Mall 10 is the heavyweight champion of cinema in the West Burlington area. It's got ten screens, which in a town this size, feels like a lot.
Here is the thing: it’s a classic multiplex. You aren't going to find 4D seats that punch you in the back during an action sequence, but you are going to get solid, reliable digital projection.
What’s Playing Right Now?
If you head over there today, you're likely catching the big-budget stuff. As of early 2026, the marquee is looking pretty crowded with some massive sequels and a few surprises. We’re talking about:
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- Avatar: Fire and Ash: James Cameron is still at it. This one is long—over three hours—so maybe skip the extra-large soda unless you have a bladder made of steel.
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: If you like zombies and Danny Boyle’s shaky-cam aesthetic, this is the one.
- Zootopia 2: Great for the kids, or honestly, for the adults who just want to laugh at a sloth for five minutes.
- The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants: A staple. You know what you're getting here.
The theater usually starts its first matinees around noon, and the last shows kick off around 9:30 or 10:00 PM on weekends. Weekdays are a bit quieter, which is actually the best time to go if you hate hearing people crinkle candy wrappers right behind your ear.
The "Vibe" Factor: Burlington Capitol Theater
Now, if you want something that feels a little less "suburban mall" and a little more "Old Hollywood," you have to drive a few minutes east into Burlington proper. The Capitol Theater at 211 N. 3rd St. is a whole different animal.
It’s an Art Deco masterpiece from 1937. They restored it about a decade ago, and it looks incredible. They don't usually run the latest Marvel flick for six weeks straight. Instead, you go here for:
- Independent Films: The stuff that doesn't always make it to the Westland Mall.
- Classic Sundays: They often do matinees of older movies. Seeing Casablanca or The Goonies on a 1930s stage is just better.
- Snake Alley Festival of Film: This is a big deal locally. It happens every summer and brings in indie filmmakers from all over.
The Capitol only has about 367 seats, so it’s intimate. They also have a speakeasy-style bar called Night Cap inside. Honestly, getting a handcrafted cocktail before a movie beats a fountain Pepsi any day of the week.
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Saving a Few Bucks
Let’s be real—taking a family of four to the movies in 2026 can feel like taking out a small personal loan. Between the tickets and the "Gourmet Popcorn" that costs more than the corn it was grown from, it adds up.
If you’re heading to the movies West Burlington Iowa scene at Westland Mall, look for the early bird specials. CEC usually does discounted matinees for any show before 4:00 PM.
Also, they have a rewards program. If you’re a local and you go more than once a month, just sign up. It’s one of those things where you eventually get a free popcorn, and in this economy, "free" is a beautiful word.
The Concession Stand Strategy
The popcorn at Westland Mall 10 is the standard theater fare. It's salty, it's buttery, and it's addictive. But if you're looking for a full meal, you're better off hitting one of the spots in the mall or nearby on Gear Avenue before you go in.
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Why We Still Go
Some people say movie theaters are dying. They aren't. Not in places like West Burlington.
There is something specific about the community vibe at the Westland Mall 10. You see your neighbors, you see high schoolers on awkward first dates, and you see grandparents taking the grandkids out for a Saturday afternoon. It’s a shared experience. When everyone in the theater jumps at the same jump-scare in a horror movie, that’s a feeling you can’t get on your couch.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
- Parking: It’s the mall. There is plenty of it. Don't stress.
- Buying Tickets: You can use Fandango or Atom Tickets for Westland Mall 10. For the Capitol Theater, it’s usually best to check their specific website or just show up at the box office.
- Accessibility: Both theaters are ADA-compliant. The Capitol has specific seating areas for wheelchairs that offer a great view of the stage/screen.
If you’re planning a movie night, check the weather. If it’s one of those humid Iowa summer nights, the AC at the Westland Mall 10 is legendary. It might be the coldest place in the county, which is a massive selling point in July.
Your Next Steps for a Perfect Movie Night
Stop scrolling through your phone and actually make a plan.
First, check the current showtimes at the Westland Mall 10 website to see if Avatar fits into your schedule. If you want something more low-key, head over to the Capitol Theater's Facebook page—they're better at updating their "special events" there than anywhere else.
Grab a burger at one of the spots on Gear Ave, get to the theater ten minutes early to avoid the "front row neck-strain" seating, and remember to turn your phone on silent. Nobody wants to hear your ringtone during the climax of the movie.