You know that feeling when you're just itching to get out of the house, but you aren't sure if the drive to Mankato is worth the gas? Honestly, figuring out the new ulm theater movies situation shouldn't feel like a research project. If you live in or around New Ulm, you’ve probably noticed that our local film scene is a weird, charming mix of big-budget Hollywood splashes and those "if you know, you know" community screenings.
It’s January 2026. The snow is doing its thing outside, and the smell of buttery popcorn at the Lyric 3 is calling.
The Current Lineup: What’s Actually Playing?
Right now, the heavy hitter dominating the screens is Avatar: Fire and Ash. Yeah, James Cameron is still at it, and let’s be real, seeing Pandora on anything smaller than a theater screen feels like a waste. If you’re heading to the Phoenix Theatres Lyric 3 on German Street, that’s your primary block-buster fix.
But it's not just blue aliens.
There's a gritty shift happening this week. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is finally hitting the screens. It’s been a long wait for the Danny Boyle sequel, and the buzz is that it’s way more intense than the original. If you have kids or just want something that won't give you nightmares, Zootopia 2 is still pulling solid matinee numbers.
Here is the thing about the Lyric 3: it’s small but updated. They’ve got those heated luxury recliners now. It’s a far cry from the sticky floors of twenty years ago. You’ve basically got three screens to choose from, so the selection is tight but curated.
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Why the "Big" Movies Aren't the Only Story
New Ulm has this quirky habit of keeping cinema alive in places that aren't actually multiplexes. Have you checked out the ArtHouse Film Series lately?
The Grand Center for Arts & Culture usually runs these on Minnesota Street. They aren't showing The Avengers. Think more along the lines of international indies or those "Oscar-bait" films that don't get a wide release. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a coffee, watch a 90-minute film about a goat in the Swiss Alps, and then argue about the symbolism afterward.
Then there’s the State Street Theater. It’s a historic landmark, formerly the high school auditorium. While they mostly do live plays—and the State Street Theater Co. does some incredible work—they occasionally flip the switch for special screenings. Seeing a movie in a room with WPA-era murals is a completely different vibe than a standard AMC.
The Lyric 3 Experience (Expectation vs. Reality)
People talk about the Lyric 3 like it's just a "small town theater."
It’s not.
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Since Phoenix Theatres took over and renovated, it’s arguably more comfortable than the massive stadium seating in the cities. They didn't just slap some paint on the walls; they overhauled the whole concession stand and the sound systems.
What to expect at the Lyric 3:
- Seating: Electric recliners. If you’re like me and your back hurts after thirty minutes of sitting, this is a lifesaver.
- Food: They’ve expanded beyond just popcorn and Milk Duds. You can actually get real snacks now.
- Pricing: Still cheaper than Minneapolis, but don't expect 1995 prices. It’s 2026; a ticket and a large soda will still bite into your wallet, though they do "Value Tuesdays" which is when most of the locals actually go.
Local Secrets for Movie Lovers
If you're looking for new ulm theater movies but want something free, the New Ulm Public Library has been doing this "Through the Decades" series. Every month, they pick a theme. It’s usually an afternoon thing, so it’s perfect for retirees or students, but the quality of the picks is surprisingly high.
They’ve been focusing on the 1970s lately. There is something fundamentally different about watching a classic film with a group of people who actually remember when it first came out.
Is the Dietrich Cineplex Worth the Drive?
Look, sometimes the Lyric 3 doesn't have the specific niche film you want. When that happens, people start looking toward the Dietrich Cineplex in Neu-Ulm—the other one.
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No, not the one in Minnesota. The one in Germany.
I’ve seen people get confused by Google results all the time. If you see a listing for a 4D IMAX screening of a movie you’ve never heard of, double-check the address. If it says "Marlene-Dietrich-Straße," you’re going to need a passport and a very expensive flight. Stick to German Street in MN.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Movie Night
Don't just wing it. If you're planning a night out, here is how you actually do it right in New Ulm:
- Reserve Early: Because the Lyric 3 only has a few screens and uses recliners (which take up more space), the seat count is lower than it used to be. Friday nights for big releases like Avatar or 28 Years Later will sell out.
- Tuesday is King: Seriously, Value Tuesday is the only way to go if you're bringing the whole family.
- Check the Grand’s Schedule: Before you settle on a blockbuster, peek at the Grand Center for Arts & Culture website. Their ArtHouse series usually starts back up in the fall and runs through the spring.
- Support Local: The State Street Theater is a nonprofit. If they are running a film fundraiser, go to that. The popcorn might not be "movie theater grade," but the money stays in the community to keep that beautiful building standing.
The movie scene here isn't about having twenty different choices. It’s about having a few good ones and a comfortable place to sit while the Minnesota winter rages outside. Whether you're there for the high-octane sequels or a quiet indie film at the Grand, New Ulm punches above its weight for a town of 14,000.
Check the current showtimes at thelyric3.com before you head out, and maybe grab a bratwurst downtown afterward. That’s the real New Ulm experience.
Next Steps for Your Movie Search:
Go to the official Lyric 3 website to verify today's specific showtimes, as they often shift mid-week. If you're interested in the historical side, visit the State Street Theater’s "About" page to see when their next "History of Cinema" event is scheduled. Finally, mark your calendar for Value Tuesdays to save roughly 30% on standard ticket prices.