You're standing in the middle of Centennial Plaza, the salt air from the coast occasionally hitting your face, and you're just trying to figure out if you have enough time to grab a taco before the trailers start. It's a classic Oxnard dilemma. Finding Plaza Stadium 14 showtimes used to be as simple as looking at a newspaper, but now it’s a digital scavenger hunt through third-party apps that sometimes get the times wrong anyway.
Look, this isn't the fanciest theater in California. It's not trying to be. While the big chains are busy installing robotic bartenders, Plaza Cinemas 14—located right at 255 W. 5th St—stays grounded. It’s the kind of place where the popcorn actually tastes like butter and the staff might actually remember your face if you go often enough.
Navigating Plaza Stadium 14 Showtimes and Tickets
Planning a night out here isn't rocket science, but there are definitely some "pro moves" to avoid getting stuck in the back row of a sold-out blockbuster. Honestly, the most reliable way to check the schedule is through the Santa Rosa Cinemas website. They own the joint. If you're using those big-name ticketing apps, just double-check the date. I've seen people show up on a Wednesday thinking it was Tuesday prices. Don't be that guy.
The pricing here is a bit of a throwback, which is a breath of fresh air.
- Bargain Tuesdays: This is the holy grail. All tickets are usually dropped to matinee pricing—around $5.50 for standard 2D—all day long.
- Sunday Deals: They often run similar discounts on Sundays, making it a prime spot for families who don't want to drop $100 just to see an animated movie.
- Military Discounts: With the base nearby, they’ve always been solid about taking care of active duty folks with a valid ID.
If you're eyeing a 4D or MX4D showing, expect the price to jump. You're paying for the privilege of having your seat kick you and smelling fake rain, after all.
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The MX4D Experience: Is it Worth the Hype?
Most people don't realize that this specific theater in Oxnard houses one of the few MX4D Motion EFX auditoriums in the western U.S. It's weird. It’s cool. It’s a lot. Basically, the seats move in sync with the action on screen. If a car veers left in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, you’re veering left.
It isn't just about the movement, though. The theater uses "Air Blast," "Water Spray," and "Scent" technology. Is it a gimmick? Kinda. But for a high-octane flick like the Madagascar 20th Anniversary re-release or a gritty action movie, it adds a layer you just can't get at home. Just maybe skip the extra-large soda if you're sensitive to motion sickness. Trust me on that one.
What’s Playing Right Now (January 2026)
The 2026 film slate is actually looking pretty stacked. Right now, the screens are dominated by some heavy hitters. Avatar: Fire and Ash is still pulling in crowds who want that big-screen spectacle. If you’re looking for something more family-oriented, Zootopia 2 and the SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants are the big draws.
We’re also seeing a huge resurgence in "event" cinema. The 25th-anniversary screenings of the Lord of the Rings trilogy (yes, the 2026 Event versions) are selling out fast. There’s something special about seeing the Battle of Helm’s Deep in a stadium-seating environment with a couple hundred other nerds. It just hits different than your living room couch.
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Upcoming Releases to Watch For:
- Mean Girls (Flashback Cinema): Usually starts mid-January.
- Mercy: Dropping around Jan 22.
- Iron Lung: The horror crowd is already buzzing about this one for late January.
- I Can Only Imagine 2: Slated for February.
The "Real" Vibe: What the Reviews Don't Always Say
If you read Yelp, you’ll see people complaining about the seats. Let’s be real: they aren't the heated, leather, power-loungers you’ll find at the newer Cinemark in Riverpark. They’re older. They’re "broken-in." But the trade-off is the atmosphere.
Plaza Stadium 14 is in the heart of downtown Oxnard. You can walk out of the theater and be at a taqueria in thirty seconds. You can hit up a coffee bar right across the street. It’s part of a neighborhood, not a sterile outdoor mall. That matters. There’s a guy named Luis who works there—multiple reviewers have mentioned him by name—who goes out of his way to help people when the lines get long. You don't get that kind of service at the mega-plexes very often.
The parking is another thing. It's easy. No circling for twenty minutes in a concrete garage. Centennial Plaza has plenty of spots, and usually, you can park right near the entrance.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
To keep your movie night from becoming a headache, keep these specifics in mind. First, the theater usually opens about 30 minutes before the first showtime of the day. If you’re a popcorn fanatic, go for the large. They offer refills, and honestly, the popcorn here is some of the best in Ventura County. They don't skimp on the salt or the butter.
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If you’re planning to see a 3D movie, they do charge for the glasses if you don't have your own, but it's a nominal fee.
Pro Tip: If you're sensitive to sound, the MX4D auditorium can be a bit louder than the standard ones because of the pneumatic systems moving the seats. It’s a small detail, but worth knowing if you’re bringing kids who are sensitive to noise.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the official site: Before you head out, verify Plaza Stadium 14 showtimes directly at Santa Rosa Cinemas to avoid third-party lag.
- Time your visit: Aim for a Tuesday if you want to save cash, but arrive at least 20 minutes early as the "Bargain Tuesday" crowd can get surprisingly thick.
- Explore the area: Make it a full night by hitting up the nearby restaurants in Centennial Plaza before the flick; most are locally owned and way better than mall food.
- Join the loyalty program: If you're a regular, ask about their rewards. It’s a simple system that actually pays off in free snacks pretty quickly.