You’ve probably seen the headlines about the Regal UA Circle Centre closing down in the heart of downtown. It felt like a punch to the gut for Indy locals. But if you head north to the border of Fishers, the story is different. The Regal 96th Street Indianapolis—officially known as the Regal UA Galaxy—is still standing, and honestly, it’s one of those places that feels like a weird, comfortable time capsule.
Movie theaters are in a strange spot in 2026. Everything is a "premium experience" now, which usually just means you're paying $20 to sit in a chair that vibrates. But the Galaxy on 96th Street has always been a bit of an outlier. It’s not the newest. It’s definitely not the flashiest. Yet, it manages to draw a crowd that the high-end boutiques at Keystone can't quite touch.
What’s the Deal with Regal 96th Street Indianapolis?
Let’s be real: the "Galaxy" branding always sounded a bit like a 90s sci-fi B-movie. Located at 8105 E. 96th Street, this spot has survived the bankruptcy scares of Cineworld and the general decline of the "megaplex" era. It’s basically the workhorse of the northside. While other theaters were gutting their auditoriums to put in bars, the 96th Street location focused on just being a theater.
It’s got 14 screens. Not too big, not too small.
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The seating situation is a mix. You’ve got the standard stadium seating, but they’ve been rolling out the luxury recliners in several auditoriums. If you end up in one of the older rooms, it’s... fine. But the recliners are where you want to be. There’s something about that specific 96th Street corridor—it’s always busy, always moving—and ducking into a dark room to see something like 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple or the Madagascar 20th Anniversary re-release feels like a necessary escape.
Why People Actually Go Here
Honestly? It’s the location. You’re right there by the I-495 loop. You’ve got every chain restaurant known to man within a three-minute drive. You can hit the Portillo’s or the Costco and then catch a matinee. It’s convenient.
But there’s also the programming. One thing most people get wrong about Regal 96th Street Indianapolis is thinking it only plays the big Disney blockbusters. Because of the diverse population in Fishers and Castleton, this theater is actually a major hub for international cinema. You’ll see Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil films on the marquee right next to Zootopia 2. It’s one of the few places in the city where the "World Cinema" section isn't just one tiny screen in the back.
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The Amenities (The Good and the "Kinda" Dated)
If you’re looking for IMAX, you’re going to be disappointed. You’ll have to head over to the State Museum for the real deal or the AMC Castleton for their version. Regal 96th Street is more about the Laser Projection and the RPX (Regal Premium Experience).
RPX is sort of Regal’s answer to "better everything." Bigger screen, better sound, and those ButtKicker seats that make you jump when a bomb goes off on screen. Is it worth the extra five bucks? Sometimes. If it’s a quiet indie drama, save your money. If it’s a sci-fi epic, go for it.
- The Seats: Most rooms now feature the motorized recliners. They’re plush. They work.
- The Snacks: They’ve got the standard popcorn, but they also have a "Snack Saver" program for 2026 that gives you 50% off large tubs if you’re a frequent flyer.
- The Lobby: It’s a bit of a maze. It’s got that classic neon-and-carpet vibe that screams 2005, but it’s clean.
Recent Updates and 2026 Reality
As of January 2026, the theater has doubled down on its membership perks. The Regal Unlimited pass is basically the only way to go if you see more than two movies a month. They’ve also started doing more "event" screenings—think Met Opera Live or 40th-anniversary screenings of Pretty in Pink.
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The staff here is usually a mix of local teenagers and a few veterans who have been there since the film reel days. Service can be slow on Friday nights. Like, "miss the first ten minutes of trailers" slow. Pro tip: use the mobile app for your tickets and concessions. It saves you from standing behind the person trying to decide between a medium or large ICEE for five minutes.
Comparing the Northside Options
You’ve got choices. There’s the AMC at Castleton Square Mall, which is literally just down the road. That place is huge and has the Dolby Cinema, which is arguably better than RPX.
But AMC Castleton can be a nightmare to park at during the holidays. Regal 96th Street has its own massive parking lot. You don't have to deal with mall traffic. That alone is why many locals prefer it. Then there's the Living Room Theater at Bottleworks downtown. That's for "fancy" movie night. 96th Street is for "I’m in my sweatpants and want to see a movie" night.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
Don’t just roll up and hope for the best. Here’s how to actually enjoy your time at the Galaxy:
- Check the "Format" on the app. Make sure you’re booking a room with recliners. Some of the smaller, older auditoriums still have the standard rockers. They aren't bad, but once you've used a recliner, you can't go back.
- Join the Crown Club. It’s free. You get points for every dollar. Eventually, you get a free popcorn. It’s the small wins.
- Tuesday is the magic day. Like most theaters, they do Value Tuesdays. Tickets are significantly cheaper, though it gets crowded.
- Parking Hack: Park on the eastern side of the lot. People tend to cluster right in front of the doors, making it a nightmare to back out when the movie lets out. The walk is an extra thirty seconds, but you'll get home five minutes faster.
The Regal 96th Street Indianapolis isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s a solid, reliable place to watch a movie without the pretension of a "cinema lounge" or the chaos of a mega-mall. It’s a bit rough around the edges, but in an era where theaters are disappearing, it’s a northside staple that’s worth keeping around.