Let’s be real: finding a decent movie time in Sarasota shouldn't feel like a part-time job. You’d think in a city known for its artsy vibe, checking sarasota movie theater showtimes would be a breeze. But between the theaters that have closed, the ones that changed names, and the ones that only show obscure French indie films, it's a mess.
One big heads-up right away? If you’re looking for the AMC Sarasota 12 on Tamiami Trail, stop driving. It’s gone. Permanently closed.
Honestly, I’ve wasted more gas than I care to admit driving to spots that ended up being "under renovation" or completely shuttered. If you want to see a blockbuster or an art-house flick tonight, you basically have four or five distinct directions to head.
The Heavy Hitters: Mainstream and Luxury
For most people, "going to the movies" means a big bucket of popcorn and seats that recline so far back you might actually fall asleep. In Sarasota proper, your best bets are a bit of a contrast in styles.
Regal Hollywood Sarasota
This is the big one on Main Street. It’s got that classic "downtown" feel but with the modern upgrades like those massive King Size recliners. If you’re looking for sarasota movie theater showtimes for the latest Marvel flick or a 3D spectacle like Avatar: Fire and Ash, this is usually the primary target.
They do this thing called "Regal Value Days" where tickets are around $7.99 on Tuesdays. It gets crowded. Like, "line out the door for a matinee" crowded. But if you’re a member of their Crown Club (which is free, by the way), you get half-off popcorn on Tuesdays too. It’s a cheap date, provided you don't mind sharing the lobby with half of Sarasota.
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CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key
This place is different. It’s located in the Crossings at Siesta Key (the old Southgate Mall for the locals who still call it that). It is strictly for the "dinner and a movie" crowd.
- The Food: We’re talking Wagyu beef sliders and Shrimp Florentine Linguini, not just hot dogs.
- The Vibe: It’s quiet. They have a strict age policy—after 8 PM, it's 21+ only unless it's a family film.
- The Catch: You must arrive 30 minutes before the showtime if you want to eat. If you show up when the trailers start, you’re stuck with standard concessions.
The Artsy Choice: Burns Court and the Sarasota Film Society
If you aren't in the mood for explosions and CGI, you head to Burns Lane. Burns Court Cinema is the heart of the local film scene. It’s tiny, it’s charming, and it smells like real butter.
They show the stuff that doesn't make it to the multiplex—international films, documentaries, and those A24 movies that make you feel slightly confused but very cultured. The showtimes here are a bit more rigid. They don't have 20 screens, so if you miss the 4:00 PM slot, you’re likely waiting until 7:00 PM or later.
Interestingly, they’ve been leaning hard into repertory screenings lately. I saw Eraserhead there recently with a live intro. It’s a vibe you just don't get at the big chains.
What’s Playing Right Now (January 2026)
Since showtimes change faster than the Florida weather, it helps to know what’s actually occupying the screens this week.
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Right now, the schedule is dominated by a mix of massive sequels and "prestige" winter releases. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is pulling in the horror crowd at both the Regal and Lakewood Ranch locations. Meanwhile, if you have kids, Zootopia 2 and The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants are basically playing every two hours.
- Avatar: Fire and Ash - Running at almost 3 hours and 15 minutes. Plan your bathroom breaks.
- Marty Supreme - The new Josh Safdie flick starring Timothée Chalamet. Burns Court is the place to see this one.
- The Lord of the Rings Anniversary Re-releases - Regal is doing a marathon of the trilogy throughout the week.
The Lakewood Ranch Alternative
Technically just outside the city limits, Lakewood Ranch Cinemas is the sister site to Burns Court. It's much bigger but keeps that "community theater" feel. If the Main Street Regal is sold out, I usually check showtimes here. It’s a 15-20 minute drive, but the parking is infinitely easier than downtown Sarasota.
Insider Tips for Saving Cash
Let’s talk money. A movie night for two can easily clear $60 if you aren't careful.
Tuesdays are your best friend. Every major theater in the area—Regal, AMC (the ones in Bradenton), and even the Film Society—has some sort of Tuesday discount. At the Regal on Main Street, you can often snag a ticket for under 8 bucks.
Matinees. It’s an old trick, but it works. Any show before 4:00 PM at most Sarasota spots will save you about 20-30% on the ticket price.
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The AMC "Hidden" Option. Since the Sarasota AMC closed, local die-hards drive up to the AMC Bradenton 20. It’s a haul, but they have the AMC Stubs A-List. If you see more than two movies a month, that subscription pays for itself. Plus, they have the IMAX and Dolby Cinema screens that Sarasota currently lacks.
Navigating the Traffic
Sarasota traffic is no joke, especially during "season." If you’re trying to catch a 7:00 PM showtime at Regal Hollywood, do not leave your house at 6:40 PM. Main Street and the surrounding blocks are a nightmare for parking. Use the parking garage directly behind the theater; it’s usually your best bet, but even that fills up on Friday nights.
For CMX CinéBistro, parking is a breeze because it’s a mall lot. Just remember that if you're coming from the islands, the bridge traffic can add 20 minutes to your trip.
Final Actionable Steps for Your Movie Night
Instead of just scrolling endlessly, here is how you actually lock in a good night out:
- Check the Sarasota Film Society website specifically for Burns Court or Lakewood Ranch. Their showtimes often aren't updated as quickly on third-party apps like Fandango.
- Book CMX tickets at least 24 hours in advance. Because they have smaller auditoriums for the dining experience, the good seats (middle-center) go fast.
- Verify the theater location. Double-check that you aren't looking at "Sarasota 12" (closed) or a theater in Venice by mistake.
- Join the free loyalty programs. Even if you only go once a month, that one "Value Tuesday" or "Free Popcorn Refill" makes the difference.
If you’re looking for a specific showtime for tonight, your best bet is to jump on the Regal app or the Atom Tickets site, as they have the most reliable real-time data for our local screens.