Finding reliable St. Louis movie times used to be simple. You’d grab a paper or check a single site. Now? You’re scrolling through twenty different apps, half of which haven't updated since the local theater changed its seat layout.
Honestly, the "big screen" experience in St. Louis is in a weird spot right now. We have some of the coolest indie spots in the Midwest, but we also have "premium" screens that aren't actually as premium as the marketing suggests.
The "Liemax" Problem in the Lou
If you’re looking for showtimes at Marcus Ronnie’s or AMC Edwardsville specifically for the IMAX experience, you need to know something. They aren't "real" IMAX.
Film nerds call them "Liemax."
Basically, they use dual xenon lamp projectors that top out at a resolution of about 2.9k. That’s a far cry from the massive 1.43:1 aspect ratio you’d get at a true 70mm IMAX. If you want the real deal, you’re driving to Indy or Branson.
Does it matter for a Tuesday night? Probably not. But if you're paying twenty bucks for a ticket, you should know what you're getting. For the best actual image quality in the area, you're usually better off looking for AMC Dolby Cinema showtimes at the St. Charles location. It’s the only dual 4k laser setup we have. The contrast is better. The seats vibrate. It feels like 2026.
Where to Actually Watch a Movie This Week
January is always a chaotic month for theaters. You’ve got the holiday leftovers, the "dump month" horror flicks, and the Oscar hopefuls finally hitting the mid-market.
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The Big Chains
Most people just default to the nearest AMC or Marcus. It’s easy.
- AMC Creve Coeur 12: They’ve got the heated recliners. If it’s snowing outside on Olive Blvd, those seats are a lifesaver. Current showtimes for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and Avatar: Fire and Ash are usually stacked every two hours.
- Marcus Arnold or Chesterfield: These are the spots for the UltraScreen DLX. If you can't get to a Dolby screen, this is the next best thing. Chesterfield’s screen is massive—honestly bigger than the local "Liemax" options.
The Indie Heavyweights
If you’re tired of the smell of stale popcorn and teenagers talking through the trailers, head to McCausland.
The Hi-Pointe Theatre is a St. Louis staple. It’s been around since 1922. They just did a 25th-anniversary marathon of The Lord of the Rings, and they’re currently running 35mm screenings of classics like Taxi Driver.
You won't find reclining loungers here. You’ll find history. And maybe a ghost.
Then there’s Alamo Drafthouse at the City Foundry. They are ruthless about their "no talking" policy. One warning, then you’re out. No refund. It’s beautiful. They also do "Movie Parties" where they actually encourage you to interact. This month they’re doing a Twilight: Breaking Dawn baby shower party. It’s exactly as weird as it sounds.
St. Louis Movie Times: How to Save a Few Bucks
Going to the movies is expensive now. Between the $15 ticket and the $12 "medium" drink, you're out fifty bucks before the previews even end.
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Don't pay full price.
Value Tuesdays are still a thing at Marcus and AMC. You can usually snag a ticket for about $6 or $7. At MX Movies downtown, they do "Wacky Wednesday" where tickets are five dollars. Five. In 2026. That’s unheard of.
If you're a student or a senior, the Hi-Pointe has you covered with $9 tickets, but you have to show the ID. No "forgetting it in the car."
The Secret to Better Audio
Most people look at screen size. You should look at the sound system.
If a showtime is listed with Dolby Atmos, take it. St. Louis has a few theaters with this, specifically the B&B Theatres in Creve Coeur (West Olive) and the Alamo. It’s object-based audio. Instead of just "left" and "right," the sound can be placed anywhere in the 3D space of the room.
When a plane flies overhead in the movie, it actually sounds like it’s above your head. It makes a huge difference for action movies like Greenland 2: Migration.
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Dealing with the Crowds
Look, nobody likes a crowded theater.
If you want the screen to yourself, hit the 1:00 PM matinee on a Thursday. Most of the St. Louis theaters are empty then. The AMC Esquire 7 on Clayton Road is notorious for being quiet during the day. It’s an older theater, but it’s clean and the crowds are thin.
On the flip side, avoid Ronnie’s on a Friday night unless you enjoy the "social" aspect of people checking their phones every five minutes.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Movie Night
- Check the projection: If you're at a Marcus, look for "Laser Projection." It’s significantly brighter than the old bulb projectors.
- Join the rewards: Even if you hate junk mail, AMC A-List or Marcus Magical Movie Rewards actually pay for themselves if you go more than twice a month.
- Parking hacks: If you’re going to the Alamo, park in the Foundry garage but give yourself an extra 15 minutes. It’s a maze. If you’re at the Hi-Pointe, there is no parking lot. You’re scouting the side streets. Good luck.
- Buy early for the Backlot: The Hi-Pointe Backlot only has 48 seats. If a popular indie film like Marty Supreme is playing, those showtimes sell out hours in advance.
Stop relying on the first Google result you see for St. Louis movie times. Most of those scrapers miss the "Event Cinema" screenings—the one-night-only Met Opera broadcasts or the Ghibli marathons—that actually make going to the theater worth it. Check the theater's direct site or use an aggregator like Atom for the Alamo specifically, as their seating charts update in real-time.
Go see something on the big screen. Just make sure it’s actually the big screen you’re paying for.
Next Steps for Your Movie Search:
- Verify the specific format (Dolby vs. Digital) on the theater's official app before booking.
- Check the Hi-Pointe’s calendar for upcoming 35mm screenings that aren't listed on major aggregators.
- Arrive 15 minutes early at the Alamo Drafthouse; they have a strict no-late-entry policy that will leave you standing in the lobby.