Finding reliable triangle cinema movie times in 2026 feels a lot like trying to find a secret club. You know it exists, you've heard the popcorn is better than the corporate stuff, but the internet has this annoying habit of sending you to three different places at once.
Look, here is the deal. If you are searching for movie times, you are usually looking for one of two very specific spots. One is a high-energy hub in the heart of Costa Mesa, California. The other is a hidden retro gem in Raleigh, North Carolina. If you show up at the wrong one, well, you're going to be a few thousand miles off.
The Costa Mesa Reality: Starlight Triangle Square
The most common destination for people looking for showtimes is actually Starlight Triangle Square Cinemas. Located at 1870 Harbor Blvd in Costa Mesa, this place isn't just a theater; it’s a landmark.
Honestly, the "Triangle" name comes from the building itself—a massive, geometric shopping and dining complex that basically anchors the downtown area. If you're heading there, you aren't just getting a movie. You're getting the whole vibe of Triangle Square, which includes spots like Tavern+Bowl and the famous TIME Nightclub.
The movie schedule here usually kicks off about 15 minutes after the doors open for the day. For early birds, that means you're looking at first showings around 11:00 AM. They’ve recently leaned hard into the Dolby Atmos experience, so if you are seeing something loud—think Avatar: Fire and Ash or the 2026 re-release of The Lord of the Rings—this is the place.
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Typical daily patterns for showtimes:
- Morning Matinees: Start between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.
- Afternoon Block: Heavy rotation from 1:30 PM to 4:45 PM.
- Prime Time: The "big" evening slots usually land right at 7:00 PM and 7:20 PM.
- Late Night: For the night owls, they often run a final set of screenings around 9:50 PM or 10:30 PM, especially for the horror hits like 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
The Raleigh "Secret": Triangle Cinemas @ Six Forks
Now, if you are in North Carolina, the situation is totally different. Triangle Cinemas @ Six Forks (located at 9500 Forum Drive) is basically a love letter to the 80s and 90s. It’s tucked behind a Target and Home Depot, which makes it feel like a local secret even though everyone in North Raleigh knows about it.
This place doesn't do the 24/7 corporate grind. They are usually closed on Mondays and operate on a tighter window. You’ll find them open Thursday through Sunday, typically from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
What’s wild is the pricing. While the national average for a movie ticket has climbed past $16 in 2026, Triangle Cinemas in Raleigh is still holding the line. You're looking at $9 for matinees (anything before 6:00 PM) and $11 for adults in the evening. It’s one of the few places where a family of four can see a movie without taking out a second mortgage.
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Why the Schedules Look Different Right Now
If you’ve noticed the triangle cinema movie times looking a bit "retro" lately, there’s a reason. 2026 has become the year of the Re-Release.
The Starlight location in California, for instance, has been dedicating massive amounts of screen time to "Cinema Classics." We’re talking The Godfather Part II, Blade Runner: The Final Cut, and even Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. It’s not just about the new blockbusters anymore. The "Monday Mystery Movie" has also become a cult favorite—you pay a flat fee, show up, and don't know what you're watching until the credits roll. It’s risky. It’s fun. People love it.
Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
If you're heading to the Costa Mesa location, Tuesday is your best friend. They do a $5 ticket deal starting at 6:00 PM. It gets crowded, obviously, so you’ve gotta be smart about it. The parking is free, which is a miracle in Southern California, but the garage can be a maze if you arrive five minutes before the trailers start.
For the Raleigh crowd, keep in mind that they don't always do reserved seating. It’s first-come, first-served. It feels like 1995 in the best way possible. You buy your ticket, you grab your popcorn, and you scout for the best seat in the house.
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Pro-tip for the Raleigh location: They often host "Drive-In" events on the weekends. It’s a total throwback and usually sells out faster than the indoor seats.
Actionable Steps for Today
Before you grab your keys and head out, do these three things to make sure you actually see the movie you want:
- Check the Specific Location: Double-check your GPS. If you're in NC and see a 11:00 AM showtime, you're looking at the California site. Raleigh usually starts at 3:00 PM.
- Verify the Format: Both theaters use a mix of standard and premium formats. If the ticket is $3-$5 more, you’re likely in a Dolby Atmos or XD theater.
- Buy Online for CA, In-Person for NC: Starlight (CA) has a solid online booking system via Fandango. Triangle Cinemas (NC) frequently keeps it old school with in-person sales only for certain weekend events.
You should probably check the official website for whichever "Triangle" is in your backyard about two hours before you want to leave. Schedules change, "Mystery Movies" sell out, and honestly, sometimes the website updates faster than the third-party apps do. Regardless of which one you visit, you're getting a theater experience that actually has some personality left.