Wichita is a movie town. It sounds weird to say if you aren't from here, but people in the 316 take their cinema seriously. Maybe it’s the ghost of Bill Warren’s legacy or just the fact that there’s not much else to do on a Tuesday night when the wind is howling across the plains. Honestly, finding movie showtimes Wichita KS used to be simpler when you just checked the Eagle, but now you’re toggling between three different apps just to see if the popcorn is actually fresh.
If you grew up here, you remember the "old" Warren. The hand-painted murals. The ushers who actually cared. The feeling that you were walking into a palace, not just a multiplex. Since Regal took over the Warren properties, things have felt... different. Not necessarily bad, but definitely different.
Where to Actually Watch Something Tonight
Right now, the landscape is basically a tug-of-war between the West side and the East side. If you’re looking for movie showtimes Wichita KS today, January 17, 2026, you’re likely looking at one of the big three: Regal Warren West, AMC Northrock 14, or the specialized Warren 21.
Regal Warren West (9150 W 21st St)
This is still the heavyweight champ for many. It’s huge. It’s got that IMAX screen that makes your teeth rattle during the previews. Currently, they’re leaning heavily into the big January blockbusters. You’ve got 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple pulling in the horror crowd with late-night slots like 10:30 PM. If you’re more into the "I want to cry in public" vibe, Song Sung Blue has showtimes around 2:45 PM and 6:05 PM.
The 4DX theater here is a trip. Seriously. If you haven't tried it, your seat moves, it smells like the movie (sometimes), and you might get sprayed with water. It’s basically a theme park ride that lasts two hours.
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AMC Northrock 14 (3151 Penstemon St)
Northrock has had a massive glow-up over the last few years. It used to be the place you went when the Warren was sold out. Now? It’s arguably the best seat in town. Every single seat is a power recliner. You can basically take a nap if the movie is boring—though with Avatar: Fire and Ash running over three hours, you might actually need that headrest.
They’re doing some cool stuff with "AMC Thrills & Chills" right now, featuring Primate at 8:15 PM and 10:00 PM. Plus, if you’re a Stubs member, those Tuesday discounts are still the best deal in the city.
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The "Hidden" Gems
Don't sleep on the Orpheum downtown. It’s over 100 years old. They don't have the reclining heated loungers, but they have soul. They usually run classics or indie stuff that the big chains won't touch. If you’re looking for a date night that doesn't feel like a trip to the mall, check their calendar for those one-night-only screenings.
What’s Playing: The January 2026 Lineup
January is usually the "dump month" for movies, but 2026 is looking weirdly strong. We’re seeing a mix of high-concept sci-fi and sequels that we’ve been waiting years for.
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: Nia DaCosta is directing this one. It’s gritty. It’s bleak. Showtimes are scattered throughout the day, but it feels like a night movie.
- Greenland 2: Migration: Gerard Butler is back at it. It’s a survival story, and honestly, after a Kansas winter, we can all relate to people just trying to find a warm place to live.
- Zootopia 2: For the parents out there, this is the big one. Most theaters like Regal West and AMC Northrock have afternoon sets starting around 1:30 PM to catch the after-school crowd.
- The Lord of the Rings Re-releases: This is a big deal right now. They are cycling through the trilogy. Check the movie showtimes Wichita KS for Sunday, Jan 18—The Return of the King is getting a massive 4-hour slot. Pack a snack.
The Popcorn Politics of Wichita
We need to talk about the concessions. It’s a hot-button issue. At AMC Northrock, you get the free refills on large tubs. People literally dump their popcorn into those cardboard trays and go right back for more. It’s a system.
Regal? Their popcorn still has that specific "Warren" taste, but some folks swear the buckets have gotten smaller. If you’re going to the Warren 21 (the 21+ section), you're paying a premium, but you get the heated seats and the seat-side service. It’s for when you want to feel like an adult while watching a movie about a giant radioactive lizard.
Pro Tips for the Best Experience
- Check the "Old Town" situation: The Boulevard Theatres in Old Town are great for a more relaxed, neighborhood feel. Parking can be a nightmare on weekends, though, so give yourself twenty minutes just to find a spot.
- The Starlite Drive-In: It’s January, so it’s closed. But keep it on your radar for the spring. It’s one of the last true drive-ins left, and it's a Wichita treasure.
- App vs. Reality: Use the Regal or AMC apps to buy tickets, but always check the theater's actual site for "No Passes" warnings. If it’s a new release like The Bone Temple, your free passes probably won't work for the first two weeks.
- Matinee Pricing: Most theaters in town cut prices before 4:00 PM. AMC does about 20% off, which makes a big difference if you’re taking a whole family.
Finding movie showtimes Wichita KS isn't just about the time on the screen. It’s about choosing your vibe. Do you want the luxury of the East side Northrock? The massive scale of the West side IMAX? Or the quiet, artsy feel of the Lux or the Orpheum?
Your Next Steps for Tonight:
- Verify the time: Double-check the theater’s direct website (Regal or AMC) before leaving; third-party aggregators sometimes lag on last-minute schedule changes.
- Pick your seat: Use the "Reserved Seating" maps to avoid the front-row-neck-cramp. If you're going to AMC Northrock, aim for the "middle-back" of the Dolby Cinema for the best sound balance.
- Check the weather: It's Kansas. If there's a sudden ice storm, those 10:00 PM showtimes might get canceled, and you don't want to be the one sliding around Kellogg for no reason.