Finding the right movie theater showtimes in Independence Missouri can be a bit of a headache if you’re just staring at a generic search results page. Honestly, most of those automated lists are cluttered with theaters that aren't even in Independence—or worse, they list times for movies that stopped playing three weeks ago.
You’ve probably been there. You load up the kids, head toward the Independence Commons, and realize the "3:30 PM" showing was actually for a theater in Lee’s Summit. It happens.
But if you actually live here, you know that catch-all "Kansas City" listings don't help much when you're trying to decide between the massive IMAX screen at AMC or the nostalgic vibe of the Square. Independence has its own rhythm for cinema. Between the blockbuster giants and the historic screens, you actually have a lot of variety, provided you know where to look and which showtimes are actually reliable.
Navigating the Big Screens: AMC Independence Commons 20
If you want the full-blown, "I want my popcorn to cost more than my first car" experience, AMC Independence Commons 20 is the undisputed heavyweight. It's located right off I-70 and M-291, making it the most accessible spot for most people in the metro area.
They have the IMAX with Laser, which is basically the gold standard if you're catching something like Avatar: Fire and Ash. Because that movie is pushing over three hours, you really want those signature recliners. Trust me.
Currently, the showtimes at AMC are pretty packed because of the Lord of the Rings 25th Anniversary event. They're doing these massive extended edition screenings of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers. These aren't your standard 2:00 PM matinees; they are marathon sessions that often start in the early afternoon and don't let out until your legs have fallen asleep.
Current Showtimes Snapshot (January 2026):
- Avatar: Fire and Ash (IMAX 3D): Usually sees a 2:45 PM and 7:00 PM slot.
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: Being an R-rated horror flick, this one dominates the late-night slots, often with 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:50 PM showings.
- Greenland 2: Migration: Catch this one in the mid-afternoon, typically around 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM.
One thing people always forget about the Commons is the Parental Escort Policy. If you’re planning to drop your teens off for a late-night showing of Primate or The Housemaid, be aware that for R-rated movies, guests under 11 aren't allowed at all, and anyone under 18 needs a parent for any show after 7:00 PM. They actually check IDs here quite a bit, so don't let them get turned away at the kiosk.
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Pro Tip for AMC Regulars
Check the "Laser at AMC" listings specifically. Most people just click the first time they see, but the Laser screenings offer a much sharper picture than the older digital projectors in the smaller auditoriums. If you're paying twenty bucks for a ticket, you might as well get the best pixels.
The Pharaoh Cinema 4: History on the Square
Then there’s the Pharaoh Cinema 4. It’s the total opposite of the AMC. Located on the historic Independence Square, this place feels like a time capsule, but in a good way.
It’s small. It’s local. It’s cheap.
The Pharaoh is where you go when you don't want to deal with a parking lot the size of a small country. They usually only have four screens going, so the showtimes are way more limited. You might only have three chances a day to see a specific movie. For instance, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple typically only runs at 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 7:00 PM.
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They also do these cool "Moonlight Movies" and classic nights. While the outdoor summer series is the big draw, they occasionally move those black-and-white classics inside if the Missouri weather decides to act up. If you're looking for movie theater showtimes in Independence Missouri that offer something other than a superhero sequel, this is your best bet.
Why the Square Matters
- Price: You’ll save enough on tickets to actually afford dinner at one of the spots nearby like Ophelia’s or Main Street Coffee.
- Atmosphere: It’s quieter. You aren't fighting a crowd of 400 people for the last bag of Milk Duds.
- Variety: They often pull in mid-tier releases like Anaconda (2025) or Mercy that get buried at the bigger megaplexes.
What's Actually Playing Right Now?
The January 2026 slate is surprisingly heavy on sequels and "event" cinema. If you're looking for showtimes today, here is the breakdown of the most popular titles currently rotating through Independence theaters.
Zootopia 2
This is the big family draw. At AMC, you’ll find showtimes starting as early as 12:45 PM (RealD 3D) and running through 9:00 PM. If you’re taking a toddler, go for the 3:30 PM set—it’s usually the "Goldilocks" zone where the theater isn't empty but it isn't a mosh pit of popcorn-throwing ten-year-olds either.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Nia DaCosta took over the reigns here, and it is bleak. Because of the gore and intensity, showtimes are skewed toward the evening. Pharaoh Cinema 4 has a consistent 7:00 PM slot, while AMC runs it almost every hour on the hour starting at 4:00 PM.
The Lord of the Rings Anniversary
This is a weird one. These are "Fathom Event" style screenings.
- Fellowship of the Ring: Usually a 1:00 PM or 1:30 PM start.
- The Two Towers: Typically starts around 4:25 PM or 5:00 PM because of the massive runtime.
- Return of the King: Often opening at 1:00 PM and 7:30 PM (prepare to be there until midnight).
Surprising Details Most People Skip
Did you know that B&B Theatres actually has a massive presence just a few miles outside Independence in Lee's Summit? A lot of people search for "B&B Independence," but you're actually going to end up at the Lee's Summit 16 or the New Longview 7.
If you're looking for the "MX4D" experience (where the seats move and it smells like the movie), you have to leave the Independence city limits. Independence proper is strictly AMC and Pharaoh territory.
Another weird quirk? Sensory Friendly Films. AMC Independence Commons 20 actually runs specific showtimes where the lights stay up a bit and the sound is turned down. It's designed for kids with autism or sensory processing issues. These usually happen on Saturday mornings, so if you're looking for a quiet, low-stress environment, you have to look for that specific label in the showtime notes.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Movie Night
Don't just drive to the theater and hope for the best. Missouri winters are too cold for standing in line outside because you didn't check the "Sold Out" status.
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- Check the "Laser" vs "Digital" tag: If you are going to AMC, always prioritize the Laser showtimes. They are labeled clearly on the AMC app and Fandango.
- Validate the Pharaoh times via Veezi: The Pharaoh uses a specific ticketing system called Veezi. Sometimes Google's main search page lags behind their actual schedule. Check their direct site for the most accurate 7:00 PM updates.
- Join the A-List (If you go twice a month): If you're planning on seeing the Avatar sequel and a couple of the Lord of the Rings re-releases, the AMC A-List membership pays for itself in about two visits. Just note that some "Special Events" are excluded from the free ticket perks.
- Plan for the 39th Street Construction: If you're heading to the Commons, 39th Street can be a nightmare around 6:00 PM on a Friday. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes or you'll be watching the trailers in the dark while trying to find your seat.
Stay local, check the ratings before you take the kids to that "Primate" movie (it's R-rated for a reason), and enjoy the popcorn. Independence might not have fifty theaters, but the ones we have cover all the bases from high-tech IMAX to hometown history.