Honestly, San Diego has too many screens. You’d think that’s a good thing, but it mostly just leads to that "Netflix paralysis" where you spend forty minutes in the car arguing about whether to go to the big AMC in Mission Valley or hunt for parking in Hillcrest. It's January 2026. The holiday blockbusters are starting to fade, and we’re entering that weird, wonderful window where the "prestige" films finally trickle down to our local screens and the weird cult classics come out to play.
If you’re just looking for whatever is loudest, you’ve got options. But if you want a specific vibe—like a cold beer with a killer chimp movie or a silent film with a live organ—you have to know where to look. San Diego isn’t just one big multiplex.
What’s Actually Worth Your Time Right Now?
The big talk this week is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Nia DaCosta is directing this one, and the buzz is that it’s way more atmospheric than the earlier sequels. It’s playing everywhere from the AMC Mission Valley 20 to the Regal Edwards Mira Mesa. If you want the full "the world is ending" immersion, the IMAX with Laser at Mission Valley is basically the gold standard in the city.
But maybe you're not in the mood for zombies.
Greenland 2: Migration is still holding onto some screens, and surprisingly, Avatar: Fire and Ash is entering its second month of dominance. You’ve probably seen it, but if you haven’t, the 3D at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas in Del Mar makes the three-hour runtime a lot more tolerable since you can basically nap in a leather recliner if the plot wanders.
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The Indie Darlings and Foreign Finds
For the stuff that doesn't involve capes or explosions, Angelika Film Center & Cafe at Carmel Mountain is usually the safe bet. Right now, they’ve got Is This Thing On?, that new dramedy about a guy using stand-up to process a divorce. It’s been getting solid reviews on the festival circuit.
And then there's the Digital Gym Cinema.
If you haven’t been, it’s tiny. It’s intimate. It feels like you’re in a private screening room. They’re currently running a series called "Deadpan Walking" which focuses on early Jim Jarmusch films. If you want to feel smart on a Tuesday night, that’s your spot.
Movies Playing in San Diego: The Specialty Experience
Mainstream movies are fine. But San Diego has a weird obsession with "event" cinema, and I’m here for it.
The Alamo Drafthouse in North Park is currently leaning hard into January nostalgia. They’re doing a "Steel Magnolias" movie party on January 16th. If you haven’t done a movie party there, it’s basically an excuse to use props and drink themed cocktails while a movie you’ve seen twenty times plays in the background. They’re also doing a Twin Peaks marathon later this month.
Why the Location Matters
- The LOT (Liberty Station & La Jolla): This is for when you want to pretend you're fancy. The food is actually good—not just "good for a theater" good. They’re showing Mercy and The Choral right now.
- Rooftop Cinema Club (Embarcadero): It’s January, so it’s "San Diego cold" (which means 58 degrees). They provide blankets. Watching Sleepless in Seattle on top of the Manchester Grand Hyatt with the skyline behind you? It’s a vibe.
- South Bay Drive-In: If you have kids or a dog, just go here. It’s affordable. It’s classic. They usually run double features of the big Disney or Illumination stuff like Zootopia 2 or the new SpongeBob Movie.
The January 2026 Cheat Sheet
I get it, you just want to know what’s playing tonight. Here is a quick look at the standout showtimes across the county:
- Blockbuster Fix: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple at AMC Mission Valley. It’s loud. It’s scary.
- Date Night: Wuthering Heights (the new Emerald Fennell version) at the Landmark Del Mar. It’s moody and looks expensive.
- The "Something Different": Arco, that time-traveling animated odyssey, is playing at the Alamo.
- Local Legend: The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Landmark’s Bethesda Row... wait, check the local Hillcrest schedule, they usually run the shadow cast on weekends.
A Note on the "Mystery Movie" Trend
Both Angelika and Reading Cinemas have started doing these "Top Secret Cinema" screenings. You pay a lower ticket price, but you have no clue what you're seeing until the lights go down. Last month, a friend of mine ended up seeing a 4K restoration of Chinatown when they were expecting a rom-com. It’s a gamble. It’s usually worth the eight bucks.
Don't Get Screwed by the Ticket Prices
Honestly, going to the movies is expensive now. You’re looking at $20 for a ticket and another $20 for a popcorn that’s 40% unpopped kernels.
Pro-tip: Go on Tuesday. Almost every major theater in San Diego—AMC, Regal, and even Cinépolis—has some version of "Discount Tuesday." At UltraStar Cinemas in Hazard Center, tickets are 50% off on Thursdays. If you're a "boujee on a budget" type, Cinépolis has a happy hour until 6 PM on weekdays. Use it.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Movie Night
If you're planning to head out this weekend, don't just wing it.
- Check the specific "Special Event" calendars: The Alamo Drafthouse and Digital Gym have schedules that change almost daily. If you miss a screening of Robot Jox, it’s not coming back for a while.
- Book ahead for The LOT: Because they have full-service dining, the prime seats (center-middle) go fast on Friday nights.
- Download the "Fandango" or "AMC" app: It sounds corporate, but the rewards points in San Diego actually add up to free tickets faster than you’d think, especially at the Mission Valley or La Jolla 12 locations.
- Watch the weather for Rooftop Cinema: If the marine layer rolls in, it gets damp. Pack a hoodie even if you think you're "built different."
The movies are still the best way to disappear for two hours. Whether you're in a recliner in Del Mar or a folding chair at an indie pop-up, just go. The popcorn always tastes better when someone else makes it.