Tracker
Cinema closures and openings in 2026
A running record of the cinemas that closed, opened or reopened in 2026, and the circuit deals behind them — 104 events so far, each taken from a news report or company announcement we read, not from rumour.
62
closures
Permanent closures reported this year, most of them in the United States.
16
new openings
New sites, including several announced for later in 2026 or 2027.
16
reopenings
Closed venues brought back, often by a new independent operator.
10
circuit-level events
Bankruptcies, acquisitions and strategic reviews.
Month by month
Events in the tracker by the month they happened or took effect, January to September 2026.
Show the data as a table
| Month 2026 | Openings | Reopenings | Closures | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0 | 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Feb | 2 | 0 | 9 | 11 |
| Mar | 2 | 1 | 5 | 8 |
| Apr | 1 | 3 | 4 | 8 |
| May | 1 | 0 | 5 | 6 |
| Jun | 0 | 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Jul | 1 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| Aug | 1 | 0 | 9 | 10 |
| Sep | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 |
Circuit deals, bankruptcies and reviews
| Date | Type | Cinema | Operator | Location | Country | Screens | What happened [source] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-23 | Chain | Cineplex (circuit) | Cineplex | Toronto, Ontario | CA | 1600 | Canada's largest chain named former Landmark head Bill Walker CEO and launched a strategic review that could include a sale. [21] |
| 2026-07 | Chain | NorthStar Cinemas Rockford and Whitehall | NorthStar Cinemas | Rockford and Whitehall, Michigan | US | — | Local circuit announced both its locations will close, citing rising costs and minimum wage pressures on small venues. [45] |
| 2026-06-30 | Chain | AMC Theatres US footprint | AMC Theatres | Leawood, Kansas | US | 9530 | AMC ended June with 524 US theaters, down 16 year on year; globally 845 theaters and 9,530 screens versus 864 a year earlier. [46] |
| 2026-06-15 | Chain | IPIC locations in TX, GA, FL, MD and NJ | CMX Cinemas | Multiple, Multiple | US | — | CMX acquired nine iPic theater and restaurant locations out of bankruptcy; they keep the iPic brand and staff. [49] |
| 2026-06-11 | Chain | Showcase Cinemas US (13 cinemas) | Kinepolis | Multiple, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island | US | 164 | Kinepolis agreed to buy 13 US Showcase cinemas from Harbor Lights Entertainment (formerly National Amusements) for about $30 million. [50] |
| 2026-02-25 | Chain | iPic Theaters (circuit) | iPic | Boca Raton, Florida | US | 100 | Dine-in chain with 13 theaters and 100 screens filed Chapter 11 for the second time, pursuing a sale of its assets. [79] |
| 2026-02-01 | Chain | LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Downey, Redlands and Monrovia | LOOK Dine-In Cinemas | Multiple, California | US | — | LOOK abruptly closed three Los Angeles-area theaters amid its Chapter 11 case, leaving Glendale as its only California site. [85] |
| 2026-02 | Chain | Alamo Drafthouse franchise sites in Katy, El Paso (2) and Lubbock | Alamo Drafthouse (franchise: Triple Tap Ventures) | Multiple, Texas | US | — | Franchise partner Triple Tap Ventures shut four Texas Alamo Drafthouse locations over one weekend. [87] |
| 2026-02 | Chain | Emagine Entertainment (14 cinemas) | Kinepolis | Multiple, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin | US | — | Kinepolis completed its acquisition of Emagine in February, integrating 14 US cinemas and lifting first-half admissions 33.8%. [88] |
| 2026-01 | Chain | Vue UK operating company | Vue | London, England | UK | — | Vue settled a Coca-Cola Europacific debt dispute after the bottler filed a winding-up petition against its UK operating company. [95] |
Every closure, opening and reopening
Newest first. Dates are as reported; future dates are announced targets, not confirmations.
| Date | Type | Cinema | Operator | Location | Country | Screens | What happened [source] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2028-early | Reopening | Cinerama Dome and former ArcLight Hollywood | Alamo Drafthouse (Sony Pictures) | Los Angeles, California | US | 14 | Sony will restore the Cinerama Dome, dark since 2020, with Alamo operating it and the adjoining 14-screen ex-ArcLight. [1] |
| 2027-early | Closure | Woodside Drive-in | independent | Birkenhead, England | UK | — | Wirral's first drive-in will leave its ferry-terminal site after the winter season as Merseytravel reclaims the land; relocation planned. [2] |
| 2027-H1 | Opening | AMC Grossmont Center | AMC Theatres | La Mesa, California | US | — | AMC announced it will open at Grossmont Center in the first half of 2027, replacing the closed Reading Cinemas. [3] |
| 2027-05 | Reopening | Icon Cinema Nacogdoches (former AMC 6) | Icon Cinema | Nacogdoches, Texas | US | — | City council approved Icon Cinema's renovation of the AMC building that closed in 2024, with opening possible from May 2027. [4] |
| 2027 | Opening | HOYTS Eaton Fair | HOYTS | Eaton, Western Australia | AU | 7 | HOYTS will anchor a new seven-screen complex with D-BOX and Xtremescreen at Eaton Fair, expected to open next year. [5] |
| 2027 | Opening | Arc Cinema Lewisham Gateway | Arc Cinemas | London, England | UK | 9 | Irish chain Arc was confirmed as operator of a nine-screen cinema in the Lewisham Gateway development, opening next year. [6] |
| 2026-summer | Closure | Cinema & Co. | independent | Swansea, Wales | UK | — | Swansea's only independent cinema, a café-bar and venue on Castle Street since 2016, announced a summer closure. [7] |
| 2026-spring | Closure | Cineplex Cinemas Miramichi | Cineplex | Miramichi, New Brunswick | CA | — | Cineplex confirmed plans to shut its Miramichi location this spring after about 25 years; the building is listed for lease from May 1. [8] |
| 2026-late | Opening | Everyman The Elephant | Everyman | London, England | UK | 5 | Everyman will open a five-screen venue, its 17th in London, in the new Elephant & Castle town centre launching late 2026. [9] |
| 2026-autumn | Reopening | Curzon Chelsea (King's Road) | Curzon | London, England | UK | — | Curzon plans to reopen its historic King's Road site this autumn as a 20,000 sq ft flagship, eight years after closure. [10] |
| 2026-autumn | Opening | Cicada Cinema (615 N. Fairview St.) | independent (nonprofit) | Bloomington, Indiana | US | 1 | Volunteer-run pop-up series bought a commercial space for a permanent, roughly 70-seat theater opening in early fall. [11] |
| 2026-autumn | Opening | The Portal Cinema | independent (nonprofit) | San Francisco, California | US | 1 | A nonprofit 49-seat single-screen art house and repertory venue is scheduled to open in Bernal Heights this fall. [12] |
| 2026-12 | Closure | Heddon Greta Drive-In | independent | Heddon Greta, New South Wales | AU | — | One of NSW's last drive-ins will close at year end; its land was sold and is proposed for 63 housing lots. [13] |
| 2026-12 | Closure | AMC Kips Bay 15 | AMC Theatres | New York, New York | US | 15 | AMC expects to close its second-largest Manhattan multiplex at year end after the landlord terminated the lease early. [14] |
| 2026-12 | Reopening | Mountain View Cinema 16 (former Century 16) | Syufy Enterprises | Mountain View, California | US | 16 | Site owner Syufy plans to take back the Cinemark site, rebrand it Mountain View Cinema 16 and reopen before Christmas. [15] |
| 2026-11 | Opening | The Arc Cinema Bray (Bray Central) | Arc Cinemas | Bray, County Wicklow | IE | — | Arc confirmed its cinema and Arc Arena, a 40,000 sq ft leisure venue, will open in Bray Central in November. [16] |
| 2026-10-04 | Closure | Studio C Okemos | Celebration Cinema | Okemos, Michigan | US | — | Celebration Cinema will close its leased Studio C site after 14 years, citing unviable economics on leased property. [17] |
| 2026-10 | Reopening | Bruin Theater | independent (Rui Pereira) | Los Angeles, California | US | 1 | Toronto exhibitor Rui Pereira leased the 1937 Westwood single-screen, closed since July 2024, targeting a mid-October reopening. [18] |
| 2026-10 | Reopening | Showplace 8 Marion (former AMC Centre 8) | Showplace | Marion, Illinois | US | 8 | A $2.75 million rehab with recliners throughout is under way to reopen the closed AMC Centre 8 in October. [19] |
| 2026-09-24 | Closure | Century 16 Mountain View | Cinemark | Mountain View, California | US | 16 | Cinemark's lease expires end of September; last day set for Sept. 24 as landlord Syufy files redevelopment plans. [20] |
| 2026-09-07 | Closure | Coyote Drive-In Fort Worth | Coyote Drive-In | Fort Worth, Texas | US | — | Drive-in closes after Labor Day as the water district ended its lease for a canal and park project. [22] |
| 2026-09 | Closure | Coffs Harbour's major cinema | not stated in source | Coffs Harbour, New South Wales | AU | — | The city's main cinema was set to close within two weeks, ending more than three decades of screenings. [23] |
| 2026-09 | Closure | Lacombe City Cinemas | independent | Lacombe, Alberta | CA | — | The only cinema in the city of nearly 15,000 is closing at the beginning of September. [24] |
| 2026-09 | Closure | Alamo Drafthouse North Naples (Mercato) | Alamo Drafthouse (Sony Pictures Experiences) | Naples, Florida | US | 11 | Alamo closed its 11-screen Mercato site opened in 2024; Paragon Theatres hopes to take over the venue. [25] |
| 2026-09 | Closure | Maya Cinemas Campus Pointe | Maya Cinemas | Fresno, California | US | — | Maya's Fresno State-area cinema closed unexpectedly days after its Salinas site; Galaxy Theatres will take over operation. [26] |
| 2026-09 | Closure | Maya Cinemas Salinas | Maya Cinemas | Salinas, California | US | — | Maya closed its downtown Salinas cinema earlier in the same week as its Fresno Campus Pointe location. [26] |
| 2026-09 | Closure | Romeo Theatre | independent | Washington Township, Michigan | US | 2 | Family-owned two-screen cinema to close in mid-September after 40 years, citing pandemic fallout, strikes and streaming. [27] |
| 2026-08-31 | Closure | Odeon Basingstoke (Leisure Park) | Odeon | Basingstoke, England | UK | 10 | Odeon emailed subscribers that its 10-screen, 2,398-seat leisure park cinema would close on August 31. [28] |
| 2026-08-27 | Closure | Movies 16 Janesville | independent | Janesville, Wisconsin | US | 16 | Janesville's only cinema closed suddenly, announcing hours before its final showing without giving a reason. [29] |
| 2026-08-22 | Closure | Collaroy Cinema | independent (in receivership) | Collaroy, New South Wales | AU | — | Receivers confirmed the Northern Beaches cinema's last session after its owner's company entered receivership; family intends to reopen. [30] |
| 2026-08-20 | Closure | AMC Classic Mount Vernon 8 | AMC Theatres | Mount Vernon, Illinois | US | 8 | AMC confirmed the eight-screen theater's final day of business as August 20. [31] |
| 2026-08-20 | Closure | Regal Northstar 14 | Regal | Joplin, Missouri | US | 14 | Regal shut the 1998-built theater behind Northpark Mall to optimise its theatre network. [32] |
| 2026-08-18 | Closure | Xscape Brandywine 14 | Xscape Theatres | Brandywine, Maryland | US | 14 | Xscape announced on Facebook that its Prince George's County multiplex had permanently closed. [33] |
| 2026-08-16 | Closure | Mt. Shasta Cinemas | Coming Attractions Theatres | Mount Shasta, California | US | — | Coming Attractions Theatres set Aug. 16 as the final day, giving no reason; its other two California sites remain. [34] |
| 2026-08 | Closure | Bad Axe Theatre | independent | Bad Axe, Michigan | US | — | The Thumb-area cinema announced its closure on Facebook. [35] |
| 2026-08 | Closure | Belton 8 Cinemas | Mitchell Theatres | Belton, Missouri | US | 8 | Mitchell Theatres announced a closure at summer's end and confirmed the property's sale to a local church. [36] |
| 2026-08 | Opening | City Cinema Vicksburg | independent | Vicksburg, Mississippi | US | — | New cinema received its health permit and set its opening for the following weekend, with Spider-Man: Brand New Day confirmed. [37] |
| 2026-07-31 | Reopening | New 400 Theater | independent | Chicago, Illinois | US | — | Chicago's oldest movie palace in Rogers Park reopened under a new owner after a three-year closure. [38] |
| 2026-07-10 | Reopening | Omniplex Glasgow (former Cineworld Renfrew Street) | Omniplex | Glasgow, Scotland | UK | — | The world's tallest cinema, bought from Cineworld in 2025, partially reopens after a £22m refit, with works completing by September. [39] |
| 2026-07-02 | Closure | Curzon Canterbury Westgate | Curzon | Canterbury, England | UK | — | Curzon is closing its Westgate venue to focus investment on its Canterbury Riverside cinema, citing changing audience habits. [40] |
| 2026-07-01 | Opening | Emagine Parker | Emagine (Northwoods Theater Group) | Parker, Colorado | US | 10 | Emagine's first Colorado location opened in a reimagined former multiplex, with heated recliners, EMX premium screens and a full bar. [41] |
| 2026-07-01 | Reopening | Phoenix Theatres Patriot Place | Phoenix Theatres | Foxborough, Massachusetts | US | — | Phoenix Theatres opened in the former Showcase Cinema de Lux space after a multi-million-dollar renovation. [42] |
| 2026-07 | Closure | Colosseum Cinema and Bar | independent | Bournemouth, England | UK | 2 | Billed as the UK's smallest commercial cinema, the Westbourne Arcade venue with 27 seats across two rooms has closed. [43] |
| 2026-07 | Closure | Fuse Cinema | Northumberland County Council (community) | Prudhoe, England | UK | — | Council closed the Fuse Media Centre, ending the community cinema's 12-year run for the foreseeable future. [44] |
| 2026-06-29 | Closure | Curzon Sheffield | Curzon | Sheffield, England | UK | 3 | Curzon closed its George Street venue, opened 2015, saying admissions never reached hoped-for levels amid city-centre redevelopment. [47] |
| 2026-06-25 | Closure | Vue Cardiff (Stadium Plaza) | Vue | Cardiff, Wales | UK | 13 | Vue permanently shut its flagship Cardiff city-centre venue beside the Principality Stadium after more than 20 years. [48] |
| 2026-06-10 | Closure | AMC Wilson 10 | AMC Theatres | Wilson, North Carolina | US | 10 | AMC confirmed it would cease operations at Wilson's only cinema, in Parkwood Mall, after June 10. [51] |
| 2026-06-05 | Reopening | Carmel Cinemas | Box Office Cinemas | Carmel, New York | US | — | Shuttered since May 2025, the ShopRite Plaza cinema reopened under new owner Box Office Cinemas with many former staff. [52] |
| 2026-06-03 | Closure | IPIC Pasadena | iPic | Pasadena, California | US | — | iPic closed its Old Town Pasadena theater as part of its Chapter 11 restructuring. [53] |
| 2026-06-01 | Closure | Reading Cinemas Grossmont | Reading Cinemas | La Mesa, California | US | — | San Diego's last Reading Cinemas closed after losing its lease amid mall redevelopment; 63 workers affected. [54] |
| 2026-06 | Reopening | Freeport cinema (former Nordica Theatre) | Nickelodeon Cinemas owners | Freeport, Maine | US | 6 | The downtown six-screen cinema, shut since the start of the pandemic, reopened under the owners of Portland's Nickelodeon Cinemas. [55] |
| 2026-05-31 | Closure | Route One Cinema Pub | independent | North Attleborough, Massachusetts | US | — | Dine-in cinema pub announced it will close after 27 years following final screenings on May 31. [56] |
| 2026-05-24 | Closure | Gilson Café & Cinema | independent | Winsted, Connecticut | US | — | Owner is stepping back after 41 years; the café-cinema's last screenings were set for the following Saturday. [57] |
| 2026-05-22 | Opening | Vue Colchester (Northern Gateway Leisure Park) | Vue | Colchester, England | UK | 9 | Vue opened the nine-screen anchor of the council-part-funded leisure park after Cineworld withdrew from the site in 2024. [58] |
| 2026-05-15 | Closure | AMC Salina (Central Mall) | AMC Theatres | Salina, Kansas | US | — | AMC confirmed the storm-damaged mall theater will not reopen, leaving Salina without a standard cinema. [59] |
| 2026-05 | Closure | Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema | Dendy Cinemas | Brisbane, Queensland | AU | 1 | Dendy is ceasing Brisbane's only permanent outdoor cinema in New Farm Park less than three years after launch. [60] |
| 2026-05 | Closure | Big Sky Cinema | independent | Dillon, Montana | US | 2 | Beaverhead County's 1970s twin cinema, one of the first free-standing twins in the US, has closed. [61] |
| 2026-04-29 | Opening | Hookey Nashville Yards | Hookey | Nashville, Tennessee | US | 7 | New entertainment venue opened downtown combining seven dine-in theaters with bowling, an arcade and bars. [62] |
| 2026-04-28 | Closure | IPIC Redmond Town Center | iPic | Redmond, Washington | US | — | WARN notice filed with Washington regulators said iPic would permanently close its Redmond theater, laying off 64. [63] |
| 2026-04-24 | Reopening | GQT Lakeview 10 | GQT Movies | Battle Creek, Michigan | US | 10 | GQT Movies reopened the former NCG Battle Creek site in Lakeview Square Mall three months after it closed. [64] |
| 2026-04-22 | Reopening | Scene One Market Arcade Cinemas | Scene One Cinemas | Buffalo, New York | US | — | Scene One reopened the downtown Market Arcade cinema months after AMC vacated it, making it the company's ninth location. [65] |
| 2026-04-19 | Closure | Marcus Lakes 10 Cinema | Marcus Theatres | Hermantown, Minnesota | US | 10 | Marcus announced its Hermantown multiplex would close on April 19, pointing guests to its Duluth cinema. [66] |
| 2026-04-09 | Closure | Vue Croydon (Grants) | Vue | Croydon, England | UK | 10 | Vue closed its Grants Entertainment Centre site, open since 2002, directing customers to its upgraded Purley Way venue. [67] |
| 2026-04-09 | Closure | AMC Classic Salem Valley 8 | AMC Theatres | Salem, Virginia | US | 8 | Former Carmike theater in Salem closed with its final day announced only that morning. [68] |
| 2026-04-03 | Reopening | Big Rapids Theater | independent | Big Rapids, Michigan | US | — | The former AMC, shut since the pandemic, reopened after 10 months of renovation under a new owner. [69] |
| 2026-03-31 | Closure | Capitol Theatre Yellowknife | independent | Yellowknife, Northwest Territories | CA | — | Yellowknife's only movie theatre closed after years of weak turnout, leaving the city without a local cinema. [70] |
| 2026-03-27 | Reopening | Glenelg Cinema | Wallis Entertainment | Glenelg, Adelaide, South Australia | AU | 6 | South Australian family operator Wallis took over the six-screen site four days after Event's final screening. [71] |
| 2026-03-27 | Opening | Reel Cinema Bishop Auckland | Reel Cinemas | Bishop Auckland, England | UK | 7 | Reel opened a seven-screen multiplex at the retail and leisure park, the town's first cinema in four decades. [72] |
| 2026-03-23 | Closure | Event Cinemas Glenelg | Event Cinemas (EVT) | Glenelg, Adelaide, South Australia | AU | 6 | EVT confirmed its tenancy at the Jetty Road cinema would cease trading after a decade of operation. [73] |
| 2026-03-20 | Opening | The Northern Light Cinema | independent | Stretford, England | UK | 3 | New three-screen independent cinema opened on Pinnington Lane in Stretford town centre. [74] |
| 2026-03-12 | Closure | Premiere Cinema 14 Orlando Fashion Square | Premiere Cinemas | Orlando, Florida | US | 14 | Mall cinema closing after two decades, citing redevelopment plans for the nearly vacant Orlando Fashion Square. [75] |
| 2026-03-01 | Closure | Showcase Cinema de Lux Randolph | Showcase Cinemas (National Amusements) | Randolph, Massachusetts | US | — | Showcase's Randolph multiplex set to close permanently on March 1. [76] |
| 2026-03 | Closure | O'Neil Cinemas Epping (Brickyard Square) | O'Neil Cinemas | Epping, New Hampshire | US | — | O'Neil closed its Epping site citing industry change and rising operating costs; Londonderry and Littleton sites remain. [77] |
| 2026-02-28 | Closure | B&B Theatres Main Street (Power & Light) | B&B Theatres | Kansas City, Missouri | US | — | B&B shut its historic Main Street theater, leaving downtown Kansas City without a first-run cinema. [78] |
| 2026-02-24 | Closure | Odeon Camden Town (Parkway) | Odeon | London, England | UK | — | The 89-year-old Parkway Odeon screened its final films; the site is earmarked for housing and a new entertainment venue. [80] |
| 2026-02-22 | Closure | Showcase Cinema de Lux Patriot Place | Showcase Cinemas (National Amusements) | Foxborough, Massachusetts | US | — | Showcase's Patriot Place location beside Gillette Stadium set to close on February 22. [76] |
| 2026-02-17 | Closure | Cineplex Cinemas Beaches | Cineplex | Toronto, Ontario | CA | — | Cineplex confirmed its final screening day after the landlord chose to lease the space to another business. [81] |
| 2026-02-12 | Opening | Odeon Luxe Bristol (Cabot Circus) | Odeon | Bristol, England | UK | — | New Odeon Luxe opened in Cabot Circus the day after the Broadmead Odeon closed. [82] |
| 2026-02-11 | Closure | Odeon Bristol (Broadmead) | Odeon | Bristol, England | UK | — | Odeon closed its 1938 Broadmead cinema as it moved operations to a new Odeon Luxe in Cabot Circus. [82] |
| 2026-02-01 | Closure | Nambucca Cinema | Regional Cinemas Australia | Nambucca Heads, New South Wales | AU | — | Regional Cinemas Australia permanently closed its first-ever cinema, citing the lasting impact of COVID and Hollywood strikes. [83] |
| 2026-02-01 | Closure | AMC Classic Auburn 14 | AMC Theatres | Auburn, Alabama | US | 14 | Auburn's only traditional cinema, a former Carmike, closed after nearly 30 years; AMC redirected guests to Opelika. [84] |
| 2026-02 | Opening | The Plaza Wincanton | independent | Wincanton, England | UK | — | Operator of three Somerset independents is converting an Art Deco former church into a cinema opening in February. [86] |
| 2026-02 | Closure | Alamo Drafthouse Katy (LaCenterra) | Alamo Drafthouse (franchise: Triple Tap Ventures) | Katy, Texas | US | 8 | Franchisee closed the last Houston-area Alamo, alongside two El Paso sites and one in Lubbock. [87] |
| 2026-02 | Closure | Regal Westborough | Regal | Westborough, Massachusetts | US | — | Regal's Westborough cinema was sold and will be converted into a Hindu temple. [76] |
| 2026-01-29 | Closure | Regal Cross Keys Stadium 12 | Regal | Washington Township, New Jersey | US | 12 | Regal abruptly closed its 1994 Art Deco-styled South Jersey multiplex, emailing customers that Jan. 29 was the last day. [89] |
| 2026-01-29 | Closure | Regal UA Hampton Bays | Regal | Hampton Bays, New York | US | — | Regal's Hampton Bays cinema, open since 1997, showed its final films on January 29. [90] |
| 2026-01-27 | Closure | Chauvel Cinema | Palace Cinemas | Paddington, Sydney, New South Wales | AU | — | Palace shut its arthouse cinema in Paddington Town Hall ahead of its March lease expiry, citing low attendance and needed repairs. [91] |
| 2026-01-25 | Closure | Omniplex Armagh | Omniplex | Armagh, Northern Ireland | UK | — | Omniplex confirmed on social media its Armagh cinema would take its final bow on January 25. [92] |
| 2026-01-04 | Closure | LOOK Dine-In Cinemas W57 (VIA 57) | LOOK Dine-In Cinemas | New York, New York | US | — | A notice on the doors said LOOK closed its Hell's Kitchen theater on January 4, redirecting guests to Dobbs Ferry. [93] |
| 2026-01 | Reopening | Carrick-on-Shannon cinema | Eclipse Cinemas | Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim | IE | — | After a sale and brief closure, the cinema is being refitted to reopen under Donegal-based Eclipse Cinemas. [94] |
| 2026-01 | Closure | NCG Cinema Battle Creek | NCG Cinemas | Battle Creek, Michigan | US | 10 | NCG permanently closed its Lakeview Square Mall theater, which had opened in 1995. [96] |
| 2026-01 | Closure | Regal Cinemas 10 Sonora (Crossroads) | Regal | Sonora, California | US | 10 | Landlord confirmed Regal gave notice to close Tuolumne County's only indoor cinema at the end of January. [97] |
| 2026 | Opening | Entertainment Luxury Cinemas Swansea | Entertainment Luxury Cinemas | Swansea, Massachusetts | US | — | Cape Cod-based operator announced a new cinema on the former Regal site at Swansea Mall Drive and began hiring; no date given. [98] |
| 2026 | Closure | IPIC Westwood | iPic | Los Angeles, California | US | — | California WARN notices said iPic's Westwood theater will close permanently as part of the bankruptcy process. [99] |
Numbers in brackets refer to the numbered sources below.
What the pattern says
Closures cluster in two places: sites that were marginal before 2020 and never recovered their admissions, and dine-in and premium concepts whose cost base proved too heavy — this year's iPic bankruptcy and the LOOK Dine-In closures are the clearest examples. Reopenings tell the other half: a closed multiplex in a town with no other screen is frequently bought back by a local operator on a lower cost base.
For an operator the lesson is about fixed cost rather than demand. The venues that closed rarely lacked an audience entirely; they lacked one large enough to cover the rent. That is the arithmetic in the break-even calculator and what to check before buying a cinema.
How this tracker is kept, and its limits
Events are found through news search and recorded only after the source article has been read. Coverage leans to the United States, where local news reports closures most consistently; several trade publications block automated reading, so some real events are missing. Countries covered so far: US (66), UK (22), AU (9), CA (5), IE (2). Know of one we have missed, or one that changed? Tell us and we will add it with its source.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from one of these. Where two sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than averaged away.
- Variety, The Cinerama Dome Lives! Iconic Hollywood Theater to Reopen Alongside New 14-Screen Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. variety.com/2026/film/news/cinerama-dome-saved-sony-alamo-drafthouse-reopen-1236818133.
- Wirral Globe, Woodside Drive-in announce big move as lease set to end. www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/26405691.woodside-drive-in-announce-big-move-lease-set-end.
- ABC 10News San Diego, AMC to open at Grossmont Center in 2027, replacing Reading Cinemas. www.10news.com/news/local-news/amc-to-open-at-grossmont-center-in-2027-replacing-reading-cinemas.
- KTRE, Icon Cinema to open new theater in Nacogdoches. www.ktre.com/2026/05/13/icon-cinema-open-new-theater-nacogdoches.
- FilmInk, HOYTS to bring movie magic to Western Australia's Eaton Fair. www.filmink.com.au/public-notice/hoyts-to-bring-movie-magic-to-western-australias-eaton-fair.
- The Greenwich Wire, Lewisham's nine-screen cinema to finally open next year. greenwichwire.co.uk/2026/02/13/lewisham-gateway-cinema-arc-filigree.
- Swansea Bay News, Swansea's only independent cinema to close this summer after 10 years on Castle Street. swanseabaynews.com/swanseas-only-independent-cinema-to-close-this-summer-after-10-years-on-castle-street.
- Northumberland Free Press, The show won't go on: Theatre closing in spring. northumberlandfreepress.substack.com/p/the-show-wont-go-on-theatre-closing.
- Brixton Buzz, Everyman chain to open a large, five screen cinema at The Elephant. www.brixtonbuzz.com/2026/07/everyman-to-open-five-screen-cinema-at-the-elephant.
- MyLondon, New West London cinema opening after 8-year closure with all-day café, bar and restaurant. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/whats-on-news/new-west-london-cinema-opening-34112227.
- Indiana Daily Student, Cicada Cinema to open permanent theater in early fall. www.idsnews.com/article/2026/07/cicada-cinema-open-permanent-theater-early-fall.
- San Francisco Chronicle, A new 49-seat movie theater is opening in San Francisco. Here's where. www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/movies-tv/article/portal-cinema-bernal-heights-sf-22395625.php.
- Maitland Mercury, Final curtain: Heddon Greta Drive In to close as owner wins national award. www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/9254227/historic-drive-in-to-close-as-owner-reflects-on-cinemas-golden-age.
- Deadline, AMC's Kips Bay 15 In New York City To Close At End Of 2026. deadline.com/2026/08/amc-kips-bay-15-closing-new-york-1237049212.
- Mountain View Voice, Mountain View's Cinemark Century 16 theater won't close for good after all. www.mv-voice.com/business/2026/09/16/mountain-views-cinemark-century-16-theater-wont-close-for-good-after-all.
- bray.ie, Lights, Camera, Action! The Arc Cinema is Coming to Bray this November. bray.ie/lights-camera-action-the-arc-cinema-is-coming-to-bray-this-november.
- WILX News 10, Studio C movie theater in Okemos to close after 14 years. www.wilx.com/2026/08/18/studio-c-movie-theater-okemos-close-after-14-years.
- Deadline, Bruin West Theater in Los Angeles Re-Opening In October 2026. deadline.com/2026/07/the-bruin-theater-westwood-re-opening-1237012571.
- KFVS12, Showplace 8 Marion set to open October 2026. www.kfvs12.com/2026/07/13/showplace-8-marion-set-open-october-2026.
- The Mercury News, Mountain View's Century 16 theaters are closing next week — for now. www.mercurynews.com/2026/09/16/mountain-views-century-16-theaters-are-closing-next-week-for-now.
- CBC News, Cineplex may be going up for sale, company says in announcement of new CEO. www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/cineplex-potential-sale-9.7355766.
- FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, Fort Worth's Coyote Drive-In theater to close after 14 years. www.fox4news.com/news/fort-worths-coyote-drive-in-theater-close-after-14-years.
- NBN News, Coffs cinema reaches its final act. www.nbnnews.com.au/2026/09/02/coffs-cinema-reaches-its-final-act.
- CBC News, Curtain call: Lacombe's only cinema set to close next month. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/lacombe-city-cinemas-closing-9.7299201.
- Digital Cinema Report, Alamo Closes North Naples, Florida Cinema. www.digitalcinemareport.com/alamo-closes-north-naples-florida-cinema.
- ABC30 Fresno, Maya Cinemas suddenly closes at Campus Pointe, Galaxy Theatres to take over. abc30.com/post/maya-cinemas-suddenly-closes-campus-pointe-galaxy-theatres-take/19825087.
- WDIV ClickOnDetroit, Family-owned Romeo Theatre closing after 40 years in Macomb County. www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/08/11/family-owned-romeo-theatre-closing-after-40-years-in-macomb-county.
- Basingstoke Gazette, Odeon cinema to close this summer. www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/business/26188730.basingstokes-odeon-set-closure-august-2026.
- WMTV15 News, Janesville's only movie theater closes suddenly. www.wmtv15news.com/2026/08/28/janesvilles-only-movie-theater-closes-suddenly.
- Manly Observer, Collaroy Cinema to close from tomorrow. manlyobserver.com.au/collaroy-cinema-to-close-from-tomorrow.
- KFVS12 Heartland News, AMC CLASSIC Mount Vernon 8 to close its doors Aug. 20. www.kfvs12.com/2026/08/12/amc-classic-mount-vernon-8-close-its-doors-aug-20.
- Yahoo News (KSNF/KODE), Regal Northstar in Joplin closes after nearly 30 years. www.yahoo.com/news/articles/regal-northstar-joplin-closes-nearly-214337548.html.
- The BayNet, Xscape Brandywine 14 Permanently Closes. thebaynet.com/xscape-brandywine-14-permanently-closes.
- KRCR, Mt. Shasta Cinemas to close Aug. 16 after years serving the community. krcrtv.com/news/local/mt-shasta-cinemas-to-close-aug-16-after-years-serving-the-community.
- Huron Daily Tribune, Bad Axe Theatre closes for business. www.michigansthumb.com/news/article/bad-axe-theatre-closed-22411330.php.
- KSHB 41, Longtime Belton movie theater closes; management confirms local church purchased property. www.kshb.com/news/local-news/missouri/cass-county/longtime-belton-movie-theater-closes-management-confirms-local-church-purchased-property.
- Vicksburg Daily News, Movie theater in Vicksburg set to open next weekend. vicksburgnews.com/movie-theater-in-vicksburg-set-to-open-next-weekend.
- Block Club Chicago, Rogers Park's Historic 400 Theater, Closed Since 2023, Reopening This Month Under New Owner. blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/22/rogers-parks-new-400-theater-closed-since-2023-opening-this-month-under-new-owner.
- The National, Opening date unveiled for Glasgow's transformed Cineworld building. www.thenational.scot/news/26247904.first-look-inside-worlds-tallest-cinema-glasgow.
- KentOnline, 'A huge shame': Sadness as much-loved Kent cinema to close. www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/a-huge-shame-sadness-as-much-loved-kent-cinema-to-close-341832.
- Mile High CRE, New Movie Theater Opens in Parker. milehighcre.com/new-movie-theater-opens-in-parker.
- 97.5 WOKQ, New Movie Theater Near Gillette Stadium Has Heated Seats, No Ads, and a Self-Serve Beer Wall. wokq.com/patriot-place-phoenix-theatres-massachusetts-opens.
- Bournemouth Echo, Iconic Bournemouth cinema closes permanently after 14 years. www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/26294686.colosseum-cinema-bar-closes-permanently-14-years.
- Chronicle Live, Heartbreak as community cinema in Northumberland town closes down after 12 years. www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/heartbreak-community-cinema-northumberland-town-34307696.
- FOX 17 West Michigan, NorthStar Cinemas to close as box office posts best numbers in years. www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/rockford-cedar-springs-sparta/support-local-small-businesses-northstar-cinemas-to-close-as-box-office-posts-best-numbers-in-years.
- TheStreet via Yahoo Finance, Popular movie theater chain keeps closing locations. finance.yahoo.com/media-advertising/articles/popular-movie-theater-chain-closes-110300295.html.
- BBC News, Sheffield Curzon cinema to close due to poor ticket sales. www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cnv9r668yg2o.
- WalesOnline, Cinema closes flagship Cardiff venue for last time. www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/cinema-closes-flagship-cardiff-venue-34190431.
- Variety, CMX Cinemas Acquires iPic Locations in Texas, Georgia, Florida, Maryland and New Jersey. variety.com/2026/film/news/cmx-cinemas-ipic-texas-georgia-florida-maryland-new-jersey-1236781857.
- Variety, Kinepolis Acquires Showcase Cinemas in $30 Million Deal. variety.com/2026/film/news/kinepolis-acquires-showcase-cinemas-1236779165.
- The Wilson Times, AMC movie theater closing Wednesday night. www.wilsontimes.com/news/amc-movie-theater-closing-wednesday-night-dd39f59f.
- Daily Voice, Carmel Cinemas Reopens Year After Closing In Putnam County. dailyvoice.com/article/carmel-cinemas-reopens-year-after-closing-in-putnam-county.
- California Post (New York Post), One of Southern California's most luxurious movie theaters abruptly closes after 35 years. nypost.com/2026/06/06/us-news/one-of-southern-californias-most-luxurious-movie-theaters-abruptly-closes-after-35-years.
- San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego's last Reading Cinemas shuts down. www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/06/01/san-diegos-last-reading-cinemas-shuts-down.
- Portland Press Herald, 6-screen cinema reopens in Freeport. www.pressherald.com/2026/06/26/new-freeport-movie-theater-opens.
- CBS News Boston, Movie theater closing in Massachusetts after 27 years. www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/route-one-cinema-pub-closing-north-attleboro.
- CT Insider, Winsted's Gilson Café & Cinema to close next weekend after 41 years. www.ctinsider.com/news/torrington/article/winsted-gilson-cafe-cinema-closes-41-years-22260649.php.
- BBC News, Colchester's long-awaited leisure park cinema finally opens. www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g54dxxwn9o.
- KWCH 12, Movie theater in Salina closes permanently following damage from severe weather. www.kwch.com/2026/05/16/movie-theater-salina-closes-permanently-following-damage-severe-weather.
- Brisbane Times, Brisbane's only permanent outdoor cinema set to close with free screening. www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/brisbane-s-only-permanent-outdoor-cinema-set-to-close-with-free-screening-20260526-p600tp.html.
- KBZK, Big Sky Cinema closes its curtains in Dillon. www.kbzk.com/news/local-news/big-sky-cinema-closes-its-curtains-in-dillon-ending-decades-of-movies-memories-and-community-gatherings.
- NewsChannel 5 Nashville, Hooky luxury movie theater, bowling alley and arcade opens today in the Nashville Yards Development. www.newschannel5.com/news/state/tennessee/davidson-county/hookey-luxury-movie-theater-bowling-alley-and-arcade-opens-today-in-the-nashville-yards-development.
- GeekWire, Filing: IPIC closing movie theater near Seattle, will lay off 64 workers amid bankruptcy. www.geekwire.com/2026/filing-ipic-closing-movie-theater-near-seattle-will-lay-off-64-workers-amid-bankruptcy.
- WWMT, New movie theater opens in Lakeview Square Mall, replacing NCG Cinema Battle Creek. wwmt.com/news/local/new-movie-theater-opens-in-lakeview-square-mall-replacing-ncg-cinema-battle-creek-gqt-movies.
- WKBW Buffalo, Scene One Market Arcade Cinemas opens in the heart of Buffalo's Theater District. www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/scene-one-market-arcade-cinemas-opens-in-the-heart-of-buffalos-theater-district.
- WDIO, Movie theater to close on Sunday. www.wdio.com/top-stories/movie-theater-to-close-on-sunday.
- Your Local Guardian, Croydon Vue cinema closes after almost 25 years in business. www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/26006866.grants-croydon-vue-cinema-closes-doors-25-years.
- WSLS, Salem Valley 8 movie theater permanently closes its doors. www.wsls.com/news/local/2026/04/09/salem-valley-8-movie-theater-to-permanently-close-its-doors.
- 9&10 News, Big Rapids Theater reopens after 6-year closure. www.9and10news.com/2026/04/03/big-rapids-theater-reopens-after-6-year-closure-to-much-excitementy-from-the-community-and-surrounding-areas.
- CBC News, The show's over for Yellowknife's only movie theatre. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yellowknife-movie-theatre-closes-9.7149524.
- Glam Adelaide, Glenelg Cinema saved from closure as Wallis Entertainment steps in. glamadelaide.com.au/glenelg-cinema-saved-from-closure-as-wallis-entertainment-steps-in.
- The Northern Echo, See inside new Bishop Auckland cinema as big screen returns to town after 40 years. www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/25848128.first-look-inside-new-reel-cinema-bishop-auckland.
- Glam Adelaide, Event Cinemas Glenelg closes after a decade of big screens on Jetty Road. glamadelaide.com.au/event-cinemas-glenelg-closes-after-a-decade-of-big-screens-on-jetty-road.
- Confidentials Manchester, Stretford Town Centre to get its very own cinema this month. confidentials.com/manchester/stretford-town-centre-to-get-its-very-own-cinema-this-month.
- FOX 35 Orlando, Orlando Fashion Square Mall movie theater closing this month. www.fox35orlando.com/news/orlando-fashion-square-mall-movie-theater-closing-month.
- CBS News Boston, More Massachusetts cinemas are closing. What can be done to save struggling movie theater industry?. www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/massachusetts-movie-theaters-closing.
- 97.5 WOKQ, Local Patrons Share Memories As Epping's ONeil Cinemas Prepares To Close. wokq.com/oneil-cinemas-epping-closing-nh.
- KCUR, Downtown Kansas City movie theater closes suddenly for second time in 5 years. www.kcur.org/arts-life/2026-03-02/downtown-kansas-city-loses-movie-theater-b-b-theatre-main-street.
- Bisnow, Luxe Theater Chain Closing Locations Amid Bankruptcy Proceedings. www.bisnow.com/national/news/retail/luxe-theater-chain-shuttering-selling-assets-amid-bankruptcy-133522.
- Camden New Journal, Teary ending as cinema closes after 89 years. www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/article/teary-ending-as-cinema-closes-after-89-years.
- CP24, Cineplex Beaches location to close on Feb. 17. www.cp24.com/local/toronto/2026/02/09/cineplex-beaches-location-to-close-on-feb-17.
- Lifestyle District, Iconic Bristol Odeon cinema to close on 11 February 2026. www.lifestyledistrict.co.uk/2025/12/iconic-bristol-odeon-cinema-to-close-on-11-february-2026.
- News Of The Area, Nambucca Cinema to close, ending four decades of local movie history. nambuccavalley.newsofthearea.com.au/nambucca-cinema-to-close-ending-four-decades-of-local-movie-history.
- WTVM, That's a wrap: Longtime Auburn movie theater shuts down. www.wtvm.com/2026/02/02/thats-wrap-longtime-auburn-movie-theater-shuts-down.
- KTLA via Yahoo Finance, Independent movie theater chain abruptly closes 3 Southern California locations. finance.yahoo.com/news/independent-movie-theater-chain-abruptly-000636020.html.
- BBC News, Wincanton independent cinema to open doors in February. www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce3e2jjyy5po.
- Houston Public Media, Houston-area Alamo Drafthouse among those shuttered as part of statewide cinema closings. www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/business/2026/02/09/542915/katy-alamo-drafthouse-cinema-movie-theater-closing.
- Celluloid Junkie (Kinepolis release), Record Results for Kinepolis in the First Half of the Year. celluloidjunkie.com/wire/record-results-for-kinepolis-in-the-first-half-of-the-year.
- PhillyVoice, Regal abruptly closes retro-styled Cross Keys theater in South Jersey. www.phillyvoice.com/regal-cross-keys-closed-nj-movie-theater-turnersville-washington.
- Patch, Curtain Falls On Hampton Bays Movie Theater As Cinema Shutters Forever Thursday. patch.com/new-york/westhampton-hamptonbays/curtain-falls-hampton-bays-movie-theater-cinema-shutters-forever.
- Broadsheet, Paddington's Chauvel Cinema Is Closing Very Soon. www.broadsheet.com.au/sydney/entertainment/article/chauvel-cinema-closing-paddington.
- Belfast Live, Omniplex announce closure of NI cinema. www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/omniplex-announce-closure-ni-cinema-33268102.
- W42ST, That's All Folks! LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Shuts Down at VIA 57. w42st.com/post/look-cinema-closes-via-57.
- Shannonside FM, Carrick cinema to reopen soon under new chain. www.shannonside.ie/news/carrick-cinema-to-reopen-soon-under-new-chain-281605.
- Deadline, Vue Cinema Chain Halts Liquidation Threat From Coca-Cola Bottling Giant After Settling Unpaid Bill. deadline.com/2026/01/vue-cinema-chain-halts-closure-threat-coca-cola-1236694407.
- WWMT, NCG Cinema in Battle Creek closes permanently. wwmt.com/news/local/ncg-cinema-in-battle-creek-closes-permanently-lakeview-square-mall-beckley-road.
- myMotherLode.com, Update: Sonora's Regal Cinemas 10 Movie Theater To Close. mymotherlode.com/news/local/10375873/sonoras-regal-cinemas-10-movie-theater-to-close.html.
- WJAR NBC 10, New movie theater coming to Swansea. turnto10.com/news/local/new-movie-theater-coming-to-swansea-entertainment-luxury-cinemas-hiring-massachusetts-july-15-2026.
- Los Angeles Times, iPic movie theater chain files for bankruptcy. www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2026-03-04/ipic-movie-theater-chain-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-california-locations-to-close.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Are movie theaters closing in 2026?
Yes, though not uniformly. Our tracker records 62 closures so far in 2026, alongside 16 openings and 16 reopenings, most of them in the United States.
Which cinema chains have gone bankrupt in 2026?
iPic filed for Chapter 11 in February 2026 and later sold nine locations to CMX. See the circuit events table for other deals and reviews.
Is AMC closing theaters?
AMC operated 524 US theaters at 30 June 2026, 16 fewer than a year earlier, and has announced specific closures such as Kips Bay 15 in Manhattan.
Using these figures
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