If you’ve been scrolling through half a dozen tabs trying to figure out what movies are actually playing in Auckland this week, you’re not alone. Finding solid showtimes—especially when you want the IMAX experience or are hunting for the best discount day—can feel like a scavenger hunt. This guide cuts through that. It pulls together current listings from the major chains, where to catch premium formats, and which deals are actually worth your time right now.

4 related posts

Major Cinemas in Auckland: 5 (Flicks, Event, HOYTS, Academy, Lido) · Top Showtime Sources: Event Cinemas, HOYTS, Flicks.co.nz · IMAX Location: Event Cinemas Queen Street · Key Features: Vmax, IMAX, Session Times

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Event Cinemas Queen Street houses Auckland’s only IMAX screen (Event Cinemas NZ)
  • HOYTS offers Tuesday deals at $11.50 per ticket all day (HOYTS Cinemas NZ)
  • The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (Apr 1) and Michael (Apr 22) are currently showing across chains (HOYTS Cinemas NZ)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact senior discount days vary by venue — check directly with each cinema
  • No HOYTS IMAX confirmed in Auckland as of April 2026
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Mother’s Day screenings at Event on 2026-05-10 (Event Cinemas NZ)
  • Exit 8 releasing 2026-04-23, Hokum on 2026-04-30 at HOYTS (HOYTS Cinemas NZ)
Fact Detail
Primary Aggregator www.flicks.co.nz
IMAX Venue Event Cinemas Queen Street
Key Chains Event, HOYTS, Academy, Lido
Popular Source IMDb Top Movies

Where is the IMAX in Auckland?

Event Cinemas Queen Street is home to the only IMAX screen in central Auckland, located at Level 3, 291-297 Queen St in the Metro Building (Flicks.co.nz (NZ Session Aggregator)). The venue operates a 10-screen multiplex with Gold Class luxury seating alongside the giant IMAX screen.

Event Cinemas Queen Street Details

  • Address: Level 3, 291-297 Queen St, Auckland City Centre (Event Cinemas NZ (Official Cinema Operator))
  • Premium formats: IMAX, Gold Class with reclining chairs and waiter service, Vmax Deluxe
  • Parking: Secure paid parking at The Civic car park (Greys Ave/Mayoral Drive corner) or Wilson Parking on Kitchener Street (Flicks.co.nz (NZ Session Aggregator))
  • Advance screening booked: Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu on 2026-05-21 at 12:01am (Event Cinemas NZ (Official Cinema Operator))

The implication: If you’re specifically after that immersive IMAX experience in Auckland’s CBD, Event Queen Street is your only option. Book ahead for blockbusters — the screen sells out fast.

What are the top 10 movies at the moment?

Five major releases are dominating Auckland screens this month, with a mix of family animation, music biopics, and sci-fi. According to current listings, several titles are running across multiple chains including Event and HOYTS.

IMDb Most Popular Movies

The IMDb rankings reflect what audiences are searching for globally, but local availability depends on what each chain has booked. Auckland cinemas typically rotate selections weekly.

Current Auckland Screenings

  • The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (100 min) — released 2026-04-01, animated sequel showing in IMAX/Vmax at Event (Event Cinemas NZ (Official Now Showing))
  • Michael (127 min) — Michael Jackson biopic, released 2026-04-22 at HOYTS and Event (HOYTS Cinemas NZ (Official Movie Listings))
  • Project Hail Mary (156 min) — Ryan Gosling sci-fi, released 2026-03-19 (HOYTS Cinemas NZ (Official Movie Listings))
  • Hoppers (108 min) — released 2026-03-26, quirky sci-fi comedy (HOYTS Cinemas NZ (Official Movie Listings))
  • Exit 8 (95 min) — released 2026-04-23, psychological thriller (HOYTS Cinemas NZ (Official Movie Listings))

The pattern: The chains overlap on three to four titles, giving Auckland audiences shared access to the biggest releases while reserving exclusive slots for niche films.

Is there a senior discount for cinema?

HOYTS and Event both run concession pricing, but specific senior discount days aren’t centrally published — details vary by location and change seasonally.

Senior Discounts in Auckland Cinemas

  • HOYTS Tuesday deal: $11.50 tickets all day, no age restriction mentioned but commonly applies to seniors/students (HOYTS Cinemas NZ (Official Promotions))
  • HOYTS Sunday morning: movies before noon from $12 (HOYTS Cinemas NZ (Official Promotions))
  • HOYTS Little Stars: $9 standard tickets for members on selected movies — potentially useful for seniors with loyalty accounts (HOYTS Cinemas NZ (Official Loyalty Program))
  • Event Cinemas: Gold Class and premium format surcharges may apply; saver pricing varies (Event Cinemas NZ (Official Queen Street Page))

What this means: Tuesdays at HOYTS offer the most consistent budget-friendly option. For seniors specifically, joining the HOYTS Rewards program could unlock the $9 Little Stars deal on selected family-friendly titles.

Is IMAX better than a regular movie?

IMAX delivers a noticeably different experience — larger screen, enhanced sound, and higher resolution projection — but whether it’s “better” depends on what you’re watching and how much you value immersion over cost.

IMAX vs Standard Features

Feature IMAX Standard
Screen size Giant curved screen, up to 80ft wide Traditional multiplex screen
Sound IMAX proprietary 12-channel sound Standard surround
Projection Higher resolution, brighter 3D if applicable Standard digital projection
Typical surcharge Higher ticket price at Event Standard pricing
Best for Blockbusters, action, sci-fi with VFX Most films, dramas, comedies

Event Cinemas describes IMAX as “the best immersive movie-going experience in the world” (Event Cinemas NZ (Official Cinema Operator)), but the upgrade only pays off if you’re watching a film built for the format. Animated blockbusters and action sequences typically shine brightest.

The trade-off

IMAX tickets at Event Queen Street carry a premium surcharge. If you’re on a budget, standard screenings of the same film are significantly cheaper — and perfectly enjoyable for dramas or comedies where the bigger screen doesn’t add much.

What movies are on at the cinema Auckland?

Beyond the major blockbusters, Auckland hosts several chains with distinct programming: Event focuses on premium formats and special screenings, HOYTS emphasizes value and family deals, Academy skews toward independent and festival films, and Lido targets daily showings for independent cinema fans.

Now Showing at Event, HOYTS, Academy

  • Event Cinemas: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (Vmax/IMAX), Michael, Project Hail Mary, Sgt. Haane (special screening Apr 26 3:45pm) (Event Cinemas NZ (Official Now Showing))
  • HOYTS: Michael, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Project Hail Mary, Hoppers, I Swear, GOAT, Exit 8 (HOYTS Cinemas NZ (Official Movie Listings))
  • Academy Cinemas: Drama festival programming, matinees, Auckland CBD location
  • Lido Cinema: Daily showtimes, independent films

The catch: No single aggregator publishes real-time showtimes for every chain simultaneously. Flicks.co.nz gets closest, pulling session data for Event Queen Street, but HOYTS and independent venues require direct site checks.

What to watch

Two major releases land at the end of April: The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026-04-30) bringing back Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, plus Hokum (2026-04-30) — a horror film set at a haunted Irish inn. Both are worth marking your calendar.

Auckland Cinema Comparison

Three main chains serve Auckland but cater to different priorities. Here’s how they stack up on the factors that matter most to moviegoers.

Chain Premium Formats Best Deals Location
Event Cinemas IMAX, Gold Class, Vmax Deluxe Saver sessions with surcharges Queen Street (CBD), others
HOYTS HOYTS LUX recliner seats Tue $11.50, Sun $12 before noon, Little Stars $9 Multiple NZ locations
Academy / Lido Standard projection Matinee pricing Auckland CBD

The trade-off: Event delivers the premium IMAX experience at a higher price point, while HOYTS wins on value with its Tuesday and weekend morning deals. Academy and Lido sacrifice format options for independent programming and lower crowd levels.

Upsides

  • Event Queen Street IMAX is the only giant-screen option in central Auckland
  • HOYTS Tuesday deal ($11.50) is the best budget day across all chains
  • Flicks.co.nz aggregates most major chain session times in one place
  • Strong slate of current releases through April-May 2026

Downsides

  • No real-time showtime data for April 27 — must check official sites directly
  • IMAX at Event costs significantly more than standard screenings
  • Independent cinemas (Academy, Lido) lack premium format options
  • Senior discount specifics vary by venue and aren’t centrally published

“IMAX — the best immersive movie-going experience in the world.”

— Event Cinemas NZ (Official Cinema Operator) — eventcinemas.co.nz

“HOYTS Rewards Members can enjoy $9* standard tickets for everyone on selected movies at our HOYTS Little Stars sessions.”

— HOYTS Cinemas NZ (Official Loyalty Program) — hoyts.co.nz

For Auckland moviegoers, the choice is pretty clear: plan ahead for IMAX blockbusters at Event Queen Street if the format matters to you, and anchor your budget visits around HOYTS Tuesdays or Sunday morning screenings. If you’re after independent or festival films, Academy and Lido have you covered — but you’ll need to check their sites directly for current schedules.

Related reading: Spider-Verse movie status and delays

Additional sources

eventcinemas.co.nz, eventcinemas.com.au

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Frequently asked questions

What are movie theater showtimes in Auckland today?

Showtimes vary by cinema and change weekly. Check Event Cinemas NZ, HOYTS, or Flicks.co.nz for current session times. No single source publishes all chains’ schedules simultaneously.

Where can I find HOYTS movies in Auckland?

Visit hoyts.co.nz/movies for the full current listing, or use the online booking system to filter by Auckland locations.

Is there IMAX in Auckland cinemas?

Yes. Event Cinemas Queen Street is home to Auckland’s only IMAX screen, located at Level 3, 291-297 Queen St in the CBD. No other chain currently offers IMAX in the Auckland region.

What movies are playing in Auckland CBD?

As of late April 2026, major releases include The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Michael, Project Hail Mary, and Exit 8. Check Event Queen Street or HOYTS for specific session times and formats.

Are there senior discounts at Auckland cinemas?

HOYTS offers $11.50 tickets on Tuesdays and $12 movies before noon on Sundays — deals that commonly apply to seniors. Specific concession policies vary by venue; contact each cinema directly to confirm.

What are the top movies showing now in NZ?

IMDb tracks the most popular films globally, but current NZ releases include the animated Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Michael Jackson biopic Michael, and Ryan Gosling’s Project Hail Mary. The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Hokum release 2026-04-30.

How do I book tickets for Event Cinemas Auckland?

Book directly at eventcinemas.co.nz. Event Queen Street advance screenings — like the Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu screening on 2026-05-21 — often sell out, so booking ahead is recommended.