The 7 Must-See Movie Experiences In Fort Smith Right Now (Updated For December 2025)

Fort Smith, Arkansas, is more than just a historic river city; it’s a vibrant hub for cinema lovers, offering everything from major Hollywood blockbusters to a thriving independent film community. As of December 2025, the local movie scene is buzzing with a mix of highly anticipated new releases and the exciting preparation for a major annual film event, ensuring that moviegoers in the River Valley have plenty of options for their next big-screen experience.

Whether you're looking for the latest action-packed sequel, a family-friendly animation, or a deep dive into local film culture, Fort Smith’s cinemas and film societies are delivering. This guide breaks down the essential places to catch a film, the most current showtimes, and the unique history that makes this Arkansas city a true destination for cinema enthusiasts.

The Current Blockbusters: What's Playing at Malco Fort Smith Cinema

The primary destination for mainstream moviegoers in Fort Smith is the state-of-the-art Malco Fort Smith Cinema, located on South Waldron Road. This multiplex offers a comfortable, modern viewing experience with a diverse selection of films, ensuring it remains the center of commercial cinema in Sebastian County.

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As we close out 2025 and look toward the new year, the cinema is featuring a strong lineup of major releases and special screenings. Here are some of the most current and highly anticipated films on the Malco Fort Smith Cinema schedule:

• Wicked: For Good (2025): The highly anticipated second part of the musical fantasy is dominating showtimes, continuing the story of Elphaba and Glinda.
• Five Nights at Freddy's 2: Following the success of the first installment, the horror sequel is drawing huge crowds, particularly from the younger demographic.
• Zootopia 2 (2025): This Disney animated sequel, promising to change the world of Zootopia "furrrever," is a top pick for families and animation fans.
• Eternity: A powerful new drama that showcases diverse storytelling and compelling character arcs.
• Now You See Me: Now You Don't: The latest installment in the popular heist franchise continues the magical, high-stakes adventures of the Horsemen.
• DAVID: Early Access: A special early screening event that offers a unique look at a compelling new faith-based or historical drama.
• Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution (Dubbed): Catering to the strong local anime and manga fanbase, this dubbed feature film provides a major cinematic event for fans of the franchise.

In addition to these current features, the Malco Fort Smith Cinema often hosts special limited engagement events, such as the recent Wedding Crashers 20th Anniversary screening, which highlights classic films on the big screen.

Fort Smith's Thriving Independent Film Scene and Festivals

Beyond the blockbuster multiplex, Fort Smith has rapidly established itself as a significant player in the regional independent cinema landscape, largely thanks to its annual film festival and dedicated local organizations. This is where the city truly builds its topical authority in the world of film.

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The Fort Smith International Film Festival (FSIFF)

The cornerstone of the local film community is the Fort Smith International Film Festival & MidAmerica Film Market, an event that has grown exponentially since its founding in 2021.

Key details for the upcoming festival:

• Date: The 5th annual festival is scheduled for August 7–9, 2025.
• Scope: The 2025 event is set to screen over 160 films, with a significant portion (around 45%) coming from Arkansas filmmakers, showcasing local and regional talent alongside global creativity.
• Organizer: The festival is organized by The River Valley Film Society Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to building a vibrant creative economy and expanding access to film production resources throughout the region.
• Venue: The main events, including screenings, workshops, and the MidAmerica Film Market, are held at the Fort Smith Convention Center.

This festival is a premier destination for independent filmmakers and audiences across Arkansas, Oklahoma, and the world, featuring music videos, animations, and feature-length films.

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Fort Smith on the Big Screen: Movies Filmed Locally

Fort Smith and the surrounding River Valley have served as authentic backdrops for numerous major motion pictures, cementing the city’s place in Hollywood history. These filming locations provide a unique layer of cinema heritage and topical depth for the city.

Major films and productions that utilized the Fort Smith area include:

• Biloxi Blues (1988): This film, based on the Neil Simon play, was famously shot at Fort Chaffee, just outside of Fort Smith, with the army post standing in for the Mississippi setting.
• Wild America (1997): Parts of this coming-of-age adventure film were shot directly in Fort Smith, adding a distinct midwestern flair to the visuals.
• A Painted House (2003): While filmed throughout Northwest Arkansas, several scenes for this Hallmark Hall of Fame movie were shot in downtown Van Buren and Fort Smith, capturing the local atmosphere.
• True Grit (Historical Context): While the iconic John Wayne film was not shot in Fort Smith, the entire narrative revolves around the city's historical significance as the location of Judge Parker's court, where deputy marshal Rooster Cogburn operated. The Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves this important part of the city’s past and its connection to the Western genre.
• In the Footsteps of Darby: A General's Journey (2024): This locally significant documentary, which premiered in Fort Smith, chronicles the legacy of General William Darby, further connecting the city to important historical and cinematic narratives.

A Look Back at Fort Smith's Historical Movie Houses

The city's passion for cinema is not new. Before the modern multiplexes, Fort Smith was home to several historic theaters that were central to the community's cultural life. Understanding these historical venues is key to appreciating the city's long-standing cinematic tradition.

Notable historical movie theaters include:

• The Temple Theatre: Originally the auditorium of the Fort Smith Masonic Temple, this venue was leased by Malco Theatres and operated as a public cinema for decades, except for a few days each year reserved for Masonic use.
• New Theatre: This venue began as a performing arts space but was converted to an almost exclusive film house in the 1940s before closing its doors in the 1970s.
• Rex Theatre: The Rex was significant as the first new theater building to open in Fort Smith following World War II, breaking the local Malco monopoly for a time.

These older theaters, like the Malco Theatre of the early 20th century, hosted everything from silent movie showings to live acts like magician Harry Houdini and child actress Shirley Temple, establishing a rich cultural and social history that continues today.

Key Entities and LSI Keywords for the Fort Smith Movie Scene

To fully explore the movie scene in Fort Smith, it is helpful to be familiar with the key entities and related concepts that define the local film culture. These terms are essential for anyone looking to engage with the city's cinema offerings, from showtimes to independent production.

• Malco Theatres: The dominant commercial cinema operator in the region.
• River Valley Film Society: The non-profit organization that drives the local film community and organizes the FSIFF.
• MidAmerica Film Market: The industry component of the FSIFF, focused on networking and film production resources.
• Sebastian County: The county where Fort Smith is located, often referenced in local film news.
• Fort Smith Convention Center: The major venue for the annual film festival.
• Movietown: A local entertainment venue in Fort Smith that offers a unique experience for movie enthusiasts beyond the mainstream.
• Fort Smith National Historic Site: The location connected to the historical context of Western films like *True Grit*.
• Fort Chaffee: The nearby military base used as a major filming location for *Biloxi Blues*.
• New Movie Releases: The current list of films on the local schedule, including *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, *Black Phone 2*, and *Predator*.
• Showtimes and Tickets: The practical information for planning a visit to the cinema.

Whether you're planning a night out to see a current blockbuster or are interested in the next wave of independent cinema, Fort Smith offers a deep and engaging experience for every type of movie lover.