By now, movie lovers across El Paso have already heard the heartbreaking news: both Alamo Drafthouse locations have officially shut down. Cue the Boyz II Men song. I got the news after I had tried to purchase tickets to see a movie- fully prepared to order some fries and an Aperol Spritz, only to discover I would never be able to buy tickets there again!
This one hurts! No more movie parties, no more trivia nights and costume contests.
Listings only ran through Saturday, Feb. 7, before the screens went dark suddenly. Houston and Lubbock locations also closed, but right now? We’re focused on our loss.
El Paso Lost Its Strictest Movie Friend
Alamo wasn’t just a theater. It was that friend who meant it when they said, “Don’t talk.” No texting. No whispering. No plot explanations mid-scene.
It was cinematic discipline with chicken tenders.
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For me, it was my go-to. Date nights. Random Tuesdays. That sacred pre-show warning that made the whole room sit up straight. The silence was powerful and the vibes were unmatched.
A Rebrand, Not a Permanent Goodbye
According to social media posts, both El Paso locations are closing for a “rebrand.”
On its website, Alamo thanked El Paso guests and staff and said it hopes to return in the future. So while this feels like a funeral, it may be more of an intermission. But what could possibly go in its place?! Rumors say that it could be a Flix Brewhouse, but no confirmation on that yet.
Obviously, the El Paso community is heartbroken!
READ MORE: Beloved Alamo Drafthouse Theaters Shut Down in El Paso
A Short But Memorable El Paso Era
Alamo Drafthouse first opened on the West Side in 2016, becoming the 15th Texas location at the time. The East Side theater opened in 2021 with its luchador theme after construction delays.
It may have been part of a larger Hollywood machine- but here, it felt local.
Alamo Drafthouse wasn’t just a theater. It was themed menus. It was strict rules that movie goers loved. It was the rare joy of actually hearing dialogue.
And while we wait to see what comes next, we’ll raise one last milkshake to the theater that made silence sacred.
Fade to black. For now.
Remembering The Alamo Movie Theaters In El Paso
Both Alamo Movie theaters in El Paso closed abruptly but they were gems for the movie loving community here in the city. We honor them with photos from Christian Churches Photography.
Gallery Credit: Grizz
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