AMC Galaxy 16 Closed Its Doors in Waco

The cinema, which operated for over two decades, held its final public movie screenings earlier this month.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings

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AMC Theatres has officially closed the AMC Galaxy 16 movie theater in Waco. The location ceased operations after holding its final public showings on October 8, 2026.

Why it matters

The closure is part of a larger corporate initiative by AMC Theatres to eliminate underperforming locations from its portfolio. This move leaves the Waco Cinemark XD as the city's only remaining operating movie theater.

The AMC Galaxy 16 featured 16 screens for local viewers in a city with an estimated population of 147,788. AMC originally acquired the venue in 2015 as part of a $175 million deal for Starplex Cinemas.

The players

AMC Theatres

This organization is the largest movie theater chain in the United States and operates numerous international locations.

Starplex Cinemas

This former regional cinema operator was acquired by AMC Theatres in 2015.

The details

The theater opened in February 1998 as the Starplex Galaxy 16 and later added an IMAX screen in May 2017. Following the shutdown, residents looking for an AMC brand experience must travel to the next closest location in Burleson, Texas.

The theater first opened its doors in February 1998.
AMC Theatres finalized its acquisition of Starplex Cinemas in July 2015.
The location introduced an IMAX screen in May 2017.
Health officials cleared the local Cinemark for operations in February 2026.
Final showings at the theater occurred on October 8, 2026.

Market Landscape

This closure reflects an ongoing trend of consolidation and footprint reduction within the national cinema exhibition industry. It shifts the local market balance by leaving Waco with only one remaining major theater operator.

Residents in Waco will now have fewer options for attending movies, with the Cinemark XD serving as the only remaining choice. Those specifically seeking the AMC brand will need to travel to the nearest facility in Burleson.

The takeaway

The closure marks a permanent change for local cinema access in the Waco area. Residents should verify showtimes at the city's remaining theater before planning any future movie outings.