The Weekly Watchlist, 5/20/26
Your weekly guide to cinema in Metro Detroit
Good morning movie lovers,
It was great to meet so many new faces last night at the Outlier Media trivia event at the Senate Theater! You can check out photos from the event while they’re up in our Instagram stories, and while you’re at it, give us a follow. Our Instagram is a companion to the newsletter, so if you’re only following one, you’re only getting half the story ; )
There are a ton of cool, one-night only events happening in Detroit this week - let’s get right into the highlights:
Slimeball Cinerama is celebrating their second anniversary tonight at Outer Limits Lounge with a prom themed screening of Troll 2, complete with a photo ops, cake from Venla’s, themed drinks, snacks, and more
Newcomer to the scene, Treuse Cinema, is kicking things off with an outdoor screening of God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines, a documentary about the birth of techno in Detroit, at Campus Martius Park this Friday 5/22. The event is free but RSVP is required
There is a special film event this Saturday 5/23 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History featuring a documentary, Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power (2022), and feature film, Oscar nominated Sing Sing (2023). The event includes panel discussions for the films, as well as lunch
This Thursday a new Campfire Film Collective series in collaboration with The Black Canon and Motor City Cinematheque showcases a collection of 16mm prints from the Black Canon archive. I’ve been to two events by the Black Canon and the selections are always great, under-seen depictions of Black art and life
I couldn’t fit it all into the intro, but there’s so much more - hope you find something new to check out this week!
Support your local theaters, go out to a movie!
Colleen
Reminders:
Screening information is subject to change, please double check the theater websites before heading out to a show.
For more events and screening updates, follow us on Instagram.
Local Cinema Happenings
5/20 – 5/26
Unique screenings, classic movies, one night only events
Wednesday 5/20/26
Emagine Palladium - Birmingham
Secret Cinema, 7pm
“Hosted by the renowned entertainment movie buff, Greg Russell. Guests will be treated to a carefully curated secret film screening, complete with engaging discussions led by Greg.”
Emagine Royal Oak
I Love Boosters (2026, dir. Boots Riley) - Early Access Boosted Screening, 7pm
Includes exclusive giveaway (while supplies last)
General Baker Institute
W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause (2026, documentary), 5:30pm
Marquee Arts: Michigan Theater
Cozy Craft Club: The Parent Trap (1998, dir. Nancy Meyers), 7pm
What to expect: Screening of The Parent Trap. Low light to work on projects and laugh with friends. Connecting with our crafting community. Lemonade and Coke Slushies. Pajama party.
The Riviera Cinema
Crooklyn (1994, dir. Spike Lee), 7pm - part of the Cinema Classics at The Riviera series
Slimeball Cinerama
Troll 2 Prom, 8pm - at Outer Limits Lounge, Detroit
Celebration of Slimeball Cinerama’s 2nd anniversary
Free entry! Enjoy cake from Venla’s Cakes, popcorn, themed beverages, prom photos with backdrop, after-party dance, prizes, and shenanigans. Thrifted and upcycled prom outfits encouraged in signature Nilbog green.
UFO Film Club
Disco Dancer (1982, India), 8:30pm, at UFO Bar, Detroit
VHS Masterpiece Theatre
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983), 5pm, 7pm - at Putt-R-Round, Ypsilanti
Thursday 5/21/26
Birmingham 8
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982, dir. Steven Spielberg), 7pm - part of the Director Series
The Black Canon / Campfire Film Cooperative / Motor City Cinematheque
Moving Images, Living History: A Cultural Film Series (Part 1), 6:30pm - at Cadieux Stage, Detroit
“This opening night features a curated selection of rare 16mm shorts, spotlighting powerful works from the Black Canon archive… After the screening, stay for a Q&A and connect with fellow filmmakers, artists, and film lovers during an open networking session.”
Marquee Arts: Michigan Theater
Harakiri (1962, dir. Masaki Kobayashi, Japan), 8pm - part of the Late Night Classics series
Penn Theatre
Exhibition on Screen: The Curious World of Hieronymus Bosch (2016, documentary), 7pm
Friday 5/22/26
Doom City Cinema
Vincent Price Double Feature, 7:30pm - at Carbon Athletic Club, Detroit
Theater of Blood (1973)
The Masque of the Red Death (1964, dir. Roger Corman)
“A pre-show and intermission packed with vintage cartoons, commercials, and trailers will accompany the screenings.”
Historic Howell Theater
Midnight Creature Feature Picture Show: Gymkata (1985, US/Japan), 9pm
Hosted by film historian David C. Hayes
Marquee Arts: Michigan Theater
Lady Snowblood (1973, Japan), 9:30pm - part of the Late Night Classics series
Milford Independent Cinema
Shrek 25th Anniversary (2001, animated), 7pm
Penn Theatre
A Salute to Our WWII Generation: Let Us Not Forget (2026, documentary), 7pm
Treuse Cinema / Electric Roots
God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines (2022, documentary), 6pm - at Campus Martius Park, Detroit
“This special screening marks the beginning of the Electric Roots Film, Music, and Arts festival - a primarily online celebration of Black electronic music, Detroit Techno, and global club culture” - and will feature food vendors and a live DJ set
Saturday 5/23/26
Communities First, Inc.
African American Film Series - Detroit Edition - at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit
Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power (2022, documentary), 10am
Sing Sing (2023), 12:30pm
“You’ll also enjoy lunch at 11:30 AM before joining an engaging in-person panel discussion after the screenings.”
Marquee Arts: Michigan Theater
Jason and the Argonauts (1963), 1:30pm - part of the Summer Classics series
The Hidden Fortress (1958, dir. Akira Kurosawa, Japan), 4:30pm - part of the Summer Classics series
Milford Independent Cinema
Shrek 25th Anniversary (2001, animated), 3pm, 7pm
Penn Theatre
A Salute to Our WWII Generation: Let Us Not Forget (2026, documentary), 7pm
VHS Detroit
Janice.Click Triple Feature, 7pm - at Mitch’s Prints, Madison Heights
Fish Piss (2023)
Shrek Crack (2024)
I Was a Teenage Gargoyle (2026)
Sunday 5/24/26
Historic Howell Theater
Fathom Event: Legally Blonde 25th Anniversary (2001), 4pm, 7pm
Marquee Arts: Michigan Theater
Once Upon a Time in the West (1968, dir. Sergio Leone, Italy/US), 1:30pm - part of the Summer Classics series
American Graffiti (1973, dir. George Lucas), 6pm - part of the Summer Classics series
Milford Independent Cinema
Shrek 25th Anniversary (2001, animated), 3pm, 7pm
Penn Theatre
A Salute to Our WWII Generation: Let Us Not Forget (2026, documentary), 5pm
The Riviera Cinema
Glory (1989), 7pm - part of the Cinema Classics at The Riviera series
Monday 5/25/26
Marquee Arts: Michigan Theater
Twelve O’Clock High (1949), 1:30pm - part of the Summer Classics series
Tuesday 5/26/26
Affirmations
Ferndale Pride: America You Kill Me (2022, documentary), 6pm
“After the screening, stay for a talkback with Affirmations Executive Director Tracy Hall.”
Club Cinephilia
Movie Meet Up: I Love Boosters (2026, dir. Boots Riley), 6:15pm - at MJR Troy
“A Detroit-based movie club built for the girls”
More information about this meet-up can be found on the BFF app
Mafu Movie Night
La Captive (2000, dir. Chantal Akerman, France/Belgium), time TBD - at Dreamland Theater, Ypsilanti - free
Marquee Arts: Michigan Theater
Grey Gardens (1975, documentary), 7pm - part of the Arthouse Revival series
Roseville Public Library
Rear Window (1954, dir. Alfred Hitchcock), 1pm - free
Presented on 16mm
New Releases
Where to find new releases at local, independent theaters
Blue Heron
Drama | Canada/Hungary | PG-13 | 1h 31m
The Christophers
Comedy/Drama | dir. Steven Soderbergh | R | 1h 40m
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Comedy/Drama/Fashion | PG-13 | 1h 59m
The Drama
Romantic Comedy/Dark Comedy | R | 1h 45m
I Love Boosters
Adventure/Comedy/Drama/Sci-Fi | dir. Boots Riley | R | 1h 45m
Our Hero, Balthazar
Drama/Comedy/Thriller | R | 1h 36m
Project Hail Mary
Sci-Fi/Adventure | PG-13 | 2h 36m
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi | dir. Jon Favreau | PG-13 | 2h 12m
Steal This Story, Please!
Biography/Documentary/Journalism | NR | 1h 38m
Stolen Kingdom
Documentary/Theme Parks | NR | 1h 14m
The Sheep Detectives
Action/Comedy/Mystery | PG | 1h 49m
Coming Soon
Upcoming screenings through 6/2/26
8 Ball Movie Night / Burnout Society Film Club
I Don’t Like Mondays Double Feature, Sun 5/31 - at 8 Ball Saloon, The Blind Pig, Ann Arbor
Targets (1968, dir. Peter Bogdanovich), 7pm
Falling Down (1993, dir. by Joel Schumacher), 9:30pm
Birmingham 8
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997, dir. Steven Spielberg), Thu 5/28, 7pm
Club Cinephilia
Cinema Circle, Fri 5/29, 6pm - at Atwater Brewery, Detroit
Movie Meet Up: Backrooms (2026, dir. Kane Parsons), Sun 5/31, 1:15pm, AMC John R, Madison Heights
Dearborn Public Library
Blockbuster Film Series: Pinocchio (2019, Italy), Mon 6/1, 6pm
Farmington Civic Theater
Backrooms (2026, dir. Kane Parsons), opens Thu 5/28
Stolen Kingdom (2025, documentary), Thu 5/28, 7:45pm
Historic Howell Theater
Fathom Event: Legally Blonde 25th Anniversary (2001), Wed 5/27, 4pm, 7pm
Bullitt (1968), Fri 5/29 – Wed 6/3
Anything That Moves (2025), Sat 5/30, 7pm
Grease (1978), Mon 6/1, 7pm
Marquee Arts: Michigan Theater
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999, dir. Jim Jarmusch), Thu 5/28, 8pm
Steal This Story, Please! (2025, documentary), opens Fri 5/29
Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair (2004, dir. Quentin Tarantino), Fri 5/29, 7pm
King Kong (1933), Sat 5/30, 1:30pm
Some Like It Hot (1959, dir. Billy Wilder), Sun 5/31, 1:30pm
Three Colors: Blue (1993, dir. Krzysztof Kieslowski, France), Tue 6/2, 7pm
Marquee Arts: State Theatre
Milford Independent Cinema
Shrek 25th Anniversary (2001, animated), Wed 5/27, 7pm; Thu 5/28, 7pm
MJR Troy
No Country for Old Men (2007, dirs. Joel and Ethan Coen), Wed 6/3, 7pm
Motor City Cinema Society
The Crawling Hand (1963), Mon 6/1, 7pm - on 16mm
Occult 83
Backroom Movie Night, Fri 5/29, 8pm
Penn Theatre
Project Hail Mary (2026), Thu 5/28 – Thu 6/4
Planet Ant Theatre
Hellmare (2026), Sat 5/30, 8pm
The Riviera Cinema
Glory (1989), Wed 5/27, 7pm
Menace II Society (1993, dirs. the Hughes Brothers), Sun 5/31, 7pm; Wed 6/3, 7pm
Senate Theater
Nacho Libre (2006, dir. Jared Hess), Sat 5/30, 3pm
VHS Detroit
TAPES ONLY, Wed 6/3, 8pm - at Mitch’s Prints, Madison Heights
Detroit Theaters:
Back Alley Cinema - Cinema Detroit - Cinema Lamont - Detroit Film Theatre
Doom City Cinema - Lowkey Cinema - Motor City Cinema Society
Redford Theatre - Senate Theater - Slimeball Cinerama
Southeast Michigan Theaters:
Farmington Civic Theater - Historic Howell Theater
Marquee Arts: Michigan Theater - Marquee Arts: State Theatre
Support your local theaters, go out to a movie!
