If you grew up in or around Meridian, you probably still call it the Bonita Lakes Mall. It’s okay. Most of us do. Even though the big sign out front has said Uptown Meridian since 2020, the habit of calling it "Bonita" is a hard one to break. It's the place where you spent your teenage Friday nights, probably shared a first date over a bucket of buttery popcorn, and definitely spent way too much time wandering the corridors between classes or shifts.
But here is the thing: the movie scene there has changed a lot. If you haven't been in a while, you might be picturing the old, slightly worn-out United Artists theater with the squeaky seats. You've got to clear that from your head.
The Golden Ticket Cinemas Meridian 9 is the current king of the hill at 1680 Bonita Lakes Circle. It’s not just a name change; it was a massive overhaul that basically saved the mall's entertainment life.
What Happened to the Old Theater?
For years, the United Artists 9 was the go-to spot. It did the job, but it was definitely showing its age by the time the late 2010s rolled around. When RockStep Capital bought the mall and rebranded it, they knew the cinema needed a heartbeat. Enter Golden Ticket Cinemas. They didn’t just slap a new logo on the door and call it a day.
They gutted the place.
Honestly, the biggest win for anyone watching bonita lakes mall movies today is the seating. They swapped those cramped, old-school folding chairs for luxury electric recliners. You know the ones—where you can kick your feet up so high you’re basically horizontal. It changed the vibe from "I hope I don't get a leg cramp" to "I might actually fall asleep if this movie is boring."
They also upgraded the tech. We're talking Dolby Atmos and even D-BOX seats in some rooms that shake and tilt with the action on screen. It’s a far cry from the blurry projections of the early 2000s.
The 2026 Lineup: What’s Playing Right Now?
If you’re looking for a reason to get off the couch and stop scrolling through Netflix, the 15th of January 2026 is actually a massive week for the box office. We are right in the thick of the post-holiday blockbuster season and the start of some highly anticipated horror and sci-fi drops.
Right now, Avatar: Fire and Ash is still pulling in huge crowds. James Cameron’s latest is basically built for a theater like the Meridian 9 because of the 3D tech and the sound system. If you try to watch that on a phone, you’re doing it wrong.
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There’s also some buzz around 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. It’s the kind of gritty, intense film that really benefits from a dark room and a massive screen. For the kids—or the adults who refuse to grow up—Zootopia 2 and The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants are still in the rotation.
One cool thing Golden Ticket does is the "Early Access" events. For instance, Send Help—the new thriller everyone is whispering about—has early screenings scheduled for late January. They often do these "Fan Events" where you get limited-edition prints or just the bragging rights of seeing it before your friends.
The "Food" Situation (It's Not Just Cold Nachos)
We have to talk about the concessions. The days of just getting a box of Milk Duds and a soda are over. The Meridian 9 team really leaned into the "luxury" aspect.
They have a expanded menu that includes stuff like:
- Real burgers that don't taste like cardboard.
- Milkshakes (yes, actual milkshakes at the movies).
- Gourmet popcorn flavors.
They even have a "delivery to seat" service for some items. You order at the counter, they give you a tracker, and you go get comfortable. A few minutes later, your food shows up. It’s kinda nice not having to balance a tray of hot food while trying to find your row in the dark.
Navigating the Mall in 2026
Parking at Uptown Meridian is usually a breeze, but if you're going for a 7:00 PM showing on a Friday, try to park near the main cinema entrance rather than the food court. It'll save you a long walk through the mall once everything else starts closing up.
The theater usually opens about 30 minutes before the first showtime of the day. If you’re a local, you know the drill: the mall itself might feel a bit quieter than it was in its 1990s heyday, but the cinema is the part that still feels electric.
Quick Tips for Your Visit:
- Book Online: Use the Golden Ticket website or Fandango. Because they have those big recliners, there are actually fewer seats per theater than there used to be. It’s easy to get sold out for big releases like Avatar.
- The Loyalty Program: If you go more than once a month, sign up for their rewards. You get points for both tickets and popcorn, and it adds up faster than you’d think.
- Check the Ratings: They are pretty strict about R-rated films and IDs, so don't try to sneak the teenagers into something they shouldn't see without an adult.
Why Going Out Still Beats Streaming
You’ve got a big TV at home. I get it. But there is something about the "Bonita" experience that you can't replicate in your living room. It’s the shared gasp when a jump-scare hits. It’s the way the floor vibrates during an explosion.
Most importantly, it’s about supporting a local fixture. Meridian has lost plenty of businesses over the years. Keeping the lights on at the mall theater keeps that part of town alive.
Next time you’re bored on a Tuesday—which, by the way, is usually "Discount Day"—grab a ticket. Go see Iron Lung or Moses the Black. Lean that chair back, forget about your phone for two hours, and just get lost in the story.
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To make the most of your trip, check the official Golden Ticket Cinemas website or the Fandango app for the most current showtimes, as they can shift by 15-20 minutes depending on the day's trailer lunges. If you’re planning a group event, they also offer private theater rentals which have become surprisingly popular for birthday parties lately. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early to get your snacks and get settled before the lights dim.