(Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for 20th Century Studios)

Free Movie Weekend is here, and the Capitol Theatre is where you’ll want to be to take full advantage of some free-of-charge flicks.

So what exactly is “Free Movie Weekend,” you ask? It’s all part of Pluto TV’s “Summer of Cinema.” Maybe you’re familiar with Pluto TV: it’s Paramount’s ad-supported streaming service. I watched Schitt’s Creek on it years ago; great platform.

As the press release points out: “Created in 2021, the “Free Movie Weekend” was designed to bolster local cinemas and encourage patrons to return to the movies after a harrowing year of closures and stay-at-home orders.” Supporting local business? I’m in.

Free Movie Weekend: Capitol Theatre

The 2024 edition of Free Movie Weekend kicked off in Los Angeles back in June. Now, in mid-August, it’s finally coming to Massachusetts. And the Capitol Theatre in Arlington is the place to be on the weekend of August 17-18.

The Capitol, if you’re not familiar, opened on November 25, 1925. For the last 100 years, Arlington residents–and movie buffs from surrounding towns–have known the beloved movie house as “Your Home Theatre.” It’s a fave of my family, for sure.

Free Movie Weekend: Now Playing

The Capitol is screening seven free flicks on its six screens over the course of the weekend. And the best part? They’re new movies! Sometimes, theaters throw on the old favorites for free. Which is great! But seeing a new movie for free is a special treat.

Here’s the important part: Tickets will be available first come, first serve, at the door. That’s in bold for a reason. Do yourself a favor and head over here for more details on Free Movie Weekend at the Capitol before you head out.

Screening times and trailers are below. And since you’ll be in Arlington, maybe hit Del’s on your way home.

  • Alien: Romulus

    The latest installment in the Alien universe looks scary as hell.

    ○      Saturday, 8/17: 12:15pm, 2:45pm, 5:15pm, 7:45pm

    ○      Sunday, 8/18: 12:15pm, 2:45pm, 5:15pm, 7:45pm

  • Borderlands

    Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart headline the video game adaptation.

          Saturday, 8/17: 2:00pm, 4:15pm, 6:45pm

          Sunday, 8/18: 2:00pm, 4:15pm, 6:45pm

  • Despicable Me 4

    Folks, you just can’t go wrong with the Minions.

          Saturday, 8/17: 12:10pm

          Sunday, 8/18: 12:10pm, 2:15pm, 4:30pm

  • DÌDI

    DÌDI (弟弟) won the Special Jury and Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. Impressive!

          Saturday, 8/17: 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 5:00pm, 7:30pm

          Sunday, 8/18: 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 5:00pm, 7:30pm

  • It Ends With Us

    If the movie is as compelling as all the press tour drama surrounding it, you’re in for a treat.

          Saturday, 8/17: 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:00pm

          Sunday, 8/18:  1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:00pm

  • Trolls Band Together

    A family hit from 2023. And? There’s a sensory-friendly screening on Sunday!

          Saturday, 8/17: 12:00pm

          Sunday, 8/18: 12:00pm *Sensory-Friendly Screening

  • Twisters

    Tornadoes! Action! More tornadoes! Or is it spelled tornados? Tomato, tomatoe!

          Saturday, 8/17: 7:15pm

          Sunday, 8/18: 7:15pm