The Last Picture Shows

The Last Picture Shows (2026)



9.0 2026 78 min —

Director: Rustin Thompson

Documentary
Across ten states and 10,825 miles, visiting 123 theaters, filmmaker Rustin Thompson embarks on a cinematic road trip through the American West in his latest work, *The Last Picture Shows*. He hunts for the ghosts of small-town life—the movie theaters that once served as community cornerstones. Along the way, he uncovers forgotten cinemas left to decay, theaters clinging to survival, and those recently shuttered. Yet, he also discovers bright spots: venues that, thanks to devoted stewards, are not just hanging on but flourishing. Between destinations, Thompson weaves in poetic clips from Peter Bogdanovich’s 1971 classic *The Last Picture Show* and reflects on the film exhibition industry’s past and present struggles. *The Last Picture Shows* reminds us that even in vast cinema deserts, oases of gathering and wonder persist—places where the movie house still sparks imagination, contemplation, and human connection.

More About This Film

The Last Picture Shows is a documentary journey through the American West in search of the disappearing movie theater. Filmmaker Rustin Thompson visits abandoned cinemas, recently closed venues, struggling theaters, and independent picture houses that continue to survive through the dedication of their caretakers.

The film treats the local cinema as more than a building, presenting it as a gathering place and an important part of small-town cultural life. Through conversations and visits to theaters in different states, Thompson considers what is lost when these spaces disappear and what communities can do to preserve the shared experience of going to the movies.

  • Rustin Thompson directed, wrote, and produced the documentary.
  • Ross Melnick appears as himself.
  • The film has a reported runtime of 78 minutes.
  • Foghorn Features handled production and distribution.
  • Its limited theatrical release began on August 7, 2026, and contemporary reviews have highlighted its warmth and passion for cinema history.

Where to Watch

The Last Picture Shows began a limited theatrical run in August 2026, with digital availability expected to expand by territory.