The Twilight Saga is coming back to the big screen this fall. Starting Oct. 29, Lionsgate and Fathom Entertainment will re-release all five films across the U.S. in celebration of the franchise’s 20th anniversary. Ames moviegoers will have the chance to join the wave of nostalgia, with Cinemark set to participate in the nationwide event.
The re-release is structured as a one-week event. Each film will be shown on a different night in order, beginning with Twilight on Oct. 29 and ending with Breaking Dawn: Part 2 on Nov. 2. Alongside the films, screenings will include bonus material like behind-the-scenes features, chats and reflections from filmmakers alongside cast members.
For Ames residents, the news adds something very unusual to the local theater calendar. Special re-release events like this don’t come around often, especially in smaller cities. While Ames students and longtime fans may remember the original 2008 release of Twilight, this anniversary edition offers a different kind of experience.
At its peak, Twilight inspired midnight premieres, themed parties and heated debates about Team Edward versus Team Jacob. For others, especially younger fans, this re-release may be the first chance to see the films in a theater rather than on streaming platforms.
The films were never universally praised, but they were universally talked about. Criticism often pointed to their weird pacing and melodramatic tone, but audiences showed up anyway. The ability to draw people in, even while being mocked, has helped Twilight shift from a simple book adaptation to a nostalgic centerpiece.
The timing for these screenings is also very fitting. Fall semester at Iowa State is always full with midterms, homecoming events and a general yearning for distraction. A late-October movie marathon dedicated to one of the most recognizable teen series is a great way to pass time alone or with friends.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly due to the limited run, and advance reservations through Cinemark are recommended. Each film screens for one night only, so missing one means having to stream it to catch back up.
As Twilight turns 20, its legacy as a pop culture landmark and a formative piece of media for a generation of young viewers remains.
