Longtime Stateline Movie Theater Abruptly Closes Its Doors

If you're a fan of going to the movies, this has to hurt.

You never want to see theaters closing up shop, especially when the box office has bounced back in such a big way in 2026.

If there is any industry that was hurt more by the pandemic than movie theaters, I'd like to hear about it, because not only were they closed for months, but streaming took over our lives, and for many theater owners, it was the beginning of the end.

READ MORE: Multiple Illinois AMC Theatres Are Shutting Down Their Doors

Sudden Theater Closure Hits Janesville Moviegoers

Well, Movies 16 Cinemas in Janesville announced last Thursday that they were shutting down, and it seemed to come out of nowhere, with virtually no warning to customers.

READ MORE: AMC Showplace 16 In Rockford Falls Short: Movie Lovers Deserve More

2 women sitting on blue leather chair holding white and red plastic cups

How to Get Refunds for Movies 16 Gift Certificates

Movies 16 thanked moviegoers for "many years of support" and is offering refunds to those with unused gift certificate balances. If that happens to be you, email managers@movies16janesville.com

Those refunds will be issued via credit or debit card, but the deadline is approaching: September 13.

Hopefully, Movies 16 won't be the latest sign that the movie theater business is still struggling to find its footing.