Iron Lung Movie NZ: Theaters, Release Date & How to Watch
Markiplier’s first foray into directing is finally heading to New Zealand theaters, and if you’ve been waiting to see what the YouTube star does with a post-apocalyptic blood ocean submarine horror film, the countdown ends January 30, 2026. Both Event Cinemas and HOYTS have the film locked in for the same day as the global rollout, with vouchers and booking options available across multiple chains nationwide.
NZ Theater Chains: Event Cinemas, HOYTS · HOYTS Release Date: 30 Jan 2026 · Director & Star: Markiplier · Territories: North America, UK, Australia, New Zealand
Quick snapshot
- NZ theatrical release lands 30 January 2026 (HOYTS Cinemas NZ)
- Mark Fischbach directs and stars in the film (HOYTS Cinemas NZ)
- Rated R16 for horror scenes and offensive language (Event Cinemas NZ)
- Exact session times at individual Auckland or Christchurch venues
- Which streaming platforms carry the film after theatrical run
- Full rollout timeline beyond 30 January 2026 premiere
- 30 January 2026 — Global and NZ theatrical debut (Iron Lung Official)
- Online booking fees set as of November 2025 (Event) and May 2025 (HOYTS) (Iron Lung Official)
- No session times listed yet on HOYTS or Event as of April 2026 (Iron Lung Official)
- Session times expected to populate as release date approaches
- Advance booking likely opens weeks before 30 January 2026
- Post-theatrical streaming availability remains unconfirmed
The specs below pull directly from HOYTS, Event Cinemas, and One NZ Rewards listings to give you a side-by-side view of what each system shows for Iron Lung.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Director | Mark Fischbach (Markiplier) |
| Lead Actor | Mark Fischbach (Markiplier) |
| NZ Release Date | 30 January 2026 |
| Global Release Date | 30 January 2026 |
| NZ Rating | R16 |
| Runtime (HOYTS) | 129 minutes |
| Runtime (Event) | 127 minutes |
| Plot Setting | Post-apocalyptic blood ocean on moon AT-5 |
| Expedition Number | 13th |
| HOYTS Online Booking Fee | $1.70 (as of 1 May 2025) |
| Event Online Booking Fee | $1.75 (as of 11 November 2025) |
Will the Iron Lung movie be in NZ?
New Zealand viewers won’t miss out on Markiplier’s directorial debut. Both major cinema chains have confirmed the film for New Zealand release on the same day as the global rollout (HOYTS Cinemas NZ).
Event Cinemas listings
Event Cinemas (NZ) lists Iron Lung with a 30/01/2026 release date, 127-minute runtime, and R16 classification for horror scenes and offensive language (Event Cinemas NZ). Participating Event locations include EVENT Queen Street Auckland, EVENT Queensgate Wellington, and EVENT St Lukes Auckland — though the full session schedule hadn’t appeared on the website as of April 2026.
HOYTS Cinemas dates
HOYTS Cinemas NZ confirms the same 30 January 2026 release, with a slightly longer 129-minute runtime noted on their listing. The R16 rating applies here too (HOYTS Cinemas NZ). The discrepancy between 127 and 129 minutes across the two chains reflects typical variation in how different distributors or cinema systems cut trailers and formatting — neither is necessarily wrong.
In a post-apocalyptic future after “The Quiet Rapture” event, a convict explores a blood ocean on a desolate moon using a submarine called the “Iron Lung”.
— HOYTS Cinemas NZ, cinema listing
New Zealand cinemas get the same release date as North America, UK, and Australia. No waiting for a delayed NZ premiere — the 30 January 2026 date applies across all territories simultaneously.
Is the Iron Lung movie ever going to come out?
Yes — and soon. The global theatrical release for Iron Lung is locked for January 30, 2026, spanning approximately 2,500 theaters worldwide (Iron Lung Official).
YouTuber Markiplier directs, stars in, and distributes this adaptation of the indie horror game.
— One NZ Rewards (powered by Flicks), movie details
Where can I see the Iron Lung movie?
New Zealand audiences have two main cinema chains carrying the film on opening day. Beyond Event Cinemas and HOYTS, One NZ Rewards members can purchase vouchers redeemable at Event Cinemas, HOYTS, Rialto, and select independent cinemas including Focal Point Cinema locations, Reading Cinemas, Alice Cinema, and Deluxe Cinema (One NZ Rewards).
NZ cinema chains
Event Cinemas (eventcinemas.co.nz/Movie/Iron-Lung) and HOYTS (hoyts.co.nz/movies/iron-lung) both list the film with the same 30 January 2026 release. Regional coverage extends to Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, Bay of Plenty, and Otago through participating voucher locations.
Auckland and Christchurch showings
Auckland venues include EVENT Queen Street, EVENT St Lukes, Rialto Newmarket, and HOYTS locations. Wellington coverage spans EVENT Queensgate and The Embassy Wellington. Christchurch attendees can use Alice Cinema Canterbury and Deluxe Cinema Canterbury through the One NZ program. Specific session times had not appeared on cinema websites as of April 2026, with advance booking expected to open weeks before the premiere.
TL;DR: Markiplier’s horror debut hits Event and HOYTS on 30 January 2026. Voucher holders through One NZ have broader access to independents. Session times drop closer to the date.
How to watch Iron Lung in New Zealand?
Theater bookings
For the best available options, book directly through the cinema chain websites:
- Visit Event Cinemas NZ or HOYTS Cinemas NZ
- Navigate to the Iron Lung movie page
- Select your preferred cinema location and date (30 May 2025)
- Choose session time once available
- Apply One NZ Rewards voucher code at checkout if applicable
- Pay the $1.75 Event or $1.70 HOYTS online booking fee
Streaming options
Post-theatrical streaming availability for Iron Lung remains unconfirmed as of April 2026. Movie information on One NZ is powered by Flicks (One NZ Rewards), which tracks streaming availability across platforms. Once the theatrical window closes, check Flicks or JustWatch for updates on where Iron Lung may appear for online viewing in New Zealand.
Advance booking typically opens weeks before the premiere. One NZ off-peak vouchers have restrictions: Event Cinemas after 5pm Fri/Sat or holidays; HOYTS after 2pm Sat/Sun or holidays.
Is the Iron Lung movie coming worldwide?
The global rollout spans North America, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe across approximately 2,500 theaters. The 30 January 2026 release date applies simultaneously across all confirmed territories (Iron Lung Official).
Only in theaters January 30, 2026.
— Iron Lung Official Site, film website
Hoyts Australia does not list Iron Lung in coming soon as of the most recent search, though this may change closer to the release date.
The implication: New Zealand audiences get simultaneous access to the global release, meaning no waiting period or delayed premiere compared to other markets.
Related reading: Mufasa: The Lion King – Plot, Cast, Release Date & Box Office
Markiplier directs and stars in the claustrophobic Iron Lung horror, whose plot, cast and ending guide unpacks the video game adaptation’s full narrative ahead of its NZ release.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of Iron Lung movie?
Iron Lung follows a convict exploring a blood ocean on moon AT-5 inside the submarine called the Iron Lung, set after “The Quiet Rapture” event where stars and planets disappeared.
Who stars in Iron Lung film?
Mark Fischbach, known online as Markiplier, both directs and stars in the film. He also serves as distributor through his production company.
Is there an Iron Lung movie trailer?
Official trailers are available through the Iron Lung website and YouTube channel. Cinema listings on HOYTS and Event Cinemas also display promotional material.
When does Iron Lung release globally?
Iron Lung releases globally on 30 January 2026, spanning approximately 2,500 theaters across North America, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
Is Iron Lung based on a game?
Yes, Iron Lung is an adaptation of the indie horror game of the same name created by Dark Dog Studios. Markiplier produced an earlier game adaptation that gained significant attention on YouTube.
How long is the Iron Lung movie?
Runtime varies by source: HOYTS lists 129 minutes, Event Cinemas lists 127 minutes, and One NZ Rewards lists 125 minutes. This variation reflects differences in how cinema systems handle trailers and formatting rather than actual film cuts.
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