When looking for an alternative to big-chain theaters, Cinemapolis in downtown Ithaca's Commons turns into a must-see venue. Being a nonprofit theater this movie celebrates movies with decals and memorabilia. Cinemapolis contributes to the importance to the local arts scene. Upon entering Cinemapolis, we can feel the artsy and quaint vibe. Near the front desk movie goers can play board games as a great pre-movie activity. Cinemapolis emphasizes on value and affordability. The $8.00 large popcorn tends to be easy on the pocket! The concession stand offers tea and coffee for a cold day. The theatre sells unique merchandise. Movie lovers can purchase movie-inspired clothing at the counter. Movie lovers can see "Wicked 2, For Good". What a fantastic movie! A good point to note: the theater opens at 150pm. Stop in and enjoy the ambiance of Cinemapolis. read more

cute little art house style theater we saw one battle after another convenient in the commons. Easy parking good size theaters I mean, I wasn't disappointed or anything. They have a lot more artsy stuff. You're probably gonna get like foreign films and you know like more things that have acclaim, though it's a cool spot I like it. read more

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I'd been hoping to try Cinemapolis for some time, and the stars finally aligned during my recent Ithaca trip. This movie theater is located in the Commons and is near various restaurants and hotels in downtown Ithaca. Finding showtimes and ticket prices online was easy, and I appreciated the friendly customer service when I was buying my ticket and getting popcorn at the concessions stand. Except for some minimal sound bleed coming from outside of the theater, I had an enjoyable movie watching experience. My one quibble was with the popcorn not being fresh and warm, but I'm hoping that was an aberration rather than the norm. read more

One of the local cinemas you want to support. I love that these days Cinemapolis does a combination of blockbusters, indie/art films, retro, and themed weekends. A friend and I went to a showing of Royal National Theatre's The Importance of Being Earnest, and it was so lovely to see a mixed crowd, aka I'm finally not the old soul watching a high brow movie lol. You can naturally tell that it was built a while ago. There are no flashy neon lights in the foyer and the entrances to each screen require you to physically turn the handle to enter, but it's clean :) and I think you can really feel the warmth of the theater. read more

Cinemapolis is such a charming little independent theater that's quickly winning me over. The prices here are unbeatable - just $10 for student tickets, and the concessions are insanely cheap (def def get their popcorn! They have cool topping options), much more affordable than what you'd find at chain theaters like Regal or AMC. I'm finding myself growing more and more appreciative of independently run places like this. I saw a local ad of the library right the street from Cinemapolis while waiting for my screening to start. It started as, "hey! It's the library across the street..." and it was so cute. The staff here are the sweetest - so kind and friendly, which really adds to the experience. I can't say enough good things about them. I can definitely see myself frequenting this theater more often in the future. Def a 5 stars! :) read more

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They have a great selection of movies old and new also great popcorn I highly recommend.

One of the only movie theaters that I've been to where it almost doesn't even matter how good the movie is, because the experience of seeing it at Cinemapolis is in and of itself worth the trip. The staff are friendly, the concessions are unique, they're playing movies that don't get shown anywhere else... this place is heaven not just for movie lovers, but anyone who wants a special night out. read more

I have been coming to this theatre since 2019 when I first started attending a shelter medicine conference at Cornell. I was instantly charmed by the independent theater feel (remember the times before Regal or AMC?). The concessions are cheaply priced and delicious (a stick of butter nuked in a mug and drizzled over your popcorn, with pizza parlor shakers of flavoring you can add; fresh baked goods; typical dollar store candies; sodas from the fountain or Ithaca bottled brands...get the rootbeer, second only to rootbeer made in NOLA) and the theaters are large enough to fit a decent audience but small enough that you don't feel crowded. I did Barbienheimer here last summer and the crowd did not disappoint. There was the intimacy of seeing a movie in your friend's living room but the energy of a bigger theater in a bigger city. Everyone showed up in their best pink outfits for Barbie, crying along at all the right notes. For Oppenheimer, we didn't breathe for nearly 3 hours. The location sells the used marquee posters and some merchandise with the logo. The theater is conveniently located downtown with many dining options if the popcorn didn't fill you up. Can't wait to go again. read more

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Having grown up in a bit of a culture desert, I spent many hours of my youth watching trailers for Indie movies and wishing that they were playing within a fifty mile radius of me. Young(er) me would have loved to have a theatre like Cinemapolis nearby. Their marquee features limited release films, lots of artsy films and documentaries. The building itself has a vintagey, old-time feel, with small, intimate theatres with red velvet curtains. The snack bar features homemade ice tea, popcorn flavorings, and local goodies, giving even the concession stand a personal touch. The staff is always super nice. The location is excellent as well. Being right off the commons, there's plenty to do nearby before and after your show. Sadly, I don't live in Ithaca anymore, but I'd still make the trip to catch a flick. read more

I couldn't be happier to give Cinemapolis a glowing review. They are such an important fixture in the Ithaca community, offering a truly unique and warm movie-going experience that is leagues beyond the sticky, consumerist atmosphere at mainstream movie theaters. For my mother's birthday, my family chose to see the new Little Women, arriving about 15 minutes before showtime. Turns out, we lucked out in even getting tickets -- the line was clear out the door, and another movie (Harriet) was announced to be sold out as we waited. Fortunately, we were able to get tickets, though now I know to arrive with plenty of time just in case (particularly for more popular showings). Cinemapolis is everything you want in a movie outing. The staff are passionate about films and culture, and the space is engaging and beautifully designed. There is a true community feel, with local organizations and civic groups often partnering with Cinemapolis to offer events and showings to the public. I am so happy to support this special and one-of-a-kind community business, while still being able to honestly say that the service and experience is outstanding and absolutely worthwhile for local moviegoers. read more

Ithaca Cinemapolis is a very important part of the culture and ambience of this very hip area of New York. This cinema offers the latest independent films and children's movies. Same as NYC and in a better and safer location! Great for dates..there are many delicious restaurants in the area,,also a great date with your children. You can't do everything on your computer! read more

As a lover of the arts I love Cinemopolis. They have the most artistic films that someone whose favorite movie isn't Scooby Doo 2 could enjoy. I who love film and do not enjoy Scooby Doo 2 come here to watch new releases all the time. I don't love Scooby Doo 2. I especially don't love the scene when Scooby has to disguise himself to get into the Faux Ghost. I didn't find it exciting at all, especially not when he was dancing to his favorite tune "Thank You" (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) by Sly and The Family Stone, covered by Big Brocaz. I didn't enjoy his funky dance moves or watch the DVD commentary detailing how talented dancer, Breanna English wore a Scooby Doo body suit only to get her face covered with animation. I don't think Breanna English is the true MVP of the movie and deserves so much more. I DON'T. I DON'T CARE ABOUT SCOOBY DOO 2. I, a lover of the Cinnabon loves Cinemopolis and intelligent movies. Not Scooby Doo 2. read more

There so much to love about this little art house theater. To name a few: great selection of films, delicious concessions (I highly recommend popcorn with Old Bay, nutritional yeast, garlic, and real butter), and student rates for tickets. I think I've seen about 6 films here this summer alone. Honestly it's been Ithaca's saving grace for me. Why not 5 stars? Mr. Anal Retentive (my alter ego, of course) says, "Theater 1. Ugh. The digital projector seems to emit some color aberration. The screen is tiny. The seating is all askew. And there are clanking noises that ricochet around the walls during screening." Theater 3 is fine. Theater 4 (or is it 5?) is where it's at. Larger screen. Centered seating. Decent sound. So if you should get stuck in Theater 1 your first time, don't abandon all hope. Hang in there and know the grass is greener just down the hall. Oh here's the other thing. I saw postings that they have these special screenings where parents can bring their kids for non-kid movies. I myself am a bit of a Seinfeld when it comes to babies ("You gotta see they bayyyyyy beeeeee" /EYE ROLL) but I think it's pretty great that should you have an infant on deck, you can still enjoy the newest indie release. Thanks for being amazing, Cinemapolis. Much bigger cities are losing their independent theaters. And you're holding on. So pay no attention to Mr. Anal Retentive behind the curtain, he's but a mere cowardly mortal man. And you have a face that will launch a thousand ships. read more

My friend and I went here for the first time tonight to see Little Women. Now, we are converts! The theater is so homey, warm, and welcoming. There were lots of concession options priced very fairly and the theater was extremely spacious. We had a great experience and will be back for all future movie endeavors! :) read more

I really want to like Cinemapolis but I always walk out of a movie annoyed by something. Seeing as this is Ithaca and we're supposed to be a cultured town, you'd think our standards for an art house movie theater would be higher. Apparently not. My major gripe is that they had the chance to build a brand new theater right downtown and somehow couldn't figure out a few simple details like where to put the ticket counter. For some unknown reason it's right near the front door like it was in their old space at Fall Creek so if there are more than say 3 people in line, you're waiting outside to buy a ticket! The guy selling tickets is usually a mean, scruffy looking older guy that reeks of cigarettes. Seriously, he's got zero personality. After you've been waiting in the cold for a ticket, the last thing you need is this guy! The service at the snack bar is bizarrely SLOOOOW and the prices don't make any sense. You can get a fresh brewed red zinger iced tea for $1.75 but you'll pay $3 for a small bag of homemade "trail mix" in a ziploc bag that consists of raisins, golden raisins & yogurt covered raisins! To top it all off, it usually takes them a long time to get newly released movies which just adds to my annoyance. But I go anyway because I have no other choice and I feel compelled to support them since they're a non-profit. I really try not to rant in my reviews but I just can't help myself here. Maybe my issue is not with what Cinemapolis is but what I imagine it could be......BETTER! read more

I came here to watch "Becoming Jane." Cinemapolis is a little tough to find from the outside and only plays a handful (as in, two or three) films at a time. Most are indy fare. The entrance is labyrinthine and the long hallway deluges you with a gigantic montage of priceless media moments. There's something depressingly shabby about the interior; it's more like somebody's living room than a theatre. You purchase tickets from a pleasant but tired little man who hands you a ticket stub from a raffle reel. You migrate to the snacks section, where a woman will occasionally have ice cream stored in the fridge behind her. Sometimes she smiles. There is no unrealistically-delicious popcorn smell, but the popcorn is about the same as you'd find in any cinema. The audience is sparse but intimate; the carpet seems old but the seats look brand-new. If you enjoy your film-going experience, you can purchase a poster in the lobby. This quiet space also features a big piece of butcher paper, upon which someone has drawn a graph of donations - the goal, and progress thus far, shaded in with an orange highlighter. About a third of the graph is left unshaded. But this is deceptive: the highlighter was running out of ink when last it was used. read more

The brownies are still good after all these years ... And I like the info sheets about each film, which most theaters don't give out ... The last time we went there we thought we were going to be the only patrons in our movie -- but luckily a couple other people came in at the last second -- that would have felt a bit self-conscious ... (It did happen to me once long ago ... in Cambridge) The only thing I could do without is the PSA about how the most important thing in the whole world is to vigilanatly narc on your local teens ... But maybe they have to roll that to get NEA monies or something ... Let the teens alone to roll whatever they're rolling ... 'z all i'm sayin' read more

Cinemapolis, I love your rough-around-the-edges look, your cool employees and patrons, and the smell of your popcorn when I walk by to go to the gym. No, actually, the smell of the popcorn is maddening because it makes me want to sink down into one of your worn seats and escape into cinematic dreamland instead of forcing myself onto a treadmill. Cinemapolis shows great films and I much prefer spending my movie ticket money at a place like this than at a gigantic theater. You can even buy shirts that say "Cinemapolitan" if you're into that. The new theater that's getting built just a short distance away looks like it will be ready in a few months, and when that baby is finished, Cinemapolis will have a brand new home. I hope they'll still have the popcorn. read more

Been going here for decades. This place brings in amazing films. Even saw Rod Serling's daughter speak there. Great stuff. The popcorn is the bomb.com too! read more

I love that there is an indie movie theater in town. They show a lot of movies and if you're a member, tickets are $8. Their popcorn is also good. You can choose from all types of seasonings to add. read more

Being able to say you caught the latest independent film sensation at the little cinema around the corner sounds like something you could only pull off living in Paris or Manhattan, but thanks to Cinemapolis it's a reality even in Ithaca (at least if you live or are visiting downtown). Somehow, by the time a masterful film's reputation filters down the grapevine to me, it's playing here, or will be soon. The fact that it's a relatively new facility in a great location with some nice snack bar treats (hibiscus juice? yes please) hardly makes it less attractive, either. And the price is right, especially with a student discount that the staff won't let you forget to ask for. Some of the other reviewers are spot on in their criticisms; the ticket window is awkwardly placed just inside the door (though it could be worse; NYC still has some theatres where you can only buy tickets at an outdoor window) and it might make more sense to shift this inside to take up some of the lobby seating area that always seems mostly empty. The snack bar does tend to be slow, too, but that's to be expected from a non-assembly line operation. All in all very minor flaws. I only hope Cinemapolis survives - I've never seen a sold out or even very full show there, which makes for comfortable viewing, but probably very thin budget margins. read more

Omg- came here and was super ecstatic about their concessions- can you say homemade cookies, tea and popcorn with NUTRITIONAL YEAST AND WHATEVER OTHER HEAVENLY GOODNESS YOU WANT?!! Stahhhppp. The people were so friendly and the theaters are cozy and clean. The sound/acoustics were really good, and the theater plays indie movies and is member owned which gives it a local, well cared for feeling. I'll come back from Corning just for the novelty of the popcorn. read more

I went to see 'The Fall' with some friends recently. It's kind of a hard place to find. The entrance is located in an alley, with the only illumination coming from the light board above the door listing the movies (not sure what that's called). It's the perfect place to screen indie films. It's a small theater staffed with very friendly and knowledgeable movie lovers. Tickets are competitively priced with Regal cinemas and the films are so much personal and intimate. Highly recommended for any indie film lovers! read more

Missed my greyhound home tonight and let me tell you, a stop at this place was just what the doctor ordered. Great vibes and super understanding and nice service. The popcorn was also really really good and they even had warm drinks. Good seating and just generally really chill. A perfect end to a really frustrating day. 10/10 would get stranded 2 hours away from home here again. read more

Went to "Precious" in the new Cinemapolis theatre. Everything was nice and new. The quality of the theatre we were in was great. Good seats, good film, good sound. The snack prices seemed lower than at the big chain theatres, and the popcorn has real butter. I'm always disappointed in movie theatre popcorn nowdays because it smells so good, but tastes just meh, but this popcorn was fantastic! read more

Great theater! small intimate lobby, warm friendly staff and spectacular popcorn, with flavor options, delicious cookies! lemonade, ice tea you can have a beer with your popcorn!!- not a mega mega multi theater which is so nice. always showing great independent films and some that are in the big box office. Plus, you actually have change in your pocket when you leave. Make a point to see a movie here. Support this local gem. read more

Great movie theater that shows independent films. The concession stand features better food than the mainstream movie theaters. I like getting the popcorn with curry powder. read more

I really enjoy having this small community supported movie house. The theater is rarely crowded and the snacks are unique - ice cream, trail mix, beer, ginger beer, popcorn with nutritional yeast. OK, I'm not hippy enough to enjoy the last one, but I do appreciate its appearance on the menu. Yes, they don't play the movies when they first come out, but you do get to see some great artsy movies that even some of the larger cities don't get. I do wish they brought back the student membership, I enjoyed supporting them for that price point but can't justify the expense of a full membership for how infrequently I see movies. read more

This theater is laid-back and friendly, much better prices. Generally shows slightly more "artsy" or indie films but a good selection. The snack bar has the usual popcorn and candy but also other healthier choices, much better variety and definitely better prices. Sure, for special effect movies I'd rather see the huge screen at the mall, but for most movies this place is better. The location on the Commons is great for "dinner and movie date night". yes, I agree that their new ticket counter location is weird and you have to wait in line outdoors. And some of their staff are sort of...lacking finesse. But very relaxing place overall. Bathrooms could be cleaner. But its the Commons.... read more

I am a great fan of this cinema, as I think , compared to other European cities that share the same concept, Cinemapolis has good atmosphere, nice spaces and knowledgeable and movie-loving staff, which is to be commended. The only aspect that bothers me as a student are the prizes: if I want to enjoy popcorns, at Cornell I would pay like 3 bucks, whereas at Cinemapolis this pleasure costs around 6 bucks. Ok, I will skip the popcorns. Too bad, though. I sometimes also have a feeling the owner wants to sell me as much drinks and food and then the whole idea of a" member supported Theater kind of sucks to me, makes me feel like going to those commercial block buster cinemas, where I know I will have to pay far more than in my favorite Cinemapolis. It is inspite of its high membership costs, a well organized and cleverly led theater. If you by the way get any surveys from arthouse, don´t do them for free. read more

Cinemapolis is as good as it gets! All things that make your movie going experience a pleasure.

Cinemapolis is a great theatre. As a nonprofit, tickets and concessions are reasonably priced and are far less than what you're used to paying at larger chains. The theatres are clean and quiet; I have never been bothered by the sound of explosions in an adjacent theatre. The staff is friendly and the gentleman at the ticket counter has a great handle on how many minutes before the movie starts. The location is ideal, as it is connected to the Ithaca Commons and is right in downtown Ithaca. It is convenient to combine your movie with dinner or a snack, as a short walk provides dozens of different options. There is also a parking garage surrounding the theatre that is free on weekends! Cinemapolis provides a great option for parents with small children, as it offers "Crybaby Thursdays," a designated matinee in all 5 theatres with dimmed lights and lowered volume. The best feature of this theatre is its selection, as it shows all the independent and lesser-budget films that I can never find at the major chains. In the past month alone I've had the pleasure of watching Swiss Army Man, Captain Fantastic, and Hell or High Water here when no other theatre was showing them within 100 miles of my location. Great location, great price, great selection. Highly recommended. read more