Been closed since the pandemic. Not sure why they keep saying it's temporarily closed. Last time I contacted them they said to keep checking back. It's still closed and has been since march of 2020. No longer a temporary closure at this point. Would give it 4-5 stars if they were actually open for business. Update: Harkins gave the same non answer as a reply to this review as they do to everyone. Also got the same reply when I messaged them on instagram or facebook about this theatre. They are great at the copy and paste reply's. read more

the Valley Art was built in 1940 and Arizona's oldest operating movie theater. I really like the historical design of this theater, I thought this type of theater existed only in a movie. Inside the theater is very clean, and the bathroom was clean too. They have the usual Harkins drink and snacks. I went to see the Interview and the theater was packed. Attendant came on the stage before a movie started and greeted us. I haven't seen that forever. Due to the nature of the movie?, a police officer was standing at the lobby. I saw more staff here today than any other Harkins theater. Great and friendly staff, clean bathroom, interesting movie selection, I would definitely come back here again. read more

Harkins - Valley Art - Everyone receives a complimentary button for watching the interview - Cinema Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I worked the Yelp booth at the Great AZ Beer Festival on this fine Saturday afternoon but when 6pm hit, I was exhausted. Instead of going home, my husband met me for a walk along Mill, and as timing would have it, there was a 6:10 showing of "Blood Into Wine." I hadn't been to this theater in years... it was nicer than i remembered. I wish it were bigger as they only show one movie at a time, but they do get unique artsy movies that you won't find at the average run of the mill (no pun intended) theaters. We enjoyed "Blood Into Wine." It's a documentary on Maynard Keenan (the lead singer of Tool) and his Jerome AZ based wine making business. I think it's playing for another week, so if you're interested, go see it soon. Something else to note: like most Harkins Theaters, they do not have traditional sweet tarts, they only offer the chewy kind. I happen to like the chewy ones but my husband begs to differ... Regardless, if you're up for an artsy flick, check this theater out! Movies here cost the same ridiculous nine dollars and fifty cents as most other theaters in town. Crazy, right?! read more

Ask any of my friends, and they'll all tell you that I really hate movie theaters. Maybe it's having to hear people rustling their bags of candy or see them shoving popcorn into their faces as if their lives depended on it. Maybe it's that I don't have the luxury of rewinding if I couldn't catch what someone said in the movie. Or maybe I just don't want to pay $10 to see some Hollywood movie that will most likely be bad than good when I could pay $9 for a month of Netflix and just wait for that craptastic movie to come out on dvd. My disdain for most movie theaters is almost that of hate, but I LOVE movie theaters like Valley Art. Valley Art has only one screen (the last of its kind in the valley), and they show movies that are lesser known than the Hollywood box office hits. Mostly, they show independent, foreign, historic, or artistic movies, which brings in a different kind of audience than other theaters. There is a historic feel to this theater with its one concession stand, one ticket booth, and one screen. Even the outside decor is reminiscent of times past, and I have no qualms about supporting this kind of theater. read more

We came here the first time to see Jesus Christ Superstar. We were happy to see Ted Neely was there to discuss the making of the movie, sign autographs etc. The theater is small but it was very clean and they were well organized for the event. The service was also very friendly. read more

After reading "War" by Sebastian Junger I was excited for the documentary film "Restrepo" to come this summer. Turns out the only theatre in Arizona it was playing at was "Valley Art". I had never heard of this theatre but was happy to try out a new place. Yes, parking around Mill can be a nightmare but the theatre DOES offer 4 hr FREE validated parking if you park in the huge lot by those condos they started building and basically abandoned. It's on the street just west of mill. Be sure to park here and get your ticket validated... though the lot says 1st hour free, the movie theatre has a special 4 hr validation. The theatre only contains 1 actual screen, but it's nice. The seats are very comfy and I love that all of the arm rests come up. The bathrooms are clean and the service for food/tickets is friendly and fast. I'd definitely come here again if they were showing a film I liked. read more

Harkins - Valley Art - Cinema Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

The Valley Art Theatre deserves 5 stars just for showing indie films! The only reason for four stars is to leave room or growth :). I recently moved from Tacoma Washington where the indie theater The Grand Cinema hosts a late night (11pm starting time) film every Saturday where they also do live trivia in front of the audience with relevant prizes ect. The Grand has created something special in the Tacoma community. The Tempe area is starving for an Indie community and I think Valley could step up! read more

Apparently this closed in 2021. I am bummed out. Rest In Peace, sweet sweet theater.

I haven't been to this theater since I was in college. They have renovated and it's now a lovely stadium seating theater with a very large screen. They show movies that are not available anywhere else. Big problem: PARKING The only reason I give less than five stars is parking sucks on Mill Ave. if you go at an off time you may luck into a good spot, but otherwise, give yourself extra time for parking. read more

Harkins DOES NOT validate parking anymore. Wish they had put Parking info on the Harkins website. The manager, when informing me of the No Validation policy, was confident that the Harkins Website had parking details and I had to inform him that it indeed does not. We parked at the Brickyard Garage for $10.00, so count on that nice little add-on to your movie night out! Great movies, though.... read more

A-OK. Yup. Look, I love movies. I am a movie theater junkie. I try to see 1-2 moves in the theater a week and have no problems getting up early and watching 2 movies in a row at Camelview or the cheap and amazing Pollak on Elliot in Tempe. So excuse me if I don't jump up and down in excitement over some of the worst British "comedies" in history being played at the worst times imaginable on Mill Ave. I swear, I will watch anything...yet somehow this theatre manages to pick the worst of the indies, the most boring documentaries, the most "rollicking" UK butler humour...my god, my blood pressure soars thinking about the poor choice in reels. BUT There is fleeting hope. I had an early date to see the movie "Once" and we shared a "moment". For Halloween we saw "Let the Right One In" which tears Twilight in a thousand pre-pubescent vampire pieces-christ that movie is brilliant. And last night I put a purty dress on and watched my favourite movie "16 Candles". Is it wrong to love this movie? Yes. A thousand times yes. But I never thought I would see it on the big screen, curled up w/my own Jake Ryan, my buck Harkins Cup and popcorn in comfortable seats for 5 bucks a pop.Whoa??!? As Billy said, if they played more classic fare for 5 bucks, they would need a frequent visitor club card for me not to go broke supporting shit I could netflix...but don't feel like it. If the managers read this, please please please pick better movies to show at this venue, advertise them better and have more midnight movies! And old ones too! Cut. read more

Great movies shown here. I saw NBT here. I'm awaiting the showing of the new Hunter S. Thompson film here. Good theater room too. Never really crowded. Just a pleasant movie experience overall. read more

It's 4th of July weekend and I have suddenly found myself "kid free". My daughter went on vacation with my sister to SoCal and now I have free time!! What did I do? I went directly to see an independent film! The Hakins Valley Art is one of those last remaining stand alone theaters. It's located on Mill Ave in Tempe. I would say the only drawback to this theater is it's location. Parking can be an issues since all the parking close by is metered. I went on a Saturday afternoon and parked in a garage on 5th St. The garage was free since it was a weekend. It was a little walk in the 110 degree heat but it wasn't bad. The lobby of the theater is small. They have a nice concession stand and the bathrooms were super clean with several stalls. The manager assisted me with my drink and popcorn purchase and gave me some backround on the theater. It was built in 1940 and, according to the manager, was Mr. Harkins first theater. They had recently renovated it. The theater itself has one big screen and looks like the inside of any other Harkins theater, comfy stadium seating and lots of leg room. I will come back again if I should find myself "kid free". My experience here was very enjoyable and the staff were pleasant and friendly. read more

I want to love you... But you lie to me.. One minute you're playing Mesrine and the next you're playing Atlas Shrugged. Why? You played Atlas Shrugged for about a month so I didn't get to see you. I miss the days when you played Midnight Cowboy and Network. Do you remember when you played Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale? Those were good times. I love your single screen theater and the intimate seating, but you run hot and cold and I don't know how much more I can take. You're forcing me to cheat on you with Camelview. I can't help it! Camelview plays such great films why can't you?? I won't desert you completely though because deep down I know there's something inside you that wants to play good movies. Until that day I will wait, hoping and wishing.... read more

Fun fact: Dan Harkins was conceived here. Yep, the guy who owns the chain of Harkins theaters was conceived here when his mom and dad ran the place way back when. This is one of the big reasons why, when the place was looking a bit run down with it's old owners, Dan snatched it back up. And thank goodness he did. Personal Fun Fact: I saw a concert here. Yes, a concert. Because she was still so small she was too small for any other location. She didn't even quite fill up the theater. And who was that? Oh yea... Tori Amos. Yup. Right after Little Earthquakes came out and before she went big. I still have a promo-poster from it because I knew one day no one would believe that she performed there. Back to film - I love catching the Sick and Twisted shows here. I haven't done that in years, but it was always a good time. Between the college students and those of us willing to travel, the place was usually at least 3/4 full. And for those - sometimes it's nice to know you aren't laughing alone. It was also a great place to see Rocky Horror, but they haven't done that there in a long time. Independent Films, styled old school with a big marquee, where you can walk right in on Mill Avenue is a really great option no matter what they're showing. read more

Best art house in the Valley, just not enough of them. They do a lot of WORK with ASU School of Sustainability. read more

Harkins - Valley Art - Cinema Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

It doesn't look like much from the outside, considering most theatres are gaudy with bright lights and huge posters. But, shy as it might be in today's modern entertainment jungle, Tempe Valley Art is a fantastic little place. How can one not like a one-screen theatre that plays mostly obscure, low-budget, indie films, like Juno, alongside some of the bigger known names, including Babel? You might expect a tiny viewing room when you walk in, but you'll be pleasantly surprised to find one of the biggest theatre rooms in the area (sure beats some of the rooms at the theatre farther South off Mill Ave.) Here's where I saw the final cut for Blade Runner. We sat in the back after I was told that's exactly where you needed to sit during a movie like this. I'm thinking it's where you should sit for every movie, for you're able to drink in the entire screen. Bonus: there weren't any squirmy or screaming children to contend with - not like you'll find at major theatres or mall areas. In conclusion, 3 parting thoughts: 1) I love this theatre! 2) I think I'll make a point to see a movie here once a month, starting with Juno when it begins playing here. This is the kind of pact every one should make. 3) If you've never been to this theatre, you're doing yourself a disservice. You should be kinder to yourself. Seriously. Go check out Valley Art Theatre today. read more

I was actually really impressed with this Harkins. As one of the few theatres in the valley playing 9500 Liberty, I expected it to be tiny and unkept, like many old school indie theatres I've frequented. But my expectations were blown away in just a moment. The bathrooms were nice, clean and serviced, the theatre was fairly big and super comfy. I liked it. I will most definitely be back. The only thing I have to say I didn't like (other than the high prices, but that's movies anywhere - god, it makes me feel old) was that I heard they refused to show the version of 9500 Liberty with Spanish subtitles. Given the content and purpose of this film, as well as the people who live in this state, I think that is more than slightly ridiculous, and I plan to inquire about this next time I'm in. read more

Amazing place to view independent or foreign films. The theatre itself is huge with stadium seating, and they of course have the famous Harkins popcorn everyone loves so much. The location is awesome and visiting this theatre is a wonderful experience. Highly suggest! read more

Valley Art has been playing much better movies recently. Like, WORLDS better. David Gordon Green's new movie, "Prince Avalanche" and the much-anticipated trainwreck of a movie "The Canyons." This week, "Europa Report" a sci-fi movie that at least looks really interesting along with a Burning Man documentary. In the past year I've seen a few exciting things. The two aformentioned Prince Avalanche and The Canyons along with "On the Road" (didn't like it but at least they showed it) and "The Comedy" (hated it but at least they showed it). Their new crop of movies is so, so much better than what they'd been playing in the past. I swear, every time I looked at showtimes, it would be a documentary about a woman who may or may not have told someone a lie and the web or deceit that may or may not exist... filmed from inside a metaphorical blender. Even a masturbatory piece of shit like "Bellflower" had some amount of anticipation behind it. Still wish they'd play more classics. I was lucky enough to see "Back to the Future" at Valley Art in anticipation of "Flight." read more

Gotta love historic theaters playing off beat, artistic, foreign, documentary, etc films. Don't expect Transformers 18 to be on the marquee here. Check Harkins website for shows, show times and upcoming films. Films usually have a short run (1-2 weeks tops) so if you see one you like make sure you jump on it while it's still playing. Parking for theater or anywhere on Mill: the Lot behind the condos off Ash in between 5th and 3rd, near Macayo's, the lot behind Z-Tejas off Maple, pay parking in the garage of Brickyard, east passed Urban Outfitters, more pay parking (not on weekends past a certain time - check City of Tempe for hours - off 5th and Forest Avenue - also close to lightrail station). Street parking with meters in front of House of Tricks and a mega lot that's new off University and College. Overall: Great alternative to your typical dinner and a movie - try a movie here, and dinner at one of the great Mill Ave dining locales (La Bocca, House of Tricks, Cafe Boa, Canteen, Rula Bula, Z-Tejas etc) read more

As a independent film maker I say thanks Harkens. from sic and twisted, To Scc southwest film Festival, Indys like Where the Bleep.... Good Stuff... It's been a great place to have premieres of little Local Features Like "neveer been Thawed" read more

Great place. Love the small, art festival type theaters over the mainstream ones. This one hit on a gold mine in being the only one in Phoenix to show "Atlas Shrugged." Will be back for the future parts. read more

Harkins - Valley Art - Line outside Harkins Valley Art Theater for "Atlas Shrugged Part 1" - Cinema Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I have to say Harkins theaters are good about supporting independent film and they saved this theater from being demolished or becoming another trashy dance club on Mill, and got a Tempe Beautification Award (whatever that is) in 2001, probably when Harkins bought it. to their respect, they didn't try to make it something it's not, they kept the old school marquee out front and show mostly indy films and hold film fests there like Spike and Mike's and the Edge held a free music movie thing there the same weekend as a arts festival, pretty cool. oh, and Arizona filmmakers held their opening of Never Been Thawed here. if you want to see that indy film that has made it into the mainstream theaters, come here instead and support those that do their part to support independent and local theater. read more

I have lived in Tempe for almost 15 years and have somehow never been here. Sure, I knew it was there and have walked passed it dozens and dozens of times. I was always curious about what the theater was and what type of movies it played. Is the place even open anymore? Does it only play artsy fartsy type movies? Is the theater totally outdated? Can you buy tickets at that cool little booth thing out front that you only really see in movies? These are some of the questions I asked myself every time I passed, but never thought much about it after it was out of sight. That is until I was poking around some events on Yelp and found a movie that I wanted to see, Blood into Wine, was going to be showing. I quickly bought 2 tickets online early in the week to be picked up at will call before the movie. A pretty painless process. My wife and I went to the 8:15 showing last night (Saturday) and I was super excited to see the movie as well as visit a cool little theater. Upon our arrival I was a little upset that they didn't take and/or sell tickets at that booth out front. Oh well. So we went inside and were met by real friendly staff at the concession stand like you would find at just about any other Harkins only 1/100th the size. We were early so we just picked up our tickets and went for a little walk around Mill. When we returned to the theater I couldn't figure out who to give our tickets to so we just walked right in to their single theater without showing proof that we actually paid for a ticket. I guess you don't really need tickets when you go there..... They only sold about 60 out of a possible 200 tickets but I'm not sure if that is normal or not. It was good for me though because I don't like to sit right next to a random person. We picked 2 seats near the back with almost nobody around. Prefect! Anyway, the movie was excellent and so was the theater. You wouldn't think it by looking at the outside of the theater, but the inside has been updated as has been the screen/projector and sound stuff. It was a typical Harkins movie going experience. The only difference being the type of movies that are played there. I will definitely go again if I hear about a decent movie they are showing. The only downfall of this place and it really isn't their fault, is the parking situation on or by Mill. It can be tough to find nearby/free parking near the theater. read more

Great theater! I come here to see things other theaters don't show! It really does feel like the college town theater, cozy and small...so small in fact I believe they are a one screen theater....The seats aren't the comfiest but the popcorn is good. It can get a bit pricey depending on what you are seeing, but otherwise I have always had a decent experience here. read more

Built in 1940, the Harkins Valley Art Theatre (formally known as College Theatre) is the oldest and longest operating movie theater of Arizona. The theatre is a premiere location for viewing cult classics, indie films, art house films and foreign films, and serves annually as the primary host of the Arizona State University Film Festival. Valley Art has conserved its original architectural layout, which includes the box office at the entrance and nighttime neon light display. read more

Harkins - Valley Art - The Style Line visits Harkins Valley Art Theatre. Photography by Dreylon Vang. - Cinema Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

We attended an avant-garde movie screening at the Harkins' Valley Theatre and were super impressed by the friendly and helpful staff as well as the beautiful old style theatre which Harkins has preserved in it's original form as the first Harkins cinema in Arizona. Attending a movie here was experiencing the "whole package"! Loved it! read more

Very nice 1 screen theatre showing independent movies. The place is clean, friendly and rarely crowded; it's a great place to catch an afternoon showing. I am very glad they still offer student pricing, $7 for a movie is very reasonable. Hope this theatre never leaves Mill. read more

Want to see that indie film that's not in the big theatres? Chances are, it'll be screened sooner or later at Harkins Valley Art Theatre. The movie theatre is historic and has been on Mill Avenue for years. I love the funky marquee outside and the old-box office feel. You'll feel like you've been transported into another era. read more

If more people would only go here they could afford to be so much more! Probably the last thing worth going to left on Mill Ave. Well the book store is still cool. This Theater has been around for decades and shows a lot of great indie films and old school movies. Sure they show a few flops too but hey, thats indie cinema for ya. Its small but most of the times the movies they are showing wont be airing anywhere else. They do great horror nights, just did a John Hughes festival, and it's just a shame all those college kids with mommy and daddy's money dont know a thing about preserving historical assets. Theyll get up in arms over some shitty frat houses, but anything of value . . . They just want more urban outfitters. Ick. read more

This place was never attractive to me, until it was the only place showing a good documentary I wanted to watch. Nice surprise! I only expect to see other good alternative movies here more often. read more

I just watched The Godfather here. I've seen it maybe twenty times in my life, but this is the first time in a theater. Dan Harkins, I could kiss you. read more

Love Harkins Valley Art. I would go here over the fancier theaters any day of the week. It's about the service and the intimacy, the employees treat you better here, they seem to want you to have a good experience. I've even had a general manager suggest the best place to sit for a certain movie, or ask what I thought of a movie and gave me suggestions of upcoming films. Pretty sweet. read more

Parking was a nightmare when I tried to go to this theater. I guess I am suppose to know by osmosis that there are 2 garages and the theater will validate those parking tickets. The street parking meters were only good for 2 hours with a notice that you will be ticketed after 2 hours. It was another hurdle. No way would I be out of the movie in 2 hours. So I turned around and came back to phoenix. $8 for a movie, $4 parking and a possible ticket were not a good fit for me. I'll go to the econo theater in a few weeks and see the movie in Phoenix for $3 & park for free in their lot. University areas seem to be like this one in Tempe. read more

If you have a chance I would read David B.s review of the theater, it is one of the better ones and as he noted, it seems the bar has been raised on going out to the movies because home theaters have gotten so good. However, Valley Art is worth a trip to the cinema. From what I understand it was the first theater opened by Dan Harkins father, who founded the Harkins cinema chain. In fact, who is the current head of this family owned organization, likes to say that he was conceived in the projection booth of the Valley Art and it holds a special place in his heart. Regardless of the reason, I get the feeling that this theater is more of a gift to the ASU community than a money making venture. The Harkins chain did a full upgrade on this place a few years ago and now the theater has the almost obligatory stadium seating we have all gotten used to when going to the movies and while the screen may be small the sound system is excellent...though at times you can get some bleed in from the streets if there is loud music playing, but that is not often. The big thing about his theater is that along with Camelview 5 it is where you can regularly see independent rather than mainstream cinema and at this location they usually switch out the movie every week though at times a movie that is especially popular may be held over for several weeks but that is usually not the norm. You can also easily get to this location off the rail line which has a stop a block or two up Mill and of course the theater is surrounded by a variety of eating establishments (Caffe Boa down the street, The Big Fat Greek right next door, etc). Bottom line, it is a nice college town movie theater and I give great credit to Dan Harkins for making a point to provide this sort of entertainment venue for the ASU and local Tempe community. I've had some great movie experiences here (watching the movie Teeth with a bunch of high-school students when the subject of vagina dentata came up is something I won't soon forget) but so was watching the movie In Bruges. Bottom line, a great place to go see movies that you are not likely to show at any of the more mainstream venues for cinema here in Phoenix. read more

I expected a dump based on what it looks like out front but the manager was very nice and they only played 2 mins of previews which was awesome. Inside, the theater was kept up and clean and they also validate parking which most places don't do around there. I had a good time yesterday watching "God Bless America". I like the feel of a small theater instead of the usual multiplex. Also, there a many bars around it so you can grab a few cold ones before the flick. read more

Great place to catch an Indie. Perfect location too, after you can catch a bite to eat on this busy street.

My pals and I love watching quirky, indie movies here. There is not too much of a crowd and it is a historic place. The only thing that creeps me out is the manager. He is nice, but looks like he walked right off the set of a nerdy horror movie and he is a tad lazy about making fresh popcorn. In a weird way, he kind of adds to the authentic experience. read more

Ridiciously price to come in movie to watch the movie 15 dollars only this place and other Harkins theaters price 9.75 dollars. Will never come back again! And not deaf friendly because no caption device. Not recommend for deaf people. read more