A nice nonprofit local cinema. I've been to a couple of their themed showings and have seen a few other movies here. Seating is pretty decent, I haven't had any issues. And staff have been chill and friendly. Honestly this place gives me the most nostalgic vibes and is a great local spot to support. Definitely a pretty active social media community so worth checking out. read more

The Varsity Cinema - Inside - Cinema Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

This "non-profit art house" charges more ($14) than double what Fleur cinema charges ($6.54) for a matinee showing of DISCLOSURE DAY. It's disgraceful, and they should lose their "non-profit" status! read more

I've been here a few times. I really like the great customer service. But also please someone fix these poor folx keg. Aside of that. Love the venue love the employees. They're so kind and doing their best. I really appreciate this theater and it's cozy feel. Super easy to navigate. Definitely worth going to this Summer or anytime. The a/c is working well! And their restrroms are very clean. Parking super close. read more

saw one of the last movies here... Casablanca... I hope the new owners whoever they maybe we'll be able to continue this wonderful tradition at this theater. It's an expensive or reasonable would be a better word with wonderful old school popcorn and treats and a nice size screen and just a great resource to the Drake neighborhood in Des Moines. read more

The Varsity Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I was really excited about the renovation and re-opening of this theater. Went there for the first time this afternoon. Very under-whelming. After visiting the concession stand, we were told to go two floors up. TINY theater: about the size of a home theater. Maybe seating for 30 people? So small it felt awkward, like being in a stranger's living room. The screen was the size of the one my brother-in-law has in his basement, and sound quality was Walmart. 30 bucks for 2 tickets for a matinee and diet coke, in a ridiculous setting, was total rip-off. I've been in plenty of Manhattan art house theaters; small can be just fine, but this place is a total joke. read more

the Varsity Theatre is one of my fave spots in town! Nothing like a locally owned Independent theater! Who really loves and takes great care in showing movies! No Hoopla, previews, or high prices! You can see a movie, get a big popcorn, and large soda for under 10 bucks and they show great indepenent films! If you are coming to Des Moines to go to Drake, and like movies this will be your home away from home! read more

The Varsity Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

The Varsity Theatre is oldest independent theatre in the Des Moines area. It generally shows independent films. The family that owns this place are delightful. The person who takes the tickets also is responsible for starting the film. The con session person is the daughter of the original own. She is delightful! The concessions do not break the bank. The seats are the old kind that rock back and forth. It is very nostalgic. They do not take credit cards but they do take cash and personal checks. So make sure you prepare for this experience with cash. The also use real butter in their popcorn and the have old school concessions. The place is not fancy but it is wonderful! I recommend you take a step back and enjoy a flick at the Varsity as it is lovely. The ticket taker also was holding the door open for everyone when we left last night too... read more

I can't wait to visit this theatre again next time I'm home visiting the family! I went last week to watch "The End of the Tour" and I have nothing but awesome things to say about my experience. The movie was great but I'm here to talk about the customer service and cozy ambiance of the theatre. I walked in and a sweet lady said hello and welcomed me to the theatre. They only accept cash but based on how much the ticket was (around 8 bucks) I'm ok with that. I then walked up to order some popcorn. I would be remiss to add that the popcorn was less than $5. Talk about an amazing deal! Meanwhile, the popcorn had run out so the girl behind the counter said to go ahead and sit down. She would make some more, and when it was done she would bring it to me. ....Bring it to me!?!? Needless to say I was shocked but pleasantly surprised. I would recommend this theatre to anyone who loves watching small independent films in a cozy, comfortable, and antique-looking theatre. Make sure you go and enjoy it as soon as you can! read more

The Varsity Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Indy theatre that I will fully support. Went to see Nebraska here, the menu for food is really cheap and the host was very nice, very cozy inside a different feel than other places. My first time going even though I pass it everyday. They do play films that other places don't get, which is a plus since many great films aren't always the big budget mainstream ones. My 1st choice from now on in Des moines, great place alone for the atmosphere. read more

If you love foreign and indy films and love supporting locally owned businesses, this is the place! The Varsity has been a staple in the Drake Neighborhood for years and is one of my favorite places to catch a movie. The title they bring in are a bit off the beaten blockbuster path, but never a disappointment. I also love the fact that you will never find yourself gouged by the concession stand (almost everything on the menu is less than $2.00!!!!!) Please help keep fabulous businesses like this alive and kicking by giving them your movie dollars. You won't be disappointed! read more

Keep the nostalgia alive at the Varsity Theatre! I love this place! It's straight out of the Golden Years of the cinema...it has a great 50s/60s vibe and it simplicity is one thing I adore. It's a true local theater and the guy who sells your ticket is also the guy that plays the film reel. They show a lot of good indie films (much like the Fleur). The place is pretty inconspicuous from the street but it's a surprisingly large theater inside with a giant screen. It's the most affordable cinema in the area. I feel great about going here - it's locally owned, they play great films, and the place oozes charm! Now let's get to the real reason I go to the movies - concessions! And specifically...popcorn. I'm a sucker for a big bucket dripping with butter. Varsity has unbelievably good prices on their concessions. (The admission is a steal too.) Don't forget this hidden gem - keep it alive! Visit the Varsity today - where a 20 dollar bill will still let a couple see a movie and buy some treats! (Remember it's CASH ONLY.) read more

I try to see every movie that plays at this theater. They only choose great films as they only have one playing at a time. There isn't an experience like it. You feel like family when you walk in this place. The sound and picture are always good. And, you definitely can't beat the snack and drink prices! Not only do they have your regular fountain sodas, but, fresh brewed real deal iced tea! read more

One of my favourite theatres in Des Moines. It's affordable (but bring cash) and popcorn and snacks are cheap as well. It's cozy and great for an evening alone at an introspective film or as a date night. A true gem of the Drake neighborhood. read more

I love going to the Varsity. It's a huge theatre and always showing independent, off-beat movies. You can get in for a very reasonable price (especially compared to movie chains that cost $10 for a ticket) and get food and goodies for cheap. The only draw back is the seating, which is not the most comfortable. For a longer, maybe 3-hour, movie I would consider going to a newer theater to save my back some minor aches. read more

Please support this great theater! Best in Des Moines hands down. Comfy seats, large screen, great ambience, great staff, great location, great choice of films. Love this arthouse theater! read more

Without a doubt my favorite place to go to a movie. The selection of movies is always interesting, entertaining and thought provoking. We always walk out discussing the film and usually talk about it most of the way home. It is so nice to have a place where you know you are going to see a worthwhile film. You never feel you wasted your evening. Plus they have a revolving display of local artists that it's always fun to see. The owners are the best! Denise is always a friendly face and impressively adds up the very affordable concession items in her head. Bruce, although a bit more reserved, is always helpful and is sure to grab the door for you after the show. Although the theater does not have recliners, the seats are perfectly comfortable and it's nice to walk into a large old style movie theater. The Varsity is very clean, parking is convenient and you can't beat the ambiance. Come out and support a local landmark and enjoy the show. read more

Love this place. It's almost on par with my Fleur Cinema obsession level. It shows one really good movie at a time for a month or two. You'll sit through one preview. It's fantastic. It will have that vintage/musky smell, but that's just part of its charm. Make sure you bring cash. And if you're a drake student, be sure to flash your ID for a discount! If you're ever in the Drake neighborhood or just in the mood for something different, you should definitely swing by here for date night. read more

This is the #1 theater in Des Moines: comfortable seating, affordable snacks, interesting, intriguing movie choices. The Varsity is always our first choice for movie night. read more

The Varsity Theatre is a great place to catch a movie! They show such a variety of films; past examples include: The Passion of the Christ and Fahrenheit 9/11. You are receiving great quality customer service and are supporting a wonderful local business. As stated before, the cost of everything at the varsity is the best! Especially the concession prices! $1.35 for a small popcorn and $1.35 for a small pop ($2.70 total) - you can't beat that!!! Even the cheapest candies at $0.80 are unbeatable! Plus Monday thru Thursday they have student prices ($6.00)! I can't say enough great things about the Varsity, so take the time to visit and have a relaxing, pleasurable (plus not breaking the bank) evening/matinee at the Varsity. read more