If you like old, you came to the right place. It's 90 years old. However, it's small. You can't move your legs around or anything. I was on the balcony sitting towards the right of the theater and in front of me was a wooden stage to hold the lighting. There was this huge light in front of me and so i moved, but it wasn't on. There was no reason for it. I came during Sundance Film Festival, so the House was packed. They were very organized and everything ran on time. I wish the sound was just a notch or two louder. It's a great theater but surely needs a few updates to keep with the times. The movie screen was sharp and clear, no interferences. Just wish it was a bit more comfortable for me while i was sitting. :/ read more

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Take a step back in time....no, take ten steps back-and find yourself at Tower Theater. It's like a snapshot from when movies were first gaining popularity in theaters and people were excited to dress up for the event. This little old theater is located near the corner of 9th and 9th-a trendy area. The parking is limited, but it's not usually too bad since they only show one film at a time. You'll find concessions at a fraction of the price at larger theaters. And bonus points for the DVDs that you can rent. How many other movie theaters do THAT? This is a great little independent theater that we should all support. It's like a preservation effort that we can all participate in. read more

Is there such a thing as a hole-in-the-wall movie theatre? I love the Tower ... I've been going for the 15 years I've been living here in SLC. I love the old-school vibe of the one grandiose movie house. I love the fact I can it front row center without killing my neck. I love the big, old school marquee out front. I love the fact that its thrived as an independent movie theatre. I've been there for Sundance films, and I've been there hundreds of time to say great independent movies. They also have an amazing DVD/Blu-Ray collection for rent, mostly indy classics, foreign films and a great deal directly out of the Criterion Collection. Add to this a great big screen, an excellent sound system, and comfortable seats. Yes, the place is old and creeky. Yes the downstairs bathroom rivals Transporting's Worst Toilet in Scotland. Yes, they seem to be a second-run house for movies that were at the Broadway (and, thus, I don't get over to the Tower since I've already seen everything). There's just so much I like about the Tower that I have never have sweated the small stuff. The movies and the venue are amazing. read more

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I probably never would have ever gone to the Tower, except they were playing an independent film that wasn't showing anywhere else in the area, and I just so happened to search it and see it was playing here. Yay! I'm so glad I did, though, because it's lovely. They only have one (small-ish) screen, and the theater is almost dilapidated and most definitely old fashioned, but also sweetly charming: there are two levels of seating, all the chairs are green velvet, and while they don't recline or anything they were surprisingly comfortable. I think they generally have three to four screenings a night. You can find the show times on their website or call for a recorded list. They also offer DVDs for rent. I only looked briefly, but they seemed to be in line with the theater's showings (i.e. movies you might experience difficulty tracking down elsewhere). There was just one employee working, but it was not busy, and she was friendly. Their restrooms were a little (okay a lot) dingy, but that's not really a big deal. As far as concessions go they offer popcorn ($4 or $6 depending on size), chocolate bars (Ritter sport and one other nicer brand for $3 each), some small containers of various candies, about twenty options (several gummies, chocolate things, fancy nuts, etc - I think $3 or $4 each), plus a few drinks (soda, waters, about $3 each). Tickets were $9.75, which is a steal (well, compared to your more standard theater). You can also purchase tickets online through their website with a $1 service fee per each one. Parking in this area is the worst, so give yourself a few extra minutes to hunt for a space to avoid missing the beginning of your movie. I would choose a theater with character like this over one of those monstrous huge cinemas any day. Plus, I love supporting film that doesn't get recognition elsewhere, and 98% of the popular movies suck anyways. I'm really glad (and slightly surprised) that Salt Lake offers a theater like this, but so happy we have it. I'll definitely return. read more

The tower is most likely the oldest continuously run movie theater in Salt Lake City. For years, it was a dollar movie theatre, but, under the management of the Salt Lake Film Society, it shows independent movies from around the world and also is a venue for Sundance Film Festival movies. I was there for the Sundance showing of The Birth of a Nation this week. I found the screen to be inadequately small, the theatre in a state of disrepair and the seats uncomfortably narrow and poorly cushioned. The sound was reasonably good. Throughout the film, I found myself jostling for arm position with the guy sitting next to me. If the Tower did not show unique movies, there would be little, other than location to merit its existence. The Broadway theaters, also run by the SLFS are so much nicer and more comfortable. I'd love to support the Tower, but, in its current state of repair, I don't plan to return until it is upgraded. That includes avoiding Sundance films there. read more

Tower Theatre - Sundance at the Tower. - Cinema Near Me - Salt Lake City, Utah

Staff are really friendly, nice selection of treats. Seats are pretty typical for a theatre but not uncomfortable. Really happy that they show movies that would be hard to find elsewhere! They also look like they have a good selection of movies to buy (maybe rent? not sure) spanning a wide variety of genres. My only complaint I think is the smell of the theatre? It could've been just the day that I went, but the theatre had a really really strange smell (a bit like a public restroom if I'm being entirely honest). I often pick up on smells that don't bother other people, though, so I might just have a sensitive nose. Got used to it after a couple minutes, though, and it didn't take away from the movie so I can't complain. Will probably be back. :) read more

I have loved this place for years. But, a recent experience here soured my affection. My two friends and I recently attended a special event at The Tower and were treated with a great deal of disrespect by the event staff (associated with SLFS or not). Without getting into too much detail, upon confronting the Tower staff in a very respectful manner regarding the possibility of skipping this event and either receiving refunds or vouchers to attend a regular film in the future (which seemed like a very reasonable offer given how frequently we attend and how much money we spend at the snack bar), we were dismissed empty-handed. As much as I dig the vibe of the theatre, and how much I enjoy their selection of films... My friends and I are not likely to return to The Tower any time soon. It can be difficult to shake a sour experience like that. read more

I haven't seen a movie here yet but I have rented dvds and they have a HUGE selection! Pretty much anything you coukd want is here. If you're looking for anything new, check out the new arrivals first before the section they might be in. I felt like I had seen all the documentaries in the documentary section until I walked by the new arrivals sections and there were way more! Mondays are rent two for the price of one! read more

Cool vibe here. Very classic and low key theatre that is good for small events or for maybe an old school movie experience. There's a stage in there as well. Seats are decently comfortable and the projector screen is big and high quality. Not much else to say! read more

#SUNDANCELOCALS inspired. Happy. Cool. neat. Exciting. Special. Like the support offered. Great visit.

Tower Theatre is a refreshing taste of what the cinema used to be. The wave of mega-theaters with luxury seating in Utah is great, but sometimes you just want to get back to the basics. Tower shows lots of indie movies, and it's a local establishment that we should definitely support. Pro-tip: you can bring drinks from Coffee Garden (coffee shop next door) in with you! read more

we checked this place out today for the first time & it was lots of fun! tower theatre is apart of the salt lake film society, an independent film organization that started as a non profit almost 20 years ago. they shy away from the main stream movies & support the arts, low budget pieces, & stuff that's a little more "out there". the broadway theatre in downtown salt lake is an actual theatre with 6-8 screens, however tower is originally a playhouse turned movie theatre in 2001. therefore, only one screen, & much fewer showings. I've been to broadway quite a few times, but I'm so glad we could finally make it to the tower! since broadway is larger & has more screens, they play films that are in more popular demand. the tower plays some stuff that doesn't have a lot of coverage, which i appreciate. that being said, is part of the reason why it's taken me so long to come here, there's usually no titles I'm dying to see, but today was the exception! we saw "Mandy" that actually came out in 2018, but was brought back this weekend as apart of their "late night summer series", which is basically just a fest for titles that have already hit the big screens. "Mandy" is one of Nicholas Cage's lesser-known films, & a mix of horror, drama, & a psychedelic trip (literally). it was probably the whackest shit I've ever seen, but highly entertaining! give it a watch at some point! the theatre itself has a small, different feel to it. they also have dvds & vhs movies for sale, all sorts of old titles you might have a problem finding elsewhere. there's a small concession stand, & only a few employees but they were very nice! the actual theatre is larger than I expected, & was very, very dark. the seats weren't amazingly comfortable, but that's to be expected due to its age. overall, it was a good time & the vibes were chill. the best part is the 9th & 9th location, so it's in the perfect spot to come with friends or a date, so you can enjoy a unique movie, then grab lunch, dinner, coffee, drinks, or gelato afterwards. read more

Going to the movies on a date? Grab a bag of Kookaburra (the good licorice!), a Ritter Sport, or the usual soda and popcorn. Head up the stairs (they feel rickety, but they're fine.), and get a seat in the balcony. Especially if you're not at a premier, there should be plenty of room for you and your date to feel special. You're going to see a film that not every multiplex in town is playing, so that should make you feel extra cool. If you're still up for some more cinematic fun, grab a rental on the way out. If you're at a midnight showing or Sundancing, enjoy the decent drip coffee- or if you need a latte, pop over next door and grab one. Sure, the seats aren't brand new. Probably not as comfortable as those cushy ones they have at that horrible Cinemark on 33rd. I never noticed. I was too busy watching Plan 10 From Outer Space, Lola Rennt, or Irreversible, or Groove, or AntiChrist, or any of the myriad Sundance films I've had the pleasure of seeing here. I have back problems and can tell you the seats are adequate. The people who run the theater are fun, knowledgeable and friendly. They even have an in- house cat! To the haters: really? You're precisely the reason we're stuck with so many cookie- cutter chain multiplexes. You want the moon, you want it cheap, and you want it clean and brand new- but you still want them to play whatever you think a good film is. Then when the place is a shiny new, hollow box that charges 10 bucks for popcorn, you'll complain it's got no soul. To the guy who actually recommended Netflixing as a reasonable alternative to SEEING A FILM IN A REAL THEATER WITH OTHER LIKE-MINDED MOVIEGOERS... wow. Just wow. Not even going there. If you need a theater to be clean, smell of "new theater smell", and have no personality, then Tower is definitely not for you. If you are really worried about the decay of the place, then buy a Salt Lake Film Society membership and quitcherbitchin. I, meanwhile, will continue to build on my many wonderful experiences and memories there. read more

The Tower is my favorite Sundance venue, bar none. The might be due to the amazing work of Rene Zepeda and his crew, but there is still much to love about the theatre itself. Is the snack selection great? Nope! They do what they can out of the 5x5 space that serves as the snack bar, box office, video rental counter, and for all I know, place where the bodies are disposed of and tea cozy manufacturing plant. I have never once gotten flack for bringing in outside food, though. Chow Truck parked there for the latter half of the week during this Sundance and I dragged many a package of root chips and other delicious food in with me. I got the sense that I probably could have taken in a full side of beef and nobody would have minded. I love the amazing and eclectic films available for rent here. It's hard to imagine that, given the existence of a quirky or obscure film, Tower doesn't have a copy for you to borrow. The seating is the key reason that I love the venue. It looks a little like my junior high school auditorium, but the seats, clearly created during a bygone era, were engineered so that actual human bodies can sit in them comfortably. That may sound like a backhanded compliment, but it's really just meant to distinguish them from the seats at the Broadway. Maybe even more importantly than the seats themselves is the spacing between rows which is generous. The slight rake of the auditorium combined with an elevated screen makes for a comfy viewing experience. Sure this place is tattered at the corners, but once the lights go down and the movie starts, do you really care that much about what the walls look like? read more

Perhaps the only remaining SLC theatre with any history or charm, The Tower is an institution. The building and sound system certainly aren't state-of-the-art, but it's one of the few places in the city where one can find independent film. Plus, a good midnight movie weekend every month. The young staff are true film aficionados and make fine recommendations from the Tower's eclectic array of rentable videos and DVDs. read more

One of Utah's best venues. I've seen dozens of classic films here, and every time is memorable. It's really such a unique place and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about all things cinema. The Tower is a Salt Lake Landmark for sure. These guys (Salt Lake Film Society) expanded their operation to the old Cinemark Broadway theaters years back and now show a lot there, too. However, if you have the choice, go with the smaller screened, weird smelling Tower. Before Netflix, this was pretty much the only place you could go in Salt Lake to get your Bergman, or Wong Kar-Wai movies. read more

Don't miss this vintage movie palace if yr visiting SLC! A creaky, crackling treasure in the 9th and 9th neighborhood SLC, with a number of cute restaurants, drinking holes, and dessert shops, make this a great location for a date night! The Tower Theater is one of the oldest movie theaters in SLC. Home to the Salt Lake Film Society, this theater frequently plays new arthouse and indie films, as well as second run favorites, midnight movies, as well as featuring a fully-stocked movie rental store in their lobby, featuring movies from all over the world, as well as local filmmakers. H. and i saw The Witch here, which was a glorious venue for such a creepy, atmospheric film! There was hardly anybody there - a wonderful setting for one of the best new horror films out there. The women's bathroom is said to be haunted. Movie lovers, history buffs, and architectural enthusiasts, don't miss this spot! read more

The Tower is just awesome. You can come here to see everything from the Best Picture nominees you didn't even know existed to old showings of Gremlins. This is the place that has it all. They have awesome staff, a always rotating selection of movies and a video rental service right out of the Lobby! Every year they also put on an awesome show for Rockey Horror Picture Show and if you don't come dressed up, prepare to get harassed (but in a good way). This place is just fantastic and everyone that is there generally feels the same way about the movie. It's a great place and you'll have a great time. read more

This is about as old school as a movie theater can get! I love this place! The creaking floors, the old smells, the bathroom in the basement...it's the way theaters used to be. Sure, the sound isn't that great (the theater has a bad echo and the acoustics aren't the best) and the seats are very old and slightly uncomfortable, but the Tower is a true art house theater. Here you'll find films you'll never see playing anywhere else. Take advantage of this Salt Lake City icon; we live out of state and always see movies here whenever we are visiting. The snack bar is tiny but they do have a small popcorn machine (and a friendly cat that hangs out in the lobby). You can rent from their small (but awesome) selection of DVDs as well. Parking is free and on the street in a quiet neighborhood and is usually easy to find. This is not a modern, state-of-the-art theater but it makes for a great and memorable night at the movies. read more

a bit ran down, a bit too hipster, a bit trying to hard to be different. Love the history behind it, and Im so grateful for the SLC Film Society that keeps this building filled with attitude and expression. I didn't really like the rocky horror show here... but I do like seeing this building addind history to 9th and 9th and the city in general. read more

Tower Theater is completely cute, quaint, personal, yet very welcoming, open, and perfectly located!! The video quality is excellent, professional... equal to any "chain" theater you can find. I love that they show Indipendent films; the stuff you can't see anywhere else. They're not afraid to show anything! I especially love that they showed "8: The Mormon Proposition" being in the heart of Mormon country! Huge effing props to them for that! read more

If you can't find that old movie that brought you joy, and is off the beaten Hollywood Trail come here and find it. They have a wide selection of obscure movies, and favorites. Did I mention they also show movies on a theater screen? Well they do, and more independent stuff. I remember watching Orgasmo here! We recently attended the showing of Priscilla Queen of the Desert hosted by the Cyber Sluts, a local drag troop. That was so much fun! read more

This is a small independent movie theatre located on 9th and 9th. They show mostly indie movies and also rent movies from the lobby. They sometimes show movies during the Sundance film festival as well. If you are a film aficionado then this is your place, albeit with some caveats. This being an honest and complete review I'm going to discuss some of those. Yes you can and should love this place because it shows movies no one else is willing show but there are also reasons not to love it. There is a whole wonderful world of independent movies never seen by the mass audience. It is probably the most run down movie theatre in town. It has a decidedly strong odor inside not unlike the smell of urine. The seats are wholly uncomfortable and often in disrepair. The paint is peeling off the walls, and well, you get the idea. Why does an indie movie theatre have to be such a ramshackle? It doesn't, but this one is. Now, the other main point. Almost all of these movies can be found online through services like Netflix. Why not stream them at home and skip the dilapidated movie theatre? Almost everything in the lobby for rent can be found online as well. The screen is pretty small, there is no digital projection, the sound system really doesn't sound all that great. The seating is not stadium so you get to look at the back of someone's head blocking part of the screen. While I appreciate a good movie on actual film as much as the next filmophile, especially when it's a bit esoteric or even avant garde, it is really hard for me to entice any of my friends to go to this theatre. They all think it's raunchy and they don't like it. So it's bedraggled manner is clearly a factor and must be considered in any review. Now having said all that if they were to show the newly restored and reconstructed version of Fritz Lang's 1927 masterpiece Metropolis I would be the first person in line. Which is exactly the reason to go to a place like this. To watch a movie I absolutely cannot find anywhere else. The neighborhood is wonderful. There should be many more areas like 9th and 9th and 15th and 15th in Salt Lake City. There are some nice places nearby to grab a bite to eat like Mazza and a Starbuck's for the coffee lover. Are there better theatres, yes there are. That is why it only gets two stars. read more

I actually got free tickets to a Sundance Film that was viewing here and came with a friend, I assumed that it would be like a Cinemark or a Megaplex theater inside but it's much more compact in the entrance where the concessions are. That being said I liked it because it's niche and unique in its own way not to mention it's independent so if you want to watch a movie that for sure isn't being aired in the mainstream theaters go to this theater, it is a bit more pricey but I deem it worth it just to be able to see what I want that's being refused to be shown in other theaters. read more

Coming from an arts background, I like to consider myself at the very lest capable in recognizing a venue that represents it's chosen art in a tasteful, appropriate, and accessible manor. One of the biggest things I miss about home is my little home theatre where I took a date to sing Singing in the Rain, and went with my father to Man on a Wire all in the same week. I am beyond grateful for the Tower filling this void. From the Summer Film Festival to the cult classic showing Rocky Horror Picture I have never been disappointed, or felt defeated by a heavy price. The SLC Film Society has done a tremendous job keeping a true staple to the ever growing film culture in Salt Lake City, alive and bleeding with intense life. A huge part of why I continue to go there is also for their rental movies. Being interested in film to a certain degree it is wonderful to be able to surround myself in a helpful atmosphere full of knowledge and patience. Don't go here if you expect a commercial environment brimming with plots to take more money from you. Go here to indulge in the dark and whimsical nature that film is; sit back and enjoy a showing of Badlands in it's original 45 millimeter film. Or make a date of it and enjoy one of there many late night showings with someone. Just don't expect it to yell, scream, and kick like the violence of commercialism. Expect subtlety. Expect to be told to smoke in the alley. Expect to be but outside of your comfort zone. In the best of ways. read more

I love my trips to this vintage movie theater. From the wood floors, curtains around the screen and the upper level seating. They cater to the classic movie lover and you can tell by the movies they get in first run. And the selection of very hard to find DVD's to find for rent is unbelievable. Yes I will come here again when they show another true independent film I will be happy to see. read more

Seating is pretty horrible at this venue, I never had to wiggle so much in my chair to make sure I didn't get a butt sore.

As a devoted cinema buff, I love this place. I love their midnight movies, where they show all kinds of crazy old stuff like pee-wee herman or hedwig and the angry inch. I love their huge video selection, with tons of great movies by all the greatest directors. The theater is a little small and the screen isn't that big but if you're looking for a great movie, check the listings first, because selection varies, but then go to this place. read more

Cozy, snuggly little balcony, although during Sundance this year they were ROASTING us up there in the cheap seats (then somebody apparently figured that out and cut it down). It was a blast seeing Black Dynamite last year and then HIGH School this year. That many people laughing that hard in such a small space was infectious. I've only glanced through things and haven't personally rented, but from the titles I've seen plus the sheer volume of DVDs thry have, it would seem that Tower has a selection of obcure movie rentals equal to or better than any hipster video store anywhere. read more

They show films that don't get to see much light of day. Which I like. But I agree with Jason F, it's a bit run down. Maybe that's, ultimately, the draw for some. read more

the seats aren't all that comfortable and the sound system isn't THX certified, but the tower keeps bringing me back. i guess this must be because 1) they get smaller movies that don't show anywhere else in the valley 2) the staff is always friendly and 3) the midnight movies each weekend. and the popcorn is buttery and salty and better than the microwave kind. read more

Such a great collection of rentals. I love this place! So happy to be their neighbor.

The Tower is a bit rundown, and the sound in the theatre is a real liability. The video selection is excellent, especially for indie, foreign, and art-house films, and the staff folk are fine. But they should really let the Tower go, it remains because of hipsters' sentimentality. Sundance should have a more modern facility at it's disposal. read more

Inexpensive and fun way to support your local culture. Great vibe, nice people, fun overall. Great relaxing date night for friends, couples, families. read more

The Tower is an SLC landmark. Have been a regular for the last 23 years. The video library with the knowledgeable staff make the Tower just awesome. Get the Film society membership for discounts. Well worth it if you are a film buff. Enjoy! read more

I am still in love with this theater after so many years! It's the only rare dying breed of theater left in Utah. It's a venue that serves a vital purpose as classic cinema the way it was originated. The avant-garde, controversial, artistic films that are brought here are top notch. It caters to its more "movies as art" crowd keenly. Please stay around! I worry about these Cinemarks on every corner taking over the one classy theater we have left in Utah! read more

The Tower is the only place in the state (with the exception of The Broadway, which is operated by the same people) that plays exclusively indie/cult/odd movies. That's amazing for me, since those are mainly the only movies I watch. They have cool events, like The Sound of Music and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I find its age and design endearing, although I'd understand why someone wouldn't. They have a great selection of movies to rent as well. My only issue with the place is that whenever I go to a "special" screening like the Summer Movies or RHPS, it seems the employees aren't prepared. They usually start late and once I saw a girl behind the concessions ask a guy she knew to help her and I don't think he was working. Besides that they're usually good and nice though. I would definitely recommend. read more

I've ALWAYS loved this theater. However, I've always felt like it needs alot of restoration work maybe like a paint job, replace the old curtain fabric on the walls, new seats and perhaps a little bigger new screen. I'm sure this would be a costly endeavor but it will help so we can continue to enjoy this treasure for many more years to come read more

What can I say?! The Tower Theatre is one of the best and original cinema experiences in Salt Lake City. The Tower Theatre located at 9th and 9th is a single screen theatre that is reminiscent of the original theaters without all the fancy accommodations that are not needed. The Tower brings in independent cinema that rarely gets seen, but always get nominated. The small theatre has all of the food amenities that you want, popcorn, soda, and candy. Additionally, the tower has it's own video rental business with a great selection of old and new independent cinema. The Tower is a part of the Salt Lake Film Society that owns the Broadway, so if you have membership you likely receive a discount or even free rentals. During the summer, they screened 35mm films (older films). Now they have digital projectors, so it is likely they will just screen older films. Additionally, the Tower screens Sundance Films which is an amazing experience. The staff is always friendly, there is parking on the street, and the Tower provides a true film experience from yesterday. Let's just say the Tower has great character not present in current theaters. So next time you want to see an independent film, head over to the Tower and stay in the area for dinner at Mazza, Pago, or any of the other 9th and 9th restaurants. read more

A SLC gem! I love the Tower Theatre and all of its flair and flaws. Whether you're catching a matinee or it's a date night, this place doesn't disappoint. read more