Varsity Theatre

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.

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.

Amazing old school theater in middle of Des Moines. Shows mostly independent films and classics. Right up there with the fleur for best place in town to catch a flick.

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.)

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!

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!

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!

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 1^st choice from now on in Des moines, great place alone for the atmosphere.

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/​matinée at the Varsity.

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!