Varsity Cinema
@thevarsitydsm.bsky.social
Des Moines' nonprofit community art house cinema.
www.varsitydesmoines.com
www.varsitydesmoines.com
THE VOICE OF HIND RIJAB uses original audio recordings to devastating effect. The Best International Feature Film nominee is being hailed as “a virtuoso exercise in single-location filmmaking” (NYT) and “an essential act of intervention” (Time Out).
Now playing: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/the-v...
Now playing: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/the-v...
February 1, 2026 at 12:33 AM
THE VOICE OF HIND RIJAB uses original audio recordings to devastating effect. The Best International Feature Film nominee is being hailed as “a virtuoso exercise in single-location filmmaking” (NYT) and “an essential act of intervention” (Time Out).
Now playing: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/the-v...
Now playing: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/the-v...
Just a couple more days until GROUNDHOG DAY! Come quote your favorite holiday film at our Movie Bash on Monday, February 2 at 7pm. 🦫🎩
Tickets at: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/groun...
Tickets at: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/groun...
January 31, 2026 at 8:14 PM
Just a couple more days until GROUNDHOG DAY! Come quote your favorite holiday film at our Movie Bash on Monday, February 2 at 7pm. 🦫🎩
Tickets at: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/groun...
Tickets at: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/groun...
Join us on Sat., Feb. 7 for a one-time showing of the critically acclaimed 5+ hour documentary “My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow” w/ two intermissions.
It captures a moment of immense anxiety for a journalist in Russia, just months before the Ukraine invasion.
🎟️ bit.ly/4bnWD1j
It captures a moment of immense anxiety for a journalist in Russia, just months before the Ukraine invasion.
🎟️ bit.ly/4bnWD1j
January 30, 2026 at 1:29 AM
Join us on Sat., Feb. 7 for a one-time showing of the critically acclaimed 5+ hour documentary “My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow” w/ two intermissions.
It captures a moment of immense anxiety for a journalist in Russia, just months before the Ukraine invasion.
🎟️ bit.ly/4bnWD1j
It captures a moment of immense anxiety for a journalist in Russia, just months before the Ukraine invasion.
🎟️ bit.ly/4bnWD1j
Everyone in Iowa right now. 🥶
Save the date! 📆 GROUNDHOG DAY plays on February 2 at 7pm as our next Movie Bash — audience interaction encouraged!
🎟️ Tickets at: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/groun...
Save the date! 📆 GROUNDHOG DAY plays on February 2 at 7pm as our next Movie Bash — audience interaction encouraged!
🎟️ Tickets at: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/groun...
January 22, 2026 at 11:38 PM
Everyone in Iowa right now. 🥶
Save the date! 📆 GROUNDHOG DAY plays on February 2 at 7pm as our next Movie Bash — audience interaction encouraged!
🎟️ Tickets at: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/groun...
Save the date! 📆 GROUNDHOG DAY plays on February 2 at 7pm as our next Movie Bash — audience interaction encouraged!
🎟️ Tickets at: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/groun...
Our July stop motion class for 6-8 graders is almost sold out! But don’t worry — we’ve opened another week in August. 🤠 Grades 6-8: August 10-14 from 8:30am-12:30pm.
Register at: bit.ly/4r8oYgL
Register at: bit.ly/4r8oYgL
January 21, 2026 at 5:59 PM
Our July stop motion class for 6-8 graders is almost sold out! But don’t worry — we’ve opened another week in August. 🤠 Grades 6-8: August 10-14 from 8:30am-12:30pm.
Register at: bit.ly/4r8oYgL
Register at: bit.ly/4r8oYgL
Playing Saturday, January 24 at 1 pm: Met Live in HD production of THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER & CLAY — presented with the Des Moines Metro Opera!
Don't miss this exhilarating operatic adaptation of Michael Chabon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
Tickets: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/met-o...
Don't miss this exhilarating operatic adaptation of Michael Chabon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
Tickets: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/met-o...
January 19, 2026 at 11:46 PM
Playing Saturday, January 24 at 1 pm: Met Live in HD production of THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER & CLAY — presented with the Des Moines Metro Opera!
Don't miss this exhilarating operatic adaptation of Michael Chabon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
Tickets: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/met-o...
Don't miss this exhilarating operatic adaptation of Michael Chabon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
Tickets: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/met-o...
Back by popular demand, HAMNET returns this Friday, January 23!
January 19, 2026 at 1:31 AM
Back by popular demand, HAMNET returns this Friday, January 23!
It's finally here! There’s practically no other choice but to see NO OTHER CHOICE this weekend at the Varsity. Park Chan-wook’s latest is “a masterclass in the tension between comedy and tragedy” (Little White Lies) — and it's being hailed as one of the best films of 2025.
Tickets at bit.ly/3NNepB4
Tickets at bit.ly/3NNepB4
January 16, 2026 at 11:51 PM
It's finally here! There’s practically no other choice but to see NO OTHER CHOICE this weekend at the Varsity. Park Chan-wook’s latest is “a masterclass in the tension between comedy and tragedy” (Little White Lies) — and it's being hailed as one of the best films of 2025.
Tickets at bit.ly/3NNepB4
Tickets at bit.ly/3NNepB4
The award-winning docudrama THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB opens on January 30.
A group of Red Crescent volunteers respond to a call from a 6-year old girl trapped in a car fire in Gaza. While trying to keep her on the line, they do everything they can to get an ambulance to her. Her name was Hind Rajab.
A group of Red Crescent volunteers respond to a call from a 6-year old girl trapped in a car fire in Gaza. While trying to keep her on the line, they do everything they can to get an ambulance to her. Her name was Hind Rajab.
January 15, 2026 at 2:13 AM
The award-winning docudrama THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB opens on January 30.
A group of Red Crescent volunteers respond to a call from a 6-year old girl trapped in a car fire in Gaza. While trying to keep her on the line, they do everything they can to get an ambulance to her. Her name was Hind Rajab.
A group of Red Crescent volunteers respond to a call from a 6-year old girl trapped in a car fire in Gaza. While trying to keep her on the line, they do everything they can to get an ambulance to her. Her name was Hind Rajab.
Join us on Jan. 27 for a special screening of CHEVALIER, presented with the Des Moines Symphony! Concertmaster Jonathan Sturm will introduce the film and offer historical insight into the French-Caribbean musician Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ remarkable life.
Tickets: bit.ly/3YAzalZ
Tickets: bit.ly/3YAzalZ
January 14, 2026 at 12:58 AM
Join us on Jan. 27 for a special screening of CHEVALIER, presented with the Des Moines Symphony! Concertmaster Jonathan Sturm will introduce the film and offer historical insight into the French-Caribbean musician Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ remarkable life.
Tickets: bit.ly/3YAzalZ
Tickets: bit.ly/3YAzalZ
NO OTHER CHOICE opens this Friday!
Park Chan-wook (OLD BOY, THE HANDMAIDEN) is back with another masterfully crafted thriller/dark comedy.
Abruptly laid off after 25 years, a man goes to extreme lengths to eliminate the job market‘s competition.
Get tickets: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/no-ot...
Park Chan-wook (OLD BOY, THE HANDMAIDEN) is back with another masterfully crafted thriller/dark comedy.
Abruptly laid off after 25 years, a man goes to extreme lengths to eliminate the job market‘s competition.
Get tickets: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/no-ot...
January 13, 2026 at 1:15 AM
NO OTHER CHOICE opens this Friday!
Park Chan-wook (OLD BOY, THE HANDMAIDEN) is back with another masterfully crafted thriller/dark comedy.
Abruptly laid off after 25 years, a man goes to extreme lengths to eliminate the job market‘s competition.
Get tickets: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/no-ot...
Park Chan-wook (OLD BOY, THE HANDMAIDEN) is back with another masterfully crafted thriller/dark comedy.
Abruptly laid off after 25 years, a man goes to extreme lengths to eliminate the job market‘s competition.
Get tickets: varsitydesmoines.com/movies/no-ot...
Registration is now open for 2026 Summer Youth Programs for grades 4-12! Early Bird Pricing ends March 1.
🗺️ Passport Cinema: Stories Around the World
⏯️ Stop Motion Animation
🦸 Main Character Energy: Examining the Hero's Journey
💃 HerStory: The Female Perspective On Film
Sign up at: bit.ly/4bt2QJ8
🗺️ Passport Cinema: Stories Around the World
⏯️ Stop Motion Animation
🦸 Main Character Energy: Examining the Hero's Journey
💃 HerStory: The Female Perspective On Film
Sign up at: bit.ly/4bt2QJ8
January 12, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Registration is now open for 2026 Summer Youth Programs for grades 4-12! Early Bird Pricing ends March 1.
🗺️ Passport Cinema: Stories Around the World
⏯️ Stop Motion Animation
🦸 Main Character Energy: Examining the Hero's Journey
💃 HerStory: The Female Perspective On Film
Sign up at: bit.ly/4bt2QJ8
🗺️ Passport Cinema: Stories Around the World
⏯️ Stop Motion Animation
🦸 Main Character Energy: Examining the Hero's Journey
💃 HerStory: The Female Perspective On Film
Sign up at: bit.ly/4bt2QJ8
Cozy up with the wryly funny FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER – a unique anthology of estranged family, from acclaimed writer-director Jim Jarmusch, featuring an exceptional ensemble cast.
www.varsitydesmoines.com/movies/father-mother-sister-brother/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=or
www.varsitydesmoines.com/movies/father-mother-sister-brother/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=or
January 10, 2026 at 9:39 PM
Cozy up with the wryly funny FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER – a unique anthology of estranged family, from acclaimed writer-director Jim Jarmusch, featuring an exceptional ensemble cast.
www.varsitydesmoines.com/movies/father-mother-sister-brother/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=or
www.varsitydesmoines.com/movies/father-mother-sister-brother/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=or
Master filmmaker Park Chan-wook's NO OTHER CHOICE opens Jan 16!
After being fired and humiliated by a ruthless job market, a veteran paper mill manager descends into violence in a desperate bid to reclaim his dignity.
"A brutal story for brutal times...steeped in corrosive humor." — New York Times
After being fired and humiliated by a ruthless job market, a veteran paper mill manager descends into violence in a desperate bid to reclaim his dignity.
"A brutal story for brutal times...steeped in corrosive humor." — New York Times
January 9, 2026 at 10:33 PM
Master filmmaker Park Chan-wook's NO OTHER CHOICE opens Jan 16!
After being fired and humiliated by a ruthless job market, a veteran paper mill manager descends into violence in a desperate bid to reclaim his dignity.
"A brutal story for brutal times...steeped in corrosive humor." — New York Times
After being fired and humiliated by a ruthless job market, a veteran paper mill manager descends into violence in a desperate bid to reclaim his dignity.
"A brutal story for brutal times...steeped in corrosive humor." — New York Times
Opening Friday: Winner of the 2025 Golden Lion at Venice, FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER is the eagerly-awaited new film from Jim Jarmusch.
Funny, tender, and sharp, this intimate exploration of family dynamics stars Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, and Vicky Krieps.
Funny, tender, and sharp, this intimate exploration of family dynamics stars Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, and Vicky Krieps.
January 5, 2026 at 1:54 AM
Opening Friday: Winner of the 2025 Golden Lion at Venice, FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER is the eagerly-awaited new film from Jim Jarmusch.
Funny, tender, and sharp, this intimate exploration of family dynamics stars Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, and Vicky Krieps.
Funny, tender, and sharp, this intimate exploration of family dynamics stars Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, and Vicky Krieps.
Take it from Charli, THE PLAGUE is an unforgettable cinematic experience. Now playing. 🏊♂️
Tickets & Showtimes: www.varsitydesmoines.com/movies/the-plague/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=or
Tickets & Showtimes: www.varsitydesmoines.com/movies/the-plague/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=or
January 3, 2026 at 7:02 PM
Take it from Charli, THE PLAGUE is an unforgettable cinematic experience. Now playing. 🏊♂️
Tickets & Showtimes: www.varsitydesmoines.com/movies/the-plague/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=or
Tickets & Showtimes: www.varsitydesmoines.com/movies/the-plague/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=or
THE MET: LIVE in HD continues in 2026! Join us on Saturday, January 10 for I PURITANI – Presented with the Des Moines Metro Opera.
When it comes to beautiful melodies, captivating coloratura and virtuoso vocal fireworks, few operas can match the tragic love story of Elvira and Arturo in I PURITANI.
When it comes to beautiful melodies, captivating coloratura and virtuoso vocal fireworks, few operas can match the tragic love story of Elvira and Arturo in I PURITANI.
January 2, 2026 at 6:59 PM
THE MET: LIVE in HD continues in 2026! Join us on Saturday, January 10 for I PURITANI – Presented with the Des Moines Metro Opera.
When it comes to beautiful melodies, captivating coloratura and virtuoso vocal fireworks, few operas can match the tragic love story of Elvira and Arturo in I PURITANI.
When it comes to beautiful melodies, captivating coloratura and virtuoso vocal fireworks, few operas can match the tragic love story of Elvira and Arturo in I PURITANI.
End 2025 with one more movie at the Varsity. ✨ MARTY SUPREME and THE SECRET AGENT are now playing. (Don't worry, they'll be here next year too. 😉)
Thanks for another great year at the movies.
Thanks for another great year at the movies.
December 31, 2025 at 11:21 PM
End 2025 with one more movie at the Varsity. ✨ MARTY SUPREME and THE SECRET AGENT are now playing. (Don't worry, they'll be here next year too. 😉)
Thanks for another great year at the movies.
Thanks for another great year at the movies.
Have you witnessed the pursuit of greatness? MARTY SUPREME is now playing.
🟠“Safdie is working at a remarkable technical level.” – LWL
🟠“Boasts throwback elements but leans timeless in its unlikely hero’s journey” – USA Today
🟠“The wildest damn thing Chalamet has ever put on screen” – Peter Travers
🟠“Safdie is working at a remarkable technical level.” – LWL
🟠“Boasts throwback elements but leans timeless in its unlikely hero’s journey” – USA Today
🟠“The wildest damn thing Chalamet has ever put on screen” – Peter Travers
December 30, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Have you witnessed the pursuit of greatness? MARTY SUPREME is now playing.
🟠“Safdie is working at a remarkable technical level.” – LWL
🟠“Boasts throwback elements but leans timeless in its unlikely hero’s journey” – USA Today
🟠“The wildest damn thing Chalamet has ever put on screen” – Peter Travers
🟠“Safdie is working at a remarkable technical level.” – LWL
🟠“Boasts throwback elements but leans timeless in its unlikely hero’s journey” – USA Today
🟠“The wildest damn thing Chalamet has ever put on screen” – Peter Travers
Opening this week: a 12-year-old boy at a water polo summer camp experiences the vitriol of his peers in Charlie Polinger’s arresting feature debut THE PLAGUE.
December 28, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Opening this week: a 12-year-old boy at a water polo summer camp experiences the vitriol of his peers in Charlie Polinger’s arresting feature debut THE PLAGUE.
THE SECRET AGENT is winning over moviegoers for its historical precision, subversive storytelling, and a career-best performance from Wagner Moura. Now playing.
December 26, 2025 at 11:09 PM
THE SECRET AGENT is winning over moviegoers for its historical precision, subversive storytelling, and a career-best performance from Wagner Moura. Now playing.
Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.
#MartySupreme starring #TimotheeChalamet is now playing.
Showtimes & tickets at: www.varsitydesmoines.com/movies/marty-supreme/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=or
#MartySupreme starring #TimotheeChalamet is now playing.
Showtimes & tickets at: www.varsitydesmoines.com/movies/marty-supreme/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=or
December 26, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.
#MartySupreme starring #TimotheeChalamet is now playing.
Showtimes & tickets at: www.varsitydesmoines.com/movies/marty-supreme/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=or
#MartySupreme starring #TimotheeChalamet is now playing.
Showtimes & tickets at: www.varsitydesmoines.com/movies/marty-supreme/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=or
After winning big at Cannes, THE SECRET AGENT is already sweeping nominations early in awards season. In this neo-noir thriller, Marcelo (Wagner Moura) is an innocent man entangled in the dangerous regime of 1977 Brazil. Now playing at the Varsity.
December 22, 2025 at 11:48 PM
After winning big at Cannes, THE SECRET AGENT is already sweeping nominations early in awards season. In this neo-noir thriller, Marcelo (Wagner Moura) is an innocent man entangled in the dangerous regime of 1977 Brazil. Now playing at the Varsity.
Come out for a holiday edition of HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS on Mon., Dec. 22 at 7pm! This inventive, snow-covered spectacle feels like a live-action cartoon—complete with fuzzy beaver suits, mischievous antics, and wintry chaos. Featuring a special pre-recorded holiday intro!
🎟️ Tickets: bit.ly/44GrguG
🎟️ Tickets: bit.ly/44GrguG
December 21, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Come out for a holiday edition of HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS on Mon., Dec. 22 at 7pm! This inventive, snow-covered spectacle feels like a live-action cartoon—complete with fuzzy beaver suits, mischievous antics, and wintry chaos. Featuring a special pre-recorded holiday intro!
🎟️ Tickets: bit.ly/44GrguG
🎟️ Tickets: bit.ly/44GrguG
Less than a week to go until the highly anticipated A24 film MARTY SUPREME — starring Timothée Chalamet, directed by Josh Safdie. First screenings start Wednesday, December 24.
🎟️ Get tickets: bit.ly/4aVll8U
🎟️ Get tickets: bit.ly/4aVll8U
December 20, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Less than a week to go until the highly anticipated A24 film MARTY SUPREME — starring Timothée Chalamet, directed by Josh Safdie. First screenings start Wednesday, December 24.
🎟️ Get tickets: bit.ly/4aVll8U
🎟️ Get tickets: bit.ly/4aVll8U