Special Events
Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror
- Thu, Sep 25
Thu, Sep 25 @ 7:00 pm: In celebration of Rocky Horror's 50th Anniversary!
Director: Linus O'Brien Run Time: 90 min. Release Year: 2025
Starring: Barry Bostwick, Nell Campbell, Richard O'Brien, Susan Sarandon, Tim Curry
A wild journey into the origins of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the biggest cult film of all...
Metropolis with Live Score – Des Moines Film’s 10th Anniversary
- Sun, Sep 28
Sun, Sep 28 @ 7:00 pm: Celebrate with us!
Director: Fritz Lang Run Time: 153 min. Release Year: 1927 Language: German
Starring: Alfred Abel, Brigitte Helm, Gustav Fröhlich, Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Theodor Loos
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Des Moines Film with this special screening and live score.
MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival: You Be the Judge!
- Tue, Sep 30
- Sat, Oct 4
Tue, Sep 30 @ 7:00 pm: Cast your vote!Sat, Oct 4 @ 1:00 pm: Cast your vote!
Run Time: 154 min.
The beloved worldwide film festival returns to Des Moines at Varsity Cinema. YOU be the judge!
The Librarians with Panel Discussion
- Tue, Oct 7
Tue, Oct 7 @ 6:30 pm: Celebrate Banned Book week with us!
Director: Kim A. Snyder Run Time: 94 min. Release Year: 2025
Following the show, a panel of voices organized by Cowles Library at Drake University will share how the issues raised...
National Theatre Live: Inter Alia
- Sun, Oct 12
Director: Justin Martin Run Time: 105 min. Release Year: 2025
Starring: Jamie Glover, Jasper Talbot, Rosamund Pike
A searing new play from the team behind Prima Facie.
Misery – 35th Anniversary Screening with TCM Festival Q&A
- Tue, Oct 14
- Sun, Oct 19
Director: Rob Reiner Run Time: 107 min. Release Year: 1990
Starring: Frances Sternhagen, James Caan, Kathy Bates, Lauren Bacall, Richard Farnsworth
Paul Sheldon used to write for a living. Now, he’s writing to stay alive.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Live Shadow Cast
- Fri, Oct 17
- Sat, Oct 18
Fri, Oct 17 @ 10:00 pm: Celebrate Rocky Horror's 50th Anniversary!Sat, Oct 18 @ 1:00 pm: Celebrate Rocky Horror's 50th Anniversary!
Director: Jim Sharman Run Time: 100 min. Release Year: 1975
Starring: Barry Bostwick, Patricia Quinn, Richard O'Brien, Susan Sarandon, Tim Curry
A different set of jaws.
Scooby-Doo with Audience Interaction
- Tue, Oct 21
Director: Raja Gosnell Run Time: 87 min. Release Year: 2002
Starring: Freddie Prinze Jr., Linda Cardellini, Matthew Lillard, Neil Fanning, Sarah Michelle Gellar
Be afraid. Be kind of afraid.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors – Presented with The Fright Zone
- Thu, Oct 23
Director: Chuck Russell Run Time: 96 min. Release Year: 1987
Starring: Craig Wasson, Heather Langenkamp, Laurence Fishburne, Patricia Arquette, Robert Englund
If you think you'll get out alive, you must be dreaming.
Life After – Presented with The Harkin Institute and the Des Moines Art Center
- Wed, Nov 5
Director: Reid Davenport Run Time: 100 min. Release Year: 2025
Starring: Alex Thompson, Ann Gulliver, Catherine Frazee, Rebecca Castner
Kick off the ReelAbilities Film Festival with this one-night event at Varsity Cinema. Staff from The Harkin Institute...