Our list of cheap movie theaters in the Twin Cities was born out of necessity. As a family of six we have attended one — count it, one — movie together in an actual movie theater. After factoring in even matinee ticket prices and snacks — fountain drinks, a jumbo tub of popcorn and a box of Milk Duds — it’s just too tough to justify the splurge when we can cozy up at home with Netflix and a couple bags of microwaved ‘corn.
Our Favorite Cheap Movie Theater in Minneapolis
I am not immune, however, to the somewhat throwback charm of the big screen movie experience. I spent half of high school selling tickets and popping corn at a second-run cineplex and loved (almost) every minute of it. So between the nostalgia and the obvious need for a bargain, when our family members head out to the movies, we look no further than the RIVERVIEW THEATER in Minneapolis. You can’t beat the ticket prices or the fresh popcorn with real butter! The prices for treat deals will make a large family cry tears of joy, as well. Plus, the ambiance — 50’s era living room decor and an enormous screening room with comfy stadium seating — is half the fun.
A Guide to Free and Cheap Summer Movies
in Twin Cities Parks & Theaters
Riverview Theater Current Prices:
Following their re-opening in 2021, the Riverview was not able to continue with their second-run-movie model because of changes in distribution and streaming. Prices are currently $6 for kids and seniors and $8 for adult evening tickets. Matinees are $6 for everyone (a buck more for special shows, like 3D). There is almost always a family film screened each week. The theater hopes to return to second run films and lower prices as things return to normal.
Address: 3800 42nd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Deal: Sign up for the Riverview’s newsletter because they often offer FREE screenings for kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These screenings are open to everyone but require pre-registration and are not widely advertised.
Family Fun Bonus: If you are looking for nearby movie theatre popcorn that you can take home, the Riverview continues to sell discounted popcorn to-go any time they are open.
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Other Twin Cities Discount Movie Theaters and Cheap Flicks
With a couple exceptions, most cheap movie theaters are open in Minnesota. Here are some other cheap movie theaters around town where you can get cheap Seats for kid’s flicks, catch a bargain on a family movie or otherwise enjoy a couple hours with your young ones:
Alamo Drafthouse
Dinner and a movie in Woodbury – though it’s very hit-or-miss when it comes to coming across a children’s film.
Location: 9060 Hudson Rd, Woodbury, MN 55125
Deal: $6 discount tickets on Tuesdays
AMC Theaters
Locations: Apple Valley 15, 15630 Cedar Ave S Apple Valley, Minnesota 55124
Arbor Lakes 16, 12575 Elm Creek Blvd N Maple Grove, Minnesota 55311
Coon Rapids 16, 10051 Woodcrest Dr Nw Coon Rapids, Minnesota 55433
Eden Prairie Mall 18, 8251 Flying Cloud Drive Suite 4000 Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
Inver Grove 16, 5567 Bishop Ave Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota 55076
Mounds View 15, 2430 Co Hwy 10 Mounds View, Minnesota 55112
Rosedale 14, 1595 Highway 36 W Suite #1000 Roseville, Minnesota 55113
Southdale 16, 400 Southdale Ctr Edina, Minnesota 55435
Deals: Every day before 5pm, movie ticket prices are 30% OFF the evening general admission price; $5 Fan Faves are occasionally offered (movie classics). Members of the AMC Stubs program can also get discount perks on Tuesdays.
Other Family Friendly Offerings: Sensory Friendly Screenings.
B&B Theatres
Locations: Â Mall of America, 401 South Avenue, Bloomington, MN 55425
Deal: Sign up for the free Back-Stage Pass Program to get cheap tickets – including $5 bargain Tuesday tickets with a free small popcorn. Watch for the Summer Kids Series when school is out for $5 kid-friendly movies Tuesdays-Thursdays.
Other Family Friendly Offerings: Sensory Friendly Films, Birthday Party Packages.
Emagine Theaters
Locations: 4423 US Highway 12, Delano, Minnesota
2055 Cliff Rd, Eagan, Minnesota
18635 Ulysses St NE, East Bethel, Minnesota
20653 Keokuk Ave, Lakeville, Minnesota
9375 Deegan Avenue, Monticello, Minnesota
13692 Rogers Drive, Rogers, Minnesota
101 West 1st Street, Waconia, Minnesota
1180 County Road J, White Bear Township, Minnesota
Willow Creek, 9900 Shelard Parkway, Plymouth, Minnesota
Deal: $5 Tuesdays, all ages and all day – must sign up as an Emagine Rewards member.
Other Family Friendly Offerings: Sensory Friendly showings at Rogers & Lakeville locations.
Marcus Theaters
Locations: Elk River Cinema, 570 Freeport – Elk River Mall, Elk River, MN 55330
Hastings Cinema, 1325 South Frontage Road, Hastings, MN 55033
Oakdale Cinema, 5677 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, MN 55128
Rosemount Cinema, 15280 Carrousel Way, Rosemount, MN 55068
Shakopee Cinema, 1116 Shakopee Town Square, Shakopee, MN 55379
Southbridge Crossing Cinema, 8380 Hansen Avenue, Shakopee, MN 55379
Deals:
- Student Thursdays tickets are now $7.50 plus free 46oz popcorn with a student ID.
- Join Magical Movie Rewards to earn rewards if you plan to visit often.
- Summer Kids Dream – Family Film Series
Other Family Friendly Offerings: Reel Movies for Real Needs special needs showings, regular family and kid-friendly events and series.
Mann Theatres
Locations: 11500 Theatre Drive, Champlin MN 55316 (Offers a drive in in parking lot during warmer months plus indoor theaters)
1830 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105
760 Cleveland Ave S., Saint Paul, MN 55116
3400 Vicksburg Lane, Plymouth, MN 55447
Deals: Both St. Paul locations offer movies for just $5.50 all day on Tuesdays, no signups involved.
Cinema Grill
Location: 2749 Winnetka Ave N., New Hope, MN 55427
Deals: Tickets always $3-$4/pp and only $2 on “Throw Back” Movies
Other Family Friendly Offerings: Birthday parties.
Plaza Theater
Location: 1847 Larpenteur Avenue East, Maplewood MN 55109
Currently Closed.
St Anthony Main Theatre
Location: St. Anthony Main, 115 Main Street, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Deals: $5 Tuesdays – all day every Tuesday. $5 Kids every Day!
The MSP Film Society now operates St. Anthony Main. The theater was updated and modernized in 2022, new concession selections are available (but the same great popcorn). The $5 Tuesdays deal has been brought back by popular demand. As of spring 2023, kids ages 12 and under get $5 tickets every day.
St Michael Cinema
Location: 4300 O’Day Ave NE, St Michael, MN 55376
Deals:Â Matinee price: $5.59 all ages daily, kids always $5.59. Vikings games are FREE and first come, first seated.
Woodbury 10 Theatre
Location: 1470 Queens Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
Deals: Bargain Wednesdays: $5 tickets & $5 kids trays.
Cheap Movie Theater Treat for the Teens & Parents
The Lagoon Cinema in Uptown maintains a “sophisticated adult-oriented atmosphere”. Think date night or a one-on-one teen night. They are also likely to carry independent and foreign films that you might not be able to find elsewhere. We loved discovering new films here as young adults, but there are rarely offerings for little kids.
Lagoon Cinema – Landmark Theatre
Location: 1320 Lagoon Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Deals: $7.75 Tuesdays
FREE Indoor Movies for Kids and Families
Although FREE movies in the Park are a staple of summer for new movies and classic films, there are a few places where families can catch free movies during the colder months, too:
The Amphiteatre in Edinborough Park
Location: 7700 York Ave. S., Edina, MN 55424
Deals: Often offers FREE Friday Night Family Movies. Check the park’s calendar for upcoming dates.
Union Depot
Location: 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Deals: Occasional movie nights inside the great hall, especially during the holiday season. Find Union Depot’s event calendar here.
Have any to add to the list of discount theaters? Do any dollar theaters still exist? Drop us a line and let us know!
Related Articles:
- Drive-In Theaters In and Around Minnesota
- Don’t forget to check our guide to cheap summer movies – with special theater deals and a list of movies in the park programs.
- Turn Family Movie Night into a Cozy Act of Kindness
Prices last verified 1/6/2023