This is the most charming movie theater in the entire Twin Cities area, hands down, absolutely deserving of its current rating of 4.9 out of five stars! Built in 1948, the owners have worked hard to maintain its last-century charm. Delightful art-deco design touches will catch your eye throughout. The lobby feels as though you’ve stepped back in time, a place where I am instantly at ease. The prices are among the best in town. Show tickets are very reasonable, especially for a matinee. The concessions are very fairly priced as well, and I challenge anyone to find a better popcorn in town! (Seriously, this place might be worth a trip just for the popcorn.) The theater only has one screen, so they will rotate various shows at different times of day. The screen is smaller than most modern day metroplexes, but it is bright, and the sound system is great. I recently watched a film that featured a child singing, which I heard distinctly behind me and to the left. I thought it was an audience member. Turns out it was the soundtrack! The seats are very comfortable, and while they are not modern day recliners, they do rock a little bit and have movable arm rests that feature cupholders. My last film was 2 1/2 hours, and I was very comfortable the entire time. The front half of the auditorium has a sloped floor, and the back half of the auditorium features stadium style seating, just like they used to do in the old days! If you’re looking for a great movie watching experience, even more so if you’re looking for something that feels really cool and retro, then the Riverview theater is your place!

It's not the biggest or fanciest theatre with all the new attractions, there's no bar, no restaurant(which means no phone lights on during the movie so people can see their chicken wings.....), etc. But it's the best theatre to go to if you don't want to spend a hundo on simply going to watch a movie. Ticket prices during the day are $5!! Popcorn, $5!! It's a big, nice screen, comfy seats, and even 3D movies sometimes. The fact that this theatre exists with prices as they really should be, makes me wonder how the others get away with robbing people blind with their prices. I cannot recommend this place enough, I take my kid there all the time. It's great being able to just go see a movie and not walk out with empty pockets, especially if the movie isn't great, or if you just want to take the kids to a Disney movie or something you really have no interest in. Think about it, ticket, large popcorn, and a large soda = about $15 with tax, you can go see a movie multiple times a week, and still barely spend more than one movie at a larger theatre.... If you want to see a flick, and don't care about the bells and whistles that the other theatres trick you into thinking you need, this is the place for you!

The Riverview Theater in South Minneapolis is truly a gem. I love the early 1950s look and their big lobby with vintage furniture is a gym. Also, the Riverview does a great job picking movies that are in there second-run theater. Often hard to find movies such as JoJo Rabbit. They will keep it there for a while because it seems to get a following and others come to see it. Also the prices are so reasonable, $2.50 for a matinee. You can't beat that. In the lobby check out the history of this theater that opened I believe, in 1951. There are congratulatory telegrams from famous stars such as Rosalind Russell and Kim Novak who wrote to honor this new theater. A nice feature of this theater is that sometimes, when the movie is really good, the audience will clap at the end of the movie. That hasn't been done for decades. I like the idea of a historic theater with only one theater in it instead of a Megaplex with 10 or 20 theaters within a huge building. The Riverview has a real soul. I no longer live in South Minneapolis but it is worth the drive from the suburbs to see a movie at Riverview.

Thank goodness this gem survived the pandemic. The single screen is still fantastic, the staff is still friendly, and the prices are still more affordable than any other theater playing first run movies (which the Riverview screens now!) The popcorn and soda combos are also reasonable. They even have real butter topping for the popcorn, if that's your preference. The esthetic is classic, and the theater is great. I've not sat in a bad seat, yet. The audience is also generally very good. People are not disruptive. The theater also has fun events, like a Summer Late Night movie series and a Lord of the Rings marathon in December. This is a theater for people who love movies.

My first choice in theaters. This is one classy place, gorgeous retro maintained as it was originally built. The prices are ridiculously affordable and even better, the seats are large and comfortable. You won't find yourself smashed up against the people next to you. Every seat in the top area has an unobstructed view regardless of what type of hat the person in front of you is wearing. If you're a senior, tickets are 5 or 6 bucks. Several different shows per day with minimal runs each. Watch the schedule as movies change frequently.

I can't race about this place enough. Prices can't be beat. Sure the movies are all second run, but seeing it first isn't what going to the movies is about for be. The theater is beautiful and the popcorn is perfect. The programming is excellent as well. Somehow they find a way to please film buffs, blockbuster fans, and families with kids, all on just one screen. Honestly, I would probably never get to go to the movie theater if it wasn't for Riverview Theater. Thank you so much for loving movies and our neighborhood!

I just love everything about this theater. It's vintage and historic. Tickets are cheap. It's a great member of the community. Snacks are affordable and delicious. The seats are (for the most part) comfortable and the screen and sound system very good. And it's in my neck of the woods (if not in my 'neighborhood') and going there always makes me feel like I'm part of a community gathering. Kudos to the folks running this place. The Riverview is part of what makes me crazy happy to be in South Minneapolis.

I appreciate that the prices for tickets and concessions are still decent, and the interior has remained a cool mid-century modern, but if you’re going to play brand new blockbuster movies like Top Gun, you can’t have the sound so quiet as if you were watching it in an apartment late at night trying not to bother neighbors. TURN IT UP! I think I’ve learned my lesson and probably won’t be returning here when there are theaters that know what a seeing a movie in a theater is all about and cater to that.

The Riverview is easily one of the coolest, most unique retro theaters in the country. It's evident even before you walk in how much pride the owner has in this theater and the surrounding neighborhood. Their popcorn is made with real butter. The seats are incredibly comfy and the audio & video quality is exceptional. The atmosphere is kept as true to it's original 1950's style. Watching a movie here is truly an experience. If I could watch every movie in this theater, I absolutely would.

I rented this theater for an hour during Covid to play one of my son's YouTube videos on the big screen for his birthday and it was MAGIC! We had about 25 guests in this 700-person theater and it was unforgettable. If you are looking to rock someone's world during these difficult times, rent this theater. It is affordable, amazing, and concessions are priced as they should be. I used Saving Tape Media Conversion to get the YouTube video able to be played in a format the theater can use.

The first movie I ever saw in a theater was at the Riverview, Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Then my children's first theater movies were here too. Now my youngest saw her first theater film about a video game I played religiously as a kid (Super Mario Bros), So much so my hands probably still remember the controller moves through muscle memory. Nostalgia, affordability, a glimpse of another era, timelessness, always great staff, all in one. Riverview is in the blood.

Very enjoyable. Social distancing seating. Supposed to wear masks in the lobby as it gets pretty crowded before and after a movie. But most people were not wearing masks. All the staff had masks. Everything is fairly priced, they are not out to gouge you. During covid, they were open to sell popcorn. That was great. Friendly, enjoyable single screen theater. I would recommend getting your tickets online, rather than waiting in the sometimes long ticket line.

Gotta say I love this place. There is only one screen so only one movie can play at a time, but if it's a film you're interested in, the experience is great. The popcorn uses real butter and there's ranch and cheddar seasoning available too. Chairs are comfortable and the prices are cheap. The staff is always friendly and very efficient considering they get mobbed by a hundred people before the start of every show. Glad to have you here in the neighborhood.

A cute small little local theater. Went to see Avatar 2 on a Tuesday and came thinking it was gonna be full and busy but quite the contrary. Enough seats to sit anywhere yet a screen big enough to see. Has your basic popcorn, which tastes better than others, and drinks. Seats were awkward for a 2 year old but that's only if you bring a 2 year old. The staff were polite. Overall a very nice theater if you want to stray from the others. 5/5

It's a nice old theater that has been kept up extremely well. Prices are great for first run movies. Great place to bring kids. Food is good and priced more reasonably. Just go in knowing that the screen is smaller, the sound isn't as good and the seats are old school compared to modern theaters. I love that this theater is in the neighborhood but I wouldn't go here to see Star Wars or the new Top Gun which deserve a superior experience.

If you're looking for a retro vibe, this is a great movie theater. It has a classic ticket window and concessions, and a retro lobby. The theater is large, with standard seating and classic style seats. Tickets are only a couple dollars, and they get movies a bit late, so it's a great place to go see movies you missed or movies you weren't sure about spending a lot on. It's also great for family movie outings.

Great theater! I came here for Crazy Rich Asians and it was such a good deal. I think it was about $2 for a ticket, and a medium combo of popcorn and drink. There were a lot of seats, the theater is interesting in that it's very long, however narrow. I didn't mind too much, however if you like absolutely quiet theaters, maybe don't go here. There's just a lot of movie goers who talk that are there.

Best theater in town. Right on the corner in a sweet genteel neighborhood. Makes you feel a little bit like "the olden days", Lots of comfortable seats. The popcorn is the best; real butter, and the prices are the best in town. Cheerful staff. Great experience. There is a really nice garden store across the street too, " Mother Earth Gardens", if you go to a matinee you can browse before or after.

It's definitely a nice little theater. Not your bigshot AMC or huge IMAX of course, but the place has history. Honestly, I enjoyed the size of the seating and the sound was very good. The screen was not huge, could've probably been bigger. I wouldn't go here if I was waiting for a movie to come out on the edge of my seat for months or years, but for your average visit I would totally go with it.

If you're going to spend money on a movie, go to a place that has an actually large movie screen, this one is tiny. The layout of this theater is all wrong, it's too long or deep, and it's not stadium inclined enough unless you sit in the way back (bring binoculars). The seats aren't nearly as wide or comfortable as the places with recliners. I'd rather watch a movie at home than here.

A hidden gem! I absolutely adore this spot. Don't come being boujey. This is real. No reclining seats, bottle service- or a a cup holder for that matter! :) Best Popcorn ever! During Covid they even sold the Popcorn Oh, did I mention the cost for a matinee vibes with the atmosphere? 5 bucks! How many of us can skeet through a date night on 25.00 and look like a baller? Support!!!

What's not to like about this place? Unless you like butter flavored oil on your popcorn instead of real butter. Or maybe you like donating a kidney to cover the cost of your favorite multiplex theater. This theater has a great sound system in it, great concession stand with excellent prices. $20 will get you and another person in the door and get you something to drink & snack on.

It’s embarrassing how much I love this place. I just love being able to take my whole family to a movie and splurge on concessions because everything is so affordable. It’s a throwback theater but it always feels clean and the lobby is so kitschy and fun. This is our preferred theater over any fancy new movie theaters around. Also, the popcorn is unrivaled. So. Good.

Great to be back in the theatre again! And, date night! Precautions were taken for health safety, much appreciated. Best popcorn in town-real butter!! Happy to have supported the Riverview since the beginning of the pandemic, so she was still here to receive and entertain us. Added bonus: very engages and excited crowd! Much applause and laughter! Too much fun!

You know the drill - old time feel with not new time prices. Although tickets have increased from pre-covid days, still the cheapest around. And concessions - popcorn and soda for under $15?! WHO DOES THAT? Oh, Riverview. Staff is always friendly and helpful. Seating on the lower level is much more comfortable than upper, but upper is much more fun for movies.

Amazing place! 10/10 has an amazing atmosphere with reasonably priced concession that taste great! It’s located right next to a plant shop that makes for the perfect date night —a movie and a plant! Movie tickets are insanely low and you can easily get a movie with snacks for under $20 — totally unheard of for movie theaters and I’m always coming back!

I have enjoyed this theater ever since a was a very young girl... There popcorn is phenomenal and you can have as much REAL BUTTER as you can stand!! I would even recommend this theater for parent's of pre-teens wanting to be independent for an hour and a half!! This neighborhood is still a wonderful part of Minneapolis to be enjoyed by all!

Retro immersion. Magazine articles about Riverview's grand opening are posted in the lobby and confirm little has changed since the early 1960s. Stadium seating, excellent service, cheap admission and refreshments with the best popcorn in town. Going to the movies used to be an event and the Riverview let's you experience those times again!

I love this theater for so many reasons. The low price admission. The excellent popcorn. The great staff. The comfortable seats. The fact that it's my neighborhood cinema. And, of course, it is a retro designer's sweetest dream: I enjoy just looking at details in the lobby! Plus the retro kitty wallpaper in the women's bathroom. <3 <3 <3

Have been coming here we moved to Minnesota 12 years ago. Seems like they've survived the pandemic well. No they have online ticketing. Despite inflation prices are still reasonable. Popcorn is still the best I've ever had in any movie theater at a reasonable price. It's the world's best movie theater. I don't think that's hyperbole.

Awesome single-theater movie house! You can smell fresh popcorn when you walk in and hear it popping too! The big screen was the perfect venue to watching Neil Young’s documentary Harvest Time. Parked on the street 3 blocks away outside of the Blue Door Longfellow pub and had a great dinner with tasty local beers before the show.

Will always and forever be a special place. I've been going here since I was 5. Now I bring my kids here. The prices are unbeatable, concessions are affordable and delicious, and staff is always kind. Enjoy an afternoon at the movies and get a coffee afterward at the Cafe. Don't miss mother earth garden next door. Check it out!!

Great theater! Some memorable classics I've seen in the past few years are Stand By Me, Neil Young: Harvest Time and today Titanic in 3D. Customer service is top notch, popcorn, Coke and Sour Patch Kids for less than $10. Not to mention a $6 matinee. Thanks Riverview for being a class act that refuses to gouge us locals. …

Great Movie Theater! In many ways too. Both "Current", and "Past", movies. Comfortable seats. Excellent ticket prices, for a big-screen showing, that reminds you of the older theaters. The best part of this movie theater is the popcorn. I saw the movie Grease, from 1978, and this was the best showing ever, for me.

Went here for Cat Video Fest 2023 and had a delightful experience. I'll be going back next month for a Lord of the Rings marathon. Tickets and concessions are incredibly reasonably priced. The popcorn was absolutely fantastic. They're a cash only venue but they have an ATM on site so it's really not a problem.

I was visiting from out of town and found this little gem of a theater. Great price, nice seats, large venue and good movie. The place does get pretty crowded when a movie is ending the new crowd starts to line up for the next show but the theater is big enough that seating isn't an issue. Great find!

The Riverview Theater is a Minneapolis treasure! Movies are only $2 - $3, which just can't be beat. Snacks and popcorn (which was great) are very reasonably priced as well. The theater is huge and has a great vintage decor. Highly recommended! Just makes sure to bring cash since it is cash only.

Go for the (real butter) popcorn, stay for the movie . Super reasonable $ for movies AND treats !!! Extremely comfortable seats, gorgeous mid- century decor, always a pleasant staff. You aren’t even stuck for 25 minutes watching trailers before showtime. Love Love Love the Riverview! …

This place is the greatest and has the old school vibe of a classic movie theater! I don't think there is better popcorn in anywhere in Minneapolis and you can grab a bag and take it with you if you have a craving. If you ask for lots of butter though, be prepared to get LOTS of butter!

Hope the city never loses a gem like this place. It is a walk back in time, and in to a most favorite memory of enjoying a good movie with really good popcorn and the prices are never out of budget. It is smaller and provides a tranquil setting. I cannot wait until my next visit here.

mis advertised Master Gardener for today at 6. drove all the way there to find it's not.playing. Guy blames it on Google offers nothing I'm return just blames Google. IMHO Busch league move on their part. at least post something on your web saying it's NOT playing. Credit where due.

Fantastic movie experience! I miss old theaters like this, and the popcorn was excellent! You don't need reclining seats to be comfy, and the theater itself is an awesome 1950's atmosphere. Saw a movie there today, fell in love, and moved it to the top of my go-to venue list.

My son was in town from California, we came to see a movie, and he fall in love with this theater, the price to get in, he said the popcorn was the best and just the older Atmosphere, he said to me so this is where you grew up going to the “movies” so cool …

My favorite hobby in Minneapolis, catch a flick at the Riverview and have a community feel in the huge, 1 show theatre and pay $3 to enjoy a show that hit other theaters a couple months ago. Sometimes there’s music in the lobby. Classy feel to the place.

Very nice theater! Lots of seats! Great tasting slushies. Cash only too! Entrance to bathrooms are cool and lobby is nice and cozy. Staff was very friendly as well. Got to see the new black panther movie. Highly recommend the establishment and the movie.

An older theater that has been the heart of this south Minneapolis neighborhood for at least the past 50 years. They don't have reclining seats but they have a mix of new and old movies. The ambiance is wonderful and definitely worth your rime to enjoy.

You can't river view the river from here but you can theater view a movie river, here. I had a soda too it was cold becuase there was ice in the cup too, I didn't even order the ice but got it for free so that was nice. Staff are good. Theater clean.

Best single screen theater is twin cities. Seats are old style, comfortable, but not AMC recliner comfy. Tickets are cheap, plus REAL BUTTER on the popcorn! Occasional events like world cup screenings or sound of music sing alongs. Just so much fun!

I grew up in this neighborhood, and the Riverview theater was a very important part of our experience, and continues to be. They have the best popcorn in town! And I'm so thrilled that they're still selling their popcorn even during the pandemic.

Went here for the first time recently post-pandemic. I saw Black Widow (solid Marvel movie). The quality of the video and sound is great, the theater is cool, and the drinks/snacks are half the price of a big chain theater! Large popcorn was $5!

This classic theater is my "go to" for big screen movies. I've been going there for decades. Their popcorn is always fresh and they've got a number of seasoned toppings that are self-serve. Staff handle the pre-movie refreshment rush with

Incredibly overrated. This 700-seat theater has seats where your legs can't fit and your bottom will ache before the end of the movie because they're so uncomfortable. Floors were dirty. Long outside winter line at the door. Unorganized

Used to come here all the time before the refresh and afterwards. Very swanky and charming 1 screen theater that's increasingly rare. They used to do Rocky Horror Picture show here, come for a film, grab some popcorn and enjoy the show!

Favorite theater in the cities! Can't beat the ticket price - $2 matinees and $3 evening shows. I find myself frequently wishing I had their popcorn, which is also super cheap, and is the BEST movie theater popcorn. They sometimes do

The ticket and concession prices are amazing. I was able to get two tickets, a popcorn and a drink for $10.50, less than a single ticket at most other movie theaters. The seating is decent and all the lines moved quickly. Parking is

I love their commitment to the mid-century vibe - so thorough! From the bathrooms to the lighting, so on point. Such great patrons too - makes you feel like part of a community and one of the reasons I’m happy to live in the city!

Old school theater, updated with comfortable seating and quality sound. Tickets are five and seven bucks, popcorn is affordable. It's a real throwback theater that is my favorite one to take the family to. War ning: cash only

Awesome place to go to the movies.Everything about the Riverview is great, from the way before it's time stadium seating, to the ticket and concession stand prices, to the mid-centurty modern decor. It's simply awesome.

Fantastic single screen theater built in the late 1940s and still holding true to the old decor in the lobby area but with updated seating and sound in the auditorium. A must visit for any Twin Cities based movie fan!!

The most wonderful theatre experience! I've loved coming here since I was a kid. I just went again recently and it did not disappoint. It's a wonderful little cinema with one screen and just a fun place to go

We just love this theater. You aren't going here for the newest seats, etc. You go here for the atmosphere, the nostalgia, and the popcorn. They also have special screenings sometimes that can be really fun.

Beautiful old theater. The price for a ticket is crazy low. Popcorn and drinks are very reasonable. If the screen is showing something you want to see, this theater is the best value I've seen.

I love the look and feel of this theater. The staff are friendly. I get real butter on my popcorn. I got to see White Christmas on the big screen. I was in heaven.

Fantastic theater! Neighborhood staple. I hope that theaters like this do not ever go away. Comfortable seating, great popcorn, beautiful!! Love the Riverview.

So very few theaters of this charm you should go see something just to take it in and maybe try the popcornthe whole experience is definitely worth it …

Pleasant sales and concession people, very reasonable prices for the movies and the concessions. A low key, laid back vibe and real butter for the popcorn

Great kids movies this summer and all tickets for the cartoons are $1. Can't beat that. Fun place to spend a hot day. Thanks for doing this for the kids!!

Best theater in town. Only two damn previews before the movie and the popcorn is cheap and good as hell the soda is cheap and also good as hell. Go here.

Wow....awesome service..customer care greatly appreciated...awesome place at cheap prices You can even pick up popcorn to go..how awesome is that...

My favorite theatre in the Twin Cities. Very old school and lovely. The staff is friendly and helpful. The popcorn is phenomenal. Highly recommend.

Gotta love the neighborhood theatre! I think it’s great that the community cherishes this gem or a theatre. Staff is friendly and efficient!!

Our family has been going here for over 30 years. We luv it. Cheap and the food is basic but is just fine. Support this theatre. …

This movie theater is the nostalgic for my days as a kid. I want to go there as much as possible and they have the best popcorn in town.

Great family location and theater. Nearly full and that was a first since 2018, or at least that is how it felt. I loved my experience!

Honestly the best theater in Minneapolis! Been coming here for my whole life. Such a great vibe and staff. Hope it's around forever!

Terrific retro movie theater! If you need a blanket and recliner this one is not for you . The only theatre I go to for any movie .

What a great trip to the past. This theater is 75 years old this year and a viewing of It's a Wonderful Life was a pure delight.

A wonderful, retro space. Kudos for keeping this wonderful 60’s (?) interior. Great popcorn and people. Nostalgia at its best.

Had a great time. The staff gave excellent service. The Riverview is a must location for those that love movies thoroughly.

A great little theatre with great prices. Popped up in a neighborhood and has a real retro feel. Great times at Riverview.

We love this theater! Good, old-fashioned seats instead of living room loungers, and the best popcorn in the Twin Cities.

Cute old school neighborhood theater. Not as fancy as some of the newer places but also didn't cost 18 bucks for a ticket

The great photo opportunities in their lobby areas are worth the price of admission. Suggest making a point to visit.

Great theater in the TC although not my fave. The cheap and delicious popcorn rules but the seats are pretty cramped.

Can't beat the price. Not the latest releases. If you can wait you will save a lot of $$ and have a fun experience.

The best movie theater in the cities! It's cheap, the popcorn is excellent, and it feels like a step back in time.

Amazing service, comfortable chairs, good popcorn, not too expensive, have movies pretty soon after they come out

Very nice theater. Comfortable seating, delicious buttered popcorn and at half the price of the chain theaters.

The theater was big and prices on the tickets $3.00 adults and $2.50 for kids . I will bring my family again.

A place where applause can still be heard at the end of the movie. Prices are reasonable, and great popcorn.

Great theater built in 1949. New tech, comfortable seats, great popcorn, most of the 1949 details remain

Affordable and nostalgic. I loved it. The popcorn is good. They keep it simple, and I appreciate that.

Cheap movie tickets, very quaint theater, and the location is fantastic. Would definitely go again.

Awesome classic theater. And it has the best fresh popcorn in Minnesota. Plus it's very affordable.

Been going since I was a child. Absolutely love. Long live the riverview theater. Get some popcorn

I love this theatre so much! The atmosphere is fantastic, the popcorn is affordable and delicious.

Nostalgic theater, family owned,awesome place to catch a matinee show $ 5, popcorn ( $ 3 refills)

Still same great theater, price is great concessions are way lower then most, staff was so fast!

Cool theater and a great experience. Better than the large chains. Bring cash for concessions!

Riverview - good people, hometown theater, real popcorn- even To Go! 5 Nuff Said! …