Where to catch a movie when you live in Grimes.

Is there a movie theater in Grimes, Iowa?

No. Grimes has no movie theater of its own. The one Grimes families used to drive to, the AMC Classic Johnston 16 at 5233 NW 84th St in Johnston, closed on November 28, 2023. It had opened in 1998 as the Wynnsong 16. Now the nearest screen is in Waukee, and the rest of the choices are spread across West Des Moines, Des Moines, Altoona, and Ankeny.

What is the closest movie theater to Grimes?

The Palms Theatres and IMAX, 200 NE Westgate Dr in Waukee. It's run by Fridley Theatres, and its listings show both IMAX and Dolby Atmos showings. It's the default pick for a big release.

Where else can I see a movie near Grimes?

• Cinemark Century Jordan Creek 20 and XD, 101 Jordan Creek Pkwy (Bldg. 2000), West Des Moines. Twenty screens, including Cinemark's XD premium auditorium.
• Flix Brewhouse, 3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines (Merle Hay Mall). A dine-in theater with food brought to your recliner and beer brewed on site.
• The Varsity Cinema, 1207 25th St, Des Moines, in the Drake neighborhood. The nonprofit Des Moines Film runs it as a hub for the local film community.
• Fleur Cinema and Cafe, 4545 Fleur Dr, Des Moines. Another Fridley theater.
• Cinemark Altoona and XD, 2227 Adventureland Dr NW, Altoona. East of Des Moines, with another XD screen.
• B&B Theatres Ankeny 12 with B-Roll Bowling, 1580 SW Market St, Ankeny. Movies and bowling in one building.

Are there free movies in Grimes?

Yes, in summer. Grimes Parks and Recreation runs Movie at Heritage, free outdoor showings on an LED jumbotron at Heritage Park, 1055 NE Beaverbrooke Blvd. The 2026 shows were Zootopia 2 on July 30 and Hoppers on August 6, with activities at 6 p.m. and the movie at 7. Bring chairs or blankets, plus your own snacks and drinks.

The Grimes Public Library (200 NE Beaverbrooke Blvd) also shows a PG movie with popcorn on Wednesdays in June at 1 p.m., free and open to all ages. The 2027 dates aren't posted yet. Both will be in the city's Spring/Summer program guide, and we'll carry them in the Brief when they land.

Which theater should we pick?

• Big blockbuster: The Palms in Waukee for IMAX. It's also the closest.
• Dinner and a movie in one seat: Flix Brewhouse.
• Something off the multiplex menu: The Varsity Cinema.
• Kids who'd rather bowl after: B&B Ankeny 12 with B-Roll Bowling.
• Free and in town: Movie at Heritage in July and August.

Making a night of it? See our night out guide for where to eat first.

Movies near Grimes: FAQ

Is there a movie theater in Grimes, Iowa?

No, Grimes does not have a movie theater. The nearest is The Palms Theatres and IMAX at 200 NE Westgate Dr in Waukee, with more options in West Des Moines, Des Moines, Altoona, and Ankeny.

Did the Johnston movie theater close?

Yes. The AMC Classic Johnston 16 at 5233 NW 84th St, which opened in 1998 as the Wynnsong 16, closed on November 28, 2023. The nearest theater to Grimes is now The Palms in Waukee.

Where is the nearest IMAX to Grimes?

The Palms Theatres and IMAX, 200 NE Westgate Dr in Waukee, run by Fridley Theatres. Cinemark Century Jordan Creek 20 in West Des Moines and Cinemark Altoona offer Cinemark's XD premium format instead.

Does Grimes have free outdoor movies?

Yes. Movie at Heritage shows free movies at Heritage Park, 1055 NE Beaverbrooke Blvd, in summer. In 2026 the shows were Zootopia 2 on July 30 and Hoppers on August 6, with activities at 6 p.m. and the movie at 7 p.m.