You're driving down Young Street, maybe grabbing a coffee, and you realize you just really want to sit in a dark room with a massive tub of popcorn. If you're looking for movies in Warrensburg MO, things have changed a bit recently. You might remember the old AMC Classic—the one with the sticky floors and that specific "vintage" cinema smell. Well, that’s gone. It’s a B&B Theatre now, and honestly, the upgrade was long overdue.
Warrensburg isn't just some sleepy college town where the only thing to do is walk around the university lake. Between the mainstream blockbusters at the revamped 10-screen multiplex and the surprisingly cool screenings over at the University of Central Missouri (UCM), there’s actually a lot more "cinema culture" here than most people realize. You've got options. Whether you want a $1 soda at the student union or a heated recliner that feels like a hug, the local scene has evolved.
The Big Switch: B&B Warrensburg 10
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. AMC pulled out of town in late 2024. For a minute, everyone was worried we’d have to drive all the way to Sedalia or Lee's Summit just to see the latest Marvel flick. Thankfully, B&B Theatres stepped in. They didn't just change the sign on the building; they poured millions into it.
If you haven't been lately, the transformation is pretty wild. We're talking about heated leather recliners in every auditorium. If you’re the type of person who gets cold the second the AC kicks in, these are a game-changer. They also brought in their "Grand Screen" tech, which basically means the screen is massive and the sound system is loud enough to rattle your teeth. It’s at 510 E Young Ave, right where the old one was, but it feels like a completely different world.
✨ Don't miss: Cuba Gooding Jr OJ: Why the Performance Everyone Hated Was Actually Genius
They've also leaned into the "entertainment center" vibe. You can get more than just a box of Milk Duds now. The concessions have expanded, and they frequently run specials like Value Tuesdays where tickets are cheaper. It makes a Friday night date a lot less painful on the wallet.
The Best Kept Secret: Union Cinema at UCM
Here is what most people get wrong about movies in Warrensburg MO: they think the multiplex is the only show in town. Not even close.
The Union Cinema, located in Room 234 of the Elliott Student Union on the UCM campus, is a literal hidden gem. It’s not just for students, though you’ll definitely see plenty of them there. They show first-run movies—stuff that literally just left the big theaters—for free if you have a UCM ID. If you aren't a student, you can still go as a guest.
🔗 Read more: Greatest Rock and Roll Singers of All Time: Why the Legends Still Own the Mic
What's the catch? There isn't one, really. The recliners are actually quite comfortable, and the concessions are ridiculously cheap. We’re talking $1 for popcorn or a drink. It’s located at 512 S. Holden St. They usually run screenings on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM. It’s a great way to catch something like Mufasa or a summer blockbuster without spending thirty bucks on snacks.
Outdoor Movies and Local Traditions
Warrensburg Main Street does this "Summer Movie Night" thing that is honestly one of the highlights of the year. Picture this: the sun is going down, the Johnson County Courthouse lawn is covered in picnic blankets, and they’re projecting a family favorite onto a giant screen. It’s totally free.
The dates usually hit on the third Friday of June, August, and September. For the June screening, they often let the community vote on the movie through their Facebook page. It’s a very "small town Missouri" vibe in the best way possible. They even partner with local businesses sometimes to offer wristbands for beer or cocktails, which makes it a bit more of an "event" for the adults.
💡 You might also like: Ted Nugent State of Shock: Why This 1979 Album Divides Fans Today
Looking Beyond the Multiplex
- The Show Me Justice Film Festival: This is an international deal hosted by UCM. It’s not your typical popcorn-munching experience. They showcase films from all over the world that focus on social justice. If you want something that makes you think, this is it.
- KMOS Indie Lens Pop-ups: Our local PBS station, KMOS-TV, sometimes hosts independent film screenings at various spots in town or nearby in Marshall. They focus on documentaries and human-interest stories that you’d never find at a big theater.
- The Drive-In Option: While we don't have a drive-in right in the middle of town, the Boulevard Drive-In or others near Kansas City are within driving distance if you really want that 1950s nostalgia.
Why the Cinema Culture Matters Here
Warrensburg is a weirdly perfect place for film lovers. You have the academic side of it with the university’s digital media programs, and then you have the classic "Saturday night at the movies" tradition that has existed since the old Old Drum Theatre days. Even though the old historic theaters are mostly gone or repurposed—like the Gelbach Manor which used to host movie stars back in the day—the spirit is still there.
People here actually care about the experience. That’s why B&B invested so much money. They knew that if they gave the town a premium experience, people would show up. And they have.
Pro-Tips for Moviegoers in Warrensburg
If you're planning a night out, don't just wing it. Check the showtimes on the B&B app first because the theater fills up fast on opening weekends for big franchises. If you're heading to the UCM Union Cinema, get there at least 15 minutes early; those leather recliners are popular and they don't have 100 of them.
Also, keep an eye on the courthouse lawn events. They usually start festivities around 7:00 PM with the movie kicking off at 8:15 PM. Bringing a lawn chair is non-negotiable—the ground gets hard after the first hour.
Practical Next Steps:
- Download the B&B Theatres app to check for "Value Tuesday" pricing and to book your specific heated recliner in advance.
- Follow Warrensburg Main Street on Facebook to stay updated on the Summer Movie Night Series and participate in the movie voting polls.
- Check the UCM Elliott Student Union calendar online to see what’s playing at the Union Cinema this weekend if you want a budget-friendly night.
- Visit the Johnson County Historical Society if you're a history buff; they have some cool archives on the old theaters that used to line the downtown square.