You know that feeling when you walk into a place and it just feels like a "big deal"? That’s the vibe at Jordan Creek Century 20 Theaters. Nestled right on the edge of the Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines, this Cinemark-owned powerhouse has survived the streaming wars for a reason. It isn't just about the popcorn. Honestly, it's about the fact that they’ve managed to keep the "cinema magic" thing alive while everyone else is watching Netflix on a cracked iPhone screen.
Going to the movies used to be an event. Then it became a chore. Now, thanks to places like the Jordan Creek Century 20, it’s back to being an event again.
The XD Experience: Is It Actually Better?
People always ask if the XD (Extreme Digital) theater is worth the extra five bucks.
Look.
If you’re watching a low-budget indie drama about a guy staring at a wall, probably not. But for something like the latest Marvel flick or a high-octane thriller? Yeah. It matters. The Jordan Creek Century 20 Theaters features a massive wall-to-wall screen in their XD auditorium, and the sound system—custom-designed for that specific room—is honestly loud enough to vibrate your dental fillings. It uses a multi-channel surround sound setup that makes you feel like the helicopter is actually hovering over Row F.
Cinemark’s XD technology is their answer to IMAX. While some purists argue over the technical aspect ratios, the average person is just going to notice that the colors are punchier and the brightness is high enough that you don't get that "muddy" look some older projectors have. Plus, the Luxury Loungers in these rooms are standard. We're talking electric recliners with heat controls. It’s dangerous. You might actually fall asleep if the movie is boring.
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The Luxury Lounger Revolution
Let’s talk about the chairs for a second because, frankly, they changed the game. Remember the old days? You’d sit in a squeaky, fabric-covered seat that smelled like 1998 and had about three inches of legroom. If someone needed to go to the bathroom, the whole row had to stand up like they were doing the wave at a baseball game.
The Jordan Creek Century 20 Theaters did away with that years ago. They installed these oversized, electric-powered leather recliners. They have footrests. They have cup holders that actually hold a large soda without tipping. Because the seats are so big, the theater capacity is technically lower, which means you have more "personal bubble" space. No more rubbing elbows with a stranger while you're trying to enjoy your Junior Mints.
The Logistics: Parking, Times, and That Mall Traffic
Getting there is the only real headache.
If you’ve ever tried to visit the Jordan Creek Town Center on a Saturday afternoon in December, you know the pain. It’s a literal gridlock. However, the theater has a massive dedicated parking lot on the south side of the mall complex. Pro tip: enter from the back roads (like Mills Civic Parkway) rather than trying to navigate the main mall entrance by the Cheesecake Factory. You’ll save ten minutes and your sanity.
- Check the app first. Seriously. Don't just show up. The Jordan Creek Century 20 Theaters uses reserved seating for every single showtime. If you want the "sweet spot" (usually two-thirds of the way back, dead center), you need to book at least a few hours in advance.
- The Box Office is mostly digital. They still have a human at the counter most of the time, but the kiosks are way faster. Or, just use the QR code on your phone from the Cinemark app.
- Matinees are your friend. If you want the XD experience without the $18 price tag, go before 4:00 PM. The "Early Bird" specials are surprisingly affordable for a premium theater.
What About the Food?
It’s Cinemark. You know the drill.
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The popcorn is salty, the butter is "buttery-flavored topping," and the ICEEs are cold. But this location also has a more expanded menu than your neighborhood 6-screen cinema. They’ve got pizzas, chicken tenders, and fries. Is it gourmet? No. Is it exactly what you want at 7:30 PM on a Friday? Absolutely. They also have a bar area—the Cinemark Movie Bistro vibe—where you can grab a beer or a glass of wine to take into the theater. Just don't be that person who spills a Merlot in a dark room.
Why This Location Still Wins
There are other theaters in the Des Moines metro. You’ve got the Palms Theatres & IMAX in Waukee, which is incredibly nice and newer. You’ve got the older suburban spots that are cheaper. But the Jordan Creek Century 20 Theaters remains the "hub."
It’s the location.
You can do a whole day there. Shop at the mall, eat at Joe's Crab Shack or Bravo, and then walk over to a movie. It’s a social ecosystem. For teenagers in West Des Moines, it’s still the default hangout. For parents, it’s a reliable spot for a date night where you don't have to drive across town between dinner and the show.
The staff here generally keeps the place clean, which is a Herculean task given the thousands of people who cycle through on a weekend. You might see a stray popcorn kernel in the hallway, but the bathrooms are usually handled well, and the theaters don't have that "sticky floor" syndrome that plagues lesser establishments.
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Understanding the Cinemark Movie Rewards
If you go to the movies more than once a month, you're losing money if you don't use their rewards program. They have a "Movie Club" which is basically a subscription. You pay a monthly fee, get a "free" ticket that rolls over if you don't use it, and—this is the big part—you get 20% off concessions.
Think about that.
A large popcorn and a large drink at Jordan Creek Century 20 Theaters can easily run you $15 or more. Shaving 20% off that adds up fast. Plus, you skip the online convenience fees, which are a total scam anyway.
Practical Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're planning to head out to see a blockbuster at the Jordan Creek Century 20, here is the move:
- Download the Cinemark App: Do it before you leave the house. You can pick your exact seats and see exactly when the trailers end. Most movies start about 15-20 minutes after the posted showtime due to previews.
- Join the Movie Rewards: Even the free version (Movie Fan) gets you points for every dollar spent.
- Arrive 15 Minutes Early: Even with reserved seating, the concession line can be a beast. If you want hot fries, give yourself a buffer.
- Check the Rating: This theater is strict about R-rated movies. If you're bringing teenagers, make sure you have your ID or a parent present. They don't mess around with the "under 17" rule.
- Use the Validation: Sometimes the mall has special events or parking restrictions; always keep your digital ticket handy.
The theater industry has changed, but the Jordan Creek Century 20 Theaters has adapted by leaning into comfort and tech. It's not the cheapest night out in Iowa, but it's consistently the most "premium" feeling experience in the West Des Moines area. Whether you're there for the XD screen or just a bucket of popcorn and a recliner, it still delivers exactly what a movie theater should: an escape.