Rio Theatre

This theater is full of character. Friendly staff and a nice selection of refreshments top it off.

Nostalgia and selection! The history of the theater can be felt just by visiting. Digital projection is very good, audio is just okay. Perfect spot for indie films and dramas.

It's definitely a nostalgic theater, from the neon palm trees on the walls to the old school chairs. But it's cozy, never crowded, and has the feel of a local hangout.

This is the coolest theater I've ever been in and has the friendliest staff!

I love the Rio theater. I have been probably seven to ten times. The tickets are very affordable, the food is reasonably priced and tasty. The great thing about this theater is the age and the aesthetic to it. It has one screen, and they only have one movie with different showings. The seats are very comfortable and you can lean pretty far back.

Such a cool theater! The movies are always great and the theater itself must be seen, a return to a wonderful time.

The Rio is a great little one screen theatre. I believe the beautiful old building was built in the 1940's, it's had some renovations done but most of the charm from the 40's is still present. Typically not huge crowds and easy to find a comfortable seat.

A theatre that is part of the Kansas City Fine Arts Group. It only has one theatre, so there is typically only one movie showing at this location. It is an older theatre, but that adds to its charm. A number of years ago, it was remodeled in art deco and has wonderful ambiance for independent movies. There are numerous restaurants nearby, which makes dinner and a movie a snap.

If you're like me, maybe you've been too busy to notice The Rio as you whiz down the jam packed, suburban sprawling artery known more commonly as Metcalf Avenue. Just off of Metcalf, nestled in Downtown Overland Park, you'll find the theater's electric blue and pink bright lights of this one-screen theater, and truly one of the most enjoyable movie theaters in Kansas City. The Rio was built in 1947 and has been updated somewhat recently to blend the old feel of the theater with the new. You buy your ticket from the street and then enter into the tiny lobby to pick up extremely low priced candy and popcorn out of the big, vintage popcorn maker. There are so many movie theaters trying to create a special experience to get people away from their Netflix and into the movies. The Rio already has a special energy about it that is nearly impossible to replicate. In the movie we saw this past weekend, there was a 3 minute video right before to movie started. It featured a guy across the street from The Rio, artfully shot and talking to his buddy about how his girlfriend was definitely the one. The audience started murmuring as people wondered what this was about, and then they quickly picked up the fact that this guy was about to come into the theater and propose to his girlfriend. Pretty cool way to kick off the movie, and a pretty cool way to show off the little gem tucked away off of Metcalf.

This is a single screen theater that operates in a pretty old school way (in a good way). You buy your ticket on the street - much less expensive than big name theaters. The lobby has a small concession stand with some snacks - again, less expensive than bigger theaters! The inside of the theater is like a blast from the past. The employees are super nice. No stadium seating, neon palm trees on the walls. The chairs are squeaky but comfortable, and the average age of patrons is at least middle age. Somehow, that combination is charming and endearing and I love coming here on a Friday night. Just a warning: the movies aren't the top box earners. They're artsy and unique most of the time, but lots are worth seeing. Also noteworthy: they frequently have a groupon! $15 for two tickets and two popcorns. Pretty good if you ask me!

How many people can say they have a theater in their neighborhood that they can actually walk to? I can! The Rio is just another Downtown OP business that adds to the great flavor of our neighborhood. The Rio (not its original name) has been around since the 40s, but it has been marvelously restored and is very art deco-y. It's definitely an old style theater...you'll find no stadium seating here! But nonetheless, seating is comfortable and the screen is just big enough that I don't miss the really big screens of the newer theaters. Would I go here to see a big blockbuster 3D movie? Nope! But that's not what the Rio does. What it does do is show some pretty great indy flicks and it charges a reasonable ticket price. The staff here are always pleasant and often the theater is nearly empty, even on weekend nights, which I find sad. Since it's part of the Fine Arts Theatre group, I hope that their other theaters in the group will help to sustain it. It would be a huge loss to Downtown OP if the Rio weren't there.

Nice old single screen theater. Prices for tickets and drinks are reasonable. The concession stand only serves sodas and water so I was disappointed but it isn't a deal breaker.

The staff who work here are always soooo nice. It's a pleasure to come here for a show. The only reason I'm not going 5 stars is that parking can be difficult- there aren't enough spots in their designated area, and surrounding the theater are confusing/contradicting signs about where and when you can't park. My advice is get there early, or plan to walk a bit. I'm not a concession person, but some of the people I often see shows with are and they say the concession prices here are much lower than other places. They don't have a huge selection though- it's just popcorn and candy. It's an older theatre, and for the most part it's been kept up. In the winter they keep the door to the pipes open inside the women's bathroom, though, to keep them from freezing, and it's really unattractive, and a little creepy.

Old, venerable, warm.... only shows 1 movie a ta time.And one of the country's best movie theatres. Independant, under the Fine Arts banner, this place is perfect.

The RIO theatre is a cinematic step back in time. The theatre, which runs mainly independent films, is located in old Overland Park off of Metcalf. You can't miss the Neon blue and pink lights that adorn the front of the theatre, accented by the bright white "RIO" sign and marquee. The front also features traditional movie posters with show times, and the classic ticket box office. Once you walk inside you are again greeted by friendly bow-tie clad employees behind the old concession counter offering overpriced sweets, soda and of course popcorn. If you're lucky enough to catch an independent film now and again, this is the place you want it to be showing, a fun experience in a quaint part of town, with two bars down the street and a main street-esque boulevard just around the corner. Makes for a great date night, or a night out with friends. I go whenever I get the chance.

This little gem is nestled into the charming downtown district of Overland Park. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is worth the trip to just check out the vintage architecture. Plan ahead as they only show one movie, usually an indie flick. The theatre inside makes you feel as if you've traveled back in time. It is a very unique experience in contrast to today's movie experience. An added bonus is that since there are no frills it's less expensive. Make a date out of your excursion to the neighborhood by grabbing dinner at the Peanut, or Mi Ranchito nearby. The only thing I wish they would change would be to screen more than one movie each week - perhaps one for the matinee and one for the evening? it may not be possible, but I would enjoy the variety.

When I was in high school I used to work in a single screen movie theater. It seems like something like that never existed the way movie theaters are now. But, the Rio takes me back to the days when I would work a rush and then have basically an hour and a half to screw around because everyone was in watching the movie. Every time I drive by it seems they are showing some interesting movie that I should make the time to go see, but I rarely do. Now that I've actually been though, I think I may actually take some time out to see whatever's playing. It's actually a fairly good size theater but it has a bit of a small screen. The Rio has no theater style seating, in fact the slope in the theater is so slight, a 6'10" dude 4 rows up may impede your view. Seeing a movie at the Rio is a bit like going back in time and it's appropriate they don't show $100 million blockbusters, the theater's just not built for it. What it is built for is good, low budget, well thought out movies. The environment in the Rio actually makes these movies better than they would be in your living room, something that's just not true with the multiplexes around town. Another plus for the Rio is that they allow you to bring your own cup of coffee in from the Christian coffee shop Homer's which is on the next block. This may come in handy because their concession stand has soda, popcorn and candy, that's it, so if you want a decaf skim double mocha, Homer's will have to do. Pick out a movie you want to see some weekend and give the Rio a shot. I guarantee you'll want to go back, give it a shot.

Came to watch a movie here on a whim when I was feeling like seeing something different. Loved the convenience of being able to park right next to the building, walk up, and be at my seat in under 3 minutes. The interior was a great change of pace from the Cinemarks and AMC's of Kansas City, and I totally loved how cheesy it was. Seat rows were a little close together and not as 'stadium' style as mega theaters, but there were plenty of empty seats to move to if someone sat in front of you and you were unable to see. Projection and sound were quality, no complaints here. Switch it up and come here for your next movie night.

Superb suburban single-house theater. Carries independent and arts-based movies as well as some larger release big-budget shows. Quaint and within walking distance of many restaurants and bars. Great for discussing the flick before or after your visit to the Rio. The employees are always kind, the seating is plentiful and crowds are generally well behaved. If you want a pleasant theater-going experience, this should be on your list of 'safe bets.'

Take me to a picture show... I used to live two blocks away from this theater in Old Overland Park, and would always take this way to get to Metcalf, just so I could drive by this little theater. It was a million miles away from the giant theaters that have erupted into mainstream Americas need for bigger, louder, better...as the Rio only boasts one screen. Everyday I would drive-by and slow down to see what movie was showing. The Rio shows Indie films, and their show times are usually one matinee and one evening showing. Finally one day I had the time, the movie was one I was fmaliar with(The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) and had received great reviews, and the stars aligned and I entered the RIO. It was small, and decorated in a way that took me back to perhaps a better time for movie watching. No reclined seats, no surround sound. It was perfect. The staff was super friendly. We smiled at eachother as if we were all in on some big secret that those eating $20 popcorn at the gargantuan AMC would never know... The movie was great, and when I left, it was still light out, and I got that interesting feeling of walking back into reality. *** the good for kids question is not "yes" or "no". This theater would be a great place to take older children who would appreciate the novelty this theater. The issue is that the films are Indie and often not age appropriate...

Great little independent single-screen theatre, same owners as Glenwood Fine Arts. Same mix of mainline and art films. Updated art deco interior, clean and bright. As a 'vintage' theatre you won't get huge screens, surround sound or leather recliners, but seats are comfortable and have cupholders. Basic concessions and both tickets and concessions are very reasonably priced. Don't go to see a real big-screen show here (say Star Wars or Jurassic Park) that relies on big effects/sound, but for most films Rio is a pleasant trip back in time, affordable, and you gotta love supporting the local guys.

I adore little indie movie theaters, and the Rio delivers. The decor is fabulous. I find it a bit less warm in spirit than the Glenwood, and with only one screen I think they should change out the movie showing a bit more frequently. I love the location in Old Overland Park -- makes for a nice afternoon of strolling about -- and the ample parking. Hooray for keeping the Rio rolling!

Went to see The Girl Who Played with Fire tonight. I like the Rio Theater. It's not like the mainstream AMC or Dickinson Theaters. They play some of the indie movies you wouldn't necessarily get to see at more popular theaters. It's only one theater, so when they play a movie they play it for like a month and then move on to a new movie. I think it's cute and it makes me think of a time when movies were about acting, art, and glamour rather than box office sales and teen heartthrobs. I agree that it would be nice to switch out the movies more often, and while I did not find the seats overly uncomfortable, my husband did.

The Rio is just like the movie theatres that existed when I was a wee lad, when theatres only had one screen and that was all you needed. Gorgeous art-deco interior, comfy seating, lots of parking within a hundred feet. There are no commercials before the film, and no-one wears a uniform. Sometimes, particularly opening nights when a film has had a good review, there's a bit of a throng. Frequently, lots of middle-aged patrons (like me), for better or worse.

Love this little place! Friendly staff; clean, super nostalgic atmosphere. Popcorn and ticket prices always cheaper than other theaters.

Great movies. Friendly staff. They could improve on the comfort of seating.

Love this place - it's authentic art deco in decor, clean and comfortable. One screen gives you the feeling of how theaters use to be.