Heights Theater

Went here for the first time to watch A Complete Unknown (Bob Dylan Bio-pic) the movie was great, but this movie theater made it one of the most memorable experiences!! We absolutely loved it! The feeling you get right when you walk in to the doors under the classic marquis lights is incredible!! I can’t wait to come back and watch movie in the coolest historic Minnesota theater!

Love this historic theater. They have replaced the original seating with comfortable seats that now sport cup holders. They have some of the best popcorn I’ve ever had at a movie theater. Just beware that parking on site is limited so allow time to park in the neighborhood. Arrive early to some shows to hear the performance on the Wurlitzer organ!

We are new to the area and visited The Heights for the first time ever. It is an incredible venue! Had a wonderful time seeing Polyester in Odorama. We're so happy to have a place like the Heights in our new home. The only thing that could make it better is if they ever offered a popcorn in the future that is vegan-friendly (no butter). That would be the dream! Thank you for the work you all do, we'll definitely be back!

A little ashamed to admit growing up in the Blaine area Sunday was my first time in the much loved Heights Theater!! It did not disappoint! Parking was easy w their small lot on the South side of the building. The owners also own the Dairy Queen next door so you can get something there and bring it in to the theater! There is a large comfortable lobby complete w having to pass by an old time-y ticket window. The seating was comfortable and sound was great. The lobby also has a few old movie posters and an old...old movie camera! Thanks Heights Theater for a great movie experience!

Great revival house! Live organist prior to screenings on Mon & Thur revival shows really get you in the mood. They do warn you but be mindful of where you park at the backside of the lot you will be towed.

Absolutely beautiful old theater, it's like stepping back in time in all the best ways. The atmosphere is so inviting. All around a great experience! Can't wait to come back.

each showtime feels like a one-of-a-kind cinematic adventure here. my heart fills with warmth and joy whenever I head to the Heights to watch a film ❤️‍🔥

Stepping into this historical movie theater is like walking through a portal to a bygone era, where cinematic magic meets vintage charm. The rich red curtains, ornately framed stage, and meticulously detailed walls set a tone that harks back to the golden age of cinema. The warm, cozy seats and classic architecture provide an authentic experience that modern theaters simply can’t replicate. One of the most striking features is the ambiance—dim chandeliers and classic decor transport you to a time when going to the movies was an event, full of excitement and elegance. Every corner of the theater speaks of tradition, from the plush, richly colored seats to the vintage-style wall panels. The atmosphere here invites you to let go of the present and immerse yourself in nostalgia. Watching classic movies in this setting is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a special reminder of the joy and community that movie-going once was, making each visit not just an outing but an experience steeped in history. For anyone yearning to relive the charm of yesteryear, this theater is a must-visit. Tags: movie theater; organ, nostalgia

A little ashamed to admit growing up in the Blaine area Sunday was my first time in the much loved Heights Theater!! It did not disappoint! Parking was easy w their small lot on the south side of the building. The owners also own the Dairy Queen next door so you can get something there and bring it in to the theater! There is a large comfortable lobby complete w having to pass by an old time-y ticket window. The seating was comfortable and sound was great. The lobby also has a few old movie posters and an old...old movie camera! Thanks Heights Theater for a great movie experience!

This theater is so cool! It's a sweet neighborhood theater with a vintage vibe. I've been to several movies here and they have a great mix of old and current ones. The best experience I've had is their annually showing of White Christmas. You can go see an organ player for 30 minutes before the show. Then there is a jazz singer, jingle bells sing along and finally the movie itself. It's a really fun few hours.

I am lucky enough to live only a few blocks from here so my husband and I walk to a movie every few months. We saw the new Dune here and what an experience! I love that they have new movies sometimes and I love the special events they have. Be careful though because they sometimes sell out, I saw The Shining here last fall and it was packed! So much fun to be amidst other theater lovers. The chairs could be more comfortable but the aisles are spacious so there's plenty of room to walk by with your snacks. Such a beautiful space! There are vegan cookies to choose from which I super appreciate. The butter is real butter so we have to get our popcorn plain and I wish it was better - you can't be perfect all the time. 4.75/5

This is my absolute favorite theatre! I've been coming here since I was a kid. So cool inside! On the weekends and special screenings, they'll have an organ player. The film selection is always great - I love the Celebration of Cinema series. Well thought out programming for sure. The ability to bring in DQ next door is a definite bonus!

This theater is a true gem. The iconic classic theater sign had always drawn our attention and we finally had the opportunity to attend their holiday White Christmas showing this year. 10/10 recommend it - We were blown away by the classy experience. First, I was on crutches so a gentleman opened the door for us as we entered. We entered the lobby and were warmly greeted by their staff. A piano serenaded the lobby in the background, really setting the mood. They were extremely accommodating and welcoming. Snacks and refreshments are available, which was a nice touch. We sat down early and just took in the vintage theater vibe, and we were greeted by a gentleman who started telling us about the organ and showing us pics of all the different mechanisms it had access to (drums, trumpets, and so much more!). Turns out he was the guy who maintains the organ, and it was a true joy to hear about his work and passion. Soon the organist began filling the theater with great music. They also had a live piano+singer (Maud Hixton) duo perform before the film, they were just great! We felt transported back in time, to a time when people interacted without just staring at a screen. This is truly more than a theater, it's a full experience. We look forward to our next visit!

Always the best! Old movies, new movies. This place rocks. If you haven't been here, you don't know what you are missing. This is the best hidden gem of all theaters. This place is perfection.

Came to a movie around Christmas and they had someone playing Christmas music on an organ before the movie started. A lovely old school theater with lots of charm.

The only place in the twin cities that we will see a movie! Support local neighborhood businesses !!!!

This theater has received an upgrade, and so has my review. The only major issue they had was with their seats. But they have torn those out and replaced them with very comfortable, cushiony, rock-y chairs that have plenty of legroom. It's enough of an improvement to add a fifth star. Seeing movies at the Heights is awesome. I can't stress enough just how effective the vintage atmosphere of this single screen cinema can be. From the tiny box office just off the sidewalk, to the auditorium bedecked with chandeliers, a velvet curtain, and a genuine Wurlitzer organ at the front, you will inhale nostalgia throughout your visit. This is especially true when they have an organist opening the show, or when they show repertory film classics from 35mm or 70mm prints. It's worth noting that most engagements will make use of modern digital projection and sound equipment; the fact that they can run old-fashioned celluloid when the moment calls for it is just an added bonus. You can read my original review for a couple notes about what isn't perfect about The Heights, but that's just me being a snob. Do yourself a favor and see a movie at The Heights sometime. It is absolutely lovely.

Had a blast at their 16th annual Holiday Show. The organist played many Christmas song favorites on the big Wurlitzer organ. Many people in the crowd were singing along. There was also a jazz vocal soloist that sang some more obscure Christmas songs with a piano accompanist. It was a fun warm-up that started an hour before the movie - so get their early! We then were treated to a digital showing (with modern THX sound) of a White Christmas - a great classic. The screen and projection equipment is all very much up to date, even though it's a quaint little 1920's theater. Refreshment prices were reasonable compared to other movie chains - but still high (My medium popcorn and soda came to $8 after all). Had a blast though. We'll be back for more special events!

Wow, I've driven by this theater so many times and had no idea what a unique little place this is! Came here to watch "Murder on the Orient Express" and it could not have been a more perfect place to watch this visually stunning 1940's mystery. Once you walk into the movie theater you'll see the large red and gold curtain in front of the screen, gorgeous chandeliers hanging from the paneled ceiling, and the organ that gets played during special showings, silent films. There is only one screen so as the credits were rolling and we were leaving, other people started coming in for the next showing. Seats are a little stiff but the lobby is small and cozy and the snacks are pleasantly cheaper than your usual big box office movie theater. Free (small) parking lot. It's a neat place and would be great for date night. I'll be back for sure.

A glittering gem! Classy and cool. Love the chandeliers in the theatre. Have been here a couple times before, but waited to write a review until I saw the organ player. Worth the wait! If you go to a show on a Friday or Saturday night there is a huge organ in front of the stage. The player is decked out in a tux and plays with such joy and gusto. The crowd claps after every song and he turns and smiles like he has the best job in the world. Bravo! After the organ, but before the movie, there is a hilarious short with an old lady making a cake reminding the crowd of theatre manners. The girlfriend I was with had never seen it and she laughed so hard she almost cried! The staff is super friendly and the theatre has a personal feel since there is only one screen. A refreshing change from those multiplexes.

Where has this theatre been all my life? I have lived in Minneapolis for a very long while, but somehow never made it to the Heights just a skip down Central until last week. Love, love this theatre. It makes me smile that it is beautiful and in tact after the ruinous remodeling of the Uptown. Beautiful decor, real butter popcorn, clean comfy seats, if the movie sucks you can be glad you got to see the space. Parking is plentiful in the free municipal parking lot, a perk you would never find at the Uptown. Another bonus is the proximity to several good places to eat. I will be keeping track of what's playing here.

Just saw the classic 1934 screwball comedy, "It Happened One Night". Super fun...and wow...the organ player and the organ music before the movie was such a treat! Plenty of parking in the free ramp nearby. Highly recommend!

Great evening out. Relaxing escape. Lobby, theatre, restrooms all are sanitized and freshened up perfectly. 25% capacity so intelligent. Don't hesitate, double treat yourself with a DQ too!

I can't believe it took so long to discover this place, especially with all the free parking around! This old-timey theater has become a favorite. If I'm there on a weekend, I try to get there early enough to enjoy the organ player on the Wurlitzer before the show. You can also bring in Dairy Queen treats from next door as the theatre owners also own the DQ. Reasonable prices on concessions and it has always been clean and comfy. The chandeliers are also a sight to behold. Definitely one of my go-to spots.

Entertainment...Check Nostalgia...Check Dairy Queen...Check This place has it all. The decor is absolutely beautiful--it's so great to have a historical place like this to see a current box office movie in town. But the real treat is when you come here to see an old classic. My first visit here was this past summer during the Judy Garland Festival. To kick it off, they showed "A Star Is Born" with additional never-before-seen/heard parts that originally ended up on the cutting room floor (literally). Before the movie and during the intermission, the organist played on an organ that rises from the floor like magic. He is very good, and on this particular night, he played music from the film as well as other Judy Garland films--it was a really nice touch. The Dairy Queen next door is apparently also owned by the theatre owners, so many people went out for a cool treat during the intermission and were allowed to bring them inside. Where else can you do that?! I look forward to going back here to see other movies in the future. Even if you pay the same price as any other place, the experience is like no other!

I went here for a special one night showing of an old film. After my first visit, I love this old-timey theatre. I would give it 5 stars if only the women's bathroom had more stalls. The red velvet curtains, ultra-cool chandeliers, and of course.... The Organ Player before the show sets the mood for a really great evening. Very nostalgic. Don't miss this place and enjoy the show. It's the kind of place that I will seek out when people come to visit me because you cannot capture this experience elsewhere. Free parking was available in a ramp just around the corner from the theatre.

I went to The Heights for the first time a year or so ago, just because there was a movie playing that I wanted to see. I had no idea that the experience would form into a mild addiction. The Heights has ruined it for me to go to any other theater. The Heights isn't very close to where I live (Loring Park) but now when I feel like going to a movie, the first thing I find out is what is playing at this theater. So many things just amaze me about the place. The main thing for me is that I feel like it is managed by people who love movies and love this building. It seems to be driven by a passion. It's so different from the sterile chains that are throughout the Twin Cities. What this great theater manages to do is create an environment that is almost like a living museum but still a great entertainment experience. And the organ! I generally only go to The Heights on a Friday or Saturday evenings. I don't know if it's camp or what, but having someone play the massive organ instead of the inane commercials you get at the chain theaters, just makes me smile. I feel let down if I go there and no one is playing. What about the silly film clip with the women baking cookies? That's brilliant! I look forward to the renovation of the Uptown. The Uptown always depresses me because I see the bones of a great theater that they just let fall to pieces. When I go to The Heights, I think to myself how these guys could teach the Landmark people a thing or two about how to run a theater.

This is probably my favorite theater in town. Not only do they show all the best classics, but they also get those bigger films on the down swing, it's never overcrowded or full of punk ass kids like the big places. The interior is beautifully restored/undergoing restoration, and the chandeliers alone could keep a person visually entertained for quite a while. The seats are comfy enough, and though they lack cup holders, you don't end up caring. The curtain is gorgeous and I feel like I should be gussied up in my best vintage every time I go. Ticket prices are not bad at all and the concessions are also not priced through the popcorn roof, which means for about 20 bucks, you're having a pretty awesome date by virtue of the environment. They also do great film festivals and they have a sweet newsletter you can sign up for on their website so you can stay abreast of all the happenings. Definitely worth the little extra drive (at least, for me and Beard) to go to a relaxing, beautiful, and historical place. (Also, they have a hilarious "stfu" ad before the films... very creative and very kitschy!)

A simply beautiful theater. This little piece of history has been painstakingly restored to its original grandeur, with intricate original woodwork and velvet curtains and everything. It's pretty on the outside with the antique marquee, but I couldn't believe how gorgeous this movie house is inside. I've never seen a movie here (only been to an event), but I imagine a nostalgic, black and white film would be the way to go. A very cute first date. Alexandra H. and I plan to get in touch with the owner and let him know that should he ever sell the building, we want the chandeliers. Just sayin'. Dibs.

Second to Riverview in my book! I've wanted to try out my neighborhood movie theatre for awhile and when I noticed that Grand Budapest Hotel (the latest Wes Anderson) was showing I jumped at it. There is only one screen and whatever is showing is usually something that can be found at a mainstream theatre, that being a blockbuster or what have you. They also show classic and silent films on certain days of the week or have special matinees. Prices are $8, matinees $6. But the actual space, the theatre itself, the glory of a film-watching experience is at its peak here! Four chandeliers that dimly glow throughout the film... heavy red velvet curtains open to the screen... classic film posters line the lobby... simply put, MAJESTIC!!! They should really just change the name to Majestic Theatre. Concessions were great. REAL BUTTER! Yes!!! I ate an entire small popcorn to myself. (eek) Candies, sodas and ABC cookies were available! If you've never had an ABC cookie you must try. Flavors are great and they are all-natural, small business owned. Decent parking lot. I used a Chinook coupon for a BOGO ticket. Regardless of a good deal, I'll go back to this place for pretty much any viewing. Love this theatre!!!

If your movie going experiences are limited to 20 plex mega theatres, then the Heights might baffle you. One screen? While the surrounding area leaves little evidence of how cool this area might have been years ago, the Heights Theatre is exhibit A in the case for "They Don't Make 'em Like They Used To." They could show "Ishtar" here and it would be an enjoyable experience. This place is so cool and so vintage I wish it was more in my "trade radius" but it is worth the trip no matter where you live. The only other theatre I've been to of this vintage, complete with the organ show, is the Fargo Theatre.

Always a great place to see a film. Staff is kind. Theater is clean. Always an enjoyable experience.

I used to go to the Heights Theatre back in the day when they still showed Rocky Horror Picture Show. I applaud the staff for putting up with a bunch of underage hooligans making a mess of their theatre once a week. I have been back in the intervening years and love what they've done with the place. It's one of my favorite places to go see a movie, and I don't get there often enough.

I echo all of the preceding 35 five star reviews. This place is awesome. I'm not the only one who thinks so. My special needs son thinks this is the best theater in the WORLD, mostly because the organ. He absolutely LOVES the organ. After the movie, we always need to hang around for a bit just to say good bye to the organ, and when we do, the owner always comes up to greet my son. This extra bit of kindness embodies the spirit of the Heights Theater, a lovely place to see a movie and listen to the rocking Organ.

The Heights really might just be as good as it gets. It's a theatre that harks back to the days when going to the movies was something spectacular, something worthy of a fancy facade, gorgeous chandeliers, and a live organist to play for you before the show. I'm so happy to say that that charm and character are still alive and well today at The Heights. We won't go see movies anywhere else. Huge 16-screen theaters with $12 tickets that plop you right in the middle of a MALL? This decision is really not that hard! The Heights has affordable tickets ($11 for two of us to go see a movie is too good to be true in this city), really friendly staff, and so much character it could be in the movies playing on its screen. The chandeliers have been updated with colorful light bulbs, and provide you with a little pre-show entertainment. You won't find fancy stadium seats at The Heights, but I've never been in a seat where I couldn't see the screen. It's locally owned and operated and is ALSO the oldest continuously running theatre in the Twin Cities, so I feel like going to the movies is a little less about giving my money to huge corporate operators and more about supporting an awesome show house in my neighborhood. I feel like seeing a movie at The Heights is seeing a movie the way they were supposed to be seen, with a little glitz and romance built into your very surroundings. So, next time you're in a movie mood, try The Heights! It will honestly change the way you feel about going to the movies.

The Heights is a place where I really can't see any needed improvements, everything about it is fantastic. Its the kind of place worth traveling across the State for. The service is great, you can eat in the shared plaza with the Dairy Queen nextdoor and bring your food and drink in (the theater owns the DQ as well), and if you buy a pop or a popcorn in the theater you get FREE REFILLS. The Heights is also the most lovingly restored old moviehouse I've seen in Minnesota, and is definetely the nicest in the Twin Cities. The decor in the auditorium is unlike anything you'd ever seen before and makes for a great movie viewing experience. I also can trust them to select good movies, the films I've seen here are usually really good. If you wan't to go out for a movie this is a place you should really check out I'm sure you'll love it.

I love this little theatre. The old theater-type seating and curtains are awesome. They play older movies too which is really fun. I saw The Lion King here when I was a kids. I saw the Blair Witch Project here when I was a teen and have yet to go back, but would love to!

I'll save the five stars for when I get to actually see a movie here. I spoke here a few years ago as part of a pechakucha event and later for a world UX day event, and loved the ambiance and the feel of the theatre. Looking forward to return for what it was actually created for - a movie!

Yeah, it's been said. 5 star perfection. It's also the perfect date theater. Immaculate insides, killer film selections (most of the time), a DQ next door... now if only there was a couple places nearby to adjourn. I saw The Dark Knight when it was here, but I also saw a 70mm print of Spartacus like 7 years ago and even though I thought the movie is just o.k., the experience added much; they worked in an intermission so people could stretch out, mingle, nosh, or whatever. I know it's not necessarily a rare thing, some films simply require a break, but it's especially distinct in a place like this.

One theater = one showing at a time Cheap tickets. Beautiful interior. And to top it off there's an organ player instead of pre-on-screen movie trivia!! I'm not a 'must-catch-new-releases-ASAP' kinda gal so this place is pretty perfect for me.

The Heights Theatre is one of my favorite places. It's a beautifully restored theatre from 1926 and you can tell that the owners truly love film. There's live organ music before each show and it's a great place to see film classics - sometimes even in 35mm. Every year they show White Christmas (with live holiday music beforehand) and Holiday Inn. It's a great tradition and I can't wait to share it with my son once he gets a bit older.

Awesome theater. I saw Dead Reckoning with Humphrey Bogart (1947) here recently. I don't think I'd ever seen a flick here before even though I've passed by the place a million times. What a great spot. Cool old building, awesome decor and an organist jamming before the movie. Since the film we saw was black and white and 60+ years old, it sincerely felt like we'd taken a time machine back to one of the old movie palaces. The beautiful theater room, complete with chandeliers that are dimly shining during the flick, is one of the coziest and most comfortable place to watch a movie in the Cities. The place also features fairly affordable concessions and friendly people. I definitely plan to return. If you haven't been, check it out, especially with great classic film offerings from Take-Up.org (they're showing another noir tonight...hot damn!).

This is my favorite movie theater. It's absolutely beautiful! Also, it's part of Take Up Productions, which also runs Trylon. I love what those cats are doing :) This theater is very well maintained, the beautiful moldings and decor of the theater are intact. Really, it's just a wonderful atmosphere. Ticket prices are fair: $8 general admission $6 matinees before 6pm $5 for kids and 62+ Concessions are also fair. I love this place! It's great for a date or a mellow, intimate evening. My bf surprised me and took me to Where The Wild Things Are and I cried as the movie started because it meant alot to me that he brought me to the movie, but it meant even more that he brought me to such a lovely theater. (yeah, I'm a sap, so what!) :D

I can't say much beyond all the positive reviews already provided. Years ago, this was a $2 theater, showing movies well past their initial releases for cheap prices. The building was covered in teal metal siding and was rather run down. Enter the current owners and their marvelous efforts at restoring this gem of a theater. It is truly a rags to riches transformation. Others have mentioned the lobby, which is beautiful and very inviting, its cleanliness and old-timiness a nod to the rest of what you will experience. The concessions are reasonable in price compared to other theaters and there are free refills on popcorn and pop. The seating area is also gorgeous. Feels like you are stepping back in time. A large organ is played on certain evenings - it rises up and then lowers down at the end. Other than a short clip reminding patrons to turn off cell phones and refrain from talking, etc., there are no previews of other movies and no 20-30-minute long "entertainment" segments consisting of nothing more than commercials. How refreshing and wonderful!!!! I would recommend everyone check out and support this theater. We need MORE such small-town businesses and I hope this one is around for a long time.

I admit that I am an "old movie weirdo". I rarely like an movie made after I was born. So when I moved to Minnesota for a project several months ago I hoped that I'd be able to get my fix at a real theater. Watching with an audience is so much better than watching at home. Friends had told me about the Heights and that I would love it. They were right. Starting with the organ all the way through a great film noir with a crowded house, it was a great experience. I'll be back and often.

I've been to the White Christmas showing 3 years in a row, and I've already bought my tickets for this year's showing. It's so magical... the organ player, the jazz singer, and the bouncing ball sing-a-long just really gets me right in the spirit. The decor is absolutely majestic. Large velvet curtains, giant chandeliers, and little touches here and there... it makes movie-going a luxurious experience, instead of just a fall-back date option.

Perfect place to go on a date or to escape bad weather. Venue is romantic, unique & inexpensive. Always a great time, hope Heights Theatre is around forever! Just make sure to check their website ahead of time to see which movies their showing and times to plan accordingly!

Gorgeous theater, all the character you could imagine from the intricately carved woodwork to the luxurious velvet curtains to the ornate chandeliers. And ticket prices are comparable to big box theaters. My only complaint was the seats were a bit snug and could use some new springs - but it's been a while, so perhaps they've replaced the cushions since my last visit?

Forget previews, I want to listen to a pipe organ before I watch a movie. A beautiful little gem in Columbia Heights. One Screen theater that plays popular movies and old nostalgic movies. Tickets are 8.00 and reasonably priced concessions. Free refills on your soda. Beyond nostalgia it is a nice theater with employee's friendly staff and employees. A great date night location for something simple, similar, and yet different.

This place is spectacular. I went to see the silent movie Chicago, and it was extraordinary. They had an organist that played wonderfully, and I was immediately transported back in time into the 1920s. Truly, this place is a little hidden gem.

This is my go to theater. I live in the neighborhood and go here as often as I can. Any time there is an event I let my friends know and we make a day of it. since they also own the Dairy Queen next door, you can also bring your food or treats from DQ into the theater!! Not only is this my favorite theater, it's one of my favorite places to go when I leave the house!!!

Just returned from seeing the brilliant movie Cat People (1942) and had a fantastic time. I've seen this movie a zillion times but never before on the big screen with an audience and it made the experience better than ever. It's very interesting to see a familiar movie in a theater and note the audience reactions. The Heights is a very cool looking theater, lots of nostalgic items, and a great organ player who comes up out of the floor to provide musical entertainment before the show....somehow reminded me of Phantom Of The Opera. A fun evening it was.

I went to the Heights Theater for the first time last week to see a screening of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" with the director, John Cameron Mitchell, there giving a running commentary throughout the film. it was a great time, and the theater is adorable. It has a very vintage look, with quirky chandeliers with colored bulbs and the seats are actually comfy, unlike many older theaters. I saved the best part of this theater for last: the organ player! There is Wurlitzer organ right in front of the screen and a man plays it before the movie starts. When he is done, the organ and man lower into the floor and the movie begins. It was amazing. I'm going again this week, and I can't wait!

Old school theatre that is right by my house. Doesn't get much better. Oh wait... I get two for one admittance because I'm an MPR member? I stand corrected!!

So fun! I love the old elements and just the nostalgia of this place. The chandeliers and curtains ....awesome.

This beautiful theater will take you back in time. I picked this theater to watch a movie strictly for the convenient location, only to be blown off my feet by the beauty of the place! This is a great theater to take your kids to and show them what a real theater used to look like and a wonderful date location.

Gem of a neighborhood movie theater. Beautifully restored old theater. Organist plays at the front of the theater before weekend evening films. Next door to a Dairy Queen owned by the theater owners, so you can bring ice cream into the theater. Good mix of new releases and classic films shown. They sometimes have film festivals too. Love this place!