We ranked nine cinemas in and around Columbus, from family-owned drafthouses and a 1916 house in Delaware to a 76-year-old drive-in and recliner multiplexes. Each pick was checked on October 30 and 31 against its own website for ticket prices, programming, formats, food and parking. The ranking rewards a reason to choose that screen over streaming at home: repertory and classic series, a kitchen and bar worth the trip, or premium formats and seats for the biggest releases. Posted discounts count, since a cheap Tuesday or a member pass decides many movie nights. We did not attend screenings for this update.
9 theaters
2026 Winners·Winners announced Sep 22, 2026·Picks by Bart Rian
Why Grandview Theater & Drafthouse Is Our Best Overall Pick
Grandview Theater and Drafthouse sits at 1247 Grandview Ave. in Grandview Heights, with two screens, a full bar of 40 draft beers and its own pizza kitchen, so dinner and the film happen in one seat. Every Monday a three-topping pizza is $10, and pan pizzas come in an 8 by 8 sesame-crusted format. Seasonal events such as a National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation beer tasting with the Possum Posse sell tickets in advance, and the theater rents out for private screenings.
