This is unfortunately another instance of parents letting their unruly teenage kids go unsupervised thus ruining the theater experience. The theater itself is great. The food at the concessions is typical, I ordered the Harper combo with a popcorn & fountain drink. It was delicious , no complaints. I believe having a designated person that could print, check or help with the purchasing of tickets would greatly help the experience. No one offered to print our tickets out, so we went to the wrong theater at first. Once we went to the right theater, I noticed someone was sitting in one of our seats. Ok no big deal. However the people I sat next to, who I'm assuming were younger teenagers, were very distracting. They kept talking & playing around in their seats, then the girl sitting next to me kept playing on her phone scrolling on social media, taking pictures and then at one point accepted a face time call in the middle of the theater. It didn't seem like something someone who paid money to see a movie would do; as the young couple didn't seem to be interested in the movie at all. Anyways, I told the people at front whom I'm assuming is the manager. They seemed very apologetic & wanted to make sure they made things right so I'd return again. I think my rule of thumb for this theater is to not go when school is on break. That seems to be when these type of issues arise. Again I don't think it's the theaters fault in this case, but something needs to change. The movie theater itself was cool, the sound and visual was cool. I like that it's a smaller theater, it's just whenever there are disruptions it becomes painfully obvious and distracting. read more

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Let me say this is a great place old school feel and very nice Employees and let me say Clean this is a must go place in Chicago one of Chicago Very Own. read more

Really nice upgrade to this neighborhood gem with reclining, assigned seats. Small theater, good sound, parking nearby on street or parking lot north of theater. Food still needs some love, only candy, nachos, hot dogs and popcorn, but you can get booze. read more

I had mixed feelings when this theater closed a while back for renovations. I liked having a less expensive option and way less travel to see first run movies, but it is not really my favorite theater(bathrooms not working, popcorn not fresh, no recliner seats or seats you can choose). However, with recliner seats, a slightly better bathroom and ability to choose seats in advance, I was willing to devote 3 hours to Oppenheimer within walking distance. There was not much difference except the seats, which were comfortable. The concessions were another story: they have no alcohol, 'fresh' popcorn, or soda dispensers. We paid SIX DOLLARS for a CAN of soda! (I'd recommend bringing in your own beverages!) The snarky 'Welcome to the movies' quip did not help. I know it's hard to compete with multiplexes and the 1000+ combos of soda machines a few miles away but that's really ridiculous! Looks as if they had money for 1 or 2 things and they spent it on chairs and a better website since my last review from 2018. read more

Bought tickets to the wrong showing. Refund policy says you can call to get a refund online, phone is disconnected...

I like the convenience of this Theater. i happy to see they finally have an Icee Machine. Pinky was one of the employees there & she was very nice and provided great Service. My only issue is that in row F my seat was broken so I couldn't recline or put my feet up for an almost 3 hour movie. Please fix the broken chairs. I gave a 4 due to the broken chair. read more

The theaters have no heat or AC, the men's bathroom is worse than a dive bar at 2am, and some of the theaters have starts where you can't see 1/4 of the screen. It's so sad that this community is being exploited by the owners. Doing basic things like keeping it clean and heated is more than a question of bad business, it's about respecting the people that come in. read more

So glad to have a local movie theater! We just moved to Hyde Park. We have a 10 year old so we've been twice in the month we have lived here. The bathrooms are pretty clean but we've been to the late morning Saturday showings only so maybe we are lucky. The seats heat up! Once one of my seats had a broken control panel so thankfully it wasn't a full house and I was able to switch seats. I like being able to recline. Staff are nice. It's fun to watch the popcorn pop. :) read more

August 21,2025, which was a Thursday. My family and I went to see HIGHEST to LOWEST, an evening of family fun turned into a nightmare. The movie stopped in the middle, staff was not available to address our concerns, the theater was not clean, popcorn was cold, and my sister witnessed someone urinating in the garage can in the lobby. Once management came back on site we were only offered a voucher. It was a very disappointing night. Lack of staffing, uncleanliness, cold food, movie stopping in the middle, and witnessing someone urinating in the lobby are reasons for one star. read more

It's disturbing that there is not any heat in Theatre 4. I reported it to front desk and was told it's broken. Why was I not told when I brought the ticket. It's 26 degrees outdoors and probably colder in this theater. I am in theater in coat, gloves and hat. Must do better!!!!! read more

Nice atmosphere, small venue. Went here with a buddy to see Gladiator II. Awesome recliner heated seats. Wonderful experience. Employees were nice. read more

Great little neighborhood gem. They have some logistical things they could work on, but overall glad to see Harper still up and running. Note, don't sit in the second row, the front row seats are higher for some reason, so the bottom of the screen tends to get blocked by heads. read more

We recently moved to Hyde Park and went to this neighborhood theater for the first time tonight. For all of our 33 years married, me & my husband have enjoyed going out to see a movie. We've been to a whole lot across the country, and this was one of the better ones. Although it has multiple screens, the smaller size theater is refreshing --appreciated not having to deal with the crowds. Comfortable reclining seats also contributed to a pleasant experience. Most importantly, the small staff delivered exceptional service, especially the lady from whom we bought the tickets and popcorn. I think her name was Lanette. Thank you Lanette!! read more

Very ghetto and unprofessional. Nothing works in this place so don't bother wasting your time. You'll be very disappointed with the service and sanitation. read more

Second time coming here and there's no heat in the theater! Went back out and told them about it and they said it,"...."it's broke...". It's 25 degrees outside today! They knew this before they sold us the tickets but said nothing.....Got to do better! read more

Harper Theatre is a very fun place to enjoy a movie. A special Shout out to La Nette, who was very Professional with a very bright and friendly personality. She helped to make my birthday very Special. Thank you La Nette read more

I like it because it's a neighborhood theater. Can't wait to see the newly remodeled venue.

I went here a couple weeks ago with my partner. This was our first time going to this theatre. We went to see inside out 2. The service was average, the food wasn't that great though. The theatre we were in was kinda of small. Plus when we got in people were sitting in our seats, I don't believe those people even had tickets to that movie cause they just began to hop around to other seats. It wasn't a bad experience staff was friendly but was very busy. I'm not sure if we would come back to this theatre or not. I expected a little more since it's in Hyde Park. read more

Nice little theater. Very comfortable reclining seats and reasonable prices. Apparently they just renovated at it seems they did a great job! read more

This theater is so bogus that it's funny. First and last time for everything. Everything is ancient except the seats. The food stand is horrible and the theatre is ghetto!! All the people were loud and you couldn't hear the movie bcuz all you heard was people rambling with their popcorn. The theatre was small. Almost like they are trying to be like E-magine in Frankfort but this is not even close. This is the worst theatre I've ever been too read more

It is so nice to have a movie theater in Hyde Park again! And this time it's clean, the staff is friendly, and it seems as though management really cares. I came to a fundraiser here on Saturday. I thought this was a great idea for a Hyde park fundraiser or event! (You can see a movie here, and get treats from Kilwins next door). read more

Harper Theater - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I decided to go for a walk and stopped by just to see what was playing. I googled all the shows, and Blue Beatle was the winner. The guy at the ticket booth was helpful and patient. I bought nachos. They give you a lot of cheese . They have nice spacious seats that recline. The theater was cold, but I should have known better. It was clean. On the way out, a worker said, "Thanks for coming. Have a nice evening." That's always nice to hear. It's a great neighborhood movie theater. It was my first time there in 30 years since seeing House Party. I'll be back on $5 on Tuesday. read more

We attempted to see Black Panther this week. This was my first visit and I wanted to enjoy it. However, I recommend a complete overhaul of this theater - new ticketing, new reception, new seats, new screens, etc. The movie started late, was out of focus and color was off. When they tried to restart after 20 min, it didn't help. This was my first time being sent away from a movie. Hopefully the new management has big plans. read more

The theater owner needs to invest in a cypersecurity service for your website. Attempted to go online and purchase tickets for the Saturday,, 9/9 1:45 p.m. Equalizer 3. The website I was directed to when paying with a debit card requested my pin number. Also, the website showed most of the seats as being filled for that show. In reality, the movie playing in your 2# theater had very low attendance. I ended up coming directly to the theater to buy my tickets. read more

I was pleasantly surprised! the theatre was nice & quaint, nestled in the middle of the block among other shops. Upon entering the theatre my friend & I were greeted by the staff that was friendly and welcoming. We ordered drinks and were directed to theatre number four. I was surprised to see that it was four theatre's, from the outside it appears small. Once we entered into the theatre it reminded me of a home theatre. It was not large like an AMC theatre, it was very intimate, I would call it a boutique style theatre. Theatre number four was nice & clean, the seats were a faux leather material that rocked when you moved vs. reclined. The back of the seats were rather short & the armrest raised so that you could get closer to your date(I didn't have a date) but it was cool for those that wanted to snuggle close. Overall, it was just a good experience. I enjoyed the movie, I appreciated the intimate boutique feel. I would definitely go back! If you're in the Hyde Park area it's definitely a great date night spot, the location is excellent the staff and service was friendly. read more

I had been going downtown because it's dine in service and they bring it to your seat. I went to see RESPECT at the Hyde Park. I am in a wheelchair and Clyde the manager actually carried my nachos with cheese and slushy inside the theater. I will return. It's close to home and in a business district. I love the new Downtown Hyde Park! read more

huge shout out to Miss lanette over at Harper theater, she knows a lil sum about hospitality and a warm welcome!!

This place is nice and cozy. Reminds me of a small town theatre. Excited Hyde park has a theatre and feel this is a great addition to area. I think it's a little small and doesn't offer everything that a larger theatre would. It doesn't quite meet the need of the area to a degree. For an up and coming area where they are looking to have more people it's too small. The seats can be a little noisy of you move. Overall it's a great addition to the area but could be nicer..... Don't get the groupon it's not a great deal. read more

The customer service was the best part of the experience for sure! We went to see a 640pm showing of The Avengers. There seemed to be only one employee working and she was fantastic! Super nice, answered all of our questions (as we had never been here before). We had a Groupon and for the most part, Hyde Park businesses kind of scoff at you if you use a Groupon...but she was super nice and accommodating. The theater is small, but it's a neighborhood theater. I will have to agree with the other reviewers, the sound is loud if not balanced. I'm not sure if it is the actual theaters deal or if the movie was poorly mixed. Could hear the background noises, but not the dialogue. But again, we did see an action movie... I will say, there were a couple people (3 to be exact) sleeping in the actual theater in which the movie was showing. I had to physically CLIMB over one lady in order to leave my row. I just moved here from Seattle. Is this a thing here in Hyde Park? Buy a ticket to a movie and then sleep all the way through it? I thought that's what the Green Line was for... read more

For the establishment to be located in a very busy neighborhood it is a nice place for random weekend plans. The establishment is nice on the inside however the business is slow. The concession employees had attitudes when I expressed how I wanted my pop corn, the lady who gave us our tickets forgot to give me our 3D glasses and the theater is a bit small... Not an establishment to bring the whole family. One or two people max please! There were no previews, our movie was scheduled to start at 7:25 however, it started 20 mins later. The sound was not loud enough and the seats are so close together that I was unable to see part of the screen due to the person sitting in front of me. Overall it's a well place of business. Like most businesses, it needs a bit of improvement. read more

Harper Theater - Movie night with my son and friends! - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The theatre that I time forgot and I don't mean in a quaint nostalgic type way. I mean it looks like it need a good rinsing off. The seats weren't comfy. And maybe if you like sitting close to the screen you'd enjoy how tiny it was ... read more

Friendly movie theater for the most part. Came here over the weekend to watch a movie. Ticket prices aren't that bad but never have I ever experienced so much talking and loud comments during a movie and it wasn't even a comedy, it was a horror/drama movie. Fortunately I bought one too many moscatos from the bar and didn't let it bother me. I'd probably come back but probably on a weekday instead. read more

Alright, alright, I' back. Honestly,​ I only go to this theater or Studio Movie Grill on 87th. Still room for improvement, but I'd rather have it in the community than not have it. read more

Harper Theater isn't your glitzy, glamorous multiplex giant screen theather. So if you're in the mood for that, then this will be a disappointment. However, it's still a great theater. It's extremely reasonably priced, especially for the Chicago area (I paid $6 for a 3D movie, unheard of!). You can buy tickets online ahead of time, and pick out your seats (otherwise, you pick your seat when you buy your ticket on the way in). I do echo what one other person said about the 2nd and 3rd rows-I thought that would be a good location, but because of the way the floor dips it actually wasn't a great angle. I'd recommend sitting a few rows farther back. I wasn't overly impressed with the food, I just got a popcorn and a soda, and the popcorn wasn't that great. I'd likely give it another try, maybe try something different, but if the quality is the same I'd likely not waste my money. Though their website now says they have a full-service bar, which is intriguing. Overall, a really good value for the money, as long as you have the right expectations going in. It's great to have a theater within walking distance, and even better that it's inexpensive. read more

When this theater first opened, we had an issue with my middle-school son getting threatened by the staff for getting the 3d glasses they didn't give him. With no staff anywhere is sight he took a pair and went back inside. Movies started late. They opened the theater late and so on. Even though it was in my neighborhood, I never went. not worth the headache. I finally went last night. The theater itself was cozy (small room, smallish screen) and had comfy seats. It was also clean and well maintained. So why only 2 stars? Well 3 stars is A-Ok, and it wasn't. 2-stars, aka "Meh. I've experienced better" is more accurate First, the 730 Ant-Man show started closer to 745pm after me and another patron went outside to see what was going on. As best I can tell, the staff just forgot. They have one job. Furthermore, the surround system was not working. The sound was seriously lacking and was only Left-Center-Right. The full theater experience was non-existent. Combined with a smallish screen, it was worse than watching it at home from a sound/video POV. I can't pin this on the theater but they also let in too many kids. One couple came in with 3 kids under 6, including one in a damn stroller. Needless to say it was mayhem throughout the show. There has to be a way to not let toddlers in the theater for night time shows. At the very least, people should use common courtesy and leave the kids at home (or go to a kids movie). Either way, starting late and not having a fully functioning sound system is more than enough for 2 stars... read more

I wanted to love this experience, but I just ....My family, and I rented the theater for a family outing during this sensitive time, and I expected more regarding the condition of the theater. Communication was excellent when booking, despite having visited in previous years, I should have requested a walk thru before committing to the rental. The condition of the theater looked as if they hadn't cleaned since before COVID-19 restrictions began. The floors were extremely dirty in the atrium. The theater seats, and cup holders had dirt and mold underneath. MOLD! There wasn't a hint of disinfectant in the air, let alone evidence of the areas they're renting out having been sanitized for public use. It was disappointing to say the least. I did reach out to management with my concerns. They let me know that they would reach out to the owner. I've heard nothing back. Maybe they addressed the issues, maybe they did not. Ultimately, I will not patronize again. If you're looking for a clean space to enjoy with family; please avert. It's not worth the money you're spending. Your money will be better spent streaming the service and ordering food in your own home. You'll save about $250. read more

Decent local non- big chain theater. Always on Groupon. Comfortable seats, pretty clean theater. Washrooms are decent, though one stall was out of order plus a hand dryer was too. Got tixs for Top Five. Previews & commercials were playing. I asked one of the workers who had braids about the volume. She told me that they do not turn up the volume until the feature starts. I asked her they want us to sit and watch a quiet screen for 15 mins before movie starts & she replied yes. My last time here I guess. I have been here before and the volume was always on. Maybe conserving electricity?? read more

Happy to have a theatre in Hyde park. Its pretty dated inside but hey we finally have a theater. It's clean and works for me. I do have to mention that, absolutely yes, people talk too much in the movie over here in HP. It may be cultural, but it's still damn rude. Maybe the theater could use a guy coming in with a flashlight here and there and smacking some people on the back of the head when necessary. read more

Terrible. Terrible service Towed my car Terrible theatre Terrible seats Just terrible read more

This is a solid, small, local theater, no bells and whistles. If you're a student with ID, tickets are only $8 and on Tuesdays they have a $5 movie special! And they have a $5 snack pack - popcorn, packet of candy and a small soda! Can't beat those deals. They do sometimes have problems with screens - we had to move theaters when the movie mysteriously didn't start 20 minutes into showtime. But the problem was solved! I actually like going to the movies here way more than going to the ICON, for more of a homey experience. read more