Let me start by saying that the Drexel has been around for a long time and I am very glad it is here in Columbus. It is a true community theatre and I appreciate the unique, diverse programming. My review will be based on a recent movie going experience. Pros: 1. See above. 2. Cool art deco interior. 3. Close to lots of dining options for pre or post movie meals. 4. Shows limited release movies. 5. Restrooms are very clean. Cons: 1. The theatre our movie was in was the smallest I have ever been in. Five rows of seats total. Even in the last row, it was uncomfortably close to the screen. 2. Did not seem to have surround sound and movie dialogue was sometimes hard to hear. 3. Parking situation is a little wonky. They have a small shared lot behind the theater, but there is no back door into the theatre (?) You have to walk around the block or through the grocery store parking lot to get to the front entrance. read more

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Attended a screening of "Battersea" for the Columbus Film Festival. LOVED this theater! The seats were comfy and it gave off a vintage Hollywood vibe. Definitely will come back for more special screenings and fun movie events! read more

Love that its a small theatre and the refreshments are always good! They always show the good movies and they have an independent showing of shorts from the community every year. Great! read more

I haven't been able to return to the Drexel after the remodel yet, but I finally made it. I grew up coming to the Drexel to see independent movies and have grown to love the place. After coming in this weekend and seeing the remodel, I love it even more. They play great independent, documentary and foreign films. The new seats are comfortable and the new bathrooms and so nice and clean! Really great upgrade. I highly recommend coming here to watch a film. You feel good supporting the theater, it's got a cool vibe and the remodel has just elevated the experience. read more

The Drexel - Cinema Near Me - Bexley, Ohio

The Drexel is the best independent theater around Columbus. It always has lots of great festivals. There's also the fun movie marathons. It's not big which isn't bad. There's not much of a crowd if there's not a movie festival going on. I like theaters like this a lot more than whatever you can see at a corporate movie complex. It only has three screens, always showing some less popular independent films. The movies are more expensive than at the dollar theater, but the experience is more enjoyable so you get your money's worth. It has yearly festivals like a science fiction marathon. The inside is clean since it's been recently renovated. If you like independent theaters go to The Drexel. It's better than having to deal with some teenage managers at some corporate movieplex. This also has better movies no matter what. read more

The Drexel - Lobby - Cinema Near Me - Bexley, Ohio

Amazing independent theater, that originated in the last 1930's & has been well kept and preserved. It's my favorite place to see movies in Columbus. The first movie I saw there was Bound in 1996 or 97. Still going strong! Since returning to movie theaters, we've seen both Roadrunner & Candyman at the Drexel. Wonderful place, very special read more

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I love going to the drexel! This place is always so clean and the prices are cheap in comparison to other theaters. Matinee price is $9 and evening is $11. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about movies! They will give you insight into the films if you can't decide which movie to see! They also have combos for popcorn & sodas that's super affordable. The lighting is ambient and the art deco feel makes the theatre feel super special. I recommend coming here to watch films & have an amazing moviegoing experience! read more

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There are lots of great reasons to patronize this independent, art deco style movie theatre. They have an impressive selection of movies that are difficult to find anywhere else, and the theatre is beautiful and the seats and restrooms are clean. One of the weirdest reasons to come here is to watch the monthly screening of THE ROOM, which is heralded as the worst movie ever made. Every second Saturday they have a midnight showing of The Room, so bring your plastic spoons and snarky attitude for this fun audience participation movie. They've been doing this since 2009, so they have it down to a science. Keep this place alive and see a movie here...It's worth it! read more

This independent movie theatre has recently been renovated inside. The decor is very sleek and bright! We went for a screening sponsor by WOSU and Yelp. Their biggest theatre had new roomy seats with plenty of leg room. The movie screen was huge and sound system amazing! I never went into the other theatres so I have no opinion on them. If you don't mind walking a bit to the theater because parking is limited on the street it's a lovely theater! read more

The Drexel - Cinema Near Me - Bexley, Ohio

Not a fan of this theater - - dirty, disheveled, not a nice place. The management is very stern and strange, making for a truly awful evening our. Pass! read more

A SUNNY BUT COLD WEEKDAY AFTERNOON 7 WORDS: Relaxed Art Deco Chic, Hollywood's Oscar Contenders There is little fancy or extravagant about the Drexel East. It is a movie house. It shows Independent and Oscar-worthy Films as a way of life. You'll NEVER find Summer Blockbusters or Films directed by Tarantino, Bruckheimer, or even Spielberg. What you will find is Wes Anderson films or something that has the Palm d'Or in it's credits - this is purely the future classics. The seats are like any other old-time theater - no vibrating seats, no hip upholstery or carpeting and certainly no hipsters telling you about the latest Spoon or Radiohead album. What you will find, again - is the people who love movies for every aspect of movies: saturated color palettes, mind-opening cinematography, well placed props and even better placed dialogue. Yeah - this is what movies are SUPPOSED to be about. So, if you want to find out what the latest super hero is doing, drive west. If you want to think before, during and after the movie - then this is where you stop... ...because this is where the best movies on the big screen are seen in Columbus, PERIOD. read more

Classic theaters are the perfect setting for a strictly arthouse film venue, and that's what you get when you go to Drexel East in Bexley. It's kinda special. The perfect place for a first date even. Highly charming. This place is for mature crowds looking to enjoy Oscar-worthy celluloid, not at all for kids looking for a hangout to see a Hollywood blockbuster. We went last night to see The Intouchables (French w/ English subtitles). Also showing was Farewell My Queen, Celeste and Jesse Forever and Killer Joe. read more

Sometimes you just need to kick it old school. A throwback to better days when we were young and carefree...Who am I kidding? I'm still relatively "young", but the Drexel conjures the image of what a single-screen movie theater (or uniplex) looked like back in the day. Giant movie chains such as AMC and Regal have taken over the film industry these days and independent theaters are few and far between. So it's a breath of fresh air to encounter these cultural gems. Like other reviewers have mentioned, a movie experience at the Drexel is not for everyone. The seats are spaced closer together and are less padded than your average AMC. You can forget about the electronic reclining seats. Also if you're vertically challenged, row seating is not staggered. so you're out of luck if you happen to be sitting behind someone tall. The Drexel, however, does offer discounted ticket and food pricing as compared to the chain cinemas. Buy a membership and get an even bigger discount on admission. Part of me enjoys supporting the independent cinema. The staff is friendly and hardworking. The person you buy your ticket from is the same guy getting you the drinks and popcorn. Ultimately, it's just a more intimate movie experience. They also show indie and foreign films, which is the biggest draw for me. It's nice to get away from the Hollywood blockbusters once in a while. Even the previews are catered to this. It's definitely a cinema worth checking out if you're passing by the Bexley area. There are also tons of restaurants and dessert places nearby. read more

The Drexel Theater in Bexley. FINALLY! And I struck gold by seeing a film that was apropos for a classic theater operation: The Tragedy of Macbeth (B&W). One of my personal giddy-ups in life are seeing movies in theaters. Driving up and parking at night, the DREXEL luminous sign blew me away. LOVE IT! Parking is adequate because these day, near post-pandemic, peeps stream movies. An example would be Macbeth is an APPLE+ film so Apple TV subscribers would watch it at home. Not me. Love the big screen although my Drexil theater #2 was smallish but well-appointed. Great seating (comfort and location to screen). I was offered my Senior rate of $9 (cool) and I ordered popcorn (hot) and candy. Of course! Really fine sound. For me, it was old school movie theater at its finest which, if compared to the enormity of modern theaters might disappoint some. Not this guy. I felt like a kid. One last thing. The Drexel showed previews and much of the content was independent films, foreign films and not mainstream. I like that approach but for the owners, it may not fill many seats. I say: Get in touch with your childhood or take kids to The Drexel. Wunderbar!! read more

Movie "fans", you might want to skip this one - the Drexel is for straight-up movie freaks. These screens were meant to showcase the smaller films and film-makers, and the independent owners make some interesting choices. They aren't afraid to cater to Columbus' weird and wonderful subculture with film festivals and special showings, which feature everything from classics to cartoons. It's the place to go if you like your cinema a little on the controversial side - from hot-button political documentaries to the latest GLBT flick, the Drexel provides. If you can't tell, I'm a movie freak. I remember the Drexel West (may it rest in peace) and I can proudly proclaim that I've spent 192+ hours of my childhood participating in the uber-nerdly, mostly annual, "24hr Sci-Fi Marathon". Idling away many of those hours between Theatre One and the Radio Cafe, the carpeted hallways and gilded walls were like home to me. A dark and popcorn-scented home, but one with soaring ceilings and flickering silver screens. As a theatre, it's memorable. Add an experience, and this place becomes a memory. read more

I love the Drexel's throw-back retro style movie going experience. It's the heart of Bexley and an amazing landmark that this city can be proud of. If you enjoy independent films and a great movie going experience... roll on over to experience this place, which has been run as a not-for-profit for the last few years. Now, when you arrive - don't expect stadium seating... but let's be real here... you aren't going to need it. If you have someone in front of you, blocking your view of the screen, get up and move. Do expect for the staff to be friendly and glad to have you visit them. The main theater is just beautiful - and reminds a movie-goer of a time when theaters were palaces of entertainment and movie stars exuded glamour. Check out their selections and swing by and catch a film! read more

This isn't going to the movies - it's going to the theatre! The Drexel is a prominent staple in Bexley, and it's such a fun experience! If you're one of those people who loves an AMC theatre, then you're probably going to hate the Drexel. It's old, not high-tech, and they don't really show any blockbusters. But if you're like me and prefer life a little quirkier, then head on over to the Drexel! The theatre is totally old school - from the retro decor to the announcer before a movie. The theatres inside are beautiful and ornate, and you totally feel like you're having a night on the town in 1960. I adore the movie selection at the Drexel too. They are always showing indie and artsy or foreign films. Oh, and everyone working here is adorable and incredibly sweet! One tip, though - you might want to skip the popcorn. It kinda sucks. read more

Every time I see a movie at the Drexel, I wonder why I don't go there more often. I don't know why, but it feels special. The lobby is barely wider than a hallway, but it's all neon-y and brassy and really feels like a THEATER. I love the old marquee out front and the fact that you can usually park right across the street (on the street, in fact), instead of in the middle of a 5-acre parking lot. The Drexel really makes an effort to bring in smart, interesting movies that usually aren't playing anywhere else in the city. I guess for that reason, the clientele here is a little more to my liking than the giggly teenagers and mouth-breathers that occupy a lot of theaters. In most theaters, people jump up and run out as soon as the credits start rolling, or sometimes as soon as they sense the movie's about to be over. I saw "The King's Speech" at the Drexel last weekend, and almost nobody budged until the credits were over and the lights came up. It was nice to be able to sit there and read the credits and enjoy the music without having to look around people. Of course this theater, being old, has its disadvantages, primarily the lack of stadium seating. If someone tall sits in front of you, you're out of luck. There are three screens here, but the main theater is the one to go for; the other two are very small and not nearly as interesting inside. The bathrooms here are woefully outdated and tiny. They used to play interesting slides before the movies here (not ads, but trivia questions and such... GOOD ones), and I don't know why they stopped. Still, there are no commercials before the movies, just trailers. The sound and picture quality are both acceptable. The prices on the concessions are reasonable (especially compared to AMC), and you can take food from the adjacent Radio Cafe into the theater. If you've never been to the Drexel, I implore you to support it. This is one of three independent theaters left in the city, and the only one committed to not screening crap. read more

I love the Drexel. It's not your normal theater, and that's a good thing. you walk in the main lobby where they sell your normal theater snacks as well as a few beer selections. (Oh I like that!) The design of the place has kind of a fancy golden tone to it. You go into the seating area and you quickly realize that it looks like an old opera house. And to be honest, the seating in the Drexel is a lot more accommodating then that of one of the bigger cinemas, there are a ton more seats, and they are all on a gradual incline, so no steps to trip over. The speakers aren't blasting into your ears, but they are loud enough to hear everything. I've also found that the crowed that shows up at the Drexel are a lot more friendly then that of a larger chain. Independent films are also played here quite often, and honestly I like to support the indie film scene. read more

A great place for Indie, Foreign, and Award Hopefuls movies. The Drexel is a monument to Bexley. Preserved classic charm, yet updated film equipment make the Drexel a great date or movie by yourself. The staff is friendly. The tickets are cheap. Mondays, tickets are $5!! You can drink wine or spiked coffee or eat dinner in the movie theater. Plus, it's close by a lot of other fun places such as The Bexley Gateway and Capital University. Hence the mix of the upper echelon and college kids you'll see there. Drexel does a good job of appealing to both and the groups in between. Check the Drexel website for showtimes as I've found sometimes Fandango, et. al. are not totally acurate! read more

The Drexel is the home for independent, foreign and an occasional noteworthy mainstream film. Their self-declared mission is to provide a venue for important films, and they do just that. Located in the heart of the charming storefront strip of Bexley, the Drexel offers a movie-going experience that you just can't get at a big box movie theatre. The Drexel sometimes has themed nights and movie festivals - fun fun fun. And if you like to go to the movies often, you can save by getting a Drexel Fan card - 12 admissions, 3 popcorms, 6 sodas - $100. Go see a moooooooviiieeee! And grab a sammich next door at Radio Cafe. And then some Greater's. And just stroll around Bexley. Sounds like the perfect date to me :) read more

This isn't your giant cineplex with stadium seating and ear-splitting audio. This is a small, intimate way to see movies that wouldn't show well in a giant theater. This is the place to go for indie or cult or just plain weird films. I mean, who else will play "The Room" on a regular basis? Add a nicely stocked concessions stand and you get nearly everything you do in a big chain theater. Plus, the restaurants and bars within walking distances means you can make a night out with minimal effort. read more

Amazingly well-RUN theatre. Very old building, but they keep the technology updated because they are film gurus. Plays mostly indie films, with the occasional mainstream flick that deserves the attention. Several awesome film festivals get held here yearly, such as an anime fest, a children's fest and so on. Also, the theater needs your support so go here when you can. Drexel has been forced out of a couple other local theater ventures because of their unwillingness to go mainstream (they were the original operators of both the Arena Grand and the Gateway Theater). The Drexel West closed due to lack of business. This is all we've got left. Make sure you show them you appreciate what they've done for indie cinema in Columbus. It's a beacon in the midwest. read more

We went to see a movie last week. Love this place. Favorite part to our neighborhood. read more

The Drexel - Cinema Near Me - Bexley, Ohio

My sis thinks the theater is charming. It's OK for what the theater represents; nostalgia, artsy film, foreign-film. They could stand to upgrade seats as I became VERY uncomfortable 45 minutes into the movie. Every sign of my discomfort was obvious to all those in the theater as they could hear my chair squeak everytime I moved in search of comfort ! I think we were in the back row center. So don't sit there! LOL Concessions was ridiculously priced for low-grade popcorn. If they had more sophisticated fare to match the tastes of their patrons, I'd probably frequent this establishment more often, but that would take away the "classic" feel of the theater, huh! ;) read more

Always a great place to see an indie flick. They serve good popcorn and Stella Artois!

If Studio 35 isn't playing our movie or a film has a single-venue viewing, we head out East to the Drexel. Okay, sometimes we just need a change of pace or want dinner out in Bexley... I don't know if they pipe extra buttery popcorn scent into the lobby, but it gets you right as you walk in and it smells great! Always clean and ready to serve from entry to restrooms. Great place in a great neighborhood. read more

Growing up down the road from this theatre, I can't believe that I've never come here before *hangs head in shame* The boy surprised me by bringing me here to see 'Exit Through the Gift Shop,' (http://www.banksyfilm.com/) a flim that I had been looking forward to seeing. For months we had thought that we would have to plan a trip out of state to see it when miraculously, the Drexel picked it up. A matinee ticket cost us $4.50 which is a great deal! The theatre itself is quite charming. The boy kept remarking about how much he liked this theatre and how it was one of the better one he's ever been to. They have some great events including a children's movie series and it looks like they have an amazing film premiere coming up! read more

I got advance tickets to a movie screening recently, and it happened to be taking place at the Drexel. I hadn't been here yet, but I'd heard pretty good things about the theater. When we got there, we went around back to where we'd been told there was parking, and there was a lot back there. However, it wasn't clearly marked anywhere that I saw, so we weren't quite sure if all of the spaces were for the Drexel or if they were for the adjacent businesses. At any rate, we parked and went in for the movie. Advance screenings can be tricky, particularly depending on how many other people have bought tickets. However, unlike a screening I recently tried to go to at Lennox, they seemed to be more on top of the process here. And things moved along quite quickly. It's an older theater, so I was somewhat concerned about the seats being uncomfortable, but they weren't too bad. Overall, it was a very nice experience. read more

I really, really like the selection of films at the Drexel. If I lived closer to Bexley I would probably see every movie they show (I mean, $6.50 for a matinee? Yes, please!) I went to see "Jane Eyre" and was thoroughly pleased with the experience. The theaters are small but not in a bad way, and the fact that the building is old and a little run-down just made it seem cozy. I even had a hilarious run-in with an elderly Russian woman who accidentally opened my bathroom stall while I was using the toilet (the lock didn't work). Needless to say, I am already planning my next trip to the Drexel see "African Cats." The Drexel: everything you would want from an indie movie theater! read more

One of my favorite theaters. They run independent movies that you dont find other places. Staff is friendly. Place is clean and comfy

A Columbus gem for lovers of independent and foreign films. The selection of films is consistently fabulous. The theaters themselves are smaller and more intimate than more modern theaters and I enjoy feeling more connected to the rest of the audience. Be warned, though, that if the only things you care about are the sound system or the seats. It's an old fashioned theater in both of those respects. The Drexel is also situated in a great area of town. It's easy to park nearby and make a night of it: getting a wonderful meal, film and dessert. Several fabulous restaurants are just down the street. read more

This neighborhood gem is precious and rare. Art house features from the avant garde to the family friendly and foreign films are shown weekly. The small theaters are cozy but sometimes cramped. I am enamored by theater 1. This grand auditorium drips of nostalgia. From the dim wall sconces to the soda-and-popcorn-crusted floor, the Drexel's main screen is a fantastic way to see a film. Attached to this Bexley institution is the Radio Cafe. The regular cafe fare is represented, but the chai is my favorite. If you dare to drink while reading subtitles, you can't beat the 24oz PBR for only $2.50. It's cheaper than the bottled water! The Drexel loses points for nearly losing my flip flop on that sticky floor. Also, the men's restroom is held together by bubblegum and prayers. I guess that's all part if the charm. read more

You have to love a theater that only plays independent films. The staff is great. My husband didn't realize the tab was popped on his drink so when he set it down on the slanted floor it spilled. When we went to go get a rag they not only came to clean up the spill, they gave him a new drink. GREAT service! It is an older theater so don't go expecting stadiums seating, or high back chairs with lifting arm rests. Comfortable, and clean but not the modern experience. This place has character and charm. read more

The Drexel is my favorite theatre. I can't believe I haven't reviewed it yet. The new renovation is simply beautiful and elegant. It looks so nice. I know that the Drexel will only show me quality movies, so if it's there, I'll go. A great place to catch critically acclaimed independent and Oscar-worthy films. You can't go wrong! read more

I love the architecture of this place! It's gorgeous! We had been really wanting to check this place out and we finally got a chance too. I was worried about the quality of the movie since it was an older theater but it was nice and crisp. So glad we went, will definitely be going more often. read more

I love this place. I actually design home theater systems for a living, but I can surely appreciate getting out and watching movies with others. They show some great independent films here and it's just a nice old fashioned movie theater where you can watch some good movies and feel like you're experiencing them with a community. If you appreciate good films and want to laugh, cry and emote with others, then this is your place. read more

Great prices, great movies, and friendly staff. They have popcorn that is actually good and a selection of interesting drinks. They also have the Radio Cafe next door which has a great selection of quality eats. It's the perfect combo. read more

I've seen several heartfelt indy films here that have left me that much more appreciative of artistic filmmaking that is something not made by Michael Bay. read more

Great non-profit movie theater. I especially enjoy their Academy award red carpet night.