A small (but mighty!) art/independent cinema in Dayton. Despite being in the downtown area, it has a reserved parking lot right across the street making for easy (and safe) getting back to your car even at night after a movie lets out. You only have to cross a single crosswalk, and then you'll be back in your car next to a pretty busy street. The Neon only has two movie theaters inside. You buy tickets from the same spot where you buy concessions. Concessions are surprisingly cheaper than your big box theaters, but they're still "movie theater prices". I felt better purchasing them here to support a small business, though. They have your usual snacks, boxed candies, fountain sodas, and some simple mixed drinks/beers/seltzers as well. Nice part of a small cinema: If you need to pee or fill up a drink or snack half way through a movie, it's (literally) steps outside of your movie's theater to do either. It gets you quickly back into the movie. During particularly quiet parts of my movie, I could hear some of the large, explosive parts of the other theater's movie. The other theater's movie was never loud enough or too disturbing to the movie I was watching, and I could never hear the other theater's dialogue. Some things look older, but everything was clean. No sticky floors. Tables were cleaned off, no garbage everywhere. Seats were comfy for me. They have a light recline, but they don't hold it there. It didn't seem like arm rests went up, but I didn't try very hard. Particularly wide-hipped individuals may find the standard seats to be too tight, but I didn't look for any wide seating or ADA seating options. I did see there were a few rows with extra-long leg room. Had a great experience, and I'm going to put the Neon on my radar for future movie watching now too. read more

The Neon - Lobby - Cinema Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

See all

Loved the experience! Easy to get to. Parking lot across the street and free. Helpful staff. Reasonably priced wide variety of drinks and snacks. Quaint theatre with interesting shows. read more

The is theater is small but has a community atmosphere. Always run into someone I know. Love the popcorn,staff is friendly and it is always clean. I give this experience five stars! read more

The Neon is simply the best place to watch a movie. It's settled audience in a smaller venue with really comfortable seats. Sound is great and then THE POPCORN! With a beer if you like. They even show a movie! But Mondays with captions is the best and you can get every word even the whispers! And parking! Free! What's not to like! read more

The Dayton Neon movies is Dayton's independent film venue. The Neon is the only place in Dayton to check out the latest in cutting edge independent film, special screenings & events. When in Dayton The Neon is a must, plus they have great snack bar, beer & wine to enjoy in the lobby or during a film. They recently hosted the Dayton premiere of Transmissions After Zero documentary on the Dayton band Brainiac. What a wonderful homecoming and celebration of Dayton's music scene. Thanks to Jonathan and the entire Neon team on running one of the best independent film venues in the world! read more

The Neon - Brainiac documentary Dayton premiere - Cinema Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

See all

Best movie theater in Dayton. It's one that isn't a national chain. Sure there's only two movies at a time. Both are usually great independent films. They also have food that's not extremely pricey. This is the theater to come if you like watching independent films. It's not the place for the summer blockbuster. This is a much more intimate theater. It doesn't have room for that crap. They only have two theaters so they have to be selective about what is shown. It's about $5 for a movie. That's much cheaper than any of the chain theaters. It has a yearly film festival. Food options here are good. They have Boston Stoker coffee and Gaslight treats. read more

The Neon - Concession - Cinema Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

See all

The Neon Aka Neon Movies Aka Dayton Repotary has managed to remain open for the past forty years thanks to in large part it is owned by the City of Dayton, although that is kept out of the public eye through City Wide Development. The Neon through finding only pays a few hundred in rent and has been able to stay afloat. Tax payer dollars also paid for the Neon to be twinned in the early 2000s. Although it should be no surprise the Neon is struggling and should be noticeable to just about anyone that notices the reduction in showtimes. Late shows after 9pm on Friday and Saturday only have become common in the theatre exhibition industry. Also common is no late shows at all is a sure sign of a dying to dead theatre, such as The Neon. Only time will tell if Dayton and it's tax dollars will keep the theatre going. read more

We came here on a freezing winter weekday evening. I loved being able to park so easily and for free downtown. I hadn't been here in 15 years, and I recalled it was the first theater I ever drank booze at (legally). It holds a special place in my heart. It is adorable and local and quaint and a throwback and I love it. Anyway, on this particular night, we selected a delicious hot winter alcoholic drink and some wine. And popcorn! All so very tasty. But...there's always a but right. About an hour into the movie, I went back out to get drink refills and they had already closed the register for the night. Whuuuuut! It was like 8:00 and the theater is open until 11:00. That honestly kind of sucks and If it's standard protocol, it would probably deter me from going to an evening movie again. So please fix this. Love you, Neon! read more

I'm glad this cinema is still around but the film programming could be a lot better. Often times, the same films that are in the multiplexes are programmed at the Neon. Meanwhile, tons of truly independent and excellent films never reach Dayton. The original Dayton Movies is still the best and definitely missed. read more

Love this little theater right downtown in Dayton. Have been going for years and have had a wonderful experience every time. It's usually the only place in the area playing the movies it has, which are frequently really great new movies that people in the area otherwise wouldn't be able to see in person Awesome alcohol selection for a theater, it's great having a good drink while seeing a movie, compared to the usual 4 or 5 options at a chain theater. Always very clean and well kept. It feels great supporting a locally owned theater as well, especially when they have such a cool location. read more

Small enough to be intimate, but large enough to accomodate the crowd for opening weekend of Jackie. Except some very large elderly woman with a cane that she planted on my foot decided to sit right next to me when there were plenty of empty seats. Then she preceded knock me in the side while she struggled getting her coat off. I hate having my personal space invaded. Some people just need a clue. Anyway, only $7.50 to see a movie, and only $3 for popcorn. And sometimes there are baked cookies. Seats are fairly new, leather and rock. Heavenly. People are friendly here (well...sometimes too friendly if you read about clueless above. Also, free parking directly across the street. Why would anyone want to pay $15 at the mall when they could come here? read more

The Neon - Cinema Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

This is the best place to catch an independent movie and some mainstream films. Definitely a Dayton Gem and one of my favorite places to visit. The concessions sell beer and wine. They also have some of the best popcorn around, much better than those bigger theaters. If you've never been, check it out! read more

I love this place. It's clean, they respect you, they wear masks even though it's not required, the food and drink selection is excellent. And the prices can't be beat. And they show movies I normally wouldn't have known about. Thank you Jonathan!! read more

The Neon is probably my favorite place in Dayton for a night out or a fun afternoon at the movies. The Neon brings movies to Dayton you can't find anywhere else. A great culture boost for Dayton. The theater is intimate with only two screens that aren't very big. Check their website or email newsletter because some movies are only there for very limited showtimes. They have wonderful craft beer and cocktail options as well, and always make the perfect drink! read more

This is an awesome theatre in the heart of downtown! They show unique movies and it is a great place to see something off the beaten path. Along with showing unique movies the concessions are top notch. They serve Boston Stoker coffee, homemade sodas plus have a full bar. For being a movie theatre, the prices are extremely reasonable. The clientele all seem to be genuine theatre appreciators so they are all respectful and polite. I don't always enjoy going to the movie theaters as there can be so many factors that detract from the experience, but the Neon covers all the details perfectly! read more

Always a pleasurable experience. From the ticketing to the concessions to the film itself. Never a grumpy attitude and always a reasonable price with a wide variety of films that come through. Can't wait until the next movie night! read more

Showing vaccine card, wearing mask unless your actually seated & also eating, showing ID to prove who you are. Extreme to say the least. repressive tactics. Other folks were upset as well. I've decided to protect myself one better. Not going back! Now I'm safe from that treatment. If I was interested in draconian methods I'd live in L.A. or New York City. (I lived in both places). read more

This is an art movie house that delivers. The Neon shows movies that are not main stream and thoroughly independent. The tickets are reasonably priced. The snack bar is fully stocked with the expected traditional snacks - fresh popcorn, candies, etc. A sizable selection of craft beer is available. There is a friendly comfortable lobby lounge area with plenty of tables and chairs that promote folks to chat. Parking is just across 5th street, under cover in the old bus terminal. With the Neon on the outer edge of Oregon District, it has ideal location to walk to watering holes, eateries, shops in the district. Check it out. read more

My wife and I went to the Neon because we were vacationing in the Oregon district of Dayton and wanted to see an independent film. The rocking chair seats were very relaxing. The theaters (2) are intimate, like screening rooms with good sound and picture quality. The concession prices are fair (no steering you toward the biggest size of popcorn here) and the staff are very nice. If you like independent film in a comfortable atmosphere, check out the Neon. read more

I live one block from The Neon and I absolutely LOVE this place. I go to the LGBT film festival every October, and I try to see a movie here once a week. The last movie that I saw there was The Meddler. The staff is always friendly, and they have the best movie theater popcorn that I have ever had. The iced chai is also quite tasty!! If you have never been, do yourself a favor and check it out. read more

The Neon - Great movie! $5 Tuesday at The Neon - Cinema Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

The Neon is my favorite theater in Dayton. I love coming here! The independent films they offer cannot be found in regular theaters. One can comfortably sit at a table in the lobby and drink a beer or other alcoholic beverage while conversing with friends. The tee totalers can still get great popcorn and soft drinks. There is something for everyone except the action film devotees. The Oregon District is a very special place and I love being here just as much as I love going to the Neon. read more

A local treasure. The only movie theater in the city of Dayton. Great films and a business model that supports our great city. read more

Ok, I admit I'm a bit of a movie snob. I dig boutique movie theatres and I've been to them across the USA, and in Europe and even Brazil. But this little place is a little jewel in a desert wasteland. So, blaam! four stars. I've been holed up in Dayton Ohio for the entire week on a business trip - not exactly the avante garde mecca of America to say the least, and after a few days of working from my hotel room, logged onto the office site I had to break out of there and get some fresh air. I wondered down past a Greyhound station and on the corner was a little blue painted theatre called Neon. I noticed some 60's modern design chairs and magazines and books and even a game of checkers.. alt newspapers and posters for current art house fare by Wes Anderson and Sean Penn. Woah, I thought, these joints I'd have to stand in long cues in New York and cough up 11 bucks to sit in a packed theatre next to folks eating mounds of pop corn. Coffee, drinks... just a nice vibe. look above and you see the cat that actually changes the reels. that was kinda fun to see. four stars. baby! read more

Cute. I walked by this joint and thought, "how can this lil thing be a theatre?" Kept going along 5th and did some shopping and eating. Asked about place to see a flick and was sent back here. Walk in, cool ass staff direct me into one of two movies (I went with ENOUGH SAID). Walk in the room and BAM! Around 150 - 200 seats! How the fudge?! Anyway, the staff is cool, the place is clean, and only $5 for a movie on a random night in Dayton, OH. Good, relaxing time! read more

Drink great beer while watching great indy films... Do I really need to say anything else? Only a couple screens and parking isn't great but this place is still amazing. Did I mention you can drink beer during the movie?! read more

Hands down, the best theater for independent films in the Dayton area. Great staff, better than average prices, good selection of snacks and both alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, etc. Facility is clean and the seats in both houses are comfortable. Parking is free, right across the street but slightly limited. Close to the Oregon District. read more

Absolutely the best theater popcorn around! There are three great things about the Neon. 1) It's just a really cool, well kept, place. It has a very intimate feel, and could be a place where you could just hang out. I really enjoy the small theater scene and the whole place has been renovated and looks like new. 2) The service of the staff is friendly. For example, I ordered the popcorn, ate half of it, and went to ask the guy behind the counter for some more butter. Not only did he give it to me, he also topped my bucket off with some freshly popped corn. 3) The prices. Unless you go to the Rave at the Greene on Wednesdays for $5 movie night, you're not going to find better prices than the Neon. Movies are $7 and the concessions are half price of other movie theaters. Plus, did you know you can order a beer and take it into the movie with you? That's enough reason to go right there. read more

Love the neon movies. They run some great independent movies that you have to wait months for on IFC. Plus the staff seems like they're having as much fun as the patrons. It's a downtown breath of fresh air. Only one complaint. Years ago they had just one really big screen. Big enough to show cinerama movies on, but now they've divided it into 2 small screens. How unfortunate, I kind of feel like I'm in my media room at home. read more

Delicious selection of regional beers. Popcorn re-fills are half-price. The seats are extra-comfy and nearly recline. Tuesdays have discounted tickets. read more

The Neon - Great selection of regional brews at The Neon. - Cinema Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Where else can you order from a small bar, get a Boston Stoker coffee, and sit on the patio with a smoke watching the street life as you wait for your movie to start, all in an artistic space? One of my best movie theater memories is watching The Big Lebowski for the second time the theater showed it and looking around at others drinking White Russians. I saw Blade Runner and Interview with the Vampire on the big screen for the first time here too. I like that they mix in old releases with new ones. Really happy The Neon Movies is a part of downtown Dayton. read more

Great little arts theater for Dayton, Ohio. Check online for the always changing movie listings. Similar to the Dayton Airport, they have a Boston Stoker inside. Boston Stoker is a great local coffee chain with and this location has everything else you'd expect in a movie theater concessions too. They really do their coffee right from espresso to the sugary stuff. The theater is so small that every seat is a good one. Watch out if you're going to a premier as it can sell out. With the short rotations of movies, it seems like many Fridays might have a premier. Go and check it out especially if they have a foreign/indy film you've been looking forward to. You'll get it much sooner than on Netflix and have a nice evening in Dayton too. read more

This place has tons of 5-star potential for me. I came here this past weekend with CK for the FilmDayton Festival and was really impressed. Its a small theatre but isn't like one of those cramped and dingy places that's stuck down an alley. Just like its name, this place is bright and fun. There is a small patio outside (which I've heard has wifi) that would be a great place to hang out on a summer's day before a movie and the lobby on the inside, although small, is nice and comfortable to wait for friends. There is a concessions desk but I'm not a bit movie theatre food person so I'll have to let someone else speak to the quality of the food. The theatre itself was small with maybe only 100 seats in the one that we were in but its the perfect place to watch and independent film especially when there is a panel discussion afterward. The panelists didn't even need microphones to be heard by everyone. The seats were comfy and had some movement to them so you didn't feel like they were stuck in some uncomfortable position for hours on end. Why I couldn't give them 5 stars right now is that I haven't been here on a regular day, paying regular prices, and seeing their regular selection. But I will be back to let them try for that coveted 5th star! read more

This is one of my favorite movie theaters in Dayton, actually no it IS my favorite. Small theaters, but you cannot expect them to be huge when you see from the outside.. -Convenient parking -SEVERAL different types of beers. Actually, I can find a better selection of beers that some Dayton- area bars don't carry. -Great movies. Lots of Indie types you probably wouldn't see if this place wasn't around. read more

We've been meaning to go to this theatre ever since we moved to Dayton and needless to say, we were not disappointed. I most certainly would call it quaint. Great personal feel. Cheap food for a theatre and they layered the butter in our popcorn without us having to ask! Splendid. The movie theatre was intimate, the seats were comfortable and the volume was perfect. Although the theatre has an old timey feel, there are still all the characteristics of a quality theatre. read more

Oh, what a gem this independent movie house is! It houses two screens with comfortable seats and the most amazing staff. The prices, especially at concessions, are very reasonable and lately they have started a happy hour special for their beer, wine, and cocktails. The also serve Boston Stoker coffee drinks and sweet snacks from Ghostlight and Esther Price! read more

Support your local independent theatres! Neon is a great place downtown to see independent films and documentaries. It's clean (they even have mints in the bathroom) and the people that work there are nice. You can get a beer, glass or wine or cup of coffee to enjoy during the show, and there is a nice cafeish area where you can hang out and wait for your show to start. There is even some outdoor seating for the smokers or folks who just want to enjoy the weather. Check it out. read more

The Neon is a theatre that specializes in independent, foreign, and art films. The ticket prices are dirt cheap, they have a great little beer/wine selection, and the concessions are priced way below most movie theatres. They also have a good selection of coffee drinks and teas from Boston Stoker if that is more your speed. Support a local business! read more

This is such a fun place for a date! Within walking distance of some of the best restaurants and bars in Dayton, the Neon is a hip, indie move theatre. They frequently rotate films and offer higher quality drinks and snacks. There is easy parking in the lot on the other side of 5th Street. I would suggest going on a Tuesday, because movies are shown at a discounted price! They also recently updated their seats so they are more comfortable and clean. read more

Great small theatre that has an old school art feel. The Neon boasts a quickly rotating selection of not so widely distributed films. The lobby is great, with the typical fair i.e. candies, popcorn, and soda. They also offer some craft beers and wine along with coffee from Boston Stoker. My wife and I came for the only Ohio showing of the documentary A Film About Coffee. Good times. read more

My boyfriend and I had intended on seeing La La Land last night (Sunday) and we purchased our tickets, popcorn and drinks and headed into the theater. However, the theater was packed and we found that there weren't two seats together in the whole place. There was a young guy just standing at the top by the door so we asked him if he worked there, he said yes and we then asked him what we should do since there were no seats left. He was very rude and while looking straight ahead as if we weren't worth him even looking at us said "well there are seats, just not two together." There may have been 5 or 6 single seats left in the place. So we walked out of the theater and back to the girl who was still selling tickets to the movie to couples (i.e. people who are probably going to want to sit together) (although I'm sure she didn't know the seating situation since she was at the register doing her job not standing around doing nothing in the theater like the rude guy was) and the rude guy followed us. My boyfriend informed the girl selling tickets of the seating situation and asked if there was another showing after that one and the guy spoke before she could and said no. My boyfriend then asked the girl if we could just hold onto the tickets and come back this week to another showing of La La Land. Again the guy answered for her and said no and when my boyfriend started to speak he interrupted and said the "best they could do" was to give us our money back. We said okay and they refunded our money. My boyfriend advised the girl that she might want to start telling people there were only around 5 or so single seats left. The rude guy, again responding to a comment not directed at him, says "well there are seats." Irritated at his continued rudeness, sour expression and general unprofessionalism I turned and said to him that it was a bit ridiculous to continue selling tickets to couples and not telling them of the seating situation because most people who come to a movie together want to sit together. Still refusing to look at me, he says "No it's not" with a little smirk on his face like he thought the whole thing was funny. The proper thing to do - since he was standing in the theater and could see the situation - would have been for him to go to the girl selling tickets and tell her to let people know that there were no longer two seats together so that people could then decide whether they wanted to buy tickets or not. But even without doing that, the guy was rude and unprofessional. Since he couldn't be bothered to do anything except stand around in the theater he could have, at the very least, apologized and offered our money back without the snarky rudeness and without us having to go through a whole conversation about well is there a later showing, can we come back this week using these tickets, etc. We have been to the Neon a number of times and never had a problem but I can tell you that after last night I will not be back. read more