Cedar Lee Theatre

Cedar Lee is one of the only remaining independent movie theaters in Cleveland. I have not been disappointed with any movie I have seen there. On Mondays, all movies are $5 and you get free popcorn... can't beat that! What you might love even more is that it is the only movie theater which sells beer. Not my thing, but that definitely does set the Cedar Lee apart from other theaters. If I am remembering correctly, they only accept cash, but that might have changed. Also, I believe they have an ATM machine inside. The first Saturday of every month, there is an interactive showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show, where a group dresses up as the characters and acts out the movie. If the Cedar Lee disappeared, Cleveland Heights would surely lack a certain flair. more

Theaters like the Cedar Lee used to be in every large city, but over the decades the films have dried up and the expense of the land has forced many out of business. The Cedar Lee has closed and reopened several times, but it is open now and appears to be doing well. It would nice to see it stay open for decades more! The theater hosts the Cleveland International Film Festival each year. It also has a regular calendar of movies that you can pick up at local record shops and book stores. It's nice to have a local theater that shows independent films and foreign offerings. They also host several film festivals during the year. Parking can be difficult, especially if other things are happening in the neighborhood. Most times you can find a place to park on the street, but be prepared to walk a bit. I love the atmosphere of the theater--the patterned carpet and interior decoration. Let's keep this place in business! more

This is a great space for arthouse films. They have a really good history of showing art flims in the Cleveland area. Other than the Cinemetheque, it's probably the only place in Cleveland to see some of these films. In one respect, that's good for the Cedar Lee, in another respect, it's bad for the Cleveland area. more

Tired of Hollywood blockbusters that aren’t? There’s something to be said for the megaplexes, but why don’t they show good independent movies? The Cedar Lee Theater fills this niche nicely. A lovely old theater, with a full concession stand (alcohol too!), and some interesting foods you won’t find at your local megaplex. The movies are the stars: independent, foreign, documentaries. It’s worth the ride out if you live on the west side. If you live on the east side, why aren’t you there every day?! Matinees are a mere $5.50, and on Mondays all seats are $5.00. Bring quarters for the parking meters if you’re here before 6:00pm, as Cleveland Heights cops love to ticket expired meters. more

The Cedar Lee is the theater in Cleveland that gets all those limited release films. It's not really art films; it's those sort that border on mainstream and are usually really good. Like "The Hours", "Sideways", or "Closer". (Sometimes they carry "normal" movies too. It all depends.) I've seen a handful of movies here and have always been impressed. (Except the time I saw "From Justin to Kelly". Yuck.) The individual screening rooms (is that what you call them?) are large and the chairs comfortable; the sound and picture leave nothing to be desired. Movies are usually sparsely attended, which is good for an attendee but maybe bad for sales. Regardless, the theater seems to manage. The other reason that this theater is a personal favorite is that they still have Rocky Horror showings, on the first Saturday of each month at midnight. (Line up Saturday at 11:30pm.) The local troupe is great, and it's always fun. Check the schedule here for relatively rare, exotic, and always interesting films. more

The Cedar-Lee is the Cleveland area's only art house theater. It regularly showcases independent and foreign films, and has a very loyal following. Film buffs from miles around flock to the Cedar Lee to see the newest releases from directors like Jim Jarmusch, Pedro Almodovar, and Richard Linklater. Monthly screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show draw devoted audiences as well, complete with costumes and memorized lines. A Cleveland treasure. more