6 Best Independent Theaters in Pittsburgh

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This Thursday, September 17th, Adult Swim will be bringing their national Drive-In Tour to Pittsburgh. The event will be chock-full of unaired pilots, lost episodes from some of their most popular shows, food trucks, trivia and prizes. To commemorate this event, LOCALpittsburgh has put together a list of our city’s best Independent theaters that bring unique and classic films to Pittsburgh audiences all year round.

Twin Hi-Way Drive-In/ Facebook
Twin Hi-Way Drive-In/ Facebook

Twin Hi-Way Drive-In
McKees Rocks
This nostalgic drive-in made our list for it’s simplistic approach to entertainment. The outdoor theatre has two screens that play both blockbusters and classic films like American Graffiti and will make you feel like you’re 10 years old again, watching a movie in your family’s station wagon. $6.50 gets you a double feature which will give you plenty of cash for funnel cakes and frozen iccees or many of the other snacks found at the theatre’s immense concession stand. Open every weekend, Twin Hi-Way Drive in is the perfect spot for a cheap date night or family venture.

Harris Theater/ Facebook
Harris Theater/ Facebook

Harris Theater
Cultural District
Harris Theater belongs to the cultural district and, with 200 seats, offers a wide variety of genres to large audiences. But this downtown theater has a sordid past. Originally known as the Art Cinema, Harris Theater was one of the first in the city to show experimental art films. But during the 1960’s, to compete with other theaters, it was converted into a pornographic movie house. In 1995 the theater reopened and got back to its roots. Since then, Harris has been showing classic, independent and foreign films. For more information on special events at the theater click here.

Regent Square Theater/ Facebook
Regent Square Theater/ Facebook

Regent Square Theatre
Regent Square

This neighborhood theater is a Regent Square staple. With one screen this intimate theater is the perfect spot for watching everything from old Hollywood classics to French cartoons on a Sunday night. But don’t be fooled, Regent Square Theater is also home to an array of cinematic events including the recent screening of local film maker, Julie Sokolow’s, documentary Aspie Seeks Love and last year’s live action Rocky Horror Picture Show. For upcoming showings call 412.682.4111

Kelly Lockerman/ Manor Theatre
Kelly Lockerman/ Manor Theatre

The Manor
Squirrel Hill

One of the larger theaters on this list, Manor has been showing blockbusters and independent films for the better part of the century and offers refuge for the sophisticated moviegoers among us. One of the theatre’s most distinct characteristics is their upscale concession stand, the M Bar. All of the traditional movie fare can be found here but cocktails, beer and wine are also available as cinema companions. Although The Manor has made efforts to heighten the theatre experience their signature cocktails, with names like Pulp Fiction and The Dude Abides, serve as a reminder that the movies are always meant to be fun.

The Oaks Theater/ Renee Martin Photography
The Oaks Theater/ Renee Martin Photography

The Oaks Theater
Oakmont

This single-screen theater is small but beautiful and constantly hosting a plethora of cinematic and musical events. During the Summer, Oaks puts on a late night cult-film festival and every Sunday hosts a brunch time movie series. Cine Brunch includes pastries from Oakmont Bakery and a slew of beloved movies. But if 10am is too early for you on a Sunday, be sure to check out Radical Trivia or one of the many other events taking place every week at The Oaks Theater.

The HollyWood Theater/ Facebook
The HollyWood Theater/ Facebook

The Hollywood Theater
Dormont

Craving a taste of the strange? Dormont’s Hollywood Theater is known for their love of cult, b-rate and eccentric films. This isn’t to say you won’t find great films here as well. Within the last year the Hollywood has screened everything from Girlhood to 2001: A Space Odyssey. If you consider yourself an interactive movie goer be sure to check out events like the annual Twin Peaks Party and Hollywood’s many live action movie renditions and costume parties.