You’ve probably seen it driving down West Market Street. That neon marquee glowing against the Akron night, a relic that somehow feels more alive than the sterile multiplexes out in the suburbs. The Highland Square movie theatre—or the Highland Theatre, as locals usually call it—isn't just a place to catch a flick. It’s a survivor.
In an era where Netflix is king and cinema chains are filing for bankruptcy like it’s a trend, this single-screen wonder stays upright. Why? Because it’s weird. It’s unapologetically Art Deco. Honestly, it’s one of the last places where you can feel the actual history of film while eating popcorn that doesn't cost as much as a small car.
The Highland Theatre Architecture: More Than Just Brick
The building itself is a trip. Designed by the Albrecht family (the same folks behind the Acme grocery chain) and opened in 1935, it carries that specific "Streamline Moderne" vibe. Most people don't realize that when it first opened, it was a neighborhood anchor meant to prove that Highland Square was the "it" place to be outside of downtown Akron.
The interior is where things get really cool. You walk in and you’re hit with these hand-painted murals and curved lines that look like they belong in a noir film. It’s not "restored" to some fake, shiny perfection. It’s authentic. It has that specific smell of old velvet and butter that you can't replicate.
What Most People Get Wrong About Independent Theatres
There’s this weird myth that small spots like the Highland Square movie theatre only show obscure European films that nobody understands. That’s just not true. While they definitely lean into the indie scene and cult classics—think Rocky Horror Picture Show shadow casts—they also pull in first-run blockbusters.
The difference is the experience.
You aren't sitting in a stadium seat with a heated backrest that feels like a dentist's chair. You’re in a massive, high-ceilinged room with acoustics that were designed before digital surround sound was even a dream. It’s loud. It’s echoes. It’s cinema.
The Business of Staying Alive in the Streaming Age
Honestly, it shouldn't work. One screen? In this economy?
But the Highland Theatre thrives because it’s a community hub. It’s positioned right in the heart of the most walkable neighborhood in Akron. You can grab a drink at Matinee or a coffee at Angel Falls, then wander over for a 7:00 PM showing. It’s part of a "night out" ecosystem that the big mall theatres can't touch.
They also keep prices lower than the big guys. It’s a choice. By staying accessible, they ensure that the "Square" stays a destination rather than just a pass-through on the way to Fairlawn.
Why the Marquee is Iconic
That marquee is basically the heartbeat of the neighborhood. It’s been through windstorms, renovations, and decades of Akron winters. When the lights go on, it changes the whole mood of West Market Street. It’s a landmark. If those lights ever stayed off for good, the neighborhood would lose its soul.
Realities of the Single-Screen Experience
Let’s be real for a second. If you’re looking for 4D vibrating seats and a 50-foot IMAX screen, this isn't your spot. The Highland is about the vibe. Sometimes the floor is a little sticky. Sometimes the person behind you is laughing a bit too loud because they’ve had a few drinks at the bar next door.
That’s the point.
It’s social. It’s a shared experience in a world that is increasingly isolated behind phone screens. Watching a horror movie here is ten times scarier than watching it on your laptop. The shadows in the corners of the theater are real.
Actionable Ways to Support Local Cinema
If you want the Highland Square movie theatre to stick around for another 90 years, you have to actually go.
- Check the schedule early: They don't have twenty screens, so showtimes are limited. Check their website or social media on Tuesdays when the new week's schedule usually drops.
- Buy the concessions: This is a universal truth of movie theaters—they make almost zero money on the ticket price. The studios take almost all of that. The popcorn and soda? That’s what keeps the lights on.
- Make it a "Square" night: Park once. Eat at a local spot like Mustard Seed or Aladdin’s, then hit the theater. It supports the whole micro-economy.
- Watch for special events: The Highland is famous for its midnight screenings and community events. These are usually the best times to see the theater at its most energetic.
The Highland Square movie theatre is a rare bird. It survived the rise of television, the death of VHS, the DVD boom, and the streaming wars. It’s still here because Akron won't let it go. Go buy a ticket. Sit in the dark. Experience a movie the way people did in 1935—with a crowd and a sense of occasion.