Entry No. 38 — the Columbus file — filed under: midnight-movies
Gateway Film Center
A world-class independent cinema in the University District that offers late-night screenings after 11 PM for just $5.
The story
When the South Campus Gateway complex opened in 2005, the cinema inside cycled through commercial theater operators before finding its permanent footing. In 2009, the non-profit Gateway Film Foundation took over operations, turning the multi-screen facility into an independent institution focused on film preservation, 35mm and 70mm analog projections, 4K restorations, and repertory cinema series like Cult 101.
Tucked inside the complex is The Torpedo Room, a lounge fitted with subaquatic cantina decor inspired by a vintage submarine. Rather than sticking to standard concession stands, you can order craft cocktails and local beer directly inside the cinema space before taking a seat for a late-night screening or a festival run.
What it's like
You will find a mix of Ohio State students on budget date nights and local film buffs coming for rare archival prints. Theater sizes vary sharply, ranging from intimate 22-seat screening rooms to large auditoriums configured for physical film stock. The ticket desk opens an hour before the first show, but you can secure the best rate by aiming for screenings after 11 PM or visiting on Super Tuesday when tickets drop to $5. If you drive, bring your South Campus Gateway garage slip inside to purchase a $2 parking validation at the ticket counter that stays valid until 4:00 AM.
The move: Catch a midnight cult classic, then grab a craft beer inside their submarine-themed bar, The Torpedo Room, which features undersea decor.
- 📍 University District
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 1550 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum — Walk four minutes up High Street to pair an afternoon film with the world's largest archive of comic art and original cartoon strips.
- Dirty Dungarees Laundromat and Bar — Head slightly north up High Street after a screening to drink dive-bar beer and catch a basement punk show while washing a load of laundry.
- Arne Slettebak Planetarium — Catch an evening digital dome star show on OSU's campus before walking down to Gateway for a late-night cult screening.
- Apt B — Head south into Short North after your movie for late-night cocktails hidden behind a false kitchen wall inside Bodega.
Good to know
How much do movie tickets cost at Gateway Film Center?
Regular evening screenings are $13.50, but late-night screenings after 11 PM and all-day Super Tuesday films cost $5. Matinees before 4 PM are $9.75, and happy hour shows between 4 PM and 6:29 PM are $7.75.
How does parking work for the theater?
Park in the South Campus Gateway garage right next door. Bring your parking slip inside to the ticket counter when buying your movie ticket to get a $2 validation barcode good until 4:00 AM.
What is The Torpedo Room?
It is Gateway Film Center's internal submarine-themed bar, featuring undersea cantina decor and a menu of craft cocktails and beer.
Does Gateway Film Center project physical 35mm and 70mm film?
Yes, alongside 4K digital restorations, the non-profit regularly runs special screenings projected from 35mm and 70mm film prints.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · experiencecolumbus.com · cinematreasures.org
last checked: 2026-07-21