It’s almost summer in NYC, so grab a friend with a blanket in hand, and head out to the city’s parks and rooftops to watch a film on the big screen. From the cult classics to newer releases, or romantic comedies to action blockbusters, there is a little something for everyone; all the while taking in views of the city skyline. Most films begin around sunset, and spots for free films are first come first serve, so we recommend arriving early to secure a good spot.
? Bookmark this GUIDE and check back for new additions!
Updated 8/12/23
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Magazine ‘Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn’: Fort Greene Park
? Location: Fort Greene Park, South Portland Avenue, Brooklyn
Join Brooklyn Magazine for an incredible outdoor movie experience at Fort Greene Park. Paramount+ and Brooklyn Magazine, in collaboration with Borough President Antonio Reynoso and the Fort Greene Park Conservancy. This summer series will feature nostalgic classics and feel-good favorites for all ages.
? Days/Times: Thursdays, June 29th- July 20th
? Lineup:
June 29th: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
July 6th: House Party
July 13th: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
July 20th: RRR
? Price: Free
Brooklyn Magazine ‘Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn’: McCarren Park
? Location: McCarren Park, 776 Lorimer Street, Brooklyn
Get ready for an amazing cinematic experience under the stars at McCarren Park. A collaboration between Paramount+ and Brooklyn Magazine, alongside McCarren Park, Prospect Park Alliance, and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. For four special evenings, they’ll bring you a mix of beloved classics and exciting new releases.
? Days/Times: August 20th-September 13th
? Lineup:
Sunday, August 20th: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Thursday, August 30th: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
Wednesday, September 6th: Everything Everywhere All at Once
Wednesday, September 13th: The Big Lebowski
? Price: Free
Brooklyn Magazine ‘Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn’: Prospect Park
? Location: Prospect Park, Long Meadow 95 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn (North end of the Prospect Park Long Meadow, located nearest to the Grand Army Plaza entrance)
This longstanding summer movie series has been offered in Prospect Park for many years in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Featuring nostalgic classics and feel-good fan favorites for all ages. The themes throughout are connectivity, perseverance, friendship, family, self-empowerment, creativity, fantasy, and fun.
? Days/Times: Wednesdays, July 26th- August 16th
? Lineup:
July 26th: Top Gun: Maverick
August 2nd: Bring It On
August 9th: The Nutty Professor (1996)
August 16th: Guardians of the Galaxy
? Price: Free
Brooklyn Bridge Park Movies with a View
? Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1 (Harbor View Lawn)
Movies with a View outdoor film series returns for its 23rd season. Celebrating the theme of “We Are Family”. Food and drink for sale will be provided by new partner Time Out Market. Other partnerships include music by DJ’s curated from Brooklyn Radio, film shorts curated by BAM Film, and bike valet parking provided by Transportation Alternatives.
? Days/Times: Thursdays: July 6th- August 24th. Doors at 6pm.
? Lineup:
July 6th: E.T. Extra-Terrestrial
July 13th: Smoke Signals
July 20th: Top Gun
July 27th: Psycho
August 3rd: GoodFellas
August 10th: Despicable Me
August 17th: Everything Everywhere All At Once
August 24th: Greta Gerwig’s Little Women (Public Choice)
? Price: Free
Vale Cinema
? Location: The William Vale, 111 North 12th Street, Brooklyn (The Turf Club)
The William Vale rooftop cinema series is back. In celebration of Pride Month, they are screening John Cameron Mitchell’s legendary Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Vale Cinema Series brings you the magic of iconic movies, featuring the iconic Manhattan skyline, snacks, and specialty drinks.
? Days/Times: Mondays, Through October 16th. Doors at 7pm.
? Lineup:
June 26th: Hedwig and the Angry Inch
July 24th: Dazed and Confused
August 21st: The Parent Trap
September 18th: When Harry Met Sally
September 25th: 10 Things I Hate About You
October 2nd: Scream
October 16th: Hocus Pocus
? Price: $23.41+
Coney Island Flicks on the Beach
? Location: Coney Island Boardwalk at West 12th Street, Brooklyn
The Flicks on the Beach Series is presented by the Alliance for Coney Island. Take a break from the waves and splash into another world as you revisit your favorite movies. Movies are screened on the beach throughout the summer and include a variety of thrillers, kid’s movies, and comedies.
? Days/Times: Every other Monday, June 26th- August 7th.
? Lineup:
June 26th – The Warriors (1979)
July 10th – Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
July 24th – The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
August 7th- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
? Price: Free
SummerStarz Movies
? Location: Transmitter Park, Greenpoint Avenue & East River Waterfront, Brooklyn
Enjoy the gorgeous Brooklyn waterfront, at SummerStarz, a series of family-friendly movies presented by Town Square, a local nonprofit organization.
? Days/Times: Fridays, July 7th- August 11th.
? Lineup:
July 7th: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
July 14th: Top Gun: Maverick
July 21st: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
July 28th: Bohemian Rhapsody
August 4th: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
August 11th: Avatar: The Way of Water
? Price: Free, RSVP required.
Rooftop Reds Pizza Wine Movie Nights
? Location: Rooftop Reds, 299 Sands Street, Building 275, Brooklyn.
Each Pizza Wine Movie Night begins with an exclusive happy hour at 6pm, only for movie night guests. Each ticket includes entry, two slices of cheese pizza, a glass of sparkling Riesling, boxed water, and access to the happy hour.
? Days/Times: May- October.
? Lineup: See here
? Price: $35
Manhattan
Seaport Cinema
? Location: The Rooftop at Pier 17, 89 South Street
Seaport Cinema is back, and this year the public voted for the movies that will show on the big screen. Head up to The Rooftop for great movies and surprises throughout the season. Enjoy snacks and drinks during the movie with a menu of popcorn, tater tots, chicken fingers, pretzels, candy, beers, and cocktails.
? Days/Times: June 12th- September 21st. Doors open at 6:30pm.
? Lineup:
Monday, June 12th: Air Bud
Tuesday, July 25th: Jaws
Wednesday, August 16th: Step Up
Thursday, September 21st: Pitch Perfect
? Price: Free
Bryant Park Movie Nights
? Location: Bryant Park, 42st Street and 6th Avenue (The Lawn)
Paramount+ Movie Nights return to the park with a stellar lineup of films, fun, and food with the 30th season of summer movies in Bryant Park. Supported by Vulture. Find food and drink curated by Hester Street Fair for sale, and beer and wine available for purchase.
? Days/Times: Mondays, June 12th- August 21st. Lawn opens 5pm.
? Lineup:
June 12th: Almost Famous (2000)
June 19th: Dreamgirls (2006)
June 26th: Mean Girls (2004)
July 3rd: School of Rock (2003)
July 10th: Roman Holiday (1953)
July 17th: Reality Bites (1994)
July 24th: Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)
July 31st: Swingers (1996)
August 7th: 48 Hrs. (1982)
August 14th: Zoolander (2001)
August 21st *bonus film: Good Burger (1997)
? Price: Free
ImageNation Outdoors Film and Music Festival
? Locations: East Harlem Film Series (101 Street between Lenox and Park Avenue), West Harlem Film Series (Frederick Douglass Boulevard, between 119th and 120th Sts.), Drive-in Movie Series (517 E 117th Street) in addition to cars there will be public seating.
ImageNation’s 21st annual Outdoors Film and Music Festival will include an Eastside and Westside Open Streets Movie series, Drive-In Movie series (free popcorn, goodie bags, games, free cupcakes, ice cream truck, and more, New York City Parks screenings, a Black Anime Series, a Great Day Harlem Food & Music Festival, and a Soul Train Tribute to Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary.
? Days/Times: Various Fridays & Saturdays, July 7th- October 21st. Doors at 6pm
? Lineup:
Friday, July 7th: Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes
Saturday, July 8th: I’m Gonna Git You Sucka
Saturday, July 15th: Sorry To Bother You
Sunday, July 16th: Puss in Boots
Saturday, July 22nd: Woman King
Saturday, July 29th: Summer of Soul
Friday, August 4th: Spider-Man: Into The Spider Verse
Saturday, August 5th: Farewell Amor
Saturday, August 12th: CB4
Sunday, August 20th: Spider-Man: Into The Spider Verse
Saturday, September 2nd: TBA presented by Urbanworld Film Festival
Sunday, September 17th: The Super Mario Bros Movie
Saturday, October 21st: Ghostbusters
? Price: Free
Riverside Park Picture Show
? Location: Riverside Park Pier 1, 500 W 70th Street
Settle in for a movie night on the Pier. This year’s theme: Fish out of Water.
? Days/Times: July 5th- August 16th. Seating opens at 6:30pm.
? Lineup:
July 5th: Enchanted (2007)
July 12th: Back to the Future (1985)
July 19th: Luca (2021)
July 26th: My Cousin Vinny (1992)
August 2nd: Pleasantville (1998)
August 9th: Roman Holiday (1953)
August 16th: The Terminal (2004)
? Price: Free
Outdoor Films on Governors Island
? Location: Governors Island (Parade Ground)
Free outdoor films return to Governors Island featuring a “Rule Breakers and Troublemakers” theme. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, with vendors to be announced.
? Days/Times: Fridays, July 7th, August 11th, September 1st. Pre-show entertainment starts at 7pm.
? Lineup:
July 7th: Out of Sight
August 11th: Bend It Like Beckham
September 1: Set It Off
? Price: Free
Intrepid Summer Movie Nights
? Location: The Intrepid Museum, Pier 86, W 46th Street and 12th Avenue
Celebrate the ship’s 80th commissioning anniversary and enjoy special programs, including their free summer movie series, featuring classic “ship” themed films. Light concessions will be sold onsite, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
? Days/Times: Fridays, June 30th- August 25th. Doors at 5pm.
? Lineup:
June 30th: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
July 28th: Crimson Tide
August 25th: Top Gun: Maverick
? Price: Free
Rooftop Cinema Club
? Location: Skylawn Rooftop of the Embassy Suites Hotel, 60 West 37th Street
Watch a movie under the stars, bask in the full moon at midnight, or enjoy the warmth of the sun in the daytime. Their program is hand-picked and features everything from cult films to classics, to new releases with state-of-the-art wireless headphones and an LED screen. With themes like Y2K Tuesdays, Pride Month, Celebrating Black Cinema, All Ages Screenings, and more! Treat yourself to classic cinema concessions including popcorn, candy, and soft drinks or ballpark-style food such as hot dogs, Bavarian pretzels, and nachos.
? Days/Times: Daily, Through October 2023
? Lineup: See here
? Price: $19.50 – $28.50. Active, retired, and family of military personnel enjoy 15% off with voucher code: MidtownMilitary2023, and Students enjoy 10% off with voucher code: MidtownStudent2023.
Outdoor Cinema at Lincoln Center
? Location: Lincoln Center, Damrosch Park (Amsterdam Avenue and 62nd Street)
Film at Lincoln Center expands out of the theater to under the stars with an exciting selection of free outdoor movie screenings as part of Summer for the City. The series begins with a crowd-pleasing three-film showcase in connection with See Me As I Am, the campus-wide celebration of pioneering musician Terence Blanchard, followed by a five-film mini-festival honoring the genre’s 50th anniversary and paying tribute to the myriad ways in which Hip-Hop’s history and cultural impact have influenced and intersected with the American cinema over the last half-century. Onsite concessions with popcorn and drinks.
? Days/Times: June 14th- July 21st. Gates at 8:30pm.
? Lineup:
Wednesday, June 14th: Eve’s Bayou
Friday, June 16th: Love & Basketball
Wednesday, June 21st: Da 5 Bloods
Thursday, June 22nd: Style Wars
Friday, June 23rd: Scratch
Thursday, June 29th: Juice
Friday, June 30th: Friday
Wednesday, July 12th: Wild Style
Friday, July 21st: The Host
? Price: Free. In addition to General Admission, they’re offering a free Fast Track option, giving ticket holders priority entry.
The Green Room 42 Rooftop Movie Series
? Location: Social Drink & Food, 4th floor of YOTEL Times Square, 570 10th Avenue at 42nd Street
Join The Green Room 42 for their Rooftop Movies Series on their outdoor terrace. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy classic, new, and innovative movies from across the decades. Headphones are provided.
? Days/Times: Through the Summer. Doors at 8pm.
? Lineup: See here *click ‘Rooftop Movies & Experiences’
? Price: $22 + fees
Oculus Outdoors Movie Nights
? Location: Oculus Plaza (Outside the Oculus on Fulton St in between Church and Greenwich Sts)
Oculus Outdoors is a community event series at the World Trade Center campus brought to you by The Port Authority of NY and NJ. Bring your own blankets or portable chairs and enjoy a one-of-a-kind, cinematic experience at Oculus Outdoors! LIMITED seating will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis, with or without a ticket.
? Days/Times: Saturdays in July & August, 2pm (doors at 1pm) and 7pm (doors at 6pm)
? Lineup:
July 15th, 2pm: Up
July 15th, 7pm: Coming to America
July 29th, 2pm: Luca
July 29th, 7pm: My Big Fat Greek Wedding
August 12th, 2pm: Soul
August 12th, 7pm: Ghostbusters (2016)
August 26th, 2pm: The Incredibles
August 26th, 7pm: Clueless
? Price: Free, RSVP recommended
Randall’s Island Park Movie Nights
? Location: Randall’s Island Park, Various Fields
Bring a picnic and take your family out for a movie and a night under the stars. Join before the movie for games and crafts!
? Days/Times: Select Sundays, July 16th, July 23rd, August 13th. Doors 7:30pm
? Lineup:
July 16th: In the Heights
July 23rd: Luca
August 13th: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
? Price: Free
Movie Nights in Union Square Park
? Location: Union Square Park, East 15th Street and Union Square East, Center Lawn
Throwback Thursday movie nights are back! Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner for you and your crew to watch each week’s feature film.
? Days/Times: Thursdays, July 13th-August 3rd
? Lineup:
July 13th: Moana
July 20th: Clueless
July 27th: Labyrinth
August 3rd: Clue
? Price: Free
Fosun x Alamo Drafthouse Summer Movie Series
? Location: Fosun Plaza, 28 Liberty (South Plaza)
Fosun has partnered with Alamo Drafthouse to present three New York City-themed films. Alamo Drafthouse, which has a cinema within 28 Liberty, will host pre-show festivities starting at 6pm, providing hand-printed newspaper and movie ads from its archive of over 60,000 vintage plates spanning the history of 20th-century cinema. Alamo will also serve food, beverages, and free popcorn.
? Days/Times: Select Wednesdays, July 19th- September. Doors at 6pm.
? Lineup:
July 19th: You’ve Got Mail
August 9th: Muppets Take Manhattan
TBD: You’ve Got Mail
? Price: Free
Central Park Conservancy Film Festival
?Location: Landscape between Sheep Meadow and the 72nd Street Cross Drive
Join Central Park Conservancy Park for the 20th Annual Central Park Conservancy Film Festival, presented by National Geographic. This year’s festival features an array of documentary films. Pre-show programming and music start at 6:30 pm.
? Days/Times: Tuesday, August 15th- Friday, August 18th. Doors at 6:30pm.
? Lineup:
Tuesday, August 15th: The Space Race
Wednesday, August 16th: Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold
Thursday, August 17th: Wild Life
Friday, August 18th: We Feed People
? Price: Free, with Registration
Pix on the Plaza at The Standard
?Location: The Standard Highline, The Plaza, 848 Washington Street
Join The Standard for their outdoor movie series on The Plaza. Each night, they’re offering complimentary popcorn, your fave movie theater candies, cocktails, and yummy bites.
? Days/Times: Mondays. August 8th- September 11th. Doors at 8pm.
? Lineup:
August 7th: Mean Girls
August 14th: Legally Blonde
August 28th: Legally Blonde 2
September 4th: Romy & Michelle’s High School Reunion
September 11th: The Devil Wears Prada
? Price: $30/per person spending minimum required
Queens
CinemaLIC at Hunters Point South Park
? Location: Hunters Point South Park, Center Blvd & 51st Avenue, Long Island City
Returning for its 8th year, CinemaLIC is a free outdoor movie event, brought to you by NestSeekers International & Hunters Point Park Conservancy, and hosted by LIC Landing. Viewers can enjoy some of the best classic and independent movies right on the waterfront in Long Island City’s Hunters Point South Park with New York City’s skyline as the backdrop.
? Days/Times: Various Days, June 22nd- September 8th
? Lineup:
Thursday, June 22nd: Back to the Future
Thursday, July 13th: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Saturday, July 22nd: Top Gun: Maverick
Thursday, August 10th: Soul
Friday, September 8th: Aladdin
? Price: Free
Movie Nights at Queens Botanical Garden
? Location: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Street, Queens
Experience big-screen magic with the beautiful backdrop of golden hour in the evening. Included in your ticket are a feature film screening, after-hours access to the Garden, and a complimentary craft or performance.
? Days/Times: Saturdays, June 17th, July 8th, August 5th. Doors at 7pm.
? Lineup:
Saturday, June 17th: The Lion King
Saturday, July 8th: Shrek
Saturday August 5th: Beat Street
? Price: Non-Member, $10 and below. Members, $8 and below. Advance tickets are strongly recommended; walk-ins are welcome upon availability.
Rockaway Film Festival Boardwalk Summer Series
? Location: Beach 94th Street Amphitheater, Beach 94th Street & Shorefront Parkway
The Rockaway Film Festival is returning to the boardwalk for its third annual free summer series in collaboration with NYC Parks and Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy. Set sail with us at the newly erected Beach 94th Street Amphitheater and enjoy these classic seaside adventures on the shores of Neverland, Treasure Island, and Sweethaven.
? Days/Times: Saturdays, July 8th- July 22nd.
? Lineup:
July 8th: Hook (1991)
July 15th: Muppet Treasure Island (1996)
July 22nd: Popeye (1980)
? Price: Free
Astoria Park Movies on the Waterfront
? Location: Astoria Park Great Law, Shore Blvd. between Hell Gate Bridge and the Pool
The 2023 Movies on the Waterfront series returns this summer. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or chair, your favorite snacks, and enjoy!
? Days/Times: Mondays, July 31st- August 21st.
? Lineup:
July 31st: A League of Their Own
August 7th: Lion King (1994)
August 14th: Elvis (2022)
August 21st: Super Mario Bros
? Price: Free
The Bronx
Van Cortlandt Park Starlight Cinema
? Location: Van Cortlandt Park, 80 Van Cortlandt Park South Ste. E1 (Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground)
Van Cortlandt Park’s Starlight Cinema theme is Outer Space! Featuring movie-themed Crafts and music from 1956, 1999, 1977, and 2014. Pack a picnic, and bring your own blanket.
? Days/Times: Tuesdays, July 11th- August 8th
? Lineup:
July 11th: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
July 18th: Galaxy Quest (1999)
July 25th: Star Wars (1977)
August 1st: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
August 8th: Story Ave (2023). Presented by Rooftop Films. Meet Bronx-born filmmaker Aristotle Torres!
? Price: Free
City Wide
NYC Parks’ Movies Under the Stars
? Location: Parks throughout the five boroughs
Through Movies Under the Stars, the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and NYC Parks bring more than 150 film screenings. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment in the city’s parks and playgrounds, ranging from great new movies to all-time classics.
? Days/Times: Through September 2nd.
? Lineup: See here
? Price: Free
Rooftop Films
? Location: Across New York City’s five boroughs
The Summer Series–Rooftop’s signature program–is a one-of-a-kind, summer-long, outdoor film festival showcasing the best new independent films in iconic locations. Each screening is distinctly unique and features electric live performances, free afterparties, and Q&As with filmmakers and stars. This year’s Summer Series will include over 45 events featuring new independent feature films, short film programs, and live performances. Presented by AMC Networks and its family of iconic fan-favorite brands and exclusive spirit sponsor Bulleit Frontier Whiskey will present more than 20 pre- and post-screening receptions throughout the summer.
? Days/Times: Through August 24th
? Lineup: See here
? Price: Free w/ RSVP and Paid ($18.84)
Films on the Green
? Location: Various Manhattan and Brooklyn parks
Get ready to experience the beauty and passion of dance on the big screen with Films on the Green, New York City’s free outdoor French film festival. Produced in partnership with NYC Parks and the FACE Foundation, this annual festival returns showcasing 12 features that will transport you into a world of rhythm and emotion.
? Days/Times: Through September 8th
? Lineup:
Friday, June 16th: Heartbreaker (L’Arnacœur) | Washington Square Park
Friday, June 23rd: La Femme et le Pantin | Transmitter Park
Friday, June 30th: Three Nights a Week (Trois nuits par semaine) | Tompkins Square Park
Friday, July 7th: Casablanca Beats (Haut et fort) | Seward Park
Wednesday, July 12th, Neneh Superstar | J. Hood Wright Park
Friday, July 14th: French Cancan | Seward Park
Friday, July 21th: Polina (Polina, danser sa vie) | Riverside Park, Pier I
Friday, July 28th: Nha Fala (My Voice) | Riverside Park, Pier I
Wednesday, September 6th, Dancing the Twist in Bamako (Twist à Bamako) | Columbia University, Low Library Steps
Friday, September 8th: Leap! (Ballerina) | McGolrick Park
? Price: Free
