12 spots to watch outdoor movies in NYC this summer
Grab a blanket and your favorite snacks—outdoor movie season is back. One of the best ways to end a summer day is by watching acclaimed films alongside fellow New Yorkers in a scenic public space. Ahead, 6sqft has put together a list of the best spots to catch outdoor movies this summer, from the historic flight deck of the U.S.S. Intrepid to iconic green spaces like Bryant Park and Union Square.
Paramount+ Movie Nights at Bryant Park
Returning for its 32nd year, Bryant Park’s beloved summer movie series runs on Mondays through August 11, bringing acclaimed films to the big screen under the stars. Presented by Paramount+, this year’s lineup includes “The Wood” on June 16, “Kinky Boots” on June 23, “Stand by Me” on June 30, “Good Will Hunting” on July 7, “Interstellar” on July 14, “Ghost” on July 21, “Pulp Fiction” on July 28, “Blades of Glory” on August 4, and “The Godfather” on August 11. The lawn opens at 5 p.m. and films begin at 8 p.m
NYC Parks’ Movies Under the Stars
Grab a picnic chair or blanket and enjoy more than 150 film screenings in parks across the five boroughs this summer. Presented by the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and NYC Parks, Movies Under the Stars brings family-friendly entertainment to parks and playgrounds citywide, featuring everything from recent releases to all-time classics. A full schedule of upcoming screenings can be found here.
Brooklyn Bridge Parks’ Movies With a View
Pluto TV’s Movies With a View returns to Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Harbor View Lawn every Thursday from July 10 through August 28 with a stellar lineup of acclaimed films. This year’s program kicks off on July 10 with “Bottoms,” followed by “Alien” on July 17, “Waitress” on July 24, “The Matrix” on July 31, “The Wizard of Oz” on August 7, “Trainwreck” on August 14, “Hidden Figures” on August 21, and closes on August 28 with Public Choice Night, where moviegoers can vote for “Pretty in Pink,” “Julie & Julia,” or “Marie Antoinette.”
Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn
Paramount+’s Brooklyn Movie Nights series is bringing free outdoor film screenings to four of the borough’s most iconic locations: McCarren Park, Fort Greene Park, Coney Island, and Prospect Park. This season’s lineup includes fan favorites like “Shutter Island,” “Dog Day Afternoon,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Mean Girls,” and more. Screenings begin around sunset, with exact start times varying by film.
Intrepid Free Summer Movie Series
Hell’s Kitchen’s iconic Intrepid Museum is hosting a series of free movie nights on its historic flight deck this summer. This year’s movie night series is inspired by the Museum’s newest exhibition opening on June 26: “Mysteries from the Deep: Underwater Archaeology,” celebrating humankind’s fascination with the ocean. The lineup includes “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” on June 27, “The Abyss” on July 25, and “Atlantic: The Lost Empire” on August 22. Screenings run from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Oculus Outdoors
The Oculus is welcoming New Yorkers to the World Trade Center for a free outdoor movie screening series on select Friday nights and Saturday afternoons this summer. This year’s lineup features family-friendly films on Friday evenings and kid-friendly matinees on Saturdays. Each screening will include a special surprise, like photo opportunities, interactive activations, or giveaways, to create a memorable experience for all attendees.
This year’s film lineup includes “A League of Their Own” on July 11; “Space Jam” and Taylor Mac’s “24-Decade History of Popular Music” on July 12; “Dirty Dancing” on August 15; “Lilo & Stitch” on August 16; “Twilight” on September 26; and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” on September 27.
Friday screenings begin at 7 p.m., with seating opening at 6 p.m. Saturday matinees start at 2 p.m., with seating available from 1 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring portable chairs, as seating is limited and first-come, first-served. Walk-ins are welcome, but advance reservations are recommended.
Movies in the Square
Presented by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and the Union Square Partnership, this free outdoor film series invites New Yorkers to unwind on select summer Thursdays at Union Square Park’s North Plaza with acclaimed films under the night sky. Upcoming screenings include “The Muppets Take Manhattan” on July 24, followed by screenings of “Men in Black” on July 31, “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” on August 7, and “13 Going on 30” on August 14. The plaza opens at 6:30 p.m. for seating, and films begin at dusk. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or mat, as limited seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Queens Botanical Garden
Bask in golden hour at the scenic Queens Botanical Garden as you enjoy a movie under the open sky. The next Movie Nights at the Garden features the Bollywood hit “Main Hoon Na” on August 2 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets include the feature film screening, after-hours access to the garden, and a complimentary craft or performance. Advance tickets are recommended, though walk-ins are welcome based on availability. Admission is $6 for adult non-members.
Rooftop Films
Rooftop Films returns to the Brooklyn Army Terminal’s Ferry Plaza with a series of free outdoor film screenings. This year’s lineup includes a special showing of “Selena y Los Dinos” on July 26, a documentary celebrating the life and legacy of iconic singer Selena Quintanilla. On August 16, “How Deep Is Your Love,” takes viewers on a deep-sea expedition with marine biologists exploring mysterious ecosystems that thrive in complete darkness.
Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island’s summer movie series returns this July with four new free film screenings on a towering 40-foot screen at South Point Park. The series kicks off on July 11 with “Inside Out 2,” followed by “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” on July 18, “The Wild Robot” on July 25, and concludes with “Wicked” on August 1. Each screening includes food vendors, pre-film music, and on-screen slide presentations. The event opens at 7 p.m., with movies starting at sunset.
Hunters Point Park
Movies are returning this summer to Long Island City’s Hunters Point Park. The lineup includes “Twisters” on June 28, “Clueless” on August 1 (sponsored by TF Cornerstone), and a kid-friendly film scheduled for September 12. All movies begin at sunset, which will be around 8:30 p.m. on June 28.
Rooftop Cinema Club
Catch a film at Midtown’s Rooftop Cinema Club with Manhattan’s towering skyscrapers as your stunning backdrop. Enjoy movies as they were originally intended using the club’s state-of-the-art wireless headphones, plus indulge in a wide variety of food and drink options. The club’s curated lineup features acclaimed films and cult classics, offering something for every movie lover. Learn more about the screenings here.
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