Where to Watch Outdoor Movies in NYC

Warm nights in New York City are best enjoyed outdoors and one of the best ways to appreciate a pleasant spring or summer evening is with an outdoor movie screening. Luckily for New Yorkers, there are tons of places to enjoy outdoor movies while also taking in amazing city views and enjoying delicious food. Whether you’re looking for new releases, classics, or foreign language films, here are some of the best places in the city to catch an outdoor screening:

Multiple Locations

1. Rooftop Films

Rooftop Films kicks off every new season with special screenings at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. The non-profit organization has hosted outdoor movies in exciting locations all over the city for more than twenty years. Screening locations include the Brooklyn Army Terminal, Van Cortlandt Park, Industry City, The Old American Can Factory (which serves as Rooftop Films’ main office) and so many more. The films, which include documentaries, indies, and film festival favorites, are accompanied by live musical performances, Q&A sessions, and after-parties.

2. Movies Under the Stars, Multiple NYC Parks

Movies Under the Stars brings more than 150 film screenings to parks across all five boroughs. Presented by the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and NYC Parks, the series is packed with family-friendly flicks both old and new. Guests provide their own chairs and snacks, but reserved seating is available for seniors and people with disabilities. You can find exact start times for the closest park near you on the NYC Parks website.

Manhattan

3. Lincoln Center

At the end of August through early September, the Met Opera hosts outdoor screenings of past Live in HD performances at the plaza at Lincoln Center. The recorded performances are shown on a giant screen hanging from the facade of the opera house. This free event is open to all and seating is first-come, first-served. You may bring your own chair to set up on the perimeter of the plaza if you aren’t able to grab one of the already set up chairs.

4. Rooftop Cinema Club

Located atop the Embassy Suites Hotel in Midtown, the Rooftop Cinema Club shows outdoor movies starting in May. The films screened are a mix of new releases and classic films in a variety of different genres, from Clueless and Dirty Dancing to The Shining and Everything, Everywhere, All at Once. The Rooftop Cinema Club experience includes wireless headphones, adjustable deck chairs, and access to the Skylawn Rooftop Bar. You can munch on classic cinema concessions including fresh popcorn (vegan), candy, and soft drinks as well as ballpark-style food such as hot dogs, Bavarian pretzels, and nachos that are available for purchase.

5. Films on the Green

Every year, Villa Albertine’s Films on the Green outdoor summer film series focuses on a different theme. From June through September, nearly a dozen outdoor movies are screened in different green spaces around New York City such as Cedar Hill in Central Park, Riverside Park, Transmitter Park in Greenpoint, and more. Foreign-language films are presented with English subtitles. For 2024, the theme is sports!

6. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum invites New Yorkers to watch films atop the historic aircraft carrier’s flight deck. Surrounded by views of the Hudson River and city skyline, the movies screened are just as epic as the location they are shown in. Admission is free and spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis when the flight deck opens at 5:00 pm. The movie begins at sunset.

7. Summer in the Square, Union Square

Grab your blanket and head to the Center Lawn at Union Square for free outdoor movie screenings on Thursday nights. There will be themed treats inspired by the feature presentation, but you’re also encouraged to bring your own picnic dinner. See the lineup here!

8. Movie Nights at Bryant Park

Movie Nights at Bryant Park have been running for over 30 years! The outdoor movies shown are part of the Paramount+ library, as Paramount is the official partner of the series. The films are curated in partnership with New York Magazine’s Vulture and feature a mix of blockbusters and cult favorites. The lawn opens at 5pm and the movie starts around sunset. Food is available for purchase from vendors at the Hester Street Fair on the park’s fountain terrace. Beer and wine are also available for purchase.

9. Oculus Outdoors, World Trade Center

On select Friday nights and Saturday afternoons through August, you can catch a film set against the stunning backdrop of the Oculus at the World Trade Center. The 2pm screenings on Saturday are geared toward kids. Every screening is accompanied by a surprise activation, whether it’s a fun photo op or a giveaway. Guests are to bring their own chairs or blankets. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the Oculus Beer Garden. See the full movie line up here!

10. Seaport Cinema on the Rooftop at Pier 17

Another spot to catch an outdoor film with a view is at Seaport Cinema. Located on the Rooftop at Pier 17, this moviegoing experience comes with waterfront views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. See the full lineup on the Pier 17 website. You can make reservations in advance and food and drinks are available for purchase.

11. Central Park Film Festival

Every August, the Central Park Conservancy hosts a week of evening film screenings that are free and open to the public. The films will be shown on a giant screen between Sheep’s Meadow and 72nd Street Cross Drive. Films have not yet been released for the 2024 season.

12. Movies with a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Movies with a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park has been running since 2000 and has welcomed more than 1,700,000 visitors. The eight-week film series is free and open to the public and includes amazing views of the New York City skyline from the Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn.

Queens

13. CinemaLIC at Hunters Point Park South

CinemaLIC returns to Hunters Point Park South for six screenings in June, July, August, September, and October. As the film plays out on a 30-foot inflatable screen, you can also enjoy a glittering view of the Manhattan skyline across the East River. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

Next, check out Drive-In Theaters Across New York State