See and do · At night · 2026
The best outdoor movies in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 5 places.
Watching outdoor movies in New York City is an experience that never gets old. I’ve lived in NYC for six years but can still recall the first time I serendipitously stumbled upon an outdoor movie at Bryant Park. Pure magic! After my move, I made it a point to catch outdoor movies every summer. Allow me to share my (personal) roundup of the best spots to watch outdoor movies in NYC.
- Brooklyn Bridge ParkPark · Brooklyn Heights/DUMBOThe epic Manhattan skyline looms behind the movie screen, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
- Bryant ParkPark · MidtownClocking in at 9.6 acres, Bryant Park is far from the largest park in New York City, but it often feels the most full.
- Rooftop Cinema ClubTheater · MidtownRooftop Cinema Club (at the Embassy Suites Hotel) has completely revolutionized the movie-watching experience by combining the magic of film with epic city skylines under the stars.
- Seaport Cinema at Pier 17Theater · Financial District/SeaportThe rooftop (called Seaport Cinema) is one of the few places where you can watch outdoor movies in NYC on a chair rather than a picnic blanket.
- Skyline Drive-InTheater · GreenpointGreenpoint’s Skyline Drive-In is one of the best movie outdoor movie theaters in New York City.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Park · Brooklyn Heights/DUMBO · Harbor View Lawn, 80 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
The epic Manhattan skyline looms behind the movie screen, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Bryant Park
Park · Midtown · 41 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
Clocking in at 9.6 acres, Bryant Park is far from the largest park in New York City, but it often feels the most full.
Rooftop Cinema Club
Theater · Midtown · Embassy Suites Hotel | 60 W 37th St 3rd Floor, New York, NY
Rooftop Cinema Club (at the Embassy Suites Hotel) has completely revolutionized the movie-watching experience by combining the magic of film with epic city skylines under the stars.
Seaport Cinema at Pier 17
Theater · Financial District/Seaport · Rooftop at Pier 17, 89 South St, New York, NY
The rooftop (called Seaport Cinema) is one of the few places where you can watch outdoor movies in NYC on a chair rather than a picnic blanket.
Skyline Drive-In
Theater · Greenpoint · 1 Oak St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Greenpoint’s Skyline Drive-In is one of the best movie outdoor movie theaters in New York City.
Best outdoor movies in New York, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: Where to Watch Outdoor Movies in New York City (2026 Guide).