Watching outdoor movies in New York City is an experience that never gets old. I’ve lived in NYC for 3 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.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Tips for Watching Movies Outdoors in New York City
Bring a Picnic Blanket: One of the most indispensable items for watching movies outdoors in NYC is a picnic blanket with a water-resistant side (these are easier to clean).
Pack a Jacket: Evenings get chilly fast. Bring a jacket or sweater regardless of the forecast, so that you can stay comfortable during the showing. This is especially true if you’re watching an outdoor movie on a rooftop (where windy conditions are more likely).
Where to Watch Outdoor Movies in New York City
Table of Contents: Best Places to Watch Movies Outdoors in NYC
Table of Contents: Where to Watch Movies Outdoors in New York City
Free Outdoor Movies in NYC
Bryant Park
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. The park is nestled amidst towering skyscrapers in Midtown and attracts locals year-round. But summer seems to have the largest draw, because Bryant Park hosts nostalgic family-friend outdoor movies in NYC.
Now in its 31st season, the lawn opens every Monday at 5pm but the films don’t start until after sunset (around 8pm). Food and beverages (including beer) are available for purchase and all movies are played with subtitles, to ensure everyone enjoys the show.
Website: Movie Nights at Bryant Park
Address: 41 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
Dates: Mondays from mid-June to late-August
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Since 2000, Brooklyn Bridge Park has been a local hot-spot for enjoying outdoor movies in New York City. The epic Manhattan skyline looms behind the movie screen, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Family-friend movies take place every Thursday from July through August at Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn.
This event is great for the whole family because PG-13 and R rated selections are clearly noted in advance. In terms of food, feel free to bring your own, if not, there’s a slew of Time Out Market vendors dolling out drinks and food.
Food and music starts at 5pm (on the Pier 1 Promenade) and the lawn opens at 6:00pm. Movies typically begin at sundown (generally around 8pm). I suggest arriving around 4:30pm to give yourself ample time to pass through bag check, grab a bite and stake out a good spot.
Website: Movies With A View at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Address: Harbor View Lawn, 80 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Dates: Every Thursday in July and August
Good to know: Chairs and pets are not allowed, but you can bring your own food and picnic blanket!
Seaport Cinema at Pier 17
Located near Wall Street along the East River, Pier 17 is buzzing with fund events and concerts year-round. Not easily outdone, Pier 17 hosts free outdoor rooftop movies in NYC once a month in July, August and September. 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.
As you can imagine, space is limited so arrive early to secure a spot. Due to the venue’s popularity, advance reservations are required. Doors open at 6:30pm and films begin at 7:30pm (concessions available for purchase).
Website: Movies on the Water at the Seaport Cinema
Address: Rooftop at Pier 17, 89 South St, New York, NY
Dates: Once a month in July, August & September
Movies Under the Stars
The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment has teamed up with Parks & Recreation to host more than 400 movie across the five boroughs throughout the summer. From popular spots, like Prospect Park and Van Cortlandt Park, to small neighborhood parks, ensuring everyone has access to outdoor movies in NYC.
The screenings typically start mid-May and feature a diverse range of genres. From kid-friendly animated films to thought-provoking documentaries, there’s something for everyone. The showings take place practically every day in the summer, check out the official website for the full lineup.
Website & List of Locations: Movies Under the Stars
Dates: May to September
Governors Island Outdoor Movies
In collaboration with Film at Lincoln Center, Governors Island Arts hosts outdoor films on the Parade Ground ever summer. There’s typically a theme in mind (in 2023, the theme was “Rule Breakers and Troublemakers”), which keeps things fun.
Screenings are free and open to the public with pre-show entertainment like live music kicking off around 7:30pm. Food and drink is available for purchase at the Parade Ground from Pizza Yard and Kinky Taco Truck. Just know that reaching Governors Island requires a 10-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn ($4 per person).
Website: Governors Island Arts
Address: Parade Ground, Governors Island, 15 Evans Rd, New York, NY 10004
Dates: Once a month in July, August and September
Flicks on the Beach
Swap out a picnic blanket for a beach towel at Flicks on the Beach in Coney Island. The event transforms the beach at West 12th Street into an open-air movie theater, where folks can enjoy a variety of films ranging from modern blockbusters to indie films.
The screenings take place on Mondays during July and August, starting at dusk, with festivities beginning at 7:30 pm. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own blankets or chairs to sit on the sand comfortably while watching the movies.
Website: Flicks on the Beach at Luna Park
Address: 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Dates: Mondays in July and August
Where to Watch Outdoor Movies in NYC (Admission Required)
Rooftop Cinema Club
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. The venue offers lounge chairs and personal headphones, which makes the experience very unique.
As for snacks, you’ll find all the usual suspect — traditional concession drinks and snack are available for purchase. When making reservations, know that guests must be 18+ for showings after 7pm. Arrive early (with your entire party) because seats are first come, first served.
Website: Rooftop Cinema Club
Location: Embassy Suites Hotel | 60 W 37th St 3rd Floor, New York, NY
Dates: May to September
Skyline Drive-In (Dog Friendly NYC Outdoor Movie Venue)
Greenpoint’s Skyline Drive-In is one of the best movie outdoor movie theaters in New York City. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to own a car to catch a movie here. There’s two viewing areas: a lot for vehicles and a seating area (with chairs) for pedestrians.
Gates open 1.5 hours before showtime, concessions available onsite (popcorn, pretzels, chips). Tickets must be purchased online (in advance), there’s no ticket office on site. Also worth mention, this is one of the few NYC outdoor movie venues that welcomes dogs!
Fun fact: The Skyline Drive-In is one of the best places to watch Macy’s Fourth of July Firework Show. On Independence Day they’ll clear out the cars and screens so folks can watch the show.
Website: Skyline Drive-In
Address: 1 Oak St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Dates: Subject to the weather, mostly year-round
Where to Watch Outdoor Movies in NYC (Post Summary)
In sum, here’s the best places where to see outdoor movies in New York City
- Bryant Park
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Seaport Cinema
- Movies Under the Stars
- Governor’s Island Arts
- Flicks on the Beach
- Rooftop Cinema Club
- Skyline Drive-In
Frequently Asked Questions
You can watch movies outdoors in NYC at venues like the Rooftop Cinema Club, Bryant Park Movie Nights, or the Brooklyn Bridge Park Summer Series.
You can watch movies outdoors in NYC by attending screenings at venues like the Rooftop Cinema Club, Bryant Park Movie Nights, or the Brooklyn Bridge Park Summer Series.
Yes, NYC has drive-in movie theaters, including locations such as Skyline Drive-In NYC in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and the Bel Aire Diner Drive-In in Queens.
Outdoor movies in NYC typically run during the warmer months, from late spring or early summer (usually May or June) through early fall (usually September or October), depending on the specific event or venue.
Map of New York City Outdoor Movie Venues
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And there it is my friends, my list of where to watch outdoor movies in New York City. Feel free to let me know which film you’re looking forward to most!
Cheers!
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