Every Free Outdoor Movie Playing in NYC This Summer
The winter of our discontent has passed. Now, spring and summer’s majesty bring delights to pass away the time. So give Netflix a rest and put Hulu on hold. If you’re going to watch anything during these hot days and warm nights, you should watch it under the sun and stars.
Parks across all five boroughs host free screenings pretty much every night of the week, so you can cut your A/C bill and enjoy the balmy breeze while shouting out the lines to Dirty Dancing and A Star Is Born with your fellow New Yorkers. Unfurl your blanket, crack open a clandestine can of wine, unwrap a homemade brownie, and bask in these free outdoor movie screenings.
MANHATTAN
May 22
Aquaman (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Happy Warrior Playground
Not a regular man -- an aqua man.
May 23
Green Book (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Playground 89
Pack a picnic and a chair or blanket for this family-friendly screening.
May 24
Top Gun (1986)
Intrepid Movie Series, Intrepid Museum
A screening’s battleship venue is on point.
May 24
Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Cherry Tree Park
Pack a picnic and a chair or blanket for this family-friendly screening.
May 24
Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, J. Hood Wright Park
Bring a spoonful of sugar and a chair or blanket to this family-friendly screening.
May 25
Christopher Robin (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, William F. Passannante Ballfield
An origin story without any fight scenes.
May 30
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Movies Under The Stars, Seward Park
Pack a picnic and a chair or blanket for this family-friendly screening.
May 31
Dunkirk (2017)
Intrepid Movie Series, Intrepid Museum
Watch a war film aboard a real battleship.
May 31
Bumblebee (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Chelsea Park
Pack a picnic and a chair or blanket for this family-friendly screening.
May 31
Coco Before Chanel (2009)
Films on the Green, Cedar Hill, Central Park
Break out that Canal Street quilted bag for this screening.
June 1
Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Carl Schurz Park
Pack a magic nanny bag with a picnic for this family-friendly screening.
June 4
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Samuel N. Bennerson Playground
A magic spell may not get you very far, so bring a picnic and seating just in case.
June 6
Green Book (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Carmansville Playground
Pack a picnic and a chair or blanket for this family-friendly screening.
June 6
A Star Is Born (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Tony Dapolito Recreation Center
Try not to sing too loudly on your picnic blanket (tip: bring lots of cheese).
June 7
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
MOCA (Museum of Chinese in America) Cinema, Columbus Park
Chairs and alcohol are prohibited, but a cozy blankets are encouraged.
June 7
Where Do We Go Now? (2011)
Films on the Green, Washington Square Park
Bring a blanket to cushion the pavement, plus snacks.
June 8
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Wagner Playground
Pack a picnic and a chair or blanket for this family-friendly screening.
June 10
Big (1998)
Bryant Park
The lawn opens at 5pm and beer and wine is for sale (if you’re “big” enough -- get it?!).
June 11
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Frederick Johnson Playground
Pack a picnic, seating, and some tissues for this family-friendly screening.
June 12
Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Poor Richard’s Playground
Pack a picnic and a chair or blanket for this family-friendly screening.
June 13
Drumline (2002)
Movies Under The Stars, Marcus Garvey Park
Pack a picnic and a chair or blanket for this percussive picture.
June 13
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! (1995)
Movies Under The Stars, Tony Dapolito Recreation Center
Drag is optional, seating and a picnics are highly recommended.
June 14
The Professor: Tai Chi’s Journey West (2016)
MOCA (Museum of Chinese in America) Cinema, Columbus Park
Chairs and alcohol are prohibited, so bring a cozy blanket.
June 14
In Safe Hands (2018)
Films on the Green, Washington Square Park
Wedge a blanket between yourself and the artsy summer NYU students.
June 15
A Dog’s Way Home (2019)
Movies Under The Stars, Playground 89
Pack a picnic and a chair or blanket for this family-friendly screening.
June 15
The Little Mermaid (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, White Playground
Pack a (seafood!) picnic and a chair or blanket for this family-friendly screening.
June 17
Big Daddy (1999)
Bryant Park
The lawn opens at 5pm and beer and wine is for sale.
June 19
Aquaman (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Thomas Jefferson Park
The Shape of Water it ain’t.
June 20
BlacKkKlansman (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Wright Brothers Playground
Pack a picnic and a chair or blanket for this screening.
June 20
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
Movies Under The Stars, Tony Dapolito Recreation Center
Drag is optional, seating and picnic are highly encouraged.
June 21
Coco (2017)
Pride Movie Night, Hudson River Park’s Pier 45
Bring the whole family for this annual inclusive celebration of NYC Pride.
June 21
The Joy Luck Club (1993)
MOCA (Museum of Chinese in America) Cinema, Columbus Park
Chairs and alcohol are prohibited, so bring a cozy blanket.
June 22
Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Corporal John A. Seravalli Playground
Poppins’ revenge.
June 24
Fan Choice: Vote on Twitter @vulture starting June 3
Bryant Park
The lawn opens at 5pm and beer and wine is for sale.
June 27
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Tony Dapolito Recreation Center
Pack a picnic and a chair or blanket for this family-friendly screening.
June 27
Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962), 6pm; and The Portrait of a Lady (1996), 9pm
The 50th Mixtape, Lincoln Center
A double feature means bring double treats.
June 28
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
MOCA (Museum of Chinese in America) Cinema, Columbus Park
All the dumplings in this movie should convince you to just bring your own.
June 29
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Martin Luther King Jr. Playground
Pack a picnic, seating, and some tissues for this family-friendly screening.
July 1
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Bryant Park
Invite your high school crush, just because. The lawn opens at 5pm.
July 5
Tomboy (2011)
Films on the Green, Tompkins Square Park
Bring a blanket for the grass, and stop by Tompkins Square Bagels for an easy picnic.
July 8
Carrie (1976)
Bryant Park
The lawn opens at 5pm, beer and wine is for sale and we hope you don’t see your high school nemesis rising up out of the grass.
July 10
The Warriors (1979)
Hudson Riverflicks NYC Films, Pier 63, Chelsea
See the sun set over the Hudson on your picnic blanket.
July 10
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
Summer on the Hudson Pier I Picture Show, Riverside Park (at West 70th Street)
Head back to Y2K with this iconic comedy.
July 10
The Amazing Catfish (2013)
Films on the Green, J. Hood Wright Park
Don’t get catfished and bring a friend to this film.
July 11
Two English Girls (1971), 6pm; and Mulholland Dr. (2001) 8:45pm
The 50th Mixtape, Lincoln Center
A double feature means bringing double treats.
July 12
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Hudson Riverflicks Family Fridays, Pier 46, Greenwich Village
Friendly neighborhood radioactive arachnid.
July 12
Aya of Yop City (2010)
Films on the Green, Tompkins Square Park
Bring a blanket and whatever you think is appropriate for an East Village screening.
July 15
Bad Boys (1995)
Bryant Park
The lawn opens at 5pm and beer and wine is for sale.
July 17
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Hudson Riverflicks NYC Films, Pier 63, Chelsea
No one will judge if you pick up some Katz’s to eat during this screening.
July 17
The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Summer on the Hudson Pier I Picture Show, Riverside Park (at West 70th Street)
Watch the sunset and escape to India.
July 18
Come Drink with Me (1966), 6pm; and The Assassin (2015) 8pm
The 50th Mixtape, Lincoln Center
A double feature means bring double treats (and comfortable seating).
July 19
First Man (2018)
Intrepid Movie Series, Intrepid Museum
Launch into outer space via this screening on a battleship.
July 19
Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)
Hudson Riverflicks Family Fridays, Pier 46, Greenwich Village
Bring out the whole family, plus a blanket, to the pier.
July 19
Sequins (2004)
Films on the Green, Riverside Park Pier I
It’s French.
July 22
Coming To America (1988)
Bryant Park
The lawn opens at 5pm and beer and wine is for sale.
July 24
Moonstruck (1987)
Hudson Riverflicks NYC Films, Pier 63, Chelsea
Every summer night is the ideal summer night to indulge in a 1980s rom-com.
July 24
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Summer on the Hudson Pier I Picture Show, Riverside Park (at West 70th Street)
Play hooky from work to get in the mood for this outdoor screening.
July 25
The Leopard (1963), 6pm; and Happy as Lazzaro (2018), 9:30pm
The 50th Mixtape, Lincoln Center
A classic, followed by a contemporary film.
July 26
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2018)
Hudson Riverflicks Family Fridays, Pier 46, Greenwich Village
Unwind after a long week with the whole fam.
July 26
Chocolat (1988)
Films on the Green, Riverside Park Pier I
Next stop: France!
July 29
Goodfellas (1990)
Bryant Park
If you don't snag a seat on the lawn at 5pm., fuggedaboutit.
July 31
Do the Right Thing (1989)
Hudson Riverflicks NYC Films, Pier 63, Chelsea
Do the right thing and pack a blanket, picnic and more.
July 31
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Summer on the Hudson Pier I Picture Show, Riverside Park (at West 70th Street)
The pageant starts at sunset.
August 1
Stalker (1979), 6pm; and High Life (2018), 9:15pm
The 50th Mixtape, Lincoln Center
A double feature means double fun for film buffs.
August 2
Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018)
Hudson Riverflicks Family Fridays, Pier 46, Greenwich Village
Kick off prime vacation season on the pier.
August 5
Anchorman (2004)
Bryant Park
Scotch isn’t for sale, but beer and wine will be when the lawn opens at 5pm.
August 7
Tootsie (1982)
Hudson Riverflicks NYC Films, Pier 63, Chelsea
Before you see it on Broadway, rewatch the classic movie.
August 7
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Summer on the Hudson Pier I Picture Show, Riverside Park (at West 70th Street)
Escape with this magical animated action fantasy.
August 8
School Daze (1988), 6pm; and Sorry to Bother You (2018), 8:30pm
The 50th Mixtape, Lincoln Center
Go on a double date to this double feature.
August 9
Incredibles 2 (2018)
Hudson Riverflicks Family Fridays, Pier 46, Greenwich Village
Missed the sequel? Watch it outside!
August 12
Fan Choice: Vote on Twitter @vulture starting July 22
Bryant Park
The lawn opens at 5pm and beer and wine are for sale.
August 14
The Last Dragon (1985)
Hudson Riverflicks NYC Films, Pier 63, Chelsea
Nothing like watching an NYC-based film outside in NYC.
August 14
Life of Pi (2012)
Summer on the Hudson Pier I Picture Show, Riverside Park (at West 70th Street)
If you haven’t read the book yet, here’s a good reason to.
August 15
Nocturama (2016), 6pm; and Burning (2018), 8:45pm
The 50th Mixtape, Lincoln Center
Two free movies, one Metrocard swipe to get here -- what a deal!
August 16
Audience Choice
Intrepid Movie Series, Intrepid Museum
Intrepid Movie fans will vote for what they want to screen in the summer heat.
August 16
How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
Hudson Riverflicks Family Fridays, Pier 46, Greenwich Village
It’s family night!
August 21
Big (1988)
Hudson Riverflicks NYC Films, Pier 63, Chelsea
See New York City through an 80s-era child-adult’s eyes [Millennial joke goes here].
August 21
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Summer on the Hudson Pier I Picture Show, Riverside Park (at West 70th Street)
Comedy, drama and adventure all come to life on the pier.
August 22
Demonlover (2002), 6pm; and Elle (2016), 8:45pm
The 50th Mixtape, Lincoln Center
A lazy late summer double feature is much better than blasting the window unit A/C at home.
August 23
Trolls (2016)
Hudson Riverflicks Family Fridays, Pier 46, Greenwich Village
Neon wigs not required, but encouraged.
August 29
Velvet Goldmine (1998), 6pm; and Her Smell (2018), 8:30pm
The 50th Mixtape, Lincoln Center
Two films about fame and failure in different eras.
September 3
Olivia (1951)
Films on the Green, Columbia University
The kids are back on campus and so are the boarding school girls in this film.
September 5
Three Times (2005), 6pm; and Moonlight (2016), 8:30pm
The 50th Mixtape, Lincoln Center
Three romantic tales in various eras are complimented by this Academy Award winner’s longform storytelling.
BROOKLYN
June 10
Miniscule: Valley of the Lost Ants (2013)
Films on the Green, McGolrick Park
Bring a blanket, watch for real ants (or worse, this is New York).
June 21
Peppermint Soda (1977)
Films on the Green, Transmitter Park
BYO soda to Greenpoint.
June 28
Mustang (2015)
Films on the Green, Transmitter Park
This film takes you to Turkey in the summertime.
July 11
Pariah (2011)
Movies with a View, Brooklyn Bridge Park
More! Queer! Outdoor! Films!
July 18
Girlfight (2000)
Movies with a View, Brooklyn Bridge Park
A young woman finds herself in the boxing ring.
July 25
It Happened One Night (1934)
Movies with a View, Brooklyn Bridge Park
An heiress, her tycoon father and a scammer take you back to the 1930s.
August 1
Crooklyn (1994)
Movies with a View, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Anything Spike Lee is perfect on an August night.
August 8
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Movies with a View, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Viewers will be in bathrobes. Trust.
August 15
An American Tail (1986)
Movies with a View, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Old school but timely.
August 22
Selma (2014)
Movies with a View, Brooklyn Bridge Park
An important film to watch.
August 29
Audience Choice
Movies with a View, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Whatever it is, we guarantee the views will be perfect.
QUEENS
May 17
Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, John Golden Park & Frank O’Connor Playground
A Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious screening in Queens.
May 23
Coming to America (1988)
Movies Under The Stars, Cunningham Park
Pack a picnic and cozy seating for this family-friendly screening.
July 3
Cielo (2017)
Outdoor Cinema at Socrates Sculpture Park
Immerse yourself in the night sky above the Andes.
July 10
Purple Noon (1960)
Outdoor Cinema at Socrates Sculpture Park
Patricia Highsmith’s story about a vacationer and his playboy friend will delight.
July 17
TBA
Outdoor Cinema at Socrates Sculpture Park
Whatever it is, it will be artsy, and you’ll be surrounded by art too.
July 18
Dirty Dancing (1987)
CinemaLIC, Hunters Point Park South
Bring a watermelon and practice that lift with a partner.
July 24
The Story of the Weeping Camel (2003)
Outdoor Cinema at Socrates Sculpture Park
Visit the Gobi Desert for an evening.
July 31
En El Séptimo Día (2017)
Outdoor Cinema at Socrates Sculpture Park
This Independent Spirit Award-winning film is set partially in Brooklyn.
August 7
TBA
Outdoor Cinema at Socrates Sculpture Park
Whatever it is, it will be artsy, and you’ll be surrounded by art too.
August 14
La Ciénaga (2001)
Outdoor Cinema at Socrates Sculpture Park
It’s summer vacation on the Argentinean countryside.
August 15
Jaws (1975)
CinemaLIC, Hunters Point Park South
The East River looks a lot scarier now, huh? Food and drink is for sale.
August 21
March of the Penguins (2005)
Outdoor Cinema at Socrates Sculpture Park
Some penguin-friendly weather would be nice right now. Food and drink is for sale.
September 7
Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
CinemaLIC, Hunters Point Park South
Food and drink is for sale. Balloons are not.
STATEN ISLAND
May 24
The LEGO Ninjago Movie (2017)
Movies Under The Stars, Ocean Breeze Park
Pack a picnic and cozy seating for this family-friendly screening.
May 25
Jaws (1975)
Movies Under The Stars, Franklin F. Roosevelt Boardwalk
Look out for sharks on the ferry ride over.
May 31
Creed II (2018)
Movies Under The Stars, Corporal Thompson Park
Pack a picnic and cozy seating for this family-friendly screening.
RANDALL'S ISLAND
May 24
The Incredibles 2 (2018)
Outdoor Movie Nights at Randall’s Island Park, Field 81
Try not to get distracted by the park’s skyline views.
June 8
Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Outdoor Movie Nights at Randall’s Island Park, Field 81
Bring that sugar, spoons and a picnic blanket.
June 15
Black Panther (2018)
Outdoor Movie Nights at Randall’s Island Park, Field 81
This is the perfect setting to be transported to Wakanda.
July 14
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Outdoor Movie Nights at Randall’s Island Park, Field 42
Is that Spidey on the surrounding skyscrapers, or is it just your imagination?
July 28
Tangled (2010)
Outdoor Movie Nights at Randall’s Island Park, Field 81
Nothing like a Disney movie outdoors!
August 11
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Outdoor Movie Nights at Randall’s Island Park, Field 42
Singapore has nothing on Randall’s Island. Right?
August 18
Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)
Outdoor Movie Nights at Randall’s Island Park, Field 81
Parents may be relieved that there is indeed internet service on Randall’s Island.
September 8
Creed II (2018)
Outdoor Movie Nights at Randall’s Island Park, Field 42
Fit in one last outdoor movie before it gets too cold.
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