Outdoor Summer Movies in New York City

There’s nothing quite like catching a movie with friends under the dwindling light of an August sky. Watching flicks outside is a New York summer tradition, with many parks offering a variety of film viewings from family friendly and light hearted to more serious contemporary works. We have a round up of five great outdoor spots for movie watching—some with skyline views. Lights, camera, action!

Each and every Thursday through August 25, New Yorkers flock to Pier 1 Harbor View lawn to take in a great film that compliments the sweeping skyline vista. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blanket and picnic (or food is available for purchase from vendors on-site). You’ll want to arrive early to get a good spot, but also this summer DJs will spin tunes setting up good vibes before the movie. While the DJs provide music, short films by local filmmakers will also run in the background.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Films start at 8pm, lawn opens at 5pm

The Rooftop Cinema Club brings the party to the movies! If you’re looking for an upbeat atmosphere for movie watching, this is your place! The Rooftop Cinema Club has a full food and bar menu open and a fancy LED screen for screenings under the stars. The Rooftop Cinema Club shows multiple films per day, daily. Come for one. two or three films, but make your reservations in advance to secure seating.

This summer the Rooftop Cinema Club is showing some fantastic classics from the 80s and 90s such as August 17th’s line up: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Scream and Moulin Rouge! or August 18th’s love letter to Patrick Swayze: Ghost, Dirty Dancing and Point Break or August 23rd’s hits: Mama Mia! Here We Go Again, The Greatest Showman and Dazed and Confused. For a full schedule see, The Rooftop Cinema Club website. 

Skyline Embassy Suites

60 West 37th Street, third floor

New York, NY 10018

Every Monday evening at 5pm (movies begin at 8pm) Bryant Park opens up its lawn for movie buffs. It’s a picnic-blanket only kind of screening. No chairs or tables (or dogs). Blankets can be purchased at the park, making grabbing an evening film super easy. Food vendors offer a variety of options for snacking or for a proper dinner— there’s something for everyone. Settle into the cozy little park in the big city and catch a timeless movie. This is a summer of sequels so there will be plenty of two part films, including Grease 2 on August 8, and The Godfather Part II on August 16, which is lamentably the last day of the series.

Bryant Park

42nd Street Between 5th and 6th Avenue

New York, NY 10018

Rooftops Films is a festival and series that seeks to bring more than just blockbuster movies to New York. The festival seeks to open doors to conversations about difficult issues facing communities, sparking conversation and change. This summer you can catch the films in its annual festival at 40 different locations around New York, including Fort Greene Park, Industry Park and Central Park. Beyond film screenings, expect live musical performances and director Q&As. For a complete list of films and locations, see Rooftop Films’ website.

In addition to showing festival hits such as Adrien Murray’s Retrograde, Andrew Semans’ Resurrection, John Patton Ford’s Emily the Criminal, James Morosini’s SXSW Winner I Love My Dad, Rooftop films will also host a live musical performance by actress Hannah Lee Thompson prior to her film Hannah Ha Ha. 

Start times vary

The lush and sweeping Prospect Park is hosting its annual series of films, A Summer Movie Under the Stars. The family-friendly series kicks off on August 3 and runs through August 24 on Wednesday evenings at the north end of the park (Long Meadow) near the Grand Army Plaza entrance. The best part? Screenings are free and open to the public, you can RSVP on the park’s website. Films will start just after sunset, but it’s advisable to arrive early to snag a good viewing spot.

Prospect Park

Grand Army Plaza Entrance

Brooklyn, NY 11215

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Our rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.

*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.