The heyday of the drive-in movie is over, but New Yorkers can enjoy outdoor "walk-in" movies all over Manhattan this summer. So pack up your beach blanket and your popcorn for a night at the movies under the stars.
The HBO Film Festival in Bryant Park has become a summer tradition and inspired other outdoor movie screenings all over Manhattan. Choose from recent blockbusters, classic movies, indie films, and family-friendly flicks at locations uptown and downtown, east and west.
The HBO Film Festival in Bryant Park has become a summer tradition and inspired other outdoor movie screenings all over Manhattan. Choose from recent blockbusters, classic movies, indie films, and family-friendly flicks at locations uptown and downtown, east and west.
1. HBO Film Festival in Bryant Park
Spread out a picnic on the lawn in Bryant Park and watch classic films in the open air with your fellow New Yorkers. The HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival is a New York summer tradition. This year's films include classics from Gold Diggers of 1933 to Harold and Maude to Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
All films begin at dusk (usually between 8 pm and 9 pm), but the lawn opens at 5 pm for blankets and picnicking. See photos of the HBO Film Festival in Bryant Park.
All films begin at dusk (usually between 8 pm and 9 pm), but the lawn opens at 5 pm for blankets and picnicking. See photos of the HBO Film Festival in Bryant Park.
2. Central Park Film Festival
Celebrate movie making in Central Park during this free August film festival. The first film shot in Central Park was Romeo & Juliet (1908). Since then, 250 films have used Central Park as a backdrop. You can see examples every night from August 18th through 22nd -- Sex & the City, Shaft, Ocean's 11, Twilight and a surprise viewer's choice selection on August 22nd (Men in Black, Goldfinger or Desperately Seeking Susan).
Films are shown on Rumsey Playfield near the Fifth Avenue and 69th Street entrance. Gates open at 6pm and screenings start at 8pm. Rain or shine.
Films are shown on Rumsey Playfield near the Fifth Avenue and 69th Street entrance. Gates open at 6pm and screenings start at 8pm. Rain or shine.
3. RiverFlicks for Kids and Grown-Ups
Enjoy free movie screenings with a Hudson River view this summer. On Wednesday evenings, you can catch movies for grown-ups on Pier 54 at 14th Street (including Iron Man, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and Sex & the City: The Movie). On Friday evenings, see flicks suitable for the whole family on Pier 46 at Charles Street (like The Wizard of Oz and Curious George).
4. River to River Movies on the Elevated Acre
The River to River Festival is hosting a series of outdoor movie screenings on the Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street, a spectacular open-air plaza that overlooks the East River.
The line-up includes The Seven Year Itch (July 6), featuring the iconic scene of Marilyn Monroe's dress billowing over a subway grate; the original version of this summer's action remake, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (July 13); West Side Story (July 20), the movie adaptation of the play that is currently enjoying a smash Broadway revival; and The Sweet Smell of Success (July 27), which depicts New York as a brutal PR jungle.
Before each feature, you can catch screenings of experimental short films inspired by New York City. All screenings start at 8pm.
The line-up includes The Seven Year Itch (July 6), featuring the iconic scene of Marilyn Monroe's dress billowing over a subway grate; the original version of this summer's action remake, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (July 13); West Side Story (July 20), the movie adaptation of the play that is currently enjoying a smash Broadway revival; and The Sweet Smell of Success (July 27), which depicts New York as a brutal PR jungle.
Before each feature, you can catch screenings of experimental short films inspired by New York City. All screenings start at 8pm.
5. Rooftop Films
Photo courtesy of Sarah Palmer
The Rooftop Films summer series of "Underground Movies Outdoors" will run every weekend from May 15-September 20. Screenings are hosted on the rooftops of venues all over New York City and include after parties with complimentary drinks. Tickets are $9 at the door or online.
6. U.S.S. Intrepid Film Fest
Enjoy classic movies about air, sea, and space at free screenings aboard the famous U.S.S. Intrepid. Freak yourself out by watching Jaws on a boat on Friday, July 17th. On Friday, August 21st, you can catch space flick Apollo 13 under the stars.
