NYC Free: Outdoor Movies in Manhattan

POSTED BY
Evelyn Kanter

Who says NYC has to be expensive? One of the great joys of summer in NYC is all the FREE events, including FREE outdoor movie screenings in NYC parks, gardens and other outdoor spaces.

Here is a list of scheduled screenings in Manhattan, on different nights of the week, now through September.

Unless otherwise noted, outdoor film screenings are at sunset or just after sunset.

Grab a picnic dinner and a blanket and celebrate summer in the city at thse save the date for these FREE movie nights.

There also are outdoor and rooftop movies with paid ticketed admission. But you’ll have to find that information someplace else.

Our list is only the FREE outdoor movies, because our motto is get more NYC with less money with NYC on the Cheap.

See also FREE outdoor movies in Brooklyn

Bryant Park Movie Nights

Mondays, through August 12

Classic films with a connection to New York City, on a gi-normous LED screen in Bryant Park.

This year’s schedule includes Coming to America, Goodfellas and Anchorman.

Bring a blanket and sit on the lawn to enjoy great food, friends, plus a classic Warner Brothers cartoon before each film.

Intrepid Summer Movie Series

Watch a movie with a military, flight or space theme, on the ship’s flight deck, under the stars.

This year’s schedule includes Top Gun, Dunkirk and Apollo 11.

Enjoy views of the Hudson River and city skyline while you watch some old and new favorites on the big screen.

Fridays, May 26, June 29, July 27, August 10, and August 24

MOCACinema at Columbus Park

NYC Parks and the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) host four film screenings at Columbus Park in the month of June.

This year’s schedule includes Kung Fu Panda, The Joy Luck Club and Crazy Rich Asians.

Fridays in June through June 29

Hudson Riverflicks for Kids

Family-friendly flicks on Pier 46 at Charles Street.

Ths year’s schedule includes Incredibles 2, The Lego Movie 2 and Trolls

Fridays, July 12 through August 23

Iconic NYC Films

Films with a connection to NYC, including Tootsie, Do the Right Thing and When Harry Met Sally

Wednesdays, July 10 to August 21

Central Park Conservancy Film Festival

This beloved NYC summer tradition returns in August for one week of films about NYC, or with scenes filmed in Central Park, sometimes both.

Unlike previous years, when there were five nights of free outdoor films, this year’s schedule is only three nights.

Tuesday, August 13 – Back to the Future – 1985 (PG)

After traveling back to 1955, Marty McFly accidentally interferes with his parents’ courtship and must make them fall in love… or else he will never be born. Directed by Robert Zemeckis. Runtime: 116 minutes.

Wednesday, August 14- Moonstruck – 1987 (PG)

This romantic comedy follows a bookkeeper from Brooklyn, New York, who finds herself in a difficult situation when she falls for the brother of the man she agreed to marry. Directed by Norman Jewison and starring Cher and Nicholas Cage. Runtime: 102 minutes.

Thursday, August 15 – Black Panther – 2018 (PG-13)

An African/American superhero film about T’Challa, the King of Wakanda, who rises to the throne in the isolated, technologically advanced African nation, but his claim is challenged by a vengeful outsider and paternal cousin, Erik / N’Jadaka who was a childhood victim of T’Challa’s father’s mistake. Directed by Ryan Coogler. Runtime: 135 minutes.

Gates open at 6:30 PM. Pre-show programming and music from 6:30 PM. Movies start at dusk.
On the landscape between Sheep Meadow and the 72nd Street Cross Drive. Please enter the Park at 72nd Street at Central Park West or Fifth Avenue.
Not Permitted: alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, chairs, video cameras, and tape recorders.
Weather: Event is subject to cancellation due to weather.