One of the best things about summer in New York City is going to see an outdoor movie. What a joy to spread a blanket on the grass and enjoy a drink and snacks while watching a classic movie surrounded by the best city views under a clear summer sky. 

It is a beloved summer night activity for New Yorkers and tourists alike. If you have never experienced it we highly recommend it! There are plenty of outdoor movie screenings planned until mid-September, another good reason to visit New York this summer! Just like our English Outdoors courses, outdoor movies are a great way to discover places in New York you wouldn’t necessarily go to otherwise.

‘Movies with a view‘, ‘Movies under the stars‘, ‘Movies on the waterfront‘… Romance, action, sci-fi, comedy or kids movies – there is no shortage of options for all types of film buffs.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the outdoor movies you can catch this summer in the city.

1. Shaun of the Dead, August 5th, Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn 
This 2004 horror comedy film is set in London during a zombie apocalypse. What better place to enjoy it than in Brooklyn Bridge Park? With the breeze of the East River and the dazzling Manhattan skyline before you…

2. Deep Blue Sea, August 7th, Moore Playground in Manhattan
This 1999 American science fiction horror film follows a team of scientists plunged into a nightmare when super intelligent sharks escape their facility. Watch this scary thriller in a beautiful kids playground in Harlem for some nice contrast!

3. When Harry Met Sally, August 9th, Astoria Park Lawns in Queens
In this 1989 movie, a chance encounter between two graduates ends in friendship. But when fate brings them back together five years later, they are forced to deal with how they feel about each other. The Great Lawn of Astoria Park and its waterfront provide the perfect backdrop to this classic romantic comedy.

4. The Wizard of Oz, August 12th, John Jay Park in Manhattan
When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog, Toto, are whisked away in their house to the magical land of Oz. Watch this 1939 American musical fantasy film in a wonderful community setting in John Jay Park.

5. Black Panther, August 13th, WNYC Transmitter Park in Brooklyn
Black Panther is a 2018 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Find the perfect spot for your blanket to watch it on the stunning green space at the WNYC Transmitter Park in Brooklyn.

6. Jumanji: The Next Level, August 17th, Father Macris Park in Staten Island
In this 2019 sequel to the original 1995 movie, a group of teenagers become trapped in Jumanji once again and have to save the land in order to escape. Take the ferry to Staten Island to watch it and discover a 13-acre green space featuring sports fields and an ornamental dolphin fountain. 

7. Jurassic Park, August 20th, Ocean Breeze Park in Staten Island
Jurassic Parkis an American science fiction film centered on a disastrous attempt to create a theme park of cloned dinosaurs. This is the opportunity to rewatch this classic 1993 blockbuster and discover another Staten Island park. There are surrounding sand dunes, wetlands, grasslands, and a shrub forest.

8. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, August 23rd, Astoria Park Lawns in Queens
Archaeology professor Indiana Jones ventures to seize a biblical artefact known as the Ark of the Covenant. While doing so, he puts up a fight against a troop of Nazis. A 1981 must-watch in the breezy waterfront setting of Astoria Park Lawns.

9. Karate Kid, August 26th, Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn
Karate Kid is a family-friendly story about a martial arts master who agrees to teach karate to a bullied teenager. Rewatch this 1984 cult-classic while enjoying the best view of the downtown Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn Bridge Park.

10. Moana, September 17th, Ocean Breeze Park in Staten Island
Moana, daughter of chief Tui, is an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people, and discovers her own identity along the way. This critically acclaimed 3D computer-animated musical adventure is worth a rewatch in the beautiful outdoor space of Staten Island’s Ocean Breeze Park.

There is only one thing left to do: book your trip to New York City! While you’re at it, book an English Outdoors course too, to improve your English and enjoy these outdoor summer movies even more! 

See you soon in Brooklyn!