Summer nights in NYC are made for a lawn chair, a picnic and a cheap movie in the outdoors. But since Bryant Park movies are so crowded that you’ll need to fight for your tiny piece of lawn, take advantage of the other summer movie series that New York has to offer. From cult hits to great views to free popcorn, you’ll get your film fix here.
Movies with a View
It’s being hailed as the new Bryant Park movies, and for good reason. This Brooklyn equivalent is less crowded, has better views and offers the same mix of classic and contemporary cult favorites. Plus, you’ll get live music while you wait! Upcoming offerings include The Big Lebowski, Rear Window and Brokeback Mountain.
Pier 1 at Brooklyn Bridge Park, 2 Old Fulton Street, Brooklyn; free
Thursdays through September 2, sundown; brooklynbridgepark.org
Roosevelt Island Outdoor Summer Movie Series
Like your movies with some local flavor? Hop over to the oft-ignored Roosevelt Island for its own Summer Movie Series! All the films were partially shot on Roosevelt Island itself, so you’ll feel right in the middle of the action. (Edit: Remember to catch the F train - tram service to Roosevelt Island is suspended this summer!)
Firefighters Field, Roosevelt Island; free
Select Saturdays through August 20, sundown; rioc.ny.gov/pdf/SMSPoster.pdf
Coney Island Sci-Fi Summer
Coney Island already seems pretty “far out” for many Manhattanites, but this summer it’s going out of orbit. The Coney Island Film Society presents classic and modern sci-fi flicks, from legendary The Thing to 2010 Best Picture nominee District 9, including the original trailers and commercials for a true throwback experience. Free popcorn is available for all, especially if you come in a rocking alien costume.
Coney Island Museum 1208 Surf Ave, Brooklyn; free
Saturdays through September 18, 8:30pm; coneyisland.com/films.shtml
Rooftop Films
We’ll admit it – most summer movie festivals rely on the big crowdpleasers: old classics and big blockbusters. Rooftop Films breaks the mold, with world premieres of independent productions fit for any film snob. With entries from all over the world on the cutting edge of film, the series also offers some of the best views of the city from various rooftops around Manhattan (hence the name, if you hadn’t guessed).
Various dates and locations; $10
rooftopfilms.com
RiverFlicks
For a night at the movies with the whole family, RiverFlicks offers the best programming in the bunch. Two separate free movie series – one for adults and one for kids – ensure that there’s a film for everyone, from The Wizard of Oz (kid-friendly) to The Hangover (decidedly not). Plus, Hudson River Park is a great place to play when the kids are done watching (often before previews end).
Hudson River Park, 353 West St, Manhattan; free
Wednesdays and Saturdays through August 20, sundown; riverflicksnyc.com
Re: Roosevelt island Check your facts. The Roosevelt Island tram is under renovation and may not open on September 1 as planned. Take the F train to Roosevelt Island.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip! Updated to include the catch.
ReplyDelete