Hollywood’s cream of the crop is arriving at outdoor cinemas across London this summer, bringing the magic of film to rooftops, parks, and even canals. With a massive range of blockbusters, cult classics, and family-friendly films on offer, you’ll find something for everyone at these outdoor cinemas in London.
1. Rooftop Film Club, Peckham and Stratford
At this point, Rooftop Film Club is a veritable London institution, gracing the rooftops at Roof East and atop the Bussey Building summer after summer. It’s guaranteed to be a fantastic spot for movie-watching once again this year, and the line-up of films is excellent as always. But will you even be able to focus on the films, what with the stunning city views and the delicious street food and cocktails from the rooftop vendors? You’ll have to head down and find out for yourself!
They’ll also be doing sports screenings throughout the summer, including the UEFA Women’s EURO semi-finals and finals.
Screenings are already underway, so grab your tickets here.
2. Canary Wharf Summer Screens
Over in Canary Wharf, passers-by can enjoy a range of screenings across three massive screens in the area. This year, they’re going big with their largest film schedule yet. They’ll also be hosting everything from a Mario Kart Championship to Just Dance sessions on the huge screens, as well as broadcasting the must-watch sporting events of the summer. Movies will encompass everything from blockbusters to modern classics, including the likes of Wicked, Top Gun: Maverick, and The Hunger Games. It’s also the only place in London to try out free Nintendo Switch 2 gaming sessions.
Relax with a picnic lunch at the Summer Screens as you catch all the sporting action or enjoy a cocktail and a balmy evening flick. Screenings are completely free to enjoy – you just have to find a spot to sit!
See the full list of screenings here.
3. Adventure Cinema, multiple locations
Another fantastic addition to this roundup of the best outdoor cinemas in London, Adventure Cinema bills itself as “The UK’s no.1 open-air cinema shows!” Across the summer, they’ll host over 300 cinema screenings in some of the most picturesque locations all across the UK. Think medieval castles, country estates – anything but a typical cinematic experience! For the London dates, they’ll be dropping down at Kew Gardens with screenings of the likes of Moana 2, Bridget Jones’ Diary, a Wicked Sing-A-Long, and more.
4. Everyman on the Canal, King’s Cross
There are so many brilliant outdoor cinemas in London to choose from, but few are free – fortunately, this one is! Over at King’s Cross, frugal film fanatics can check out the Everyman on the Canal screenings, which turn the Granary Square steps into a serene and sun-dappled outdoor cinema. The canalside cinema is screening family-friendly hits and cult cinematic classics from June 30 – August 17. It’s first come, first served, though, so an early arrival is recommended!
5. Picturehouse Outdoor Cinema
This artsy cinema group operates 25 neighbourhood cinemas around the UK, and they’re adding to their numbers this summer with a series of pop-up outdoor cinemas. The Picturehouse Outdoor Cinema screen will touch down at four locations this summer, including two London spots. You can enjoy their outdoor screenings at Gunnersbury Park from July 18-26, and at the JAGS Sports Club in Dulwich from August 1-2. Movies on offer include the likes of Dirty Dancing, 10 Things I Hate About You, Hot Fuzz, and more. For the perfect movie-watching atmosphere, each screening starts after sundown to enjoy the experience at its best.
6. Outdoor Cinema at the Barbican (August 20 – 31)
Set within the spectacular Barbican in Central London, the Outdoor Cinema is showing a rather more curated selection of films. Their 2025 programme includes everything from the original Dune film (1984) to Thai cinema, volcano documentaries, and even Björk.
7. Vauxhall Summer Screen
If you’re after another free cinematic offering, check out Vauxhall’s Summer Screen, which returns this year for its 12th year of free outdoor film screenings. Throughout July, they’re showing a variety of movies with an emphasis on family-friendly flicks. But keep in mind: the screenings may be free, but you’ll need a ticket to get in!
Find out more here.
8. Summer By The River, London Bridge
The London Bridge riverside festival brings summer vibes – and plenty of outdoor film screenings – to our capital every summer. Alongside a packed schedule of live events and activities, they’re highlighting “the best of the silverscreen” in their The Scoop viewing area every Tuesday. And the best part? The screenings are free!
Find out more here.
9. BST Hyde Park Open House
Sure, the main reason to check out the BST Hyde Park festival is the incredible selection of live acts hitting the stage. But the festival also brings with it a hefty schedule of events and activities. Our favourite is their free outdoor cinema experience. All you have to do is rock up, find a spot to sit, and enjoy the show!
Find out more here.
10. Merchant Square Summer Movie Nights
Merchant Square is here to add a bit of magic to your summer nights with their canal-side movie nights under the stars – oh, and did we mention they’re free?! There’s no need to book, just rock up and grab a seat on one of the deckchairs to kick back for the film. They’ve also got street food available so you can enjoy some food while you watch. Screenings will run from July 16 – September 24.
Find out more here.
So, there you have it – a whole host of outdoor cinemas for some magical movie watching in the great outdoors. Which one will you head to first?