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
Rooftop Film Club has become a veritable London institution, gracing the rooftops at Roof East and atop the Bussey Building summer after summer. It’s guaranteed to be fantastic once again this Summer, and the line-up of films is excellent as always. The question is will you be able to tear your eyes away from the stunning city views, or the delicious street food and cocktails from the rooftop vendors? You’ll have to head down and find out for yourself! Screenings are already underway, so find out more and grab your tickets here.
2. Summer Screens, Canary Wharf
Over in Canary Wharf, passers-by can enjoy a range of screenings across three massive screens in the area. They’ll be showing the top sporting competitions, and of course the Olympics, as well as plenty of flicks. Movie screenings will range from family-friendly films to cult classics, documentaries and more. 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 biggest open-air cinema tour.” They boast over 300 cinema shows in locations all across the UK, with plenty of London dates to enjoy too. As is par for the course, films run the gamut from Top Gun to Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia, and more – in some pretty epic locations. Think medieval castles, country estates – anything but a typical cinematic experience! More info here.
4. Screen 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, the frugal film fanatics can check out Screen on the Canal, which is run by Everyman and turns 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 22 – August 6. It’s first come, first served though, so an early arrival is suggested! More info here.
5. Picturehouse Outdoor Cinema
This artsy cinema group operates 27 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 is landing at four locations this summer, including two London spots. You can enjoy their outdoor screenings at Gunnersbury Park from July 19-21, and at Greenwich Peninsula from July 26 – August 4. Movies on offer include the likes of Dirty Dancing, 10 Things I Hate About You, Jaws, and more. As a plus, each ticket includes a £5 credit towards food and drink on the night. For ultimate ambience, each screening starts after sundown, to enjoy the experience at its best. Find out more here.
6. Outdoor Cinema at the Barbican (screenings from August 21 – September 1)
Set within the spectacular Barbican in Central London, the Outdoor Cinema is showing a rather more curated selection of films. Their 2024 programme includes films from the likes of “Wes Anderson, Sofia Coppola, Vincente Minnelli, Kamal Amrohi, Michel Gondry, Dee Rees, Hayao Miyazaki, and Ingmar Bergman, alongside the work of two of music’s most inventive artists, Prince and Björk”. Find out more here.
7. Vauxhall Summer Screen
If you’re after another free cinematic offering, check out Vauxhall’s Summer Screen, which returns this year for its 11th year of free outdoor film screenings. Throughout July they’re showing a variety of movies with an emphasis on family-friendly flicks. But do bear in mind that it 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. Running from May through to September, they’re highlighting “the best of the silverscreen” in their The Scoop viewing area every Tuesday. And the best part? The screenings are free! And they’re complemented by plenty of sporting action and even live concerts to boot. 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.
Unfortunately, if you didn’t catch it this year – it’s finished for 2024! Such is the case with short-run experiences. Be sure not to miss out next year!
10. Hammersmith Summer Festival
Yet another free outdoor film-watching spot, boy we really do spoil you, don’t we? At the Hammersmith Summer Festival, there’s an emphasis on live sports, with an 8-week schedule of free viewings to enjoy. But there are also a handy amount of film screenings in the mix. These will take place on various dates through July, kicking off with Barbie on July 17. 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?