Where to watch free outdoor movies in Philly this summer
From lush parks to scenic rooftops, explore the best spots to watch movies under the stars.
Philadelphiaβs summer evenings are perfect for enjoying outdoor movie nights under the stars. Whether youβre lounging on a rooftop, nestled in a historic garden, or relaxing in one of the cityβs many beautiful parks, thereβs a screening for everyone. From timeless classics to recent blockbusters, these movie nights provide a delightful mix of entertainment for all ages.
Bring your own blankets and chairs, pack a picnic, or enjoy the snacks and drinks available at various locations. Get ready to experience the magic of cinema in unique settings across the city.
Fresh air, green landscapes, and the sun setting behind the Philly skyline β thatβs what you get at movie nights at the Schuylkill Banks. Screenings take place every Thursday around sunset and run through August. Catch the next Schuylkill Banks film either at the Grays Ferry Crescent Esplanade or by the grassy area north of the Walnut Street Bridge. Donβt forget to bring your own blanket or chair, and arrive early to find a good spot. You are welcome to bring food, but free soft pretzels, popcorn, water, sodas, and seltzers are available on-site.
- Little Miss Sunshine: π July 11, β8:30 p.m., πWalnut Street location.
- Mulan: π July 18, β8:30 p.m., πGrays Ferry Crescent Esplanade.
- 50 First Dates: π July 25, β8:20 p.m., πWalnut Street location.
- Akeelah and the Bee: π Aug. 1, β8:20 p.m., πGrays Ferry Crescent Esplanade.
- Dave: π Aug. 8, β8:15 p.m., πGrays Ferry Crescent Esplanade.
- Wonka: π Aug. 15, β8:15 p.m., πGrays Ferry Crescent Esplanade.
- Barbie: π Aug. 22, β8:00 p.m., πWalnut Street location.
Donβt let August slip away without heading to Clark Park for a free movie on the first three Fridays of the month. Screening times vary. There wonβt be snacks on-site, but you can pack a picnic or check out the local restaurant scene before or after the film. Donβt forget to RSVP!
Fridays β Times varyπ 4300-4398 Baltimore Ave.
- Men in Black: π Aug. 2
- Barbie: π Aug. 9
- Wonka: π Aug. 16
Not feeling like sitting on grass to watch an outdoor movie? Check out Sunset Social just west of the Schuylkill in University City. Located 12 stories above ground level, this rooftop bar has a 60-foot screen with the Philly skyline as a backdrop. Movies screen at 7 p.m. every Wednesday through Sept. 21. If you get hot, check out the $15 frozen cocktails.
Wednesdays β 7 p.m. π129 S. 30th St.
- Top Gun Maverick: π July 3
- Barbie: π July 10
- Dune 2: π July 17
- Spiderman: ATSV: π July 24
- Mean Girls (2024): π July 31
- Star Wars the Force Awakens: π Aug. 7
- Wonka: π Aug. 14
- Back to the Future: π Aug. 21
- Harry Potter and the Gobler of Fire: π Aug. 28
- Transformers Rise of the Beast: π Sept. 4
- Invincible: π Sept. 11
- Ghostbusters Frozen Empire: π Sept. 18
- Haunted Mansion: π Sept. 21
Let movies be an excuse to get to know other neighborhoods. Throughout summer, the Philadelphia Film Society screens a different movie in different neighborhoods. Screenings include additional fun like lawn games or bounce houses, local art performances, and snacks. Activities begin at 6 p.m.
- Creed: π July 19, β 6:00 p.m., πAwbury Rec Center at 6101 Ardleigh St.
- Men in Black: π July 26, β 6:00 p.m., πSmith Playground at 2100 S 24th St.
- 42: π Aug. 17, β 6:00 p.m., πFDR Park at 1900 Pattison Ave.
- Sing: π Aug. 30, β 6:00 p.m., πStenton Rec Center at 4600 N 16th St.
As part of the Ovalβs seasonal pop-up, you can now watch free movies. A new movie will light up the Ovalβs screen, on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, on Fridays between July 12 and Aug. 23. Enjoy it with a drink from MilkBoy, which operates the beer garden this season.
Fridaysβ 8:00 p.m.πBenjamin Franklin Parkway
- The Little Mermaid: π July 12
- The Lion King (1994): π July 19
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: π July 26
- Elemental: π August 2
- Wonka: π August 9
- Jumanji (1995): π August 16
- Luca: π August 23
Grab your blankets and set out in the garden for a spell. Bartramβs Garden β Americaβs oldest botanical garden and a National Historic Landmark β hosts several special screenings of family-favorite films this summer through Friday, August 30. The movie starts at sunset, but come out early for pre-show nature-themed activities with the Pennsylvania Game Commission beginning at 7 p.m.
π5400 Lindbergh Blvd. β Movies screen at sunset.
- The Wiz: π June 28
- Migration: π July 26
- Movie TBA: π August 30
Through Friday, October 18, film screens are popping up at public parks across the city for the free summer Movies in Phillyβs Parks series. Featuring a fun mix of timeless family favorites and more recent classics-in-the-making, this special program is hosted by Park Friends Groups in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy and invites you to visit more than 35 different city green spaces from South Philly to the Northeast this summer and fall.
- Trolls Band Together: π July 3, β Sunset, π Elmwood Park
- Elemental: π July 10, β Sunset, π Dickinson Square Park
- Lion King (1994): π July 20, β Sunset, π Vernon Park
- Kung Fu Panda 4: π July 25, β Sunset, π Hagert Playground
- Movie TBA: π August 5, β Sunset, π Northwood Park
- Jaws: π August 8, β Sunset, π Historic Rittenhouse Town
- Kung Fu Panda 4: π August 8, β Sunset, π Mifflin Square Park
- Wish: π August 10, β Sunset, π Thomas Hart Park
- Barbie: π August 10, β Sunset, π McMichael Park
- Back to the Future: π August 14, β Sunset, π Matthias Baldwin Park
- Transformers: Rise of the Beasts: π August 15, β Sunset, π Triangle Park
- Wish: π August 15, β Sunset, π Williams Moore Reed Memorial Park
- Kung Fu Panda 4: π August 15, β Sunset, π Rainbow de Colores Park
- Kung Fu Panda 4: π August 17, β Sunset, π 3rd & Norris Playground
- Madam Web: π August 22, β Sunset, π Hissey Playground
- The Marvels: π August 24, β Sunset, π Cliveden Park
- Elemental: π August 24, β Sunset, π Suffolk Park
- Movie TBA: π August 28, β Sunset, π Fotterall Square
- Wonka: π August 28, β Sunset, π Inn Yard Park
- The NeverEnding Story: π August 31, β Sunset, π Penn Treaty Park
- Shrek: π September 6, β Sunset, π Carpenter Green Park
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom: π September 11, β Sunset, π Lanier Park
- Elemental: π September 13, β Sunset, π Palmer Park
- Kung Fu Panda 4: π September 14, β Sunset, π Woodside Park
- Megamind: π September 14, β Sunset, π Benson Park
- IF: π September 17, β Sunset, π Pop’s Park
- Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971): π September 20, β Sunset, π Campbell Square Park
- Garfield: π September 20, β Sunset, π Columbus Square Park
- Movie TBA: π September 21, β Sunset, π Northwood Park
- The Little Mermaid (2023): π September 27, β Sunset, π The Spring Garden Community Garden
- Elemental: π September 27, β Sunset, π Roots Community Garden
- Garfield: π September 28, β Sunset, π Powers Park
- IF: π September 28, β Sunset, π Ridgeway Park
- IF: π October 5, β Sunset, π Burholme Park
- Movie TBA: π October 5, β Sunset, π Northwood Park
- The Little Mermaid (2023): π October 11, β Sunset, π Harrowgate Park
- Elemental: π October 11, β Sunset, π Tacony Creek Park
- A Million Miles Away: π October 18, β Sunset, π Starr Garden
In addition to the plethora of First Friday festivities in Philadelphiaβs Historic District, the Betsy Ross House holds First Friday Movies Under the Stars and Stripes screenings in the historic houseβs courtyard through October. Admission is $8 per person and includes an after-hours tour of the house. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and wine to indulge in while they enjoy these throwback cult classics.
- The Brain from Planet Arous: π July 5, β Sunset
- The Invisible Boy: π August 2, β Sunset
- Night of the Living Dead: π October 4, β Sunset
