The Guide to Outdoor Movies in Los Angeles

With two locations, Rooftop Cinema Club offers a premier outdoor cinema experience with panoramic views, spectacular sunsets and state-of-the-art wireless headphones. Upcoming screenings on the rooftop terrace at LEVEL in Downtown L.A. include "The Greatest Showman" (Aug. 24, Sept. 8, Sept. 28), "Coco" (Aug. 25), "Pretty Woman" (Aug. 28), "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (Aug. 29), "The Goonies" (Aug. 30), "Grease: 40th Anniversary" (Aug. 31 & Sept. 22), "Avengers: Infinity War" (Sept. 1), "Dirty Dancing" (Sept. 4), "The Breakfast Club" (Sept. 5), "La La Land" (Sept. 6), "The Big Lebowski: 20th Anniversary" (Sept. 7), "Romeo & Juliet" (Sept. 11), "Coming to America: 30th Anniversary" (Sept. 12), "Baby Driver" (Sept. 13), "Black Panther" (Sept. 14), "Top Gun" (Sept. 15), "Casablanca" (Sept. 18), "The Shawshank Redemption" (Sept. 19), "Goodfellas" (Sept. 20), "A Quiet Place" (Sept. 21), "Isle of Dogs" (Sept. 25), "The Notebook" (Sept. 26), "The Sandlot: 25th Anniversary" (Setp. 27), "Purple Rain" (Sept. 29).

In June 2018, Rooftop Cinema Club debuted its new Hollywood home, NeueHouse with the classic "Sunset Boulevard." Highlights include "Thelma & Louise" (Sept. 5), "The Princess Bride" (Sept. 6), "Labyrinth" (Sept. 6), "Clueless" & "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" (Sept. 7), "Raising Arizona" (Sept. 8), "Drive" (Sept. 10), "Blade Runner 2049" (Sept. 11), "Pulp Fiction" (Sept. 12), "Heat" (Sept. 19), "Raider of the Lost Ark" & "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" (Sept. 20), "Back to the Future" & "Back to the Future II" (Sept. 23), "Selena" (Sept. 25), "Cocktail: 30th Anniversary" (Sept. 28), "The Lion King" & "Black Panther" (Sept. 30).

With more than 60 events at 14 locations from Pasadena to Pacific Palisades, Street Food Cinema (SFC) is known as the largest outdoor movie series in Los Angeles. Featuring a wide range of films, gourmet food trucks and live music, the 2018 season kicked off on April 28 with a 25th anniversary screening of Dazed and Confused and then a May 5 screening of Get Out at Los Angeles State Historic Park (aka "The Cornfield"). Other screenings at the park include The Craft & Teen Witch Pajama Party (Sept. 15), and Scream (Oct. 20). Another popular destination is Griffith Park, which will host The Wizard of Oz (Sept. 1), and Practical Magic 25th Anniversary (Sept. 29).

Taking place on Saturday nights at rotating venues from Downtown L.A. to Santa Monica, Eat|See|Hear boasts the largest outdoor screen on the West Coast and state-of-the-art audio. Every screening features a curated line-up of food trucks and an opening performance by an up-and-coming band. The 2018 season kicked off on May 5 with Despicable Me at the North Hollywood Recreation Center. For movies in the park, Los Angeles State Historic Park is screening Boogie Nights on Sept. 8. Screenings also take place at the Autry Museum of the American West, such as Rear Window, Blazing Saddles, Inglourious Basterds, Back to the Future (Aug. 25), and Selena (Sept. 1).

Following a sold out inaugural season, the Melrose Rooftop Theatre (MRT) returns to E.P. & L.P. in West Hollywood this summer from May 1 – Sept. 30. With the Hollywood Hills as the stunning backdrop, specialty cocktails, custom concession stand, and new VIP seating for up to 100 guests, this year’s MRT offers an unforgettable outdoor Melrose Rooftop cinema experience. Located on the rooftop adjacent to the patio at E.P. & L.P., MRT will present screenings of these rooftop movies every Sunday through Thursday. The 2018 program features more than 100 cult classic movies and new releases, including Black Panther, The Shape of Water, Get Out, The Princess Bride, Pretty Woman, Baby Driver and more. The MRT experience features a state-of-the-art Da Lite 16’ x 19’ screen and wireless headsets provided to guests.

Tickets are now on sale at www.melroserooftoptheatre.com. Pricing for the all-VIP seating is $27.50 per person. The "Dinner and a Movie" package ($65) includes a three-course modern Asian meal at E.P. by Executive Chef Louis Tikaram, followed by reserved seating on the rooftop theatre. Screenings will begin at sundown, with most films running from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Movie nights are some of the most popular events at the world-famous Hollywood Bowl. Continuing a beloved Bowl tradition, John Williams: Maestro of the Movies (Aug. 31 - Sept. 2) features the legendary composer conducting many of his greatest moments of cinematic music magic. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Williams' debut at the Bowl. A selection of clips will be featured on the big screen.

Several movie screenings feature live accompaniment by the L.A. Phil, including Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™, Star Wars: A New Hope, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Other highlights this year include Beauty and the Beast In Concert, Grease Sing-A-Long, Jaws , The Pink Panther , and the ever popular Sound of Music Sing-A-Long (Sept. 22).

Launched in 2002, Cinespia cemetery screenings hosts on-site classic films across L.A. Cinespia shows films from the 1930s through the 1990s, mostly in open-air settings at historic locations. Its most popular series runs weekly between May and August on Saturday (and occasionally Sunday) nights at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The al fresco Cemetery Screenings take place on the Fairbanks Lawn, named for the adjacent crypt housing both Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. and Jr. Guests picnic under the stars and watch films digitally projected against the wall of the Cathedral Mausoleum, which houses the crypt of Rudolph Valentino among many others.

One of the most unique outdoor theaters Los Angeles offers, Cinespia kicked off its 17th season on May 12 with The Neverending Story. Upcoming highlights include Barbarella (Johnny Ramone Tribute, Aug. 26), Beverly Hills Cop (Sept. 1), Now and Then (Sept. 2), Scream (Sept. 8), Saturday Night Fever (Sept. 15), and Yellow Submarine + Fireworks (Sept. 22).

Every summer, Big Bar at Alcove Cafe presents the monthly Dinner and a Movie, featuring classic and cult films paired with special food and cocktail menus inspired by the featured flick. Upcoming screenings include Wedding Crashers on Monday, Aug. 20 and an early Halloween treat: Scream on Oct. 15. Films are shown on a 17-foot screen on the garden patio. Admission is free. Seating is at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at 8 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served for the full dining experience.

Silver Lake Picture Show features free outdoor movies at Sunset Triangle Plaza. Taking place every other Thursday, the 2018 season kicked off on June 21 with Dirty Dancing. Other movies include Jaws, Mrs. Doubtfire, Remember the Titans, Sister Act, Get Out (Aug. 30), and Rush Hour (Sept. 13).

Each screening is preceded by a free musical performance and short film from local artists. Seating is first come, first-served and guests are encouraged to bring fold out chairs and other seating arrangements. Attendees are encouraged to picnic or go to one of the local establishments. No food or beverage will be sold on the premises.

Bring the entire family for “Movie Under The Guns,” screening monthly on board the famed Battleship IOWA in San Pedro. The unique movie series is free and held outdoors on the ship's fantail. Limited seating is available. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately, bring blankets and outdoor chairs. Concessions will be available, no coolers or outside food and beverages allowed.

Summer "Movie Under the Guns" dates:  June 15, July 13, Aug. 17, Sept. 21, and Hocus Pocus (Oct. 19). All movies will start at dusk. Subject to cancellation due to extreme weather conditions. Donations are not required but greatly appreciated.

Summer Movie Nights are back in the Northeast San Fernando Valley! Bring your family, friends, and pack a picnic for a movie night under the stars. The screenings will take place at various locations, including movie-related sites like Jaws at Hansen Dam Aquatic Center and La Bamba at Ritchie Valens Park (Aug. 25). The 2018 series concludes with Selena at Pacoima City Hall on August 31. All movie screenings begin at 7:30 p.m. and popcorn will be provided. For more info, visit monicarodriguez.org/movienights.

For a classic drive-in movie experience, Electric Dusk Drive-In features top films of the '80s, '90s and 2000s with a retro drive-in movie setting at the Van De Kamp Innovation Center of Los Angeles City College. The Outdoor Astroturf section offers the closest seats to the screen, where you’ll sit under the stars, mingle with your fellow moviegoers, and listen to the audio through outdoor speakers. The Snack Shack offers BBQ items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and a wide variety of candy, popcorn, chips, beverages, and locally made cupcakes.