The Guide to Outdoor Movies in Los Angeles

Now in its 21st season, Cinespia hosts classic films and modern favorites at historic locations across L.A. Its most popular series runs weekly at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The outdoor 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.

The highlight of the 2022 season is a special LA Pride Weekend screening of The Wizard of Oz on Sunday, June 12. There's no place like Hollywood Forever to watch this beloved film - celebrate the 100th birthday of Judy Garland at her final resting place. Cinespia is also hosting screenings at Los Angeles State Historic Park in Downtown LA: Twilight (June 3) and Selena (June 24).

Presented by Showtime, Eat See Hear produces film screenings at venues across LA, including music performances, food trucks and pop-ups. Films are shown on the largest inflatable movie screen on the West Coast with the highest quality HD-projection, a 52-foot wide image and professional sound.

Several screenings are taking place at the Autry Museum of the American West, along with Los Angeles Historic Park, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza and more. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit the Eat See Hear website.

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 (Sept. 2-4) features the legendary composer conducting many of his greatest moments of cinematic music magic. A selection of clips will be featured on the big screen.

Featuring live accompaniment by the LA Phil and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the Bowl's movie screenings include: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (June 30), Steven Spielberg's West Side Story (July 12 & 14) , Back to the Future (Aug. 5-6), Amadeus (Aug. 23), Black Movie Soundtrack IV (Aug. 24) and the ever-popular Sound of Music Sing-Along (Sept. 17).

Located on the rooftop adjacent to the patio at E.P. & L.P., the Melrose Rooftop Theatre (MRT) offers an unforgettable outdoor cinema experience with the Hollywood Hills as the stunning backdrop. MRT features a state-of-the-art Da Lite 16’ x 19’ screen, wireless headphones, classic concessions, and bean bag seats. Doors at 7:30pm, screenings begin at 8:30pm. Priced at $65 per person, the "Dinner + Movie" pre-theatre menu includes a three-course meal at E.P. and reserved seating for the movie. Tickets are now on sale at the Melrose Rooftop Theatre website.

Located near the iconic intersection of Hollywood and Vine, The Montalbán is hosting Rooftop Movies all summer long and into October for the Halloween-themed Rooftop Screams. The Montalbán’s rooftop oasis is outfitted with a bar, concession stand, and kitchen. Attendees can enjoy fun on-site activities such as GIANT Jenga, oversized four-in-a-row, cornhole; or ham it up in the Selfie Zone.

Doors for each screening open at 6pm, with the feature film starting 10 minutes after sunset. Tickets cost $28 for regular admission and include headset rental and popcorn. Pricing is $58 for a double seat (aka loveseat), which includes headsets, two bottomless popcorn and champagne toast. Food by Village Pizzeria and Cafe Cafe is available on any screening night. For the full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit The Montalbán website.

Now through July, Jamaica Bay Inn is hosting Movies on the Lawn, a FREE outdoor movie series taking place on their beachfront lawn every Sunday. Warm drinks, snacks, and treats will be available for purchase. Seating starts at 7 pm, movie showing starts at dusk. Low chairs, blankets, and pillows welcome. Higher camping style chairs are not allowed.

The Fairmont Miramar presents Poolside Cinema, taking place at sunset on Saturdays and occasional Thursdays. Dinner & a Movie reservations are available through FIG Restaurant for guests and locals alike. Book a lounge chair with dinner by FIG - tickets and schedule for 2022 are TBA.

Rooftop Cinema Club offers a premier outdoor movie experience at LEVEL in Downtown LA, and in El Segundo. Themed screenings include Prom Season, Black Music Month (DTLA) and Pride. LEVEL offers popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, candy, movie snacks and soft drinks. This season, Rooftop Cinema Club is partnering with Hi-Lo to offer the best of the local LA craft beer scene, along with summer release regional wines and fresh spritzes and mocktails. For tickets and the complete movie schedule, visit the Rooftop Cinema Club website.

Enjoy movies under the stars at the Skirball Cultural Center with a lineup of fan-favorite films related to Skirball exhibitions past and present. Upcoming screenings include Galaxy Quest (June 17), Ratatouille (July 1), and When Harry Met Sally... (July 15).

Tickets are $20 for General Admission, $10 for Members, and free for children under 12. Before each screening, check out the exhibitions “I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli, Talking Back to Power: Projects by Aram Han Sifuentes, and Visions and Values: Jewish Life from Antiquity to America. Then, enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, and light fare available for purchase.

Featuring a wide range of films, gourmet food trucks and live music, Street Food Cinema presents screenings at outdoor locations from The Autry to Los Angeles State Historic Park, Will Rogers State Historic Park, and Veterans Memorial Park in Culver City. Doors open at 5:30pm, the band plays at 6:45pm, and the movie starts at 8:30pm. Most locations like The Autry are dog-friendly! Full schedule and tickets at the Street Food Cinema website.

Located in northern L.A. County, Castaic Lake is the largest state water project reservoir in Southern California, with more than 11,000 acres of parkland and open space habitat.

For a truly unique night at the movies, head out to Castaic Lake for Boat Cinema, presented in partnership with the Dept. of Parks & Recreation. Rent an electric mini-boat for up to five people (combined 850 lb weight limit) to enjoy LA's first and only on-the-water film experience. Or bring your own beach chairs, towels or blankets and enjoy the movie from the beach.
Ocean-themed screenings include A Perfect Storm (May 29), Jaws (June 3-4), Pirates of the Caribbean, Curse of the Black Pearl (June 5), and Life of Pi (June 26). Food & Beverage Add-Ons include prepared picnics, charcuterie boxes, an artisan pizza delivered to your boat, and BYOP (Bring Your Own Picnic) with a corkage fee.