The Best Open Air Cinema In London
We love a little open air cinema in London as it marries up a few of our favourite things – film, family time and freedom for the kids.
Thanks to all that space, no one will turn round and give you the evil eye because your kid is kicking the back of their chair.
Summer and winter, certain things unite city dwellers all year round.
The love of free events, time spent in parks, and the chance to snuggle under a blanket (or a raincoat) with someone you love.
What better mashes all these things up than open air cinema in London?
Crack out the picnic hampers, finger food, emergency raincoats and tinned prosecco, because it’s outdoor cinema time!
Open air screenings, rooftop film clubs, film festivals and free screen events occur over London during the warmer months (peaking in July and August) and some continue all year round.
Here’s our roundup of the best outdoor cinema in London.
Bring the kids – or not, if you fancy a screening without the constant interruptions for toilet breaks and random questions about things that have nothing to do with the movie you are trying to watch.
- Waterloo
- Last Friday of the month from June to August
- Free
Enjoy classic sing-along films, live performances, and food and drink deals.
Films screenings will be Grease, Mama Mia and a Wicked singalong.
- 29 May – 31 August
- London Bridge
Head south for outdoor film screenings, live music nights plus Wimbledon, Women’s Euros, Royal Ascot and more.
- 30 June – 17 August
- Regent’s Canal, King’s Cross
- Free
Sit back and enjoy a host of free films, screenings and live events on the Canal Side steps with a snack and drink or two in hand as you embrace the (hopefully warm) British summer.
Films on offer include Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Grease, Parent Trap, Top Gun: Maverick, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Encanto.
You’ll also be able to watch play at Wimbledon.
- Barbican Sculpture Court
- 20 – 31 August
- Tickets from £18 Adults / £14 Kids
Choose from 11 days of specially curated films and watch under the city stars, in the surroundings of the Barbican Sculpture court.
Films on offer include Dune (1984), Little Shop of Horrors and Wes Anderson’s animation Fantastic Mr. Fox.
There will also be a selection of food stalls and bars available.
- Select dates from June to August
- Various London venues
Enjoy an open-air screening experience with hot food and drinks delivered to your seat, wireless headphones, signature blow-up chairs, and heated blankets for ultimate comfort.
Films on offer include Captain America, Inside Out 2 and Despicable Me 4.
Some films are free to watch!
- Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
- Every Tuesday in July, films start at 7pm
- Tickets are free via Ticket Tailor
For 12 years, Vauxhall Summer Screens has been the midweek go-to for thousands of film fans, foodies, and Londoners.
Films on offer include 2019’s live-action Aladdin, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Mean Girls.
- Select dates June – August
A firm (free!) favourite, Canary Wharf puts on a selection of new films and cult classics over the summer.
Family friendly films are shown on Saturday mornings. When films are 15, bring your phone and a set of headphones to watch the film.
Bring your picnic blanket and refreshments of your choice.
With locations in London’s Stratford and Peckham, they offer a handpicked curation of cults, classics, and new releases.
Spectacular views, incredible sound, comfy chairs and a variety of films.
Join an immersive production of Grease in Battersea Park from 1 August to 7 September.
They have over 200 screenings every year and their London venues usually include Kew Gardens and Westminster Abbey.
Bring your own chair or blanket, plus something warm if you’re attending during the evening.
Summer 2025 dates TBC.