Your Guide to Bryant Park’s Summer Film Series

NEW YORK

There’s nothing quite like New York City in the summertime. It’s the warm breezes rustling the trees, the scent of picnics in the air, and a concrete jungle backdrop that reminds you you’re in the heart of metropolis. 

From June to August, Bryant Park Movie Nights return as one of New York City’s most beloved summer traditions. It’s a gathering of strangers-turned-neighbors on blankets and lawn chairs, enjoying cult classics and cinematic masterpieces with Paramount Plus in the heart of Midtown. If you’re in NYC this summer, it’s a must-do moment of culture, community, and cinematic charm.

What Is Bryant Park Movie Nights?

Every Monday evening, Bryant Park transforms into a cinematic escape in the middle of Midtown Manhattan. The ground opens at 4PM, lawn opens at 5PM (get there early, spots fill fast), and the movie begins at 8PM. Bring a blanket, pack your favorite snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, or grab a bite from the park’s vendors. Whether you’re coming for date night, solo serenity, or a friends’ hangout, the experience offers an easygoing, open-air celebration of community and culture with absolutely no charge or ticket needed.

Summer 2025 Lineup

June 9: Pretty in Pink

An ’80s teen classic starring Molly Ringwald as Andie, a high schooler from the wrong side of the tracks who falls for a rich classmate. A heartfelt tale of love, loyalty, and self-respect.

Perfect for: Craving a hit of vintage teen angst and pastel power? This one’s perfect for a best friend movie night, especially if they have a thing for thrifted looks or down for a classic love triangle.

June 16: The Wood

A coming-of-age dramedy that follows three friends reflecting on their youth in Inglewood, California, the night before one of them gets married. A warm, funny, and emotional journey through brotherhood and Black boyhood.

Perfect for: If your crew appreciates nostalgic storytelling with heart and humor, this is the movie to roll out a blanket and reminisce with your oldest friends.

June 23: Kinky Boots

Based on a true story, this upbeat British comedy charts the unlikely friendship between a struggling shoe factory owner and a drag queen who inspires him to take risks and embrace change.

Perfect for: Got a fashion-forward friend or someone who lives for a musical moment? Bring them for a night of glam, glitter, and good vibes.

June 30: Stand by Me

A poignant and timeless tale of childhood friendship, as four boys set out on a journey to find a missing boy’s body — and discover themselves along the way.

Perfect for: This is the film to bring someone who’s been with you through it all. Whether childhood besties, siblings, or that friend who still remembers the first mixtape you made.

July 7: Good Will Hunting

Matt Damon plays a troubled math genius from South Boston who finds direction through therapy, love, and self-discovery. Robin Williams delivers a memorable performance as his mentor.

Perfect for: Bring someone who’s had your back through the hard stuff. If they love heartfelt stories with big emotions and brainy underdogs, they’ll love this.

July 14: Interstellar

Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi masterpiece about space travel, time, and the enduring power of love. A visually stunning journey across galaxies, starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway.

Perfect for: Perfect for your deep-thinking friend or anyone who’s ever cried to a Hans Zimmer score. Pack a blanket, lie back, and prepare for an existential voyage under the stars.

July 21: Ghost

A romantic thriller where love transcends the afterlife. Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg create movie magic in this timeless story of loss and connection.

Perfect for: Date night, hands down. Or your hopeless romantic bestie who still believes in soulmates (and maybe owns a vintage denim jacket).

July 28: Pulp Fiction

Quentin Tarantino’s genre-bending crime classic, packed with unforgettable dialogue, nonlinear storytelling, and iconic performances from John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Samuel L. Jackson.

Perfect for: Your film nerd friend or anyone who calls movies “cinema.” Bonus if they show up quoting Samuel L. Jackson.

August 4: Blades of Glory

This outrageous comedy pairs Will Ferrell and Jon Heder as rival figure skaters forced to team up in a bid for Olympic glory. Expect absurdity, sequins, and laughs.

Perfect for: The chaotic friend who thrives on slapstick, sequins, and screaming-laughing in public. Bring snacks and your best side-eye.

August 11: The Godfather

Francis Ford Coppola’s legendary crime saga closes the season with a bang. Epic, operatic, and endlessly quoted. This is film history at its finest.

Perfect for: Your most aesthetic friend who calls everything “iconic.” Bring your mob energy, a bottle of sparkling water, and your inner consigliere.

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Address: Bryant Park, New York, NY 10018 | Time: Every Monday from 5PM, June 9th to August 11th 2025 | Website: bryantpark.org/activities/movie-nights | Instagram: @bryantparknyc