From rooftop screenings and open-air theatres to independent cinemas, the capital has a lot to offer to film buffs.
Discover where to watch all-time classics, family flicks and new movies at these top outdoor cinemas in London, and remember that outdoor viewing opportunities vary with the seasons!
London outdoor cinemas at a glance
Best outdoor cinemas in London: Rooftop Film Club, Barbican Outdoor Cinema and Screen on the Canal.
Top films to catch at outdoor cinemas in London: Wicked, Mamma Mia! and Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Best London rooftop cinemas
1. Rooftop Film Club
Enjoy a cinema experience filled with sunsets and skylines at one of Rooftop Film Club's two locations in Peckham and Stratford. Expect handpicked iconic and newly released films, comfy sunchairs with a selection of drinks and street food. Look out for the Fireside Films series, where you and your other half can share your very own loveseat with heater.
Screening highlights include Wicked, La La Land and 500 Days of Summer this year, as well as mini marathons of Pretty Little Liars and Gilmore Girls. Just be sure to book in advance! Peckham from 10 Apr and Stratford from 17 Apr
Best open-air cinemas in London
2. Kew The Movies presented by Adventure Cinema
Watch classic films, blockbuster hits and fun musicals to get the whole family singing at Kew The Movies presented by Adventure Cinema. Adventure Cinema is an outdoor cinema popup that tours the UK's historic country estates, this year making a stop inside the grounds of London's Kew Gardens.
Be sure to bring your own chairs and blankets, and buy food from onsite vendors or pack a picnic. This year's screenings include a Wicked singalong, Mamma Mia! and Bridget Jones's Diary. 20-22 Jun
3. Barbican Outdoor Cinema
Make the most of the warm nights in the City of London and head to the brutalist Sculpture Court at the Barbican for the annual Barbican Outdoor Cinema, where you can see a wide range of films on the big screen in summer.
This year's screenings include Fantastic Mr. Fox, Dune and Little Shop of Horrors, and there is a selection of market stalls if you're looking for a bite to eat. 20-31 Aug
Free open-air film screenings in London
4. Summer Screens at Canary Wharf
Catch free sport, documentaries and films on a big screen among skyscrapers at Summer Screens at Canary Wharf. Bring a picnic blanket and order from the surrounding bars in Canada Square Park, before settling down to watch your flick of choice.
You can find most major sporting events on show this summer, family-friendly films on the weekends and everything from Hollywood hits to musicals across the week. 29 May-27 Sep
5. Summer by the River
Catch free outdoor film screenings at Summer by the River in The Scoop, a dramatic concrete amphitheatre in the shadow of Tower Bridge, also featuring live music, sport screenings, food stalls and pop-up bars – yes, even an Aperol-themed riverside bar!
Look out for a variety of family-friendly screenings throughout the summer, as well as live entertainment and karaoke nights. 29 May-28 Sep
6. Lower Marsh Lates
Make the most of free film screenings at Lower Marsh Lates on the last Thursday of every month this summer. Pick up street food, snacks and drinks from the nearby market and onsite bar.
Screenings include Mamma Mia!, Dirty Dancing and Grease, each kicking off at 5.30pm. Themed fancy dress is strongly encouraged! 26 Jun, 31 Jul and 28 Aug
7. Everyman on the Canal at King's Cross
See blockbuster bangers, family classics and cult favourites for free all summer at Granary Square's floating screen: Everyman on the Canal at King's Cross. Get down before the screenings start at 12pm, 2.30pm, 5pm or 7.30pm to grab a good spot before they fill up!
More than 100 free screenings are scheduled this summer including Wimbledon, Aladdin, Dirty Dancing, The Parent Trap, Top Gun, Conclave, Wicked and Moonrise Kingdom. 30 Jun-17 Aug
8. BST Hyde Park Outdoor Cinema
As well as show-stopping music performances, the annual BST music festival in Hyde Park also puts on several free outdoor film screenings during Open House, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis, and headphones provided.
Eight days of free activities are set to include live sport screenings and film screenings such as The Garfield Movie, The Goonies, Dune Part Two and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. 30 Jun-3 Jul and 7-10 Jul
9. Vauxhall Summer Screens
Grab some street food before settling down to enjoy a free screening at Vauxhall Summer Screens on Tuesdays in July. Just make sure to book your spot in advance as seats are limited, and be prepared to pay a small fee for chair and blanket hire.
Each screening begins at 7pm and films include Aladdin, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Mean Girls and Sister Act II: Back in the Habit. 8, 15, 22 and 29 Jul
10. Everyman in the Garden at The Grove
Head to Hertfordshire on the outskirts of north London for the Everyman in the Garden at The Grove cinema popup, set inside the estate's walled garden. Try not to let the beauty of the idyllic setting distract you from a schedule of cult classics, chick flicks and family-friendly films taking place across the warmer months.
Enjoy a meal before your screening with dinner and cinema packages, and be sure to check travel information in advance to ensure a smooth journey. 23 Jul-7 Sep
Looking for more ways to enjoy the outdoors in London? Check out the top things to do outside, head to one of London's top picnic spots, sip on cocktails at a rooftop bar or dine at an alfresco restaurant across the city.
