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 Cinema Club, Barbican Outdoor Cinema and Everyman on the Canal.
Top films to catch at outdoor cinemas in London in 2026: One Battle After Another, Wicked: For Good, The Devil Wears Prada, Jurassic Park, Interstellar and Zootropolis.
Best London rooftop cinemas
1. Rooftop Cinema Club
Enjoy a cinema experience filled with sunsets and skylines at one of Rooftop Cinema 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 One Battle After Another, La La Land, Wicked: For Good, Sinners and Interstellar to coincide with the rare Blue Moon on 31 May, as well as a mini marathon of Gossip Girl. Just be sure to book in advance! Peckham from 30 Apr and Stratford from 7 May
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 on-site vendors or pack a picnic. This year's screenings include Wicked: For Good, Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia! and Jurassic Park. 18-21 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 Arrival, The Florida Project and Desperately Seeking Susan, and there is a selection of market stalls if you're looking for a bite to eat. 19-30 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 watch major sporting events throughout the summer, including Wimbledon and cricket fixtures, plus family-friendly films on the weekends and everything from Hollywood hits to musicals across the week. 4 Jun-1 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. 19 May-27 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 on-site bar.
This year's 90s-themed screenings are Cool Runnings, Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet and Mrs. Doubtfire, each kicking off at 6pm. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged, with prizes for the best dressed! 25 Jun, 30 Jul and 27 Aug
7. Everyman on the Canal at King's Cross
Expect to see blockbuster bangers, family classics and cult favourites for free throughout summer at Granary Square's floating screen: Everyman on the Canal at King's Cross. Get down before the screenings start to grab a good spot before they fill up!
More than 100 free screenings are scheduled this summer including Some Like It Hot, Grease, Dune: Part One, Paddington and The Devil Wears Prada, alongside cult classics, family favourites and Wimbledon. 29 Jun-16 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.
Last year saw eight days of free activities including live sport screenings and film screenings. Stay tuned for the 2026 schedule, to be announced soon. Jun-Jul TBC
9. Vauxhall Summer Screens
Grab some street food before settling down to enjoy a free screening at Vauxhall Summer Screens every Tuesday 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 this year's selection features Zootropolis, Cool Runnings, Clueless and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. 7, 14, 21 and 28 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. 22 Jul-6 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.
