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Whether you prefer '80s teen comedies or artsy French flicks, the summer slate of outdoor movie screenings offers something for everyone. Below, we round-up this year's best places to catch a movie al fresco and guess what? The vast majority are free. Scope our picks and check back as we'll be updating the guide with more information and more screenings throughout the summer.
What: Intrepid Summer Music Series
Where: Pier 86 (12 Ave. and 46th St.)
Synopsis: Enjoy sea, air and space-themed films on the flight deck of the Intrepid. Oldie but goodie Independence Day kicks off the movie series on July 10.
Dates: Thursdays, July 10 - August 14
Cost: Free
What: Front/Row Cinema
Where: South Street Seaport
Synopsis: Family-friendly flicks will be on view all summer. Wall-E will kick off the series on June 4, followed by Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Avengers and The Breakfast Club.
Dates: June 4 - August 31. Films begin at 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
What: RiverFlicks Big Hit Wednesdays on Pier 63 Lawn
Where: Hudson River Park
Synopsis: Head to Hudson River Park for free showings of blockbusters from the previous calendar year. Screenings will be free for the first time, so clear your Wednesday night schedule to catch This is The End and American Hustle.
Dates: Wednesdays, July 9 - August 20
Cost: Free
What: Habana Outpost Movie Night
Where: Habana Outpost, 757 Fulton St., Brooklyn
Synopsis: Enjoy guilt-free vibes at the site of New York's first solar-powered restaurant and marketplace. Sip margaritas and munch on tacos while you catch their 8 p.m. screenings of cult classics like The Outsiders, Heathers, and The Big Lebowski.
Dates: Sundays, through October 26
Cost: Free
What: HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
Where: Bryant Park
Synopsis: Head to midtown for your classic New York outdoor screening experience. They'll be screening classics like Saturday Night Fever, Blazing Saddles, The Karate Kid, The Shining and more. (For the full list, click HERE.) Expect stringent security and swarms of humans.
Dates: Mondays, June 16 - August 18
Cost: Free
What: BAMcinemaFest Outdoor Screening
Where: Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Synopsis: "Yum, Yum, Yum! 3 Movies by Les Blank" will showcase the work of the late documentary filmmaker with screenings of three of his films, Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers (1980), The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins (1970) and Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe (1980). Keep an eye out for a Les Blank retrospective, slated to open at BAMcinématek later this year.
Date: Thursday, June 19
Cost: Free
What: Pier 1 Picture Show
Where: Pier 1 @ 70 St.
Synopsis: The theme of this year's Picture Show is "Getting to Know You! Riverside Park's staff favorites." With picks like Clueless, Back to the Future and The Princess Bride, we can't help but give props to the park staff's taste. Films screen at approximately 8:30 p.m. and are open captioned.
Dates: Wednesdays, July 9 - August 13
Cost: Free
What: Films on the Green 2014
Where: Various. Check website
Synopsis: This year's theme is "Masculin / Masculin" and showcases the power of strong male leads in French films. All films are in French with English subtitles.
Dates: Fridays, May 30 - August 1. Additional special screening September 4.
Cost: Free
What: Rooftop Films Underground Movies Outdoors 2014 Summer Series
Where: Industry City in Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Synopsis: Enjoy indie flicks while you take in the sights of the city from the largest rooftop farm in the world. Rooftop Films will screen over 120 films this year, the most in its 18-year run. The full line-up is still TBA.
Dates: TBA
Cost: TBA
What: Outdoor Cinema at Socrates Sculpture Park
Where: Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Queens
Synopsis: Socrates Sculpture Park will screen international flicks like Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer and Forest of the Dancing Spirits. Free kayaking on the East River is a new amenity this year, so head down to Queens for a double dose of nature and culture.
Dates: Wednesdays, July 2 - August 27
Cost: Free
What: SummerScreen in McCarren Park
Where: McCarren Park, Bedford Ave. & N. 12th St., Brooklyn
Synopsis: Throwback films such as Cry Baby and Zoolander will be on the big screen this year at SummerScreen. Arrive at 6 p.m. to take advantage of food vendors and live music before the screenings start at sundown.
Dates: Wednesdays, July 9 - August 13
Cost: Free