In New York City, you can be anything.
A fearless revolutionary leading a nation to freedom. A world-famous soccer star lifting a trophy before a roaring crowd. A dragon trainer soaring through the clouds alongside your fire-breathing best friend.
…Okay, wait, that last one may be a little difficult. Most New York City apartments are barely big enough for two people, let alone their pet dragon. Its origins? We’re actually just reading off the movie lineup for Brooklyn Bridge Park’s beloved Movies With A View series.
Every summer, thousands of New Yorkers gather on the waterfront at Pier 1, spread out picnic blankets, and settle in as the sun dips behind the Manhattan skyline. For a few hours, the city transforms into whatever world is flickering across the giant screen, whether that’s a fantasy kingdom, a sports arena, a distant galaxy, or a story much closer to home. The only thing competing with the movie itself is the view: sparkling harbor breezes, postcard-worthy skyline vistas, and that unmistakable feeling that summer in New York has officially arrived.
Now returning for its 26th season, Movies With A View is once again bringing free outdoor film screenings to Brooklyn Bridge Park throughout July and August, with an additional family movie night planned for September. And judging by this year’s lineup, moviegoers can expect a little bit of everything: adventure, nostalgia, laughs, underdog triumphs, and plenty of opportunities to quote along with your favorite scenes.
🎬 2026 Movies With A View Lineup
Thursday, July 2: Hamilton (PG-13, 2020, 160 minutes) – The Broadway phenomenon comes to the big screen in this filmed version of the groundbreaking musical that reimagines the life of American founding father Alexander Hamilton through hip-hop, R&B, pop, and unforgettable storytelling. Expect soaring performances, rapid-fire lyrics, and plenty of reasons to finally learn what all the hype is about.
Thursday, July 9: When Harry Met Sally (R, 1989, 95 minutes) – Can men and women ever really just be friends? This beloved New York City rom-com follows Harry and Sally over more than a decade of chance encounters, friendship, heartbreak, and one of cinema’s most iconic deli scenes. Smart, funny, and endlessly quotable, it’s a love letter to both romance and NYC.
Thursday, July 16: Bend it like Beckham (PG-13, 2002, 112 minutes) – A soccer-loving teenager dreams of playing professionally despite her traditional family’s expectations. Packed with heart, humor, and plenty of on-field action, this coming-of-age favorite celebrates friendship, ambition, and chasing your goals—even when everyone else has a different game plan.
Thursday, July 23: The Talented Mr. Ripley (R, 1999, 139 minutes) – Sun-soaked luxury, hidden identities, and simmering obsession collide in this stylish psychological thriller. When Tom Ripley is sent to Italy to bring home a wealthy young playboy, he becomes dangerously captivated by the glamorous life he’s only ever dreamed of living.
Thursday, July 30: Clueless (PG-13, 1995, 97 minutes) – As if! Alicia Silverstone stars as the fashion-forward Cher Horowitz, a Beverly Hills teen who treats matchmaking like a full-time job while navigating friendships, family, and her own romantic blind spots. Three decades later, this sharp, endlessly quotable comedy remains totally buggin’—in the best way.
Thursday, August 6: Jurassic Park (PG-13, 1993, 122 minutes) – What could possibly go wrong when scientists bring dinosaurs back to life? Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster classic unleashes towering T. rexes, clever velociraptors, and edge-of-your-seat adventure as visitors fight to survive on a theme park where nature refuses to stay behind the fences.
Thursday, August 13: Do the Right Thing (R, 1989, 120 minutes) – Set during the hottest day of the summer in a Brooklyn neighborhood, Spike Lee’s landmark film follows a community as tensions steadily rise, leading to a powerful and unforgettable climax. Funny, vibrant, thought-provoking, and deeply rooted in New York City, it’s widely regarded as one of the most important films ever made.
Thursday, August 20: Bridesmaids (R, 2011, 125 minutes) – Wedding planning has never been this chaotic. Kristen Wiig leads an all-star cast in this wildly funny comedy about friendship, rivalry, and the increasingly disastrous events leading up to a wedding. Equal parts heartfelt and hilariously unhinged, it’s a modern comedy classic.
Thursday, August 27: Public Choice – This screening is in the audience’s hands. Earlier in August, moviegoers can vote online for one of three crowd-pleasing favorites: Challengers, a stylish and steamy tennis drama packed with rivalry and tension; The Great Gatsby, Baz Luhrmann’s dazzling Jazz Age spectacle starring Leonardo DiCaprio; or Ocean’s Eleven, the slick, star-studded heist film that’s as cool and clever as they come.
Friday, September 18: How to Train Your Dragon (PG, 2010, 93 minutes) – The season wraps up with a family-friendly adventure that soars. When a young Viking befriends an injured dragon instead of fighting it, he discovers that everything he’s been taught about dragons may be wrong. Filled with breathtaking animation, humor, and heart, it’s a feel-good finale perfect for movie lovers of all ages.
Whether you’re showing up for the dinosaurs, the dragon-riding, the romance, the razor-sharp one-liners, or simply an excuse to spend a summer evening under the stars, this year’s lineup proves there’s no better movie theater than the New York City waterfront. 🎬✨🌉
