Brooklyn Bridge Parks Movies With a View Returns for 26th Season, Offering Free Outdoor Screenings and a Family Night
The lineup begins on July 2 with the filmed version of Lin‑Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, a choice that signals the program’s blend of contemporary hits and classic favorites. Over the course of the summer, patrons can watch When Harry Met Sally, Bend It Like Beckham, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Clueless, Jurassic Park, Do the Right Thing, and Bridesmaids. The community will have a say in the August 27 show, voting online among Challengers, The Great Gatsby, and Ocean’s Eleven.
"Movies With a View has grown into a beloved summertime experience for both New Yorkers and visitors, creating a shared sense of community through film against the backdrop of one of the city’s most iconic outdoor settings," said Brooklyn Bridge Park president Eric Landau. The free program operates on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
The Harbor View Lawn opens at 6:00 p.m., and the film begins at sunset. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot. The lawn’s sweeping views of New York Harbor and lower Manhattan make it a popular spot for picnics, and guests may bring blankets and small cushions. However, lawn chairs, dogs, outside alcohol, and glass containers are not allowed.
Refreshments are available from Fornino, which offers popcorn, drinks, and alcoholic beverages for adults 21 and older. The park’s policies permit picnic food but prohibit the sale of alcohol on the lawn.
Since its inception in 2000, Movies With a View has drawn roughly 735,000 attendees, cementing its status as one of the city’s largest and longest‑running outdoor film series. The series has been staged at Pier 1, which opened in 2010 as part of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s development. The park itself spans 85 acres along the Brooklyn side of the East River and includes several piers, playgrounds, and historic buildings.
The September 18 family night will feature the animated film How to Train Your Dragon, a move designed to broaden the program’s appeal to younger audiences.
Movies With a View is part of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s broader mission to provide accessible public spaces and cultural programming. In addition to the film series, the park hosts concerts, art installations, and community events throughout the year.
Program details—including the full schedule, film selections, and policies—are posted on the Brooklyn Bridge Park website and across social‑media channels. Attendees can find detailed maps of the lawn entrance and signage instructions for each screening.
The 2026 season marks the first time a public vote will determine a film, encouraging community engagement. The voting process is conducted online, and the chosen film will be announced a few days before the August 27 screening.
Overall, Movies With a View continues to offer a low‑cost, high‑quality entertainment option for residents and visitors alike. Its combination of classic and contemporary titles, coupled with the scenic waterfront setting, sustains its popularity and underscores Brooklyn Bridge Park’s role as a cultural hub in New York City.