Watching outdoor movies in NJ is one of those fantastic summer experiences you have to do at least once—there’s nothing better than sitting on a blanket during a warm summer night with a favorite family film on the big screen. Luckily, this summer, there are a bunch of outdoor movies you can watch all over the state (oh, and did we mention they’re free). Whether it’s on the sand, the grass, or an outdoor amphitheater, bring a blanket, chairs, and snacks to catch one of these flicks under the stars. Looking for more outdoor fun with the fam? Check out our NJMOM summer bucket list for things to do outside this season. (featured photo credit: istock/Vera_Petrunina)
20+ Outdoor Movies in NJ
North NJ
Outdoor Movies In The Park, Morris Twp
Bring the whole family and your blankets or lawn chairs to Ginty Field and enjoy their free big-screen outdoor movies in NJ. Kung Fu Panda 4 and Migration are just a few blockbusters you can see this summer.
Ginty Field, next to Morris Twp. Municipal Complex, Morris Twp, NJ 07960
Movies in the Park, Jersey City
Jersey City hosts family-friendly movies under the stars throughout the city this summer. All movies begin at sunset. Don’t miss Good Night Oppy at Riverview Fisk Park, DC League of Super Pets at Columbia Park, and Wish at Arlington Park.
Locations vary
Movies Under the Stars, Hoboken
One of our favorite spots to watch a free movie in the summer is Pier A Park, which offers stellar NYC skyline views. Movies are on Wednesdays and begin at 9 PM in June and July and 8:30 PM in August in various locations around the city. Top Gun, Barbie, and Mamma Mia! are just some outdoor movies shown this summer.
Locations vary
Summer Concert and Movie Series, Fort Lee
Enjoy live bands and movies under the stars in Fort Lee, NJ. The movies start at 8:30 PM, and this year’s lineup includes Wonka, Jaws, and Barbie. Seating is limited, so please bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center at 1355 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Ridgewood Guild’s Movies in the Park, Ridgewood
Sit under the stars on select Wednesday nights in June, July, and August. See movies like Mulan and Batman, along with their special Barbie event.
Memorial Park, 5 Walnut Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Bergen County Summer Movies, various locations
This summer, enjoy a variety of outdoor movies in Westwood and Paramus. Titles include Air, Wish, and Blackberry.
Various locations in Bergen County
Central NJ
Movies in the Park, Beachwood
Grab your blankets and lawn chair and watch a movie along the Toms River. A concession stand will also be available. Movies are rain or shine.
401 Beacon Ave., Beachwood, NJ 08722
Movie Nights at the Waterfront, Keyport
The Borough of Keyport and the Keyport Recreation Committee present Free Summer Outdoor Movie Nights at Waterfront Park featuring a lineup of Harry Potter, Elf, and Scooby-Doo.
Waterfront Park, American Legion Drive, Keyport, NJ 07735
Movies on the Beach, Point Pleasant Beach
Head to the beach and Jenks every Tuesday this summer to see family favorites like Super Mario Bros, Paw Patrol: the Mighty Movie, and The Marvels.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Ave, Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Movies on the Beach, Seaside Heights
Enjoy free movies every Sunday near Beach Patrol North Headquarters, Seaside Heights. Movies start at dusk and include Jaws, Mummies, and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.
Beach Patrol North Headquarters, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Outdoor Movie Theater, Highland Park
Highland Park is once again hosting outdoor movies this summer. Vintage cartoons will be screened at dusk, with a movie screening at 9 PM. Don’t miss titles like Terminator 2: Judgement Day and The Neverending Story.
Municipal Lot; Raritan Avenue between 2nd & 3rd Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904
Screen on the Green, Summit
On Thursday nights throughout July and August, gather on the Village Green for a movie night. The event features an outdoor screen, cinema sound, and a Blu-Ray player. There is also a dance party before the movie.
356 Broad Street, Summit, NJ 07901
Starlit Cinema, Somerville
In July and August, Downtown Somerville hosts free movies. All shows start at 8:30 PM on Division Street. Enjoy a night out with a film on a giant screen with a state-of-the-art sound system under the stars.
Division St, Somerville, NJ 08876
Summer Movies on the Green, Princeton
Palmer Square has an Aladdin movie experience on August 2 you won’t want to miss. Come early for dinner, then grab some ice cream for the show, which begins at dusk. Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Palmer Square, 40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
Summer Movie Series, Fanwood
Enjoy a night at one of these outdoor movies in NJ all summer, watching Hollywood’s latest family-friendly flicks on Fanwood’s state-of-the-art, 16-foot-wide outdoor movie screen.
LaGrande Park, LaGrande Avenue, Fanwood, NJ 07023
Movies on the Beach, Belmar
You can view movies on Thursday nights beginning at dusk, weather permitting. Wreck-It Ralph, Elf, and Frozen will be just a few of the blockbusters to see on the beach this summer.
7th Avenue Beach and Ocean, Belmar, NJ 07719
Downtown Freehold Movie Night, Freehold
Start with dinner in downtown Freehold and then make your way to the Hall of Records for an outdoor movie night under the stars. Make sure to bring a chair or blanket.
1 E. Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
South NJ
Free Family Movie Night, Wildwood
Movies will be shown at Bryne Plaza at Pacific Avenue on Tuesday nights starting at dusk, around 8:30 PM. Your littles will love Scooby Doo on the big screen.
Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Movies in Knight Park, Collingswood
Spend the night at the movies on Thursdays at Knight Park, located by the Browning and Collins intersection near the gazebo. This event is BYOC (bring your own chair) to see Cool Runnings, The Princess Diaries, and School of Rock.
Knight Park, Park Ave. & W. Browning Road, Collingswood, NJ 08107
Free Movies in the Park, Gloucester County
Gloucester County hosts free movies during the summer at different locations on select dates.
Locations vary
Movies under the Stars, Sea Isle City
Enjoy a mix of kids’ comedies and classic movies for free. Bring your beach chairs and blankets to Excursion Park in Sea Isle City.
Excursion Park; 2 41st Street, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
Movies on the Beach, Avalon
Check out the free movies on the beach every Friday at Avalon’s 30th Beach Street. Movies begin at dusk, and the films include Jaws and Mamma Mia!
30th Street and the beach, Avalon, NJ 08202
Movies on the Beach, Cape May
On Thursday nights, head down to the beach beside the Cape May Convention Hall for free movies starting at dusk. Films this year include Grease, A League of Their Own, and Surf’s Up.
Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204
Thrilling Thursdays, Margate City
Margate’s “Thrilling Thursdays” lets you watch movies under the stars behind the Martin Bloom Pavilion. Come early for family-friendly activities and giveaways before each flick.
Martin Bloom Pavilion between Granville and Huntington Avenues, Margate City, NJ 08402
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