Open-air cinema in Amsterdam | I amsterdam (2024)

Films with a View at Pllek

Image from Pllek

Outdoor screenings at the city’s finest riverside bar are back! Films with a View takes place at Pllek every Tuesday throughout the summer. Enjoy the funniest, most moving, exciting and controversial flicks with a co*cktail in hand and the sand between your toes. This urban beach promises one of the best views in the city.

Upcoming screenings:

Cityscape Cinema

Get closer to the stars with these showings of Hollywood favourites projected on rooftop terraces across Amsterdam. While Floor17 bar, perched atop the Leonardo Hotel Rembrandtpark, is the original home base for these events, screenings may pop up at surprise elevated locations throughout the city, including Lagerwal, Vondelkerk, SUPPER, A'DAM LOOKOUT, and the Hotel Arena. Keep an eye on their website and social media for updates. Each event promises tasty food, killer co*cktails, and crowd-pleasing movies, from romantic comedies and Disney classics to high-octane actions and sci-fi.

2024 dates TBC | Cityscape Cinema(formerly Rooftop Movie Nights) |various locations

Pluk de Nacht

Image from Cloud Mine Photography - Melanie Lemahieu

As the sun sets, sit in your deckchair, snuggle under a blanket and enjoy a slice of undiscovered cinema on the big screen.Pluk de Nacht(Seize the Night) brings not-yet-released films to Amsterdam’s summer nights at an idyllic waterside location, Het Stenen Hoofd in West. Genres range from absurd rom-coms, indie and arthouse cinema to haunting horror flicks, documentaries or animation. Many films are plucked from a star crop featured at the major international film festivals and are screened in English or subtitled.

West Beach Film Festival

Image from Amie Galbraith

There’s nothing like a lakeside setting to add some drama to your cinema experience. Discover the West Beach Film Festival on the edge of Sloterplas in Nieuw West. The programmes of previous years have included live sets by some of Amsterdam’s best DJs and an eclectic mix of Dutch and English films, so there will surely be something for everyone during these 11 evenings of free waterfront movie mania.

Sunsets at Eye

Image from Ruben Hanssen

Soak up the last evening rays with a drink and a special film at EYE this summer. Once again the iconic film museum will be putting on open-air screenings in the surrounding park along the banks of the IJ River. The 2023 programme included classic and new releases, includingBoy(2010, Taika Waititi) from New Zealand as the opening filmDonnie Darko(2001, Richard Kelly) and a preview ofBoiling Point(2021, Philip Barantini). The films are projected on a 5 x 12-meter screen and are accompanied by a short supporting act.

Movies at H'ART

Image from Pauline Arkesteijn

In August, the courtyard of the H'ART Museum will once again be transformed into the city's largest, most atmospheric and romantic open-air cinema. Bring a fellow movie buff and treat them to an unforgettable evening with their selection of 10 unique films. All the non-English picks will be subtitled.

Pink Movie Nights - Queer & Pride

As part of the cultural programming for Queer & Pride Amsterdam 2024, several squares across the city will be transformed into lively open-air cinemas. Expect a challenging and fun programme of queer cinema classics. You can bring your own snacks and drinks, and entrance is free.

Bijlmerbios

Image from Hans Mooren

This three-night, open-air cinema festival in Zuidoost shows films that in some way relate to the local Bijlmer-neighbourhood community. The movies are screened in the tunnel under the tracks of the 10-meter-high Kraaiennest metro station, which has a thrumming and vibrant Amsterdam energy. Bring your own seats or show up early to snag a spot at one of the nearby restaurant terraces.

2024 dates TBC | Bijlmerbios| Kraaiennest metro station

Cinetree Forest Film Festival

Image from Jelle Draper

Set in the lush surroundings of Amsterdam Forest, the Amsterdamse Bostheater will host a succession of themed movie nights again this year. Last year's programme included Elvis, Paris is Burning, Peanut Butter Falcon, Cinema Paradiso and Isle of Dogs. Order a picnic basket in advance so you can snack while you watch, then close out the evening with drinks and dancing.