By Tara Kyle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — The days are longer, the television season is over, and the temperatures — well, they'll be rising soon, we trust. As the season kicks off with Memorial Day weekend, DNAinfo has rounded up Manhattan's best outdoor cinema for summer.
From the freshly developed banks of the Hudson to the distant world of Roosevelt Island, here's our guide to where to find big screen excitement, free from gum-and-popcorn-covered seating.
Riverside Park Pier I at 70th Street
Unless tripping over strollers is your idea of a terror-inducing activity, the Upper West Side probably doesn't fill you with fear.
But the Riverside Park Fund is trying to incite at least a few screams with this year's summer flicks series, headlined "TERRORIBLE: Terror through the Decade."
The film slate includes "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," "The Birds" (take heed, West Side hawk watchers), "The Invisible Man," and yes, "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!"
Every Wednesday from July 13 to August 17 at 8:30 p.m. Picnics welcome, but no alcohol or glass bottles. All films are free.
The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue
Everyday acts of heroism for your average Manhattanite might be limited to clearing a seat on the subway, but the Intrepid's series celebrates big feats of selflessness and stuntwork.
The primarily PG-rated program includes a heavy dose of Steven Spielberg ("E.T.", "Jurassic Park"), plus 80s staples such as "The Goonies," and "Back to the Future." But the museum's biggest fans will probably want to report to the carrier for its May 27 kick off — flight school megahit "Top Gun."
Showing every other Friday from May 27 to August 19. Films are free, but get there before the doors open at 7:30 p.m. to secure your ticket. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and food, but no alcohol on the flight deck.
Roosevelt Island Firefighters Field
Mimic the rural drive-in theater experience without (technically) leaving the borough.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation is offering a blend of kid-focused flicks ("The Incredibles," "Up" and "The Goonies,") and action-oriented fare ("Star Trek," "Iron Man 2" and "Tron").
Every other Saturday from June 25 through September 3. Free, with food and drink available for purchase.
Bryant Park 40th to 42nd Streets between Sixth and Fifth Avenues
Will there be booze? The Bryant Park Corporation are moving forward with a plan to allow beer and wine at its annual HBO Summer Film Festival. Everyone agrees that here, incognito alcohol consumption is already the norm, but a change in rules will allow Manhattanites to ditch the camouflage.
Buzzed or not, park goers this year can enjoy a line up of cinematic classics including "Cool Hand Luke," "Dirty Harry," "Easy Rider" and "The 39 Steps."
Mondays from June 20 through August 22. All films are free, but no outside chairs or tarps. Picnics available from the 'Wichcraft kiosk.
River to River Festival Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street
The film portion of this year's River to River Festival sticks to cinema with an explicit New York connection.
"Desperately Seeking Susan" lets a suburban housewife live out another life as an NYC drifter, "The Godfather Part II" follows Vito Corleone's days in the city of the 1920s New York, and cult flick "The Brother From Another Planet" tracks the path of a mute alien slave in Harlem.
June 20, 27 and July 11 at 8 p.m. Picnics welcome. Free tickets available from 6 p.m. on site.
Hudson River Park Pier 46 (Charles and West Streets) and Pier 63 (West 22nd and West Street)
Take the kids to the South (Pier 46), and the hipsters to the North (Pier 63).
River Flicks for Kids on Pier 46 offers old favorites and recent hits ranging from "The Princess Bride" and "Karate Kid" to "Tangled" and "How to Tame Your Dragon."
River Flicks for Grown Ups on Pier 63's lawn focuses on recent Oscar bait ("The Social Network," "The Kids Are Alright," "The Fighter"), but lightens the mix with R-rated teen comedies "Easy A" and "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World."
For kids: Fridays from July 8 through August 19. For grown-ups: Wednesdays from July 6 through August 17.
All films are free, with complimentary popcorn and other food and beverages available for purchase.
Rooftop Films Various locations
Smaller venues allow for less blockbuster-driven selections at this annual series billed as "underground movies outdoors."
This Wednesday, Rooftop Films offers a twisted array of animated shorts at Solar One in Kips Bay (2420 FDR Drive). Friday, the series turns its sights on love with a program of short romantic films at the Lower East Side's Open Road Rooftop (350 Grand Street).
$10 for general admission tickets. Check online listings for the complete program.
