About
Wireless headphones, lounge chairs and the Empire State Building glowing over the screen — Midtown's rooftop cinema runs crowd-pleasers nightly.
This is the outdoor movie experience engineered to its final form: deck chairs instead of a crowded lawn, wireless headphones that shut out Midtown's honking, and the Empire State Building lit up right behind the screen. The programming leans quotable — rom-coms, 80s and 90s classics, singalongs — so the crowd is half date-night, half friend groups mouthing every line. If a free park screening feels like a gamble, this is the guaranteed-good version of a movie under the stars.
What to expect
You check in at street level and ride up to a third-floor terrace of ordered lounge chairs, each with a headphone set waiting. There's a bar slinging cocktails, beer and popcorn, blankets on cooler nights, and a skyline view that competes with whatever's on screen.
Good to know
- Steps from Herald Square — nearly every subway line lands within a few blocks
- Each screening lists its own age policy; many evening shows are adults-oriented
- Shows go ahead in light rain with ponchos; heavy weather triggers rescheduling
- Seats are assigned by ticket tier, with love-seat options for couples
- The wireless headphones have individual volume control
- Food and drink are purchased on site; outside food isn't allowed
More film this weekend
Common questions
What's playing on a given night?
The calendar rotates nightly between classics, recent blockbusters and cult favorites — check the Rooftop Cinema Club site for the current schedule and pick your film before booking.
What happens if it rains?
Screenings continue in light rain (ponchos are handed out), and the venue reschedules or credits tickets if weather forces a cancellation.
Is it really on a rooftop?
Yes — an open-air third-floor terrace at 60 W 37th Street with a direct view of the Empire State Building above the screen.