Outdoor summer movies have lots in common with other types of warm-weather fun — namely, that all you need is a blanket, a beverage and a couple of hours to fully enjoy them.
As usual, many of the films on this annual roundup are all-ages appropriate, with new and classic animation and comedy and romance — but also kinetic genre flicks and crowd pleasers.
Most are free or cheap, and start around dusk (8:30 p.m.). Some offer family-friendly activities beforehand, so plan ahead for those and to get the best seats. That will also give you time to check out any food trucks, adult beverages or bathroom routes (always crucial, especially with kids).
See more at denverpost.com/things-to-do/movies.
Film on the Rocks (Morrison)
Denver Film’s annual series at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison. Schedule: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (June 12), “Black Panther” (replacing “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” June 19), “Top Gun: Maverick” (July 10), “Mamma Mia!” (July 24), “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” (Aug. 21). Tickets: $20. denverfilm.org/programs/film-on-the-rocks
Food & Flick Fridays (Firestone)
Screenings at Harney Park (June 16) and Settlers Park (July 21 and Aug. 18) in Firestone. Schedule: “A Bug’s Life” (June 16), “Top Gun: Maverick” (July 21), “Shrek” (Aug. 18). Free. firestoneco.gov/139/food-flick-fridays
Sunset Cinema: Films for Foodies (Denver)
Food-themed lineup paired with related, rotating food trucks and pre-show entertainment by Denver’s Dazzle Jazz, at downtown’s Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Schedule: “Chef” (June 13), “Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (June 27), “Tampop” (July 11), “The Hundred Foot Journey” (July 18), “The Menu” (July 25). Tickets: Free, with RSVP. artscomplex.com/events
Film on the Field (Aurora)
On the lawn outside the Stanley Marketplace in Aurora. Schedule: “Jurassic World Dominion” (June 24), “Top Gun: Maverick” (July 29), “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (Aug. 26), “Coco” (Sept. 30). Free. stanleymarketplace.com/stanley-events
Movies & Music in the Park (Golden)
At dusk at Parfet Park in Golden. Schedule: “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” (July 7), “Strange World” (Aug. 4), “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (Sept. 1) Free. cityofgolden.net
Movies in the Park (Westminster)
Various locations in Westminster. “DC League of Super Pets” (June 30, Fireman Park), “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (July 14, Westminster Center Park), “Lightyear” (Aug. 11, Irving Street Library), September title TBA. Free. cityofwestminster.us/specialevents
Summer Movie Series (Northglenn)
On the Festival Lawn in Northglenn, between Recreation Center and Veteran’s Memorial. Schedule: “Coco” (June 21), “Selena” (June 28), “Top Gun: Maverick” (July 12), “Disney’s Hook” (July 19). Free. northglennarts.org/programs/summer-movie-series
Movie Nights at Infinity Park (Glendale)
At Infinity Park Stadium in Glendale. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (June 12), “Encanto” (June 26), “Top Gun: Maverick” (July 10), “DC League of Super Pets” (July 24), “Hotel Transylvania: Transformia” (Oct. 16). Free. infinityparkatglendale.com/events
Movies at McGregor Square (Denver)
At McGregor Square, across from Coor’s Field in downtown Denver. Schedule: “Legally Blonde” (May 25), double-feature: “Top Gun” and “Top Gun: Maverick” (May 27), “Knives Out” (June 1), “Clue” (June 8), “Ocean’s Eleven” (June 15), “Uncharted” (June 22), “Hairspray” (July 6), “Pitch Perfect” (July 13), “La La Land” (July 20), “Dreamgirls” (July 27), “The Dark Knight Rises” (Aug. 3), “Antman and the Wasp: Quantamania” (Aug. 10), “Ready Player One” (Aug. 17), The Fast and the Furious (Aug. 24), “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (Aug. 31). Free. mcgregorsquare.com/events
Aspen Grove’s Goatflix (Littleton)
Yes, you can watch a couple of movies with goats after doing goat yoga. What a time to be alive! At Aspen Grove outdoor mall in Littleton. Schedule: “Jumanji” (May 28) and “Step Brothers” (June 25). Free. aspengrovecenter.com/event-listings/#events
Movies in the Park (Thornton)
Screenings alternate among Carpenter Park, Community Park, Fallbrook Farms and Trail Winds Park in Thornton. Schedule: “Space Jam: A New Legacy” (June 3), “The Emperor’s New Groove” (June 9), “Top Gun: Maverick” (June 17), “Puss in Boots” (July 1), “Aladdin” (July 14), “Jurassic Park” (July 15), “Up” (July 29), “The Lion King” (remake) (Aug. 4), “Paddington” (Aug. 12), “The Lost City” (Sept. 9), “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (Sept. 23). Free. thorntonco.gov/festivals-events
Avanti Movie Nights (Denver)
Weather-dependent outdoor screenings at Avanti Food & Beverage Hall in Denver. Schedule: “Pulp Fiction” (May 25), “Bridesmaids” (June 1), “Caddyshack” (June 8), “Coming to America” (June 15), “Legally Blonde” (June 22), “Top Gun: Maverick” (June 29), “Friday” (July 6), “Dazed & Confused” (July 13), “Elf” (July 20), “Crazy Rich Asians” (July 27), “Office Space” (Aug. 3), “Superbad” (Aug. 10), “Sex and the City” (Aug. 24), “Shaun of the Dead” (Aug. 31), “Clueless” (Sept. 7), “The Big Lebowski” (Sept. 14). avantifandb.com/blog/events-at-avanti
Movies on the South Green (Denver)
At the South Green park in Central Park (formerly Stapleton). Schedule: “Lightyear” (June 9), “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” (June 23), “Selena” (July 7), “Top Gun: Maverick” (July 21), “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (Aug. 18). Free. mca80238.com/programs/signature-events
Summer Films at Historic Elitch Theatre
Screenings at the restored, outdoor Historic Elitch Theatre in North Denver. Schedule: “Top Gun: Maverick” (June 16), “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” (June 30), “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (July 14), “Coco” (July 28). Free. historicelitchtheatre.org/events
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