Best Outdoor Movies To Watch In Your Backyard | Adventure
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Introduction to the Best Outdoor Movies
Outdoor movie nights are some of the my favorite childhood memories! The fire pit. The mallows. The bean bag chairs and the popcorn. Life was simple and sweet any time a good movie under the stars occurred. As life has gotten a little more complicated over the past years and decades, it’s imperative that we reminisce about the good times and actually re-live them!
That’s why I’ve created this list of the best outdoor movies for you and your family to enjoy! Part of The Rugged Face is the idea that life should be filled with experiences, not expensive gadgets. Watching a movie under the stars with a fire pit while roasting s’mores is one of the best ways to ensure your kids will create a memory and an experience.
What We’ll Cover In This Post
In this post, I’m going to break down all of the best outdoor movies into 4 categories:
- Family-Friendly: Movies that ain’t got cussin’ or too much skin.
- Thriller: Movies that will make you want to check the alley a time or two.
- Adventure: Movies that will force you to fantasize about hiking in the Alaskan wilderness or the Appalachian trail.
- My Personal Favorites: Movies that I simply love and are PERFECT for outside.
Finally, as a bonus, I’ve gone ahead and gathered the best outdoor movie settings that you can enjoy with 100-200 of your closest strangers throughout the country! Maybe you don’t live in one of these cities, but I bet you’ll venture to one of them at some point. When you do, check out the outdoor theaters!
So let’s dive right into it!
Family-Friendly Movies
2021
Encanto
Deep in the mountains of Colombia, the magical Madrigal family lives in an enchanted house where everyone has a special gift—except Mirabel. When the magic is threatened, it’s up to this young woman to save it. “Encanto” brings the warmth of a family-friendly summer camp to your outdoor movie theatre with colorful animations and catchy tunes. It’s like a “Harry Potter” house party but with a bit more salsa and a lot more heart.
Directors
Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith
Where To Stream
Disney+
IMDB Rating
7.2
Cast
Stephanie Beatriz, María Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo
Rating
PG
2018
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
In this dazzling animated adventure, urban teen Miles Morales becomes Spider-Man and discovers he’s not the only one! Teaming up with Spider-People from other dimensions, they swing into action to save the day. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is a fun, fresh take on the superhero genre that will have you feeling like you’re at a Saturday night screening of your favorite films. With a mix of action flicks and comic book flair, it’s perfect for young adults and those young at heart.
Director
Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
Where To Stream
Netflix
IMDB Rating
8.4
Cast
Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld
Rating
PG
2017
Coco
Young Miguel dreams of becoming a musician, even though his family has banned music. When a magical mishap lands him in the Land of the Dead, he teams up with a mischievous spirit on a journey to uncover his family’s secrets. Perfect for an outdoor movie night, this visually stunning film will warm your heart as you enjoy it under the stars with your favorite snacks.
Director
Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
Where To Stream
Disney+
IMDB Rating
8.4
Cast
Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
Rating
PG
2014
Toy Story 4
Woody, Buzz, and the gang hit the road for a wild adventure in “Toy Story 4.” As they navigate new challenges and reunite with old friends, this film is a heartfelt goodbye to childhood, filled with the kind of warmth you get from a family-friendly summer camp. It’s one of those good movies that’s perfect for a night at your outdoor movie theatre, complete with your own blankets and patio heaters.
Director
Josh Cooley
Where To Stream
Disney+
IMDB Rating
7.7
Cast
Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts
Rating
G
2017
Paddington 2
Paddington Bear, the epitome of politeness, takes on odd jobs to buy Aunt Lucy a special gift for her 100th birthday. But when the gift is stolen, Paddington becomes the unlikeliest of heroes, determined to clear his name. It’s the perfect choice for an outdoor movie night with mismatched mutts and all. A delightful film that reminds us that kindness and marmalade sandwiches can solve almost anything.
Director
Paul King
Where To Stream
HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video (with subscription)
IMDB Rating
7.9
Cast
Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant, Hugh Bonneville
Rating
PG
Thrillers
2017
Get Out
When Chris visits his girlfriend’s family estate, what starts as a quaint weekend quickly spirals into a psychological nightmare. “Get Out” masterfully blends the suspenseful, darker moments with the societal commentary you’d expect from David Attenborough narrating a dog-eat-dog reality show. It’s a sharp, thrilling commentary on race relations, perfect for those starry Saturday nights when you want your outdoor movie theatre to get a little chilling.
Director
Jordan Peele
Where To Stream
Amazon Prime Video, Peacock
IMDB Rating
7.7
Cast
Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford
Rating
R
2018
A Quiet Place
Silence is survival in “A Quiet Place,” where a family must navigate their world without making a sound, or face deadly consequences. This thriller brings the tension to your outdoor movie theatre, but with way more quiet. Imagine watching this under a starry night, every rustle of leaves making the suspense more palpable. It’s the kind of movie that will have you clutching your blankets and holding your breath, hoping no one crunches their popcorn too loudly.
Director
John Krasinski
Where To Stream
Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video
IMDB Rating
7.5
Cast
Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds
Rating
PG-13
1977
Parasite
The Kim family infiltrates the luxurious home of the nouveau riche Park family, posing as unrelated, highly qualified workers. What starts as a clever scam turns into a dark and twisted tale of class warfare. “Parasite” is a smart, genre-bending thriller with the stakes raised to a terrifying new level. Perfect for an outdoor movie night where you want to mix high drama with a touch of Pulp Fiction-style edge.
Director
Bong Joon Ho
Where To Stream
Hulu
IMDB Rating
8.5
Cast
Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong
Rating
R
2019
Knives Out
When the wealthy family patriarch Harlan Thrombey is found dead, Detective Benoit Blanc is on the case to unravel the mystery. “Knives Out” is a modern whodunit that is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. This is one of those good movies that’s perfect for a cool evening at your outdoor movie theatre, where you can gather with friends and family, sharing theories and enjoying every twist and turn of this engaging mystery.
Directors
Rian Johnson
Where To Stream
Amazon Prime Video, Netflix
IMDB Rating
7.9
Cast
Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas
Rating
PG-13
2020
The Invisible Man
Cecilia’s escape from her abusive relationship turns terrifying when she begins to suspect her ex isn’t really dead—but invisible. “The Invisible Man” is like will test your nerves as a gripping psychological thriller that leaves you dangling in suspense. Perfect for an outdoor movie night under the stars, this film combines the chilling tension of a good mystery with the eerie atmosphere of a ghost story. Just don’t watch it alone, unless you really like jump scares.
Director
Leigh Whannell
Where To Stream
HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video (with subscription)
IMDB Rating
7.1
Cast
Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid
Rating
R
Adventure
2021
Dune
On the desert planet Arrakis, young Paul Atreides faces political intrigue, warfare, and his destiny. “Dune” is the perfect mix of fun meets action but set in a vast, sandy wilderness with a little intensity. It’s an epic journey that will have you glued to your seat (or blanket) at your outdoor movie theatre. With its breathtaking visuals and complex plot, “Dune” is one of those action flicks that demands the big screen treatment under a starry night.
Director
Denis Villeneuve
Where To Stream
HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video (with subscription)
IMDB Rating
8.0
Cast
Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac
Rating
PG-13
2015
Mad Max: Fury Road
In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Max teams up with Furiosa in a high-octane chase across the desert. “Mad Max: Fury Road” is an adrenaline-fueled ride, like a movie on speed, with stunts that will leave you breathless. This is the ultimate outdoor movie theatre experience, best enjoyed with the roar of engines in the background and the smell of burning rubber (or maybe just the BBQ nearby). It’s one of those good movies that defines what action flicks should be—pure, unrelenting chaos.
Director
George Miller
Where To Stream
HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video (with subscription)
IMDB Rating
8.1
Cast
Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult
Rating
R
2015
The Revenant
After being mauled by a bear and left for dead, frontiersman Hugh Glass embarks on a relentless journey through the wilderness. “The Revenant” is survival at its most raw and thrilling. Ideal for an outdoor movie theatre night, especially with the rugged beauty of the landscape projected under the starry night sky. This adventure will have you gripping your blankets tight as you feel every ounce of Hugh’s struggle.
Directors
Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Where To Stream
Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
IMDB Rating
8.0
Cast
Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter
Rating
R
2021
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Peter Parker’s secret identity is out, and he’s in way over his head! “Spider-Man: No Way Home” brings together characters from across the Spider-Verse in a high-flying adventure that’s part “Indiana Jones” search for lost relics and part “Harry Potter” wizardry, with a dash of “Kung Fu Panda” action. Perfect for an outdoor movie night where you want to mix nostalgia with epic battles, all under a starry sky. It’s a fun, emotional rollercoaster that’s sure to be one of your favorite films of the year.
Director
Jon Watts
Where To Stream
Starz, Amazon Prime Video (with subscription)
IMDB Rating
8.2
Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch
Rating
PG-13
2021
Jungle Cruise
Dr. Lily Houghton and skipper Frank Wolff navigate the Amazon in search of an ancient tree with healing powers. Jungle Cruise is filled with supernatural forces and witty banter. Ideal for a fun, outdoor movie night, this action-adventure film brings the thrills of a theme park ride straight to your outdoor movie theatre. Just bring your own chairs, your sense of humor, and a taste for adventure.
Director
Jaume Collet-Serra
Where To Stream
Disney+
IMDB Rating
6.6
Cast
Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Edgar Ramírez
Rating
PG-13
My Personal Favorites
2024
Twisters
A new generation of daring storm chasers is on the hunt, facing down Mother Nature’s fury. Tyler Owens, a famous YouTube tornado wrangler and a heartbroken meteorology wizard team up to save the lives of thousands of people in this highly-anticipated sequel to Twister. Bring your own blankets, chairs, and maybe even a safety helmet—just in case! Imagine the action of “Indiana Jones” but with tornadoes, and you’ve got the perfect film for a thrilling outdoor movie night.
Directors
Lee Isaac Chung
Where To Stream
Amazon Prime Video
IMDB Rating
8.1
Cast
Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos
Rating
PG-13
2022
Top Gun: Maverick
Maverick is back, and this time, he’s teaching the next generation of fighter pilots how to soar through the skies. Top Gun displays death-defying stunts that will have you gripping your seat at your outdoor movie theatre. Perfect for fans of action flicks and aerial combat, this movie is one of the best to watch under the stars. Grab your aviators, rev up your engines, and get ready for an epic ride that’s nothing short of magical.
Director
Joseph Kosinski
Where To Stream
Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video
IMDB Rating
8.3
Cast
Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly
Rating
PG-13
2020
Nomadland
“Nomadland” follows Fern, a modern-day nomad who embarks on a journey through the American West, living in her van and forging a new path after the death of her family patriarch. This film showcases a focus on the great outdoors and the beauty of transient living. Perfect for an outdoor movie night under the stars, this film is all about resilience, freedom, and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world.
Director
Chloé Zhao
Where To Stream
Hulu
IMDB Rating
7.3
Cast
Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May
Rating
R
2003
Finding Nemo
Dive into the colorful world of “Finding Nemo,” where a brave clownfish named Marlin teams up with the forgetful but lovable Dory on a quest to find his lost son. This film is like any good Pixar film, but set underwater with mismatched mutts and plenty of laughs. This is one of those family-friendly films that’s perfect for a summer outdoor movie night, where the vibrant ocean scenes come to life on the big screen. Bring your own blankets, chairs, and maybe a snorkel!
Director
Andrew Stanton
Where To Stream
Disney+
IMDB Rating
8.2
Cast
Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould
Rating
G
2014
Wild
Based on the true story of Cheryl Strayed, “Wild” follows a young woman on an epic hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, seeking to heal from personal tragedy. This film has a ton of heart and soul. Ideal for an outdoor movie night under the stars, this film will inspire you to lace up your boots and hit the trail. Just don’t forget your own blankets, chairs, and a sense of adventure!
Director
Jean-Marc Vallée
Where To Stream
Hulu
IMDB Rating
7.1
Cast
Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Gaby Hoffmann
Rating
R
Best Outdoor Movie Theatre Experiences
At this point, you’ve probably grabbed your lawn chairs, a few imaginary friends and built yourself a little snack bar you’ll indulge in then immediately regret your consumption choices. Why not take a step further and explore some of the best outdoor movie theatres across the country?
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy rooftop cinema to watch The Notebook, a nostalgic drive-in for Titanic, or a truly unique experience like watching Halloween in a historic cemetery, these venues offer something for everyone. Imagine enjoying a classic film with a backdrop of the Manhattan skyline or surrounded by the mystique of Hollywood’s most iconic resting place. These settings are more than just places to watch a movie; they’re destinations that turn a simple screening into a memorable event. And let’s face it, memories are created via experiences. Experiences are created via adventure. Adventure is created via a choice.
The Rooftop Cinema Club in cities like New York and Los Angeles combines breathtaking views with the comfort of deck chairs and wireless headphones, making it a perfect urban escape.
For something truly different, Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles lets you watch your favorite films among the stars—literally and figuratively.
Drive-ins like Starlight Drive-In Theatre in Atlanta and Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In in Austin offer a nostalgic trip back in time, while Bryant Park Summer Film Festival in New York and The Moonlight Cinema in Chicago provide the perfect lawn setting for a laid-back summer evening.
Whether you’re traveling or looking to experience something new in your hometown, these outdoor movie venues are a must-visit. So pack up your blankets and chairs, grab some snacks, and get ready for a movie night you’ll never forget!
Conclusion to the Best Outdoor Movies
So there you have it! These are the top 10, well top 15, best outdoor movies for an amazing night-time experience! The next time you’re ready to do something a little different, consider catching a flick under the stars and in front of the fireplace.
At The Rugged Face, we believe that life should be filled with experiences that bring us closer together, not gadgets that pull us apart. Whether you’re planning a fun outdoor movie night with your kids, a thrilling date night, or just some time to relax and escape into another world, we hope this guide has inspired you to make the most of your evenings under the stars.
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About the Author
John Claborn
Hi! I’m John. Author of the post you just read. I like to write about all things adventure. Mostly things to help people live more adventurous lives and care for their families in a more meaningful way. By day, I’m a COO. By night, I’m a rad dad of 4 kids that I don’t deserve and a husband to a woman I can’t understand how I got. My goal is to show freedom to people through adventure and experiences.
