Out of all of the beautiful places to catch an outdoor movie on this planet of ours, two are located in Los Angeles—or so says, uh, us. Yes, Time Out editors have recently ranked the best outdoor cinemas in the world, spanning Cannes to Cape Town to Cumbria to, yes, California. And in a movie-loving town like Los Angeles, few things bring Angelenos more joy than cozying up with fellow film lovers for a fun movie under the stars. But it certainly helps when that outdoor movie is enjoyed in a setting as sumptuous as what's onscreen.
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Out of 30 of the world’s most stunning alfresco cinemas on Time Out's list, Los Angeles is home to two, and one cracked the top five worldwide. Coming in fourth place is Cinespia, a local favorite that hosts dazzling screenings around town at Rose Bowl Stadium, the Greek Theatre, Los Angeles State Historic Park and, arguably most stunning of them all, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Now, hanging out in a cemetery to watch Romy and Michele's High School Reunion might initially seem strange but set on the large Fairbanks Lawn and projected directly onto a mausoleum, it proves to be a truly picturesque spot to, well, catch a picture.
Every summer, Cinespia shows classic movie favorites in the same resting places of hundreds of Hollywood stars and musicians including Judy Garland, Jayne Mansfield, Johnny Ramone, Bugsy Siegel, and Rudolph Valentino. Bring a picnic, including your favorite wine, or purchase food onsite before setting up camp with blankets, pillows, and low chairs. Stay for the live DJ set after the movie, a perfect wind-up experience inside this cemetery founded in 1899 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In the 23rd spot on Time Out's list sits Los Angeles’ Rooftop Cinema Club, a flawless place to snap “ussies” with your partner in front of the L.A. skyline before the movie starts. See cult classics as well as new releases at this outdoor venue that got its start in London and has evolved globally to rooftop locations all across the US. There’s a bar and lounge, plenty of noshes and nibbles, and wireless headphones that deliver the best high-tech sound. You’ll just have to choose between an Adirondack chair or loveseat.
So, what's your favorite scenic outdoor spot to catch a movie in L.A.?