This summer, Lincoln Square is the ultimate destination for film lovers, offering a fantastic array of cinematic experiences. From international hits to critically acclaimed independent features to the biggest Hollywood blockbusters, there’s a screen for every taste—and it’s a perfect way to escape the summer heat!
Film at Lincoln Center: A World of Cinema
As a cornerstone of New York’s film scene, Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) consistently delivers exceptional programming at its two theaters: the Walter Reade Theater (165 W 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue) and the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center (144 W 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue).
This summer, dive into the globally expansive New York Asian Film Festival, running July 11–24. This 24th edition, co-presented by FLC and The New York Asian Film Foundation, is themed “Cinema as Disruption.” FLC is hosting more than 50 of the 100-plus films being featured in the festival, while additional films and screenings will take place at SVA Theatre, LOOK Cinemas W57, and the Korean Cultural Center NY. Get ready for groundbreaking and genre-defying cinema from across Asia! Then from from July 25–31, a legendary actor gets his due with “Gene Hackman: A Week with the Gene Genie.” This special retrospective celebrates Hackman’s incredible career, screening 18 of his most iconic films—including The French Connection, Bonnie and Clyde, and Unforgiven—mostly on glorious 35mm film.
Looking ahead to August, FLC will present “Luc Moullet: Anarchy in the Alps,” from August 8–14. This tribute to a key figure of the French New Wave features a collection of his rarely screened features and shorts, many will be shown in new 4k restorations, with Moullet himself appearing at select screenings to discuss his life and work. Later in the month, FLC brings back its Scary Movies festival for the first time in five years. Scary Movies XIII runs August 15–21, with a week of international horror films ranging from chilling debuts to genre-defying thrillers. Highlights include an Opening Night screening of It Ends with a reception, plus Q&As and special guests throughout the series.
Visit Film at Lincoln Center’s website for full details and tickets, plus when you’re there, enjoy lunch, dinner, or a treat at Café Paradiso located in the lobby of the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center.
New Plaza Cinema: Independent Gems Up Close
For those who cherish independent and arthouse films in a more intimate setting, New Plaza Cinema is a true neighborhood treasure offering weekend screenings at Macaulay Honors College (35 West 67th Street between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West). Their upcoming programming includes the NYC Short Film Showcase—a bi-monthly showcase of New York City filmmakers curated by Michael Jacobsohn—on Friday, July 25, at 7:00pm. Throughout the summer, get tickets to see Rebel With a Clause (2025), a documentary about Ellen Jovin taking her pop-up grammar advice stand on a road trip across all 50 states. Showings are scheduled with a Q&A for July 27, August 9, 16, and 24, and September 7. Keep an eye on their schedule, which often brings new independent features and beloved classics to their screen. You can find their full schedule and purchase tickets on their website at New Plaza Cinema.
AMC Lincoln Square 13: Blockbuster Spectacle
When it comes to experiencing the summer’s biggest box office hits, AMC Lincoln Square 13 (1998 Broadway at W 68th Street) is the place to be. With its cutting-edge technology, including massive IMAX and immersive Dolby Cinema screens, you’re guaranteed a thrilling cinematic ride.
This summer is full of highly anticipated movies. With DC Studios’ Superman (released July 11) receiving rave reviews, you won’t want to miss this fresh take on the Man of Steel. You can also catch ongoing summer action with Jurassic World Rebirth (released July 2), the high-octane F1 The Movie (released June 27), and the thrilling Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (released May 23). If you’re looking for something for the kids, check out Elio (released June 20) or How to Train Your Dragon (released June 13).
The next film expected to take the box office by storm is Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which comes out on July 25. Tickets are already on sale and going fast, so act quickly if you want to see it opening weekend. Plus, film fans, take note: there’s a rumor that tickets for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic The Odyssey—set to be released July 17, 2026—will go on sale this July 17, 2025, at select theaters including AMC Lincoln Square 13. That’s a full year in advance, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!
Check showtimes and book your tickets on the official AMC website at AMC Theatres.
Museum of Arts and Design (MAD): Unexpected Fantasy
Beyond dedicated cinemas, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) (2 Columbus Circle) sometimes surprises with unique film screenings. This August, they are celebrating fantasy classics with two special showings: The Last Unicorn on Sunday, August 3, at 2:00pm, and the visually stunning The Dark Crystal on Thursday, August 7, at 6:30pm. These films were selected by artist Saya Woolfalk in conjunction with her exhibition, Saya Woolfalk: Empathic Universe, and are perfect opportunities to combine an exploration of MAD’s innovative exhibitions with a nostalgic trip to cinematic worlds. You can learn more about their programming and plan your visit on MAD’s website.
Summer on the Hudson: Outdoor Cinema by the River
For a quintessential New York summer experience, don’t miss Summer on the Hudson, NYC Parks’ annual outdoor arts and culture festival. Taking place throughout Riverside Park from 59th to 153rd Street, this free, season-long celebration features hundreds of public events, including live music, dance, fitness classes, and more—no registration required.
One of the festival’s most beloved traditions is the Pier I Picture Show at Pier I @ 70th Street, where moviegoers can enjoy classic and contemporary films under the stars every Wednesday at dusk. With cooler evening breezes off the Hudson and the city skyline in view, it’s a perfect way to wind down on a warm summer night. This year’s theme is Dynamic Duos, with titles like Dirty Dancing, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and Bend It Like Beckham on the lineup. Screenings run from July 9 through August 20, and all films are Open Captioned.
For a complete schedule of Summer on the Hudson events, visit the NYC Parks website or the Riverside Park Conservancy website.
Whether you’re exploring the depths of world cinema, rediscovering a classic, or getting swept away by Hollywood’s biggest hits, Lincoln Square promises an unforgettable summer at the movies. So, beat the heat, grab your tickets, find your seat, and let the magic unfold!
Turn your trip to the movies into a full-day outing—our Neighborhood Guide covers all the dining and shopping destinations in Lincoln Square, so you can enjoy a meal and browse the racks before or after the film.
Image: Bonnie and Clyde. Courtesy of Film at Lincoln Center.
