The best outdoor cinemas in Melbourne

Catch a flick with a side of rooftop views at Lido Cinema's rooftop cinema, which hosts the latest films, themed screenings and classic flicks. In the lead-up to Christmas, catch all the new releases as well as classics like Love Actually, Die Hard and The Holiday. The rooftop bar opens one hour before showtime for a pre-session tipple.

Calling all serious cinephiles, Palace Cinemas has opened an entertainment complex in Moonee Ponds. It features 11 indoor screens, state-of-the-art 4K laser projection, fully reclining leather lounges and an extensive menu. But the cherry on top of this delightful cinematic sundae is the rooftop area, which boasts spectacular views of the suburb and an outdoor screen that shows everything from new releases to cult classics and kid-friendly favourites. Guess that’s your summer sorted, right? 

Want a side of beachside charm with your cinema experience? Dromana’s drive-in cinema has been screening movies on its four screens since 1962. These days you can grab food from the on-site diner and watch a selection of classic flicks and new blockbusters. 

There's nothing quite like a film under the stars in the evening cool of the Botanic Gardens. Settle back with friends and family for a movie and BYO picnic on a balmy summer night, or let one of the food trucks take care of the nibbles for you. 

Make like a teenager of the 1950s and lie back on your car windscreen at one of Melbourne’s favourite drive-in cinema. You can roll on in, order your food from the retro diner via text message and enjoy brand-new flicks. 

Pentridge Prison, once home to crims like Ned Kelly, Chopper Reed and Squizzy Taylor, as well as luminaries like Indigenous actor Uncle Jack Charles and anti-nuclear campaigner John Dixon-Jenkins, has now been turned into a retail and hospitality precinct. There is a 15-screen Palace Cinemas inside the new complex, but Palace often stages something of a jailbreak, bringing the big screen outdoors for summer.

The delights of Curtin House are myriad and storeyed, but in summer it’s worth making a beeline all the way to the top, when the literally named Rooftop Bar becomes the Rooftop Cinema. The venue shows the latest releases, cult favourites and classic films, and why would you ever want to be stuck in a dark theatre when you can watch a movie against the gorgeous backdrop of Melbourne’s skyline? Rooftop Cinema is yet to reveal its plans for a 2024 season, but watch this space.