Upcoming film screenings and events in Melbourne

It's officially that time of year again when the Moonlight Cinema returns to Melbourne for the summer. There's just something special about snuggling into a bean bag and catching a film under the stars in the Royal Botanic Gardens – with an ice cream or wine in hand, of course.  Australia's favourite outdoor cinema has dropped its summer screening schedule, with blockbusters, nostalgic favourites and comedies on the program. Highlights include Gladiator II, The Substance, Better Man, A Complete Unknown and Wicked (and yes, there's even a sing-along session). Starting from February 11 to coincide with Valentine's Day, there will be a string of romcoms that are guaranteed to warm your heart. Grab your beloved or your bestie and catch everything from classics like Notting Hill and The Notebook to new releases We Live in Time and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.  Those looking to splurge can opt for either the Platinum Experience, which includes a deluxe double bean bed (including a blanket you can take home!) for two with waiter service or the Singapore Airlines Gold Grass, with a prime position in front of the screen and an exclusive menu of delicious treats. The Official Aperol Spritz Bar is also returning, so you can sip on that iconic orange cocktail all summer long. Screenings kick off at sundown and even your pooch is welcome. Tickets are now available via the website. Want more fun in the sun? Here are the best things to do in Melbourne this December.

While rugging up in front of the TV is best suited to cooler months, summer doesn’t mean the end of movie nights. In fact, they’re getting a major upgrade this season thanks to a free program of classics, blockbusters and festival screenings that’s set to roll out in Fed Square from January 3 until March 25. The exciting crop of mini-programs includes three nights of Christopher Nolan’s collaborations with composer Hans Zimmer (Inception, Interstellar, and The Dark Knight), a celebration of the queen of country Dolly Parton (just in time for her 79th birthday), and a trio of boot scootin’ westerns (yee-haw). On the festival front, you can bring the whole family along to 2000s cult-comedy Best in Show as part of the NGV Kids Summer Festival, or close out your Midsumma celebrations at a showing of 1978 classic The Wiz, starring Diana Ross. The gem in the program’s crown is three days of silent cinema with live scores – an unusual treat. Gather your picnic supplies, movie buffs and music nerds, and settle in for rare screenings of three transportative, uproarious silent films.  Catch the carefully-restored classical Indian folk story Ramayana and other tales, Hollywood dino-romp The Lost World or rip-roaring Buster Keaton physical comedies One Week and Sherlock Jr. Find out more and start scheduling your free summer movie nights. Want more? These are the best outdoor cinemas in Melbourne. 

Update: unfortunately, this event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Picture this: a warm summer night, a big inflatable bed to lounge on, tasty food, drinks and a great movie. Sounds like the recipe for a practically perfect evening, right? Well, you can make this dream a reality when the Mov'in Bed outdoor cinema returns to our city this summer.  Having moved from its original location of St Kilda, this time around it's set to turn the District Docklands into a beachy oasis complete with pristine white sand, waterfront views, 150 comfy beds and the largest outdoor screen in the country.   From December 6, 2024 to March 30, 2025, you can catch the latest flicks like The Joker: Folie a Deux and Gladiator II, as well as festive classics like Home Alone – with more to be announced. The only catch is you need to be speedy – there are usually only 150 queen size beds per night (accommodating up to three people – cosy). If you don’t mind sitting on the sand, you can BYO blanket, and the tickets are cheaper. Ticket prices range from $12 to $119. The cinema gate opens at 6pm, with the movie starting at around sunset (which is around 8.30pm). The season runs from Saturday, January 4 until Sunday, February 23. Screenings run Wednesdays to Sundays.  Love a flick under the stars? Here are the best outdoor cinemas in Melbourne.