The Barbican, one of London's most iconic venues, has unveiled its summer outdoor cinema season, set to take place in the brutalist landmark's Sculpture Court from Wednesday, August 19 to Sunday, August 30. This year's lineup offers a diverse selection of films, ranging from Spike Lee concert documentaries to Denis Villeneuve science fiction, alongside French New Wave classics and Iranian cinema gems.
Film Highlights
US indie cinema is well-represented with Desperately Seeking Susan and The Florida Project. Japanese animation fans can enjoy Makoto Shinkai's Weathering With You, while kaiju enthusiasts will appreciate Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964), introduced by expert Steven Sloss. Londoners have a rare opportunity to see the 1996 LGBTQ+ coming-of-age film Beautiful Thing, shot in Thamesmead and Greenwich, under the stars.
Full Lineup
- Arrival (2016) – Wed Aug 19, 8.30pm
- David Byrne's American Utopia (2020) – Sun Aug 30, 8.30pm
- Offside (2006) – Thu Aug 20, 8.30pm
- Atlantics (2019) – Fri Aug 21, 8.30pm
- Weathering With You (2019) – Sat Aug 22, 8.30pm
- Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964) + intro – Sun Aug 23, 8.30pm
- The Florida Project (2017) – Tue Aug 25, 8.30pm
- Pierrot le Fou (1965) – Wed Aug 26, 8.30pm
- Poetic Justice (1993) – Thu Aug 27, 8.30pm
- Beautiful Thing (1996) – Fri Aug 28, 8.30pm
- Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) – Sat Aug 29, 8.30pm
Ticket Information
Tickets go on sale to Barbican members at 10am on Wednesday, May 13, and to the general public at 10am on Thursday, May 14. Standard tickets are priced at £20, concessions at £18, Barbican members at £16.50, and under-18s at just £10.
Rebecca Fons, Head of Barbican Cinema, said: 'August is our favourite month at the Barbican: we set up chairs, assemble the big screen, and settle in to enjoy our outdoor cinema line-up with fellow movie lovers under the London night sky. This year's line-up is an eclectic mix that includes but is not limited to beloved coming of age stories, cult classics, and one three-headed monster - all of which will look spectacular against the backdrop of the Barbican. Summer can't come soon enough!'
