Barbican outdoor cinema returns this August with 11 nights of films under the stars
A highlight of London’s cultural calendar, Barbican Outdoor Cinema returns this August with an unforgettable programme of open-air film screenings set against the dramatic backdrop of the Barbican Sculpture Court. Running from Wednesday 20 to Sunday 31 August 2025, this much-loved event is a unique cinema experience beneath the city skyline. Supported by Associate Partner Mastercard and Destination Partner Culture Mile BID, this year’s edition features a mix of classic favourites, cult hits and recent releases, with street food and bars available throughout the evening.
Dune, USA 1984, Dir David Lynch
This year’s line-up has been carefully curated by Barbican Cinema’s expert team, featuring works by acclaimed filmmakers including David Lynch, Wes Anderson, Claire Denis, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Julien Henriques, Isao Takahata and more. The series opens with Lynch’s cult classic Dune and closes with the musical Little Shop of Horrors. In between, audiences can enjoy a mix of genres and styles, from the animation of Fantastic Mr. Fox, to the sensual intensity of Beau Travail, and the spiritual dreamscapes of Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives.
The programme also features powerful stories centring underrepresented voices, including Babymother, a Black British musical set in 1990s Harlesden, and Love & Basketball, a sports romance that brought a rare female perspective to the genre. Documentary highlights include Fire of Love, a mesmerising story of two volcanologists in love with each other, and Cornucopia, a concert film showcasing Björk’s most ambitious live performance to date. Many films are part of Frequencies: the sounds that shape us, the Barbican’s summer cross-arts season exploring the power of sound.
Interim Head of Barbican Cinema Cary Sawhney describes Outdoor Cinema as a celebration of “the sheer joy of watching films alfresco, under the stars… in the heart of London.” Whether you’re revisiting a classic or discovering something new, this year’s Outdoor Cinema offers a perfect way to spend a summer evening immersed in cinema and city life.
Date: 20 August – 31 August 2025. Location: Barbican Sculpture Court, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS. Price: Standard £18 | Barbican Members £14.40 | Corporate Members £13.50 | Young Barbican £10 | Under 14s £10. (£1.50 booking fee applies to online bookings). Book now
