Prague summer cinema guide 2023: Where to see films under the stars

This year, Prague's lineup of outdoor cinema options invites after-sunset viewing of a range of films from recent new releases to classics, as well as Czech favorites, film-festival indies, and Hollywood blockbusters.

Before you head out, we've got a few tips to make sure you have the best experience possible. First things first, be prepared for the weather. Even though it's summer, temperatures can take a sudden dip after sunset, so bring along a cozy jacket or a snug blanket to keep yourself warm and comfortable.

Another important point to keep in mind is the language of the films being screened. To avoid any disappointment, make sure you check whether the films have English subtitles. Czech and foreign films often don't include English subtitles, while Hollywood blockbusters sometimes have Czech-dubbed versions. Don't worry though, there are still plenty of screenings that cater to English-speaking viewers.

To secure your spot, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance online. Unless specified otherwise, tickets are usually required for admission. And hey, here's some good news! Most venues offer a selection of refreshments to satisfy your movie cravings. So, mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience under the open sky.

Arkády shopping center (Sunset Cinema): Billing itself as “the most atmospheric open-air cinema on a Prague roof,” this venue in Pankrác shows classics and cult movies such as Pretty Woman, Interstellar, and La La Land on a giant LED screen. Seating options are bean bags and lawn chairs.

Autokino Strahov: The main and longest-running outdoor cinema is behind the giant stadium in Strahov. As the name hints, it is a drive-in, though there is also space for people without cars to sit. The schedule includes recent films including some big blockbusters. Films are projected in 4k resolution onto a 13-meter wide screen.

DOX: Films about art will be shown every Wednesday, starting July 5 on the roof of the art gallery. The films will be in the original versions with English and Czech subtitles.

Kasárna Karlín: The former barracks near the Florenc bus depot has a varied schedule of events with the occasional film screening thrown in. Usually, the movies are popular favorites from the past, but once in a while, a new film is shown in cooperation with film festivals or cultural centers.

Žluté lázně: The riverside spa in Podolí has the occasional screening of hits ranging from Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Top Gun: Maverick. You can sit in the spa’s small meadow and see the films right after the sun sets across the river.  

Cross Club: The strangely decorated venue in Holešovice has a handful of films over the summer including a screening of Pulp Fiction.

Dlabačov: The cinema in Prague 6 has a few outdoor screenings including Vertigo and The Blues Brothers.

Gabriel: The cultural space at Klášter sv. Gabriela in Smíchov has a small schedule of films including Cocaine Bear and Pulp Fiction.

Jasoň: The cultural center in Praha 12 has a mix of recent art house hits with a few entries that are English-friendly.

Karlínské náměstí: Films are shown every Friday, but information on upcoming titles is pretty scarce.

Kinský zahrada: The focus is on Czech and Slovak films, but a few exceptions are in English.

Klubovna: The Prague 6 cultural center has very occasional summer films including a screening of Coffee and Cigarettes.

MeetFactory: The 11th season of the cultural center’s film program has a dozen films that explore the theme of the human body, but only Whale and Titan are English-friendly. Projections will take place on the side of Galerie Zeď. Admission this year is free.

Park Maxe van der Stoela (U Keplera): Screenings in the park between Prague Castle and Břevnov start up on June 23. The venue will soon relaunch its website with ticket info. This year they will focus on indie films, but most announced so far are not English-friendly.

Pragovka: This year, films will be shown indoors in one of the halls of the former car factory, but organizers still call it a summer cinema. Films will be shown every Thursday and the theme is landscape. Feature films are coupled with an introductory short. Admission is free.

Stalin: The outdoor club in Letná under the base of the former Statue of Stalin has a small handful of films on its summer schedule including one showing of Amadeus.

Vypich: The outdoor cinema at (ne)konečná Vypich in Prague 6 is prepared in cooperation with the district’s youth center (DDM). Screenings are free, but you need to bring your own seats or blankets to sit on. Most of the schedule is not English-friendly.

Anežský klášter (Convent of St Agnes): The retro cinema is running a few older films from actual 16 mm film, but none listed so far seem to be English-friendly.

Černy Most shopping center: The roof of the mall has an outdoor cinema in cooperation with Prima MAX and Paramount, starting on June 29. Admission is free, but the films are all dubbed into Czech.

Kamínka: The venue in Prague’s southern Zbraslav district shows mainly Czech films without subtitles.

Kinobus: The Prague Public Transit company operates a bus with a projector that moves to different squares and parks across the city. This year, it will go to 11 locations and show 22 different films over 44 evenings. Films are either originally in Czech or dubbed. Free admission.

Libeňský zámek: The chateau and administrative center for Prague 8 has Czech films at the end of July and end of August in the adjacent park. Free admission.

Pivovar Spojovna: The brewpub in Kunratice shows Czech films.