Best of D.C. Outdoor Movie Screenings

NoMa Summer Screen
Moonrise Kingdom

Some may find Wes Anderson's films to be alienating and frustrating, but "Moonrise Kingdom" is perhaps one of his most enjoyable. The sepia color scheme, the magnetic performances of the child actors and the hilariously inept adult characters make "Moonrise Kingdom" a warm and thought-provoking movie.
NoMa Family Film Night
How to Train Your Dragon

Dreamworks may be mostly hit or miss, but "How to Train Your Dragon" is definitely a hit. The beautiful animation, surprisingly solid writing and skillful characterization makes for an enjoyable movie for both children and adults.
Bethesda Outdoor Movie Series
The Princess Bride

Nothing says summer like a campy fantasy satire. "The Princess Bride" is a classic film to watch in the summer, with its clever banter, wacky characters and surprisingly tense sword fights. And the endlessly quotable movie is perfect to watch with a huge crowd of people who have probably seen it at least five times.
Rosslyn Outdoor Film Festival
American Graffiti

Rosslyn seems to be all about the '80s and the '70s this year, so why not go a little further back to the '60s? Sure, "American Graffiti" is a 1973 film, but its portrait of high school graduates aimlessly driving around Modesto California is funny, genuine and a little bittersweet.
Capitol Riverfront Thursday Movies
The Dark Knight

Capitol Riverfront is specializing in superheroes this summer, the best of which is arguably the Dark Knight himself. Batman may not be super-powered or alien, but you can't deny he has some great movies. See "The Dark Knight," the swan song of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy and one of the most enthralling superhero films.
Crystal City Screen Movie Festival
The Social Network

The Crystal City festival's movies range from the cerebral flick to the blockbuster movie. Instead of going straight for "Jurassic Park," try seeing "The Social Network." One of director David Fincher's most impressive films, "The Social Network" is witty, smart and engrossing.
Movies on the Potomac
Back to the Future

"Back to the Future" is fun, campy and incredibly '80s. But that's what makes this time travel movie so fun to watch during the hot summer nights. The movie boasts both the sci-fi and nostalgia elements that appeal to everyone in the family. So if you're in the mood for a trip to the past, see "Back to the Future."
Movies on the Square
Skyfall

Sam Mendes' stunning entry into the Bond franchise is fast, smart and -- most important of all -- entertaining. Daniel Craig's rough-around-the-edges Bond is at his best in "Skyfall." And Judi Dench turns in a wonderful performance as M. The nonstop adrenaline of "Skyfall" is the perfect fodder for a summer evening.
Jane Austen Film Festival
Pride & Prejudice

Some Austen fans may scoff at the Keira Knightley version of "Pride & Prejudice," but you can't deny that it's a gorgeous movie. The sweeping landscape shots coupled with a flowing soundtrack only adds to the timeless romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Screen on the Green
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

Screen on the Green is by far one of the best located outdoor film festivals in D.C., but strangely this summer's movie lineup is a little uneven. Between the childhood classics and obscure Oscar winners, "E.T." is the best compromise. This classic Spielberg flick is perfectly catered to the family-friendly atmosphere of the National Mall, and is always due for a re-watch.
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