We found a huge range of free and cheap movie options for you, most outdoors, most total about $10 per person. Note: Boston’s FREE summer movies series, shown in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center parking lot on Wednesdays in July at 6 or 8:30 p.m., sold out—but it’s worth checking back for updates.
OUTDOORS IN BOSTON
Best Value! Summer Screen at Suffolk Downs—$2.50 per person
Cost: $15 per car (maximum 6 people)
Formerly a race track, this site housed a drive-in from 1957-1970. The 
series launches with “Grease” and “Field of Dreams.” Plans for new titles, including some Spanish language films, to be announced biweekly. Snacks will be available at food trucks on site such as Trolley Dogs and Clyde’s Cupcakes. The venue can accommodate 300 cars.
Thursdays July 16-September 10
Showtime: 8:30 p.m.
Suffolk Downs Clubhouse parking lot
525 William F McClellan Highway, Boston
BOSTON BENEFIT
JP Movie Night Drive-In
Cost: $40 per car, with an option to double your donation. All proceeds benefit the Jamaica Plain Main Streets COVID Relief Fund.
“Groundhog Day”
Saint Theresa Avila Church parking lot
2078 Centre St., West Roxbury
July 18, 8:30—10 p.m.
CAR HOP SERVICE
Kowloon Restaurant Drive-In
Cost: $20/car (6 person limit)
You can get a drink; but may not drink it in your car. A car hop will bring you food if you wish. This smaller venue can accommodate just 40 cars. Upcoming movies are posted on Facebook. Call 781-233-0077 to reserve a parking spot or an outdoor table.
Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
Showtime: Doors open 7 p.m.; movie at 8:30 or 9 p.m.
Kowloon
948 Broadway, Saugus
AT HOME, ANYTIME
The 24th Annual Virtual Boston French Film Festival—$3.33—$4 per person per day
Cost: $10-$12 for a three-day rental. There are no member discounts for these screenings.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston offers 11 new films produced in France, available for rent in the MFA’s Virtual Screening Room. This digital mini-festival features an eclectic lineup of comedy, romance, drama and experimental cinema. This series heralds the return of celebrated French auteurs Albert Serra (“Liberté”), Bruno Dumont (“Joan of Arc”), and Cédric Klapisch (“Someone Somewhere”), as well as a trio of restorations starring the incomparable Romy Schneider.
Films include:
- Joan of Arc
- Liberté
- Marona’s Fantastic Tale
- Deux Moi (Someone Somewhere)
- Mon Chien Stupide (My Stupid Dog)
- La Fille au Bracelet (The Girl with a Bracelet)
- Papicha
- Chanson Douce (The Perfect Nanny)
- César et Rosalie
- Les Choses De La Vie (The Things of Life)
- L’Important C’est d’Aimer (That Most Important Thing: Love)
The MFA’s Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro Film Program continues to present international, documentary and independent films through the MFA’s film partner websites each week. Rent a French Film Festival film.
Through July 31, 2020
Salem Film Fest $9—$10 per film
Cost: $10 per film or purchase a discounted 10-pack pass for $90
Through July 30, explore the film catalog, where you can purchase tickets to more than 80 features and shorts, watch filmmaker Q&As, and view special events.
INDOORS OR OUTDOORS, SOUTH SHORE
Plimoth Cinema $8.75—$10.50 per person
Cost: $8.75 (Members)—$10.50 (Non-Members)
First-run independent films are shown here daily. The venue’s designated spaced seating includes protective seat coverings. Two movies at a time are offered. Weekend bar service is closed.
Plimoth Visitor Center
137 Warren Ave., Plymouth
Showings: 4:30 and 7 p.m.
Fresh Air Flicks
Cost: $25 per car (Trustees members); $30 (nonmembers)
For four Fridays this summer, Holmes Reservation, a Trustees’ property, a 26-acre field overlooking Plymouth Harbor, will become a drive-in. The area can accommodate up to 300 cars. There will be no concession stand, but attendees can order movie-snack packages in advance, which will be provided as they enter the site. Portable bathrooms will be available. The movies will be shown as soon as it gets dark. Tickets must be purchased online in advance of the film.
Holmes Reservation, Court St., North Plymouth
Fridays, July 17-August 7
July 17: “The Goonies”
July 24: “Mrs. Doubtfire”
July 31: “BIG”
Aug. 7: “Finding Nemo”
Marshfield Drive-In
Cost: $27 per car
A digital projector and huge screen with first-run movies. Refreshments available onsite.
140 Main St., Marshfield
Showtimes: 8:45 p.m.
Lombardo’s Drive-In Movies
Cost: $30 per car
Food is available on-site. Leashed dogs allowed. BYO water bowls. Recent movies have included “Akeelah and the Bee” and “The Guardians.”
Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout summer
Showtime: 9 p.m.
6 Billings St., Randolph
NORTH SHORE
Topsfield Drive-In $4.50—$5 per person
Cost: $27 per car in advance for up to 6 people; $30 at the gate
Snacks available on site. Check the calendar for the movie schedule. New movies are posted every Tuesday.
Nightly through early fall
Topsfield Fairgrounds
207 Boston St., Topsfield
Showtime: 8:45 p.m.
Find free museum days and other ways to save money on attractions and museums.
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