1. Chelsea Summer Classic Film Festival
Along the waterfront every Friday night, 200 people picnic at sunset before pictures like Parenthood; Kiss Me Kate; and the silent Steamboat Bill, Jr., accompanied by MoMA's temporarily unemployed pianist Ben Model. (Pier 63 at West 23rd Street, July 5–September 6; 212-645-0047.)

2. Open Air Shorts
Amid stock tickers and tourists, a selection of film shorts, some Oscar-nominated, play Times Square. Stop by for an extended viewing, or just catch one while you wait for the light to change. (42nd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, June 6; 212-721-4046.)

3. Brooklyn Bridge Park Summer Film Series
Brooklyn residents chose the four films showing at this Dumbo park Thursdays at dusk, which include My Cousin Vinny (with freak Oscar turn by Marisa Tomei) and the late, great Billy Wilder's Double Indemnity. (Empire–Fulton Ferry State Park, July 11–August 1; 718-802-0603.)

4. HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
HBO's tenth annual Monday-night series in Bryant Park is full of campy fun. This year, the lineup includes Young Frankenstein, Bye Bye Birdie, and The Mummy (Boris Karloff, not Brendan Fraser). (Sixth Avenue at 40th Street, June 17–August 19; 212-512-5700.)

5. On the Waterfront
In Long Island City, international films play Wednesday nights with accoutrements: For instance, the overlooked Brazilian film Me, You, Them is served with fejoada and rice instead of popcorn and Coke. (Vernon Boulevard at Broadway, July 10–August 28; 718-784-4520.)

Related:

• Archive: “Top Five”
• Articles by Ben Kaplan
• Table of Contents: June 10, 2002 issue of New York | Subscribe!