10 of the best... Films to watch at Drive-In and Outdoor Cinemas in 2021

Following the Prime Ministers most recent announcements, concerning the further relaxation of COVID restrictions this coming Monday (12th April 2021), it has been confirmed that the governments roadmap out of lockdown targets have yet again been met, and that we will all indeed see a limited re-opening of the hospitality sector and parts of the entertainment sector. We're not crying, you are.

At long last, the return of pubs, shops, gyms, libraries, hairdressers (mostly a nation of mop heads by now), and outdoor attractions such as zoo's, theme parks, and drive-in and outdoor cinemas. 

With the latter of those mentioned in mind, we've decided to put together a list of some of the best films, biopics and documentary's that will be available to go out and watch  - whether that's on a date night or a family day out - in a COVID secure setting, once restrictions are lifted early next week. 

From animated family-friendly films to post-apocalyptic horrors, and sing-along classics - there's something to suit all requirements in our top ten list below...

 

Click on the film titles below to find tickets for showings and more... 

 

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Mamma Mia! (Sing-A-Long)

When: Tuesday 13th April - 27th June 2021 (Multiple screenings)

Where: Sheffield, Redcar, Newcastle, Preston, Swindon, Cambridge, Leeds...

A multi award-winning musical that is basically every ABBA fans dream come true. 

Set on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi, the story follows a young bride-to-be, main character Sophie Sheridan aka Amanda Seyfried, as she plans for her wedding at her mother's hotel. Having never known her father, she invites three of her mothers former partners to the wedding, each with the possibility of being her dad. One will walk her down the aisle, but who will it be?

Featuring 25 of the legendary Swedish pop group's biggest hits - from opening number 'I have a dream' to big finale showstoppers, 'Dancing Queen' and 'Waterloo' - and a host of movie star royals, the likes of Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Julie Walters and many more, this all singing, all dancing movie phenomenon is well worth a trip out in the car.

 

Find tickets for Mamma Mia (Sing-A-Long) here

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Cars

When: Saturday 17th April - Saturday 26th June 2021 (Multiple screenings)

Where: Newcastle, Sheffield, Redcar, Cambridge, Preston, Swindon, Leeds...

Are you a parent? Are you desperately looking for ways to entertain, occupy and most importantly pacify the kids? Look no further...

From the production teams behind some of the worlds best-loved animations, the likes of Toy Story, Up and Monster Inc., comes yet another classic CGI film - Disney and Pixar's Cars. 

Racing car Lightning McQueen, voiced over by Owen Wilson, heads to California to chase his dream of becoming the Piston Cup Champion, competing against the likes of The King, played by Richard Petty, and Chick Hicks, by Michael Keaton. But things don't quite go to plan...

After falling from the back of his trailer, McQueens title chase becomes diverted, as he finds himself lost in a run down town called Radiator Springs. Now he must fight to repair the damage he's caused before he can return to the track.

Witness the adventures of McQueen and friends in their bid for glory, from the comfort and safety of your own car in 2021 

 

Find tickets for Cars here

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Black Panther

When: Sunday 18th April 2021

Where: Sheffield, Newcastle, Redcar

Without question, one of the greatest films in the Marvel superhero franchise - ask any passionate Marvel fan and they will surely tell you the same - Black Panther is the action packed box office smash hit, that basically left everyone open mouthed from the films opening to the end credits.

Featuring lead actor and star of the big screen spectacle, the late great - Chadwick Boseman, the film follows the tribulations of the Black Panther and new king of Wakanda, T'Challa, aka Boseman, as he fights to save the entire world from a deadly and powerful enemy.

Watch the Black Panther and his allies do battle with villains the likes of Erik Killmonger and Klaw, at a drive-in cinema near you this spring.

 

Find tickets for Black Panther here

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Dirty Dancing

When: Friday 16th - Monday 19th April 2021 (Multiple Screenings)

Where: Rochford, Redcar, Newcastle, Sheffield

What can be said about this film that you wont already know?

A cult classic '80s masterpiece with a cult classic '80s soundtrack, starring a handful of renowned '80s actors and actresses, including Jennifer Grey, Kelly Bishop, Cynthia Rhodes, and another late great legend of the film industry - Patrick Swayze. 

More than thirty years on since its release and still, many of us find ourselves busting out moves from the films many dance scenes, or trying to at least, and recalling those all too memorable one liners, you know the ones - 'Nobody puts baby in the corner'. It just doesn't get any better than that. 

Join Frances 'Baby' Houseman and Johnny Castle once again, let the music embrace you and sing along to the smash hits of this 'will they, wont they' romantic drama this year.

 

Find tickets for Dirty Dancing here

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Bohemian Rhapsody

When: Saturday 17th April - Saturday 26th June 2021 (Multiple Screenings)

Where: Sheffield, Redcar, Newcastle, Rochford, Preston, Wigan, Cambridge...

Follow Freddie, Brian, Roger and John throughout this award-winning biopic, as they battle adversity, stereotypes, ego and sexuality, to become one of rock history's most iconic groups - Queen.

From playing the small clubs on London's live music circuit, to revolutionising recorded music, smashing the UK charts and ultimately, performing live at the legendary Live Aid concert in 1985, seen by an estimated 1.9 billion people around the globe - Bohemian Rhapsody is a 'must see' for any devout fan of this legendary British band.

An epic celebration of Queens still popular-as-ever back catalogue, and the life of charismatic frontman and born entertainer, Freddie Mercury. 

 

Find tickets for Bohemian Rhapsody here

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Wonder Woman (1984)

When: Thursday 15th April - Friday 25th June 2021 (Multiple Screenings)

Where: Milton Keynes, Stoke-On-Trent, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Wigan, Manchester...

Another action packed superhero film makes our top ten list, this time from Marvel rivals - DC Comics.

The sequel to 2017's Wonder Woman and the ninth instalment in the DC Extended Universe, Wonder Woman 1984 or WW84 see's the famed Amazonian warrior, Diana Prince, aka actress Gal Gadot, living incognito in Washington D.C. during the cold war era. 

Maintaining a low profile, still curating antiques and artefacts, the demigoddess is forced to use her wisdom, courage and power once more, as she fights off mind control monster Maxwell Lord, played by Pedro Pascal, and feline villainess, Cheetah, played by Kirsten Wiig.

(Pssst... Keep your eye out for the appearance of the Roy Lichtenstein 'Brushstroke' sculpture at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington during the film. The sculpture that wasn't built until 1996 and yet somehow, here it is in 1984. Oops.)

 

Find tickets for Wonder Woman 1984 here

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28 Days Later

When: Saturday 17th April 2021

Where: Newcastle, Sheffield, Redcar

Danny Boyle's nightmare inducing, award-winning zombie apocalypse feature might be too close to the bone for many of us, given the current pandemic we're all suffering through. But for those who can stomach it, this classic British horror, starring a young Cillian Murphy, now more widely recognised for his role as Thomas Shelby on hit TV Series, The Peaky Blinders, Naomie Harris of James Bond fame and Doctor Who legend Christopher Eccleston, is definitely worth stepping out the house for. 

Set in London, bike courier Jim, aka Cillian Murphy, awakes from a month-long coma to find the city has been all but deserted, following the release of an infectious and deadly virus which turns humans into flesh eating zombies. Anyone else just get a shiver? Jim stumbles across a group of survivors and from there, begins his journey to find hope and safety.

Are you a fan of blood, guts and gore? If you haven't already seen this film, we highly recommend venturing out to see it this spring. Survival snacks at the ready, of course. 

 

Find tickets for 28 Days Later here

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A Star is Born

When: Saturday 17th April -  Sunday 27th June 2021

Where: Cambridge, Birmingham, Leeds, Milton Keynes, Bristol, Preston, Sheffield

A remake of a 1937 original motion picture, 2018's A Star is Born portrays two star crossed musicians who fall in love with one another, following a chance meeting at a drag bar in California. 

Troubled rock star Jackson Maine, played by Bradley Cooper, succeeds in persuading a struggling singer named Ally, the character brought to life by pop superstar Lady Gaga, to follow her dream of becoming a world renowned artist. Coaching her to stardom, Ally eventually manages to achieve her life-long ambition, but at what cost?

A desperately romantic and yet melancholic movie, jam-packed with 19 excellent songs reflecting each chapter of the emotional rollercoaster ride. 

 

Find tickets for A Star is Born here

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Grease (Sing-A-Long)

When: Monday 12th April - Saturday 15th May 2021

Where: Southend Outdoor Cinema in Rochford

Gather your clique of greasers and head out in your automatic, systematic, hydromatic car for Grease Lightning, this spring and summer!

It was the word when it was released 43 years ago (yes that's right, 43 years ago) back in 1978, and it's still the word now! The likes of Danny Zuko, Sandy, Frenchy, Leo, Rizzo and more, have entertained generation upon generation over the years with huge on-screen musical numbers, such as 'You're The One That I Want', 'Beauty School Dropout', 'Summer Nights', Hopelessly Devoted To You' and, of course, 'Grease'.

Join hundreds of other Pink Ladies and T Birds at the Southend Outdoor Cinema in Rochford, and belt out the big hits from the safety of your own car.

 

Find tickets for Grease (Sing-A-Long) here

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The Stone Roses - Outdoor cinema experience

When: Saturday 29th May 2021

Where: Warren Farm in Bedford

A special screening of 2013's Made In Stone, a documentary on The Stones Roses from critically acclaimed British film director Shane Meadows (This is England), will be projected onto a huge inflatable screen in the stunning Bedfordshire countryside this May.

Documenting the early life and unexpected resurrection of one of Britains most influential indie collectives, consisting of never seen before archive footage and interviews with fans, this emotional and in-depth feature film is a comprehensive record of the bands illustrious twenty-five-year career.

The event will begin with the very best music from the golden era of indie, before moving onto the film showing, with live concert footage concluding the evening.

Any fan of The Stone Roses would be mad to miss this one.

 

Find tickets for The Stone Roses - Outdoor cinema experience here

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To find more Drive-In and Outdoor Cinema experiences happening where you are, click or tap here

 

 

 

Header image: Stuart Allen (www.facebook.com/stublueprint) / Daisy Dukes Drive-In Cinema (Facebook)