Overview
There isn't much that can compete with a spectacular vantage over Sydney Harbour, so Westpac Openair Cinema doesn't even try. From its annual perch at Mrs Macquaries Point each January and February, it sets up its massive screen with panoramic views of the city, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge behind it, so that attendees can both catch a movie and revel in the sights.
Still, the event selects a lineup every summer of flicks worthy of watching even if you can still spy a gorgeous vista glittering away in the background. 2025's full program doesn't drop until the end of November 2024; however, Westpac Openair Cinema has kicked off the month by locking in its dates and announcing its initial three titles.
Chris Grundy
Love making the most of the warm weather? Seeing movies? Hanging out outside? This annual tradition is bringing back its beloved openair picture palace from Thursday, January 9—Tuesday, February 18, 2025. And as for what you'll be watching, the trio of initially revealed flicks are all massive must-sees.
Prepare to be entertained with Gladiator II on the bill, complete with a return to ancient Rome, rhinos and ships in the Colosseum, plus a cast that includes Paul Mescal (All of Us Strangers), Pedro Pascal (Drive-Away Dolls), Connie Nielsen (Origin), Joseph Quinn (A Quiet Place: Day One), Fred Hechinger (The White Lotus) and Denzel Washington (The Equalizer 3).
Chris Grundy
Prepare to see The Wizard, too, thanks to the first Wicked movie. It brings the smash-hit stage musical to the screen to follow the tale of Glinda (Ariana Grande, Don't Look Up) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo, Pinocchio) — with Jeff Goldblum (Asteroid City) as Oz's great and powerful figure.
And, get excited about 2024 Cannes Palme d'Or-winner Anora, the latest feature from Tangerine, The Florida Project and Red Rocket filmmaker Sean Baker. The film tells of a sex worker from Brooklyn who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, a move that doesn't go down well with his family — and it gives Better Things and Lady in the Lake's Mikey Madison a silver-screen lead breakout role.
Just like the complete program, Westpac Openair Cinema's array of dining experiences hasn't been announced as yet, including whether if Kitchen by Mike will be behind its meals again.
As happens every year, tickets are likely to go quickly when they go on sale on Monday, December 9. Across the summer of 2018–19, more than 40,000 tickets sold within the first two days of pre-sale, for instance — so put it in your diary ASAP.
Andrew Maccoll
Chris Grundy
Westpac OpenAir Sydney
Westpac Openair 2025 runs from Thursday, January 9—Tuesday, February 18. The program will be announced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 with tickets on sale on Monday, December 9 — check back here then for further details, and head to the event's website in the interim.
Top image: Fiora Sacco.