Poolside Movie Nights Return to Two Vegas Strip Casinos

Taking a dip and watching a flick at Fontainebleau’s Oasis Cinema Club (Image: courtesy of Fontainebleau)

Pool season is underway, and outdoor movie viewings have returned to two Las Vegas Strip casinos. The Oasis Cinema Club is already showing films at Fontainebleau, while Dive-In Movies begin next Monday at the Cosmopolitan.

It’s understandable that watching movies isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about things to do in Las Vegas. Still, the two options offer good value for families looking for something everyone can enjoy together.

Most of the movies are shown midweek. However, some take place on weekend nights, which could make the events an even better value since weekends are typically busier and more expensive. At the very least, these outdoor movie nights offer a fun and different way to enjoy a summer evening above the Strip.

Both casinos are showing family-friendly films from the past couple of decades. You won’t find the latest blockbusters in theaters today. Instead, expect familiar titles, including animated features, superhero films and cult classics with dialogue that guests might know by heart.

There are a few overlapping titles between the two casinos, but most movie nights take place on different days. Potential moviegoers don’t have to choose between them.

Prices range from free to $15 per person to hang out on the respective pool decks and watch the movies. In addition to the films, guests can take a dip in the pool, grab a drink from the bar and enjoy a bite to eat.

Cosmopolitan Dive-In Movies

The Cosmopolitan was the first Vegas Strip casino to show movies outdoors on its Boulevard Pool deck. In addition to regular screenings, this season will include a few themed nights to take the experience to a new level. Wicked, Top Gun: Maverick, Shrek, Elf and Good Burger will feature themed cocktails, food, and “interactive elements” inspired by each movie.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m., and movies begin at 8 p.m. Admission fees vary:

• $15 for non-hotel guests
• $10 for Las Vegas locals (must purchase in person)
• Complimentary for hotel guests and one friend
• Complimentary for MGM Rewards Gold+ members and one friend
• Complimentary for military members and first responders
• Complimentary for children age 5 and under

The Cosmopolitan notes that Las Vegas residents receive complimentary parking for up to three hours. Locals concerned about paying a parking fee should consider arriving shortly before showtime and leaving promptly afterward. You might want to skip Top Gun: Maverick, which runs more than two hours.

Cabanas and daybeds are available to rent for the evening, with food and beverage minimums starting around $75 for three people. Advance tickets are available for those who don’t live in Las Vegas, aren’t staying at the Cosmopolitan or aren’t MGM Rewards Gold+ members.

The 2025 Dive-In Movies lineup includes:

• May 19: Shrek*
• May 26: Captain America: The First Avenger
• June 2: Kung Fu Panda 4
• June 9: Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone
• June 16: Wicked*
• June 23: The Goonies
• June 30: Top Gun
• July 4: Top Gun: Maverick* (Friday showing)
• July 7: Despicable Me
• July 14: Inside Out 2
• July 21: Happy Gilmore
• July 25: Elf* (Friday showing)
• July 28: Godzilla x Kong – The New Empire
• August 4: Lilo & Stitch
• August 11: Twilight
• August 18: Mean Girls
• August 25: Legally Blonde
• Sept. 1: Good Burger*

*Themed movie nights

When The Cosmopolitan opened in 2010, it ran a series of commercials aimed at hipsters looking for “The Right Amount Of Wrong” in their Vegas vacations.

The Cosmopolitan opened to rave reviews, but it wasn’t profitable. The casino was sold, and the property made some changes to broaden its appeal.

Small updates like adding a Starbucks on the Vegas Strip and moving the sportsbook to the main floor helped turn things around to make the Cosmopolitan financially successful. Dive-In Movies can be seen as one of the small things to draw a wider audience.

Fontainebleau’s Oasis Cinema Club

Fontainebleau opened in late 2023 and has hosted the Oasis Cinema Club on its pool deck both summers since. While Cosmopolitan’s movie nights take place on Mondays and Fridays, most of Fontainebleau’s screenings are held on Sundays and Thursdays.

Doors open at 7 p.m., and movies begin at 8 p.m. Admission fees vary:

• $10 for non-hotel guests
• Complimentary for all Fontainebleau Rewards members and hotel guests (must show a rewards card or room key)
• Complimentary for children age 5 and under

One notable difference: all Fontainebleau Rewards members receive complimentary admission, unlike at the Cosmopolitan, where only higher-tier loyalty members qualify. You can sign up for the rewards program if you're not already a member.

General admission seating is first come, first served. Guests can watch the movie from the pool. Daybeds are available to rent starting at $150 for up to six people.

The Oasis Cinema Club lineup includes:

• May 16: “Thor: Love & Thunder”
• May 23: “Finding Nemo”
• May 25: “Top Gun”
• May 29: “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”
• June 1: “Luca”
• June 5: “Uncharted”
• June 8: “Moana”
• June 12: “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
• June 15: “Onward”
• June 19: “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”
• June 22: “Inside Out 2”
• June 26: “Toy Story”
• June 29: “Elemental”
• July 3: “Finding Dory”
• July 4: “Top Gun: Maverick”
• July 6: “Baywatch”
• July 10: “The Little Mermaid (2023)”
• July 13: “The Meg”
• July 17: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
• July 20: “The Secret Life of Pets 2”
• July 24: “Moana 2”
• July 27: “Despicable Me 4”
• July 31: “Lilo & Stitch”
• Aug. 3: “Avengers: Endgame”
• Aug. 8: “The Incredibles”
• Aug. 15: “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”
• Aug. 22: “Captain America: Brave New World”
• Aug. 29: “Frozen”
• Sept. 5: “Batman & Robin”

A good number of the employees who opened Fontainebleau in 2023 used to work at the Cosmopolitan. The Oasis Movie Club is just one example of marketing ideas that were brought over. 

Who’s This For? 

Watching a movie isn’t for everyone visiting Las Vegas. Those of us who are sports fans and visit to eat, drink, and gamble don’t want to spend two hours or more sitting around watching an old movie or going to one of the many shows in Las Vegas.

That said, everyone is different. Las Vegas shows exist because many visitors enjoy them. To each their own!

According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, 13% of visitors last year had someone under 21 in their party. That’s about 5 million visitors who might want—maybe even need—something to do that doesn’t involve most of my favorite things to do in Las Vegas.

Having said that, a bad run in the casino during a weeknight might force me to look for something that doesn’t involve losing money for a couple of hours. Grabbing a drink by the pool while watching The Meg for the 10th time might be the break from the action that I need. (Yes, I’ve seen almost every Jason Statham movie multiple times.)