Pluto TV is bringing back its Free Movie Weekend program this summer, partnering with Oscar-winning director Sean Baker to support local theatres.
On select weekends from June through early July 2025, Pluto TV will offer free movie tickets at participating independent cinemas.
The schedule includes the Gardena Cinema in Los Angeles, the Tara Theatre in Atlanta, the Music Box Theatre in Chicago, the Redford Theatre in Detroit, and the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville (PA).
Each event is a free, two-day “movie weekend” at that theatre.
About Pluto TV’s free movie weekend
The Free Movie Weekend is part of Pluto TV’s Summer of Cinema initiative. It was created to encourage people to visit independent cinemas and rediscover the movie-going experience, reminiscent of old times.
This ambition was launched in 2021. It returns this year with an expanded schedule and more participating theatres.
The effort is supported by Sean Baker, known for films like “The Florida Project” and “Red Rocket.” He is also a champion of small theatres.
The program aims to bring communities together by offering free tickets to theatrical showings. It’s also a way for Pluto TV to give back to local film culture while spotlighting movies that people love rewatching with a crowd.
How long will Pluto TV’s free movie weekend last?
The program in 2025 will span five weekends, totalling 10 screening days.
Each event runs from Saturday through Sunday, so each location offers two days of free movies. In total, the Free Movie Weekend program will cover about a month’s span.
When is the free movie weekend happening?
For 2025, the Free Movie Weekend events are scheduled to take place on five consecutive weekends in late June and early July. Specifically:
- June 7–8 at Gardena Cinema in Los Angeles, CA
- June 14–15 at The Tara Theatre in Atlanta, GA
- June 21–22 at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago, IL
- June 28–29 at the Redford Theatre in Detroit, MI
- July 5–6 at The Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, PA
How to access Pluto TV’s free movie weekend
Normally, if you want to watch Pluto TV’s free movies at home, you simply use the Pluto TV app or website on any supported device. The service offers live channels and on-demand movie libraries that you can browse, with no subscription or login required.
However, the special “free movie weekends” are not streamed online. Instead, to watch those movies, you must attend the partner theatre on the scheduled dates.
Tickets are complimentary, as Pluto TV has arranged free admission at each listed theatre during the event days. Often, theatres will require you to RSVP or claim a free ticket in advance.
But in general, no app or code is needed. Just go to the venue and present any required pass or confirmation.
What kind of movies are available on Pluto TV’s free movie weekend?
The movies shown at these free weekends are generally popular favourites and genre blockbusters, the types of titles Pluto TV already carries.
The Pluto’s Summer of Cinema initiative features fan-favourite films and franchises like “Mission: Impossible”, “Indiana Jones”, and “Star Trek”. The Free Movie Weekend screenings tend to pick titles from that broad library.
For instance, past events have included well-known films, with one 2024 screening offering Marvel’s “Deadpool” & “Wolverine” for free.
You should not expect brand-new releases. Instead, expect established titles, action films, family movies, cult classics, etc., that appeal to local audiences. The emphasis is on crowd-pleasing old favourites rather than world premieres.
How to know what movies are playing when
Pluto TV only announces the dates and venues. Each theatre usually posts the exact titles and showtimes.
To find out which movies are playing, check the participating cinema’s website or social media. In short, keeping an eye on Pluto TV’s press releases or the theatres’ promotions is the best way to know the full schedule once it’s released.
Pluto TV’s free movie weekend restrictions or limitations
The Free Movie Weekend events mentioned here are only US-based, as all listed theatres are in the United States.
If you live outside the country, you are not eligible to attend these free physical movie weekends.
However, if you’re visiting from another country and happen to be near one of the venues, you’re welcome to attend. There’s no restriction by nationality, race, gender, or anything.
Other things you should know include:
- Space is limited: Theatres may fill up if the movie being shown is popular. Entry is first-come, first-served, or by RSVP, where required. So, you should arrive early to secure a seat.
- Age limitations: Some films are rated PG-13 or R. If you are a minor, you need to be accompanied by an adult, depending on the movie rating and theatre policy.
- No rescheduling: Each free screening is available only on the listed weekend and only at that venue.