Relive The Classics with these Nostalgic Throwback Films at the Galileo

The Galileo Open Air Cinema gives Cape Town audiences a unique chance to rewatch fan-favourite films in an outdoor theatre setting, reliving what it was like to see classic films for the first time. From beloved romcoms to buddy comedies and more, the 2026/27 schedule is packed with throwbacks.

Here are our picks for the best vintage showings at the Galileo.

Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing is a 1987 American romantic drama dance film, starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. It tells the story of Frances “Baby” Houseman (Grey), a young woman who falls in love with dance instructor Johnny Castle (Swayze) at a vacation resort.

Those who miss dancing the night away can enjoy this throwback, known for its soaring finale and multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning soundtrack. The trailer is available on YouTube. Book now via Webtickets.

When: Friday, 6 November 2026 | Doors open at 6pm | Movie starts at 7.45pm
Where: Meerendal Wine Estate, Vissershok Rd, Durbanville, Cape Town

Pretty Woman

Pretty Woman is a 1990 romantic comedy film. Rich corporate raider from New York (Richard Gere) needs an escort for some social events, and hires a beautiful prostitute (Julia Roberts)… only to fall in love.

One of the highest-grossing films of all time upon release, Pretty Woman has remained a classic since its release in 1990, and launched Julia Roberts into leading woman status in Hollywood. The trailer is available on YouTube. Book now via Webtickets.

When: Saturday, 21 November 2026 | Doors open at 5pm | Movie starts at 7.45pm
Where: Asara Wine Estate, cnr Polkadraai Rd & Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch

Rush Hour

Rush Hour is a 1998 American buddy cop action comedy film. It stars Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Tom Wilkinson, Chris Penn and Elizabeth Peña. In the film, a loyal and dedicated Hong Kong Inspector (Chan) teams up with a reckless and loudmouthed LAPD detective (Tucker) to rescue the Chinese Consul’s kidnapped daughter, while trying to arrest a dangerous crime lord along the way.

Known for its wild antics and an unforgettable dynamic between Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, Rush Hour is a beloved buddy comedy and one of the ultimate dad movies of the 1990s. The trailer is available on YouTube. Book now via Webtickets.

When: Wednesday, 25 November 2026 | Doors open at 6pm | Movie starts at 8pm
Where: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town

Grease

Grease is a classic musical rom-com that unfolds the 1958 summer romance of T-Bird greaser – Danny and good girl – Australian transfer student Sandy. The film stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John as Danny and Sandy.

The popular film adaptation of one of Broadway’s longest-running musicals, Grease is a fan-favourite teen comedy with tons of hijinks, romantic tension, and absolutely iconic musical performances. The trailer is available on YouTube. Book now via Webtickets.

When: Saturday, 28 November 2026 | Doors open at 5pm | Movie starts at 8pm
Where: Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards, R45 Main Rd, Franschhoek

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 epic space fantasy and the second instalment of the original Star Wars trilogy. Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training while Darth Vader relentlessly hunts the heroes, leading to a dramatic confrontation that changes everything

The follow-up to the culture-defining first-ever Star Wars film, Empire Strikes Back features some of the franchise’s most remembered scenes, and is widely considered the best in the series. The trailer is available on YouTube. Book now via Webtickets.

When: Friday, 4 December 2026 | Doors open at 6pm | Movie starts at 8.15pm
Where: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town

Thelma & Louise (Royale Show)

Thelma & Louise is a 1991 American buddy comedy drama film written by Callie Khouri and directed by Ridley Scott. The film stars Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as Thelma and Louise, two friends who embark on a road trip that ends up in unforeseen circumstances. The supporting cast includes Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, Christopher McDonald and Brad Pitt.

One of the most iconic road trip comedies of all time, Thelma & Louise is an Oscar-winning film known for its feminist themes that shook Hollywood in the 1990s. Royale screenings are a new, exclusive Galileo experience, with each ticket including a welcome drink, popcorn, blankets, and a backrest. The trailer is available on YouTube. Book now via Webtickets.

When: Saturday, 5 December 2026 | Doors open at 5pm | Movie starts at 8.15pm
Where: Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Rd, Tokai, Cape Town

Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park is a 1993 sci-fi adventure directed by Steven Spielberg. Set on the fictional island of Isla Nublar, the film follows a group visiting a groundbreaking wildlife park filled with genetically recreated dinosaurs. When a security failure sets the dinosaurs loose, their visit becomes a thrilling fight for survival.

The Steven Spielberg classic that launched several sequels and many other dinosaur films, Jurassic Park was a true Hollywood blockbuster that took the film industry by storm and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. The trailer is available on YouTube. Book now via Webtickets.

When: Saturday, 12 December 2026 | Doors open at 5pm | Movie starts at 8.15pm
Where: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, Strand Rd, R44, Stellenbosch

The Nightmare Before Christmas

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a 1993 stop-motion animated musical fantasy. The story follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who discovers Christmas Town and becomes determined to bring the magic of Christmas to his spooky world, with delightfully unexpected results.

90s kids can get in the festive spirit with this adored family film, written by Tim Burton, known for its distinct art style, iconic soundtrack, and unlikely romance. The trailer is available on YouTube. Book now via Webtickets.

When: Monday, 14 December 2026 | Doors open at 6pm | Movie starts at 8.30pm
Where: Claremont Cricket Club, Constantia Sports Complex, Constantia Main Rd, Constantia, Cape Town

E.T.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is a 1982 sci-fi adventure classic directed by Steven Spielberg. It follows Elliott, a young boy who befriends an alien stranded on Earth and, with the help of his friends and family, sets out to help E.T. find his way home.

This feel-good family film is a cross-generation favourite, winning multiple Oscars and temporarily holding the record for the highest-grossing film of all time. The trailer is available on YouTube. Book now via Webtickets.

When: Monday, 28 December 2026 | Doors open at 6pm | Movie starts at 8.30pm
Where: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town