The Galileo Open Air Cinema is back, bringing all the movie magic you need to kick off those balmy Cape Town evenings under the stars! Whether you’re a local or just soaking in the sunshine as a tourist, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than lounging on lush lawns, surrounded by breathtaking views, with your favourite characters.
So, grab a backrest, cosy up with a blanket, and let’s dive into the must-see movies coming to The Galileo this October!
Date Night Must-Sees
Nothing says “I like like you.” quite like cuddling up together under a blanket at an outdoor movie screening. Whether you’re on a first date or celebrating an anniversary, snack up and snuggle up for a rom-com moment of your own!
Before Sunrise (Romance)
Prepare to lose yourself in the heartwarming—and let’s be real, totally swoon-worthy—story of two strangers who meet in the enchanting streets of Vienna and decide to throw caution to the wind for one unforgettable night. If you’ve ever wished to meet someone and have an epic conversation about life, love, and why the sky is blue while casually wandering through a picturesque European city, this movie is your dream come true!
Join Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy) as they embark on a whimsical adventure filled with deep talks, flirtatious banter, and the kind of connection that makes you wonder if true love can really bloom in just one evening. It’s like that moment when you find the perfect parking spot—rare, magical, and totally worth celebrating! Check out the trailer.
Screening: 16 October
Venue: Kirstenbosch Gardens
Pretty Woman (Romantic Comedy)
This is a movie that gives every single person out there a little hope that Prince Charming might just roll up in a white limo, complete with a diamond-studded smile! Julia Roberts and Richard Gere light up the screen in this timeless rom-com classic, where laughter and romance collide in a whirlwind of charming mishaps and glamorous escapades.
Join Vivian (Roberts), a spirited escort with a heart of gold, and Edward (Gere), a suave businessman who clearly skipped the ‘how to not be a jerk’ seminar, as they navigate the highs and lows of an unlikely love story. Their chemistry is so electric you’ll think someone spiked your popcorn! Come for the laughs—because who doesn’t love a good “shopping spree” montage with a little bit of “Big Mistake, Big. Huge!” thrown in for good measure? Sneak a peek at the trailer.
Screening: 19 October
Venue: Lourensford Wine Estate
Little Women (Period Drama)
Grab your bonnets and prepare for a delightful journey with the beloved March sisters in this stunning adaptation of Little Women! Whether you’ve read Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel or just enjoy a good tear-jerker with a side of witty banter, this film is an absolute must-see for romance and period drama lovers alike.
Join Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth as they navigate the ups and downs of sisterhood, ambition, and the pursuit of love—while trying not to spill any tea during their candid discussions about life, dreams, and how to snag that perfect beau. It’s like a masterclass in dramatic flair, complete with more frills and feels than you can shake a corset at! Fall in love with the trailer.
Screening: 23 October
Venue: Kirstenbosch Gardens
Midnight in Paris (Comedy Drama)
Get ready to take a whimsical journey through time in this charming film that’s as delightful as a freshly baked croissant! Set against the enchanting backdrop of Paris, Midnight in Paris whisks you away on a magical adventure where nostalgia and romance blend seamlessly. If you’re looking for the perfect movie for an enchanting date night, look no further!
Join Gil (Owen Wilson), a frustrated writer with a flair for daydreaming, as he stumbles upon a vintage car that transports him to the Paris of the 1920s. Yes, you heard that right—who needs a DeLorean when you have a classic car and a little bit of magic? As he mingles with literary legends like Hemingway and Fitzgerald, you’ll find yourself wishing for a time machine of your own—if only to snag some literary advice and maybe a few epic party stories! Watch the full trailer right here.
Screening: 24 October
Venue: Kirstenbosch Gardens
A Good Year (Romantic Comedy)
Grab a plastic cup of your favourite Morgenhof wine and get ready to indulge in this delightful romantic comedy about second chances, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Provence! A Good Year is the ultimate feel-good film that will have you dreaming of sun-soaked vineyards and lazy afternoons—perfect for a cosy night under the stars, nestled in Morgenhof Wine Estate.
Join Max (Russell Crowe), a high-powered London banker who inherits a vineyard in the picturesque French countryside. What could possibly go wrong when you swap the hustle and bustle of city life for rolling hills and a charming château? Spoiler alert: everything! Max’s journey is a whirlwind of mishaps, unexpected guests, and the kind of romantic entanglements that make you believe in love at first sip—especially when paired with a stunning sunset! See the trailer now.
Screening: 26 October
Venue: Morgenhof Wine Estate
Family-Friendly Films
From animated favourites to feel-good flicks that will have everyone laughing, singing, or maybe shedding a tear (Frozen, anyone?), these family-friendly films are perfect for making magical memories. Gather the whole family for these feel-good adventures that both kids and adults will love.
Cool Runnings (Adventure Comedy)
Get ready to relive the inspiring and hilarious story of the Jamaican bobsled team in this beloved family favourite that proves you don’t need snow to chase your dreams! Join the underdog team as they trade in their flip-flops for bobsled helmets and embark on a journey that’s as epic as it is outrageous.
From laugh-out-loud moments to tear-jerking triumphs, this film is a masterclass in friendship and perseverance. Who could forget the unforgettable “I see pride! I see power!” pep talks that inspire both the team and viewers alike? So gather the family, grab some popcorn, and prepare for a cinematic journey that will have you laughing, cheering, and maybe even wanting to start your own bobsled team—preferably in a warmer climate! Preview the action right here.
Screening: 18 October
Venue: Kirstenbosch Gardens
Trolls Band Together (Animation Adventure)
It’s about that time to sing, dance, and laugh with Poppy (voiced by Anna Kendrick) and Branch (voiced by Justin Timberlake) in this vibrant and colourful adventure, bound to make your heart sing! Trolls Band Together is the ultimate family movie night experience, bursting with catchy tunes, eye-popping visuals, and a whole lot of fun. Join our favourite fuzzy friends, including the lively Queen Barb (voiced by Amy Schumer) and the hilarious Biggie (voiced by James Corden), as they embark on a musical journey filled with friendship, laughter, and plenty of reasons to get up and groove! Sing along to the trailer.
Screening: 25 October
Venue: Kirstenbosch Gardens
Belly-Laugh Blockbusters
If you’re in the mood for a good laugh, these side-splitting comedies are guaranteed to keep you giggling all night long! From timeless classics to modern-day romps, these films will have you grinning from ear to ear and quoting one-liners long after the credits roll.
Snatch (Comedy Crime)
Buckle up for a wild ride with Snatch, a fast-paced crime caper that’s as unpredictable as a boxing match with a rabid dog! Starring the charismatic Brad Pitt as the hilariously unintelligible Irish gypsy, Mickey, and the ever-smooth Jason Statham as the savvy conman, this film is a masterclass in chaos, camaraderie, and crime. With a hilarious ensemble cast to boot. Snatch proves that crime doesn’t just pay—it provides a ton of laughs!
As the plot twists and turns like Chapman’s Peak Drive, you’ll find yourself tangled in a web of stolen diamonds, rogue gangsters, and an absurdly bad poker game. With clever dialogue and unforgettable moments—like the infamous scene where Pitt’s character demonstrates that “what’s in the bag” is far more important than any of us could have guessed—this film never gets old. Watch the trailer here.
Screening: 17 October
Venue: Kirstenbosch Gardens
Meet the Parents (Comedy)
Skip the gym for this one—we promise your abs will get a serious workout with this laugh-out-loud rollercoaster ride! In Meet the Parents, Ben Stiller faces the ultimate challenge: winning over his girlfriend’s strict and intimidating father, played by the legendary Robert De Niro, with Blythe Danner as the sweet but sharp mother. As Greg Focker (Stiller) fumbles through a minefield of awkward moments, cringe-worthy misunderstandings, and eye-watering faux pas, you’ll be in stitches over the chaos that follows. Who knew meeting the in-laws could feel like a high-stakes CIA interrogation? Watch the sneak peek now.
Screening: 29 October
Venue: Kirstenbosch Gardens
Jump Scare Screenings
For the brave souls who love a good scare, these hair-raising screenings will have you jumping out of your picnic blanket and clutching onto your nearest friend for dear life! So, if you’re up for a night of frights and thrills, prepare to scream, shiver, and maybe even sleep with the lights on!
The Shining (Horror Drama)
“Heeere’s Johnny!”
This one is just in time for spooky season! The Shining, Stanley Kubrick’s horror masterpiece will leave you gripping your seat and questioning every creaky floorboard in your house. As the eerie halls of the Overlook Hotel come alive, Jack Nicholson’s iconic descent into madness as Jack Torrance will send shivers down your spine. From ghostly twins to hedge mazes that feel far too real, this film serves up enough spooky vibes to make you wish you’d never checked in! Check out the trailer—if you’re brave enough.
Screening: 31 October – Special Halloween Show
Venue: Kirstenbosch Gardens
And That’s a Wrap: Your Perfect Night Under the Stars!
So, what are you waiting for? The Galileo Open Air Cinema is serving up the perfect combination of great films and beautiful venues, making it the ultimate way to enjoy a movie night this October. Whether you’re out with friends, on a romantic date, or enjoying some family fun, The Galileo is an experience like no other. Don’t miss out—grab your tickets here.