Summer Movies at The Franklin Theatre: Classic Films and Family Favorites
Located in the heart of historic downtown Franklin, The Franklin Theatre has been a cultural landmark since 1937. With its Art Deco façade and intimate atmosphere, the historic venue is known for more than just movies, it also hosts live music, theatrical performances, and special events year-round. From Grammy-winning artists to community productions, it remains a popular gathering spot for entertainment and connection.
This summer, the spotlight returns to the big screen. The Franklin Theatre’s summer movie series is back, and it’s packed with iconic films, themed events, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re looking to introduce kids to animated favorites, relive a beloved classic, or enjoy a unique night out, this season’s lineup offers something for every filmgoer.
Throughout June and July, themed nights add extra meaning to the movie calendar:
- Rock & Roll Mondays celebrate music-driven cinema with energetic, soundtrack-heavy favorites.
- First Kiss Fridays feature romantic films that pair perfectly with date night.
- Saturday Morning Cartoons offer animated adventures the whole family can enjoy together.
With a blend of nostalgia, fun, and thoughtful programming, The Franklin Theatre invites audiences of all ages to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
June Movies at The Franklin Theatre
The month kicks off with a music-driven cult classic and ends with animated action. Here’s what’s playing in June:
Nashville (1975)
June 9th at 7 pm (Drama, Music, Comedy, Rated R)
Rock & Roll Monday begins with this satirical look at country music and politics, set in the heart of Nashville. Directed by Robert Altman, this sprawling musical comedy/drama unfolds over five days in Music City. Through multiple interwoven storylines, it paints a vivid portrait of Nashville’s country and gospel music scene, politics, and celebrity culture, leading up to a gala concert for a fictional presidential candidate
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
June 10th at 7 pm (Comedy, Drama, Romance, Family, Rated G)
A special tribute to Judy Garland on her birthday, this sentimental MGM musical follows the Smith family through four seasons as they prepare for the 1904 World’s Fair. The charming story centers on Judy Garland as Esther Smith and her three sisters as they learn about love, life, and growing up, alongside a memorable boy next door .
The Breakfast Club 40th Anniversary Screening with John Kapelos (1985)
June 13th at 8 pm (Comedy, Drama, Rated R)
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of this iconic teen drama with a special screening featuring actor John Kapelos, also known as Carl the Janitor, in person. Written and directed by John Hughes, this coming‑of‑age film is centered on five high school students from different cliques who spend a Saturday in detention together. Over the day, they peel back their facades and form unexpected bonds .
Tarzan (1999)
June 14th at 11 am (Family, Adventure, Animation, Drama, Rated G)
Kick off Saturday Morning Cartoons with Disney’s Tarzan, which brings Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic to life in this beautifully animated tale of identity and belonging. Centered on an orphaned boy raised by a family of gorillas, the film follows Tarzan as he discovers his human heritage and wrestles with his place between two worlds.
Father of the Bride (1991)
June 15th at 2 pm and 7 pm (Comedy, Romance, Rated PG)
A perfect Father’s Day pick, this heartfelt comedy stars Steve Martin as George Banks, a successful athletic‑shoe company owner whose world is turned upside down when his daughter returns from Europe and announces her engagement. What follows is a heartwarming, comedic journey through wedding‑planning chaos, from introducing the overprotective dad to meeting the in‑laws, managing an eccentric planner, and navigating a flood of emotions around coming of age and letting go.
Tangled
Do the Right Thing (1989)
June 18th at 7 pm (Drama, Rated R)
Set on a single block in Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy neighborhood during the hottest day of the year, Do the Right Thing is a provocative film that confirmed Spike Lee as a visionary writer and director. What begins as a series of everyday interactions between a diverse cast of characters escalates into rising tension and ultimately, a powerful confrontation along racial lines. This landmark film explores themes of community, injustice, and identity with energy and urgency.
Tangled (2010)
June 21st at 11 am (Animation, Adventure, Family, Rated PG)
Another entry in the Saturday Morning Cartoons series, Tangled tells the story of Rapunzel, who has spent her entire life hidden in a tower. On the eve of her eighteenth birthday, she yearns to see the mysterious floating lanterns that appear every year on the same night. When she crosses paths with Flynn Rider, a charming thief on the run, the two strike a deal and set off on an action-packed journey full of discovery, danger, and humor.
School of Rock (2003)
June 23rd at 7 pm (Comedy, Music, Rated PG-13)
Rock & Roll Monday continues with Jack Black leading a classroom of kids to musical glory. Hell-raising guitarist Dewey Finn is kicked out of his band and, desperate for work, impersonates a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. He channels his passion into forming a rock band with a class of high-achieving fifth-graders, coaching them to compete in a local radio station’s Battle of the Bands.
Before Sunrise (1995)
June 27th at 7 pm (Drama, Romance, Rated R)
First Kiss Friday starts with this beautifully shot and intimately told love story in Vienna. A young American and French student meet on a Eurail train and impulsively decide to spend a single evening walking the streets of Vienna. Knowing this may be their only night together, they wander through the city’s cafés, parks, and museums as they connect over deep, spontaneous conversations about life, love, time, and self‑discovery.
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
June 28th at 11 am (Action, Adventure, Animation, Family, Comedy)
Laughs and martial arts action for all ages round out the month’s Saturday Morning Cartoons. Po, an enthusiastic but clumsy panda, works in his family’s noodle shop and dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master. His world turns upside down when he is unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Trained by Master Shifu and fighting alongside the legendary Furious Five, Po must find the strength to face the powerful snow leopard Tai Lung, who threatens their peaceful valley.
Independence Day
July Movies at The Franklin Theatre
The summer movie celebration continues in July with patriotic favorites, romantic comedies, and space-bound adventures.
Independence Day (1996)
July 3rd at 7 pm (Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, Rated PG-13)
When strange phenomena begin appearing around the globe, fear quickly spreads as massive alien ships arrive over the world’s major cities. As the skies ignite and destruction begins, it becomes clear that Earth is facing an unprecedented threat. Set over the Fourth of July weekend, the film follows a group of unlikely heroes as they unite to fight for humanity’s survival.
Forrest Gump (1994)
July 9th at 7 pm (Comedy, Drama, Romance, Rated PG-13)
Celebrate Tom Hanks’ birthday with this uplifting tale of a man with a low IQ whose kindness and determination lead him to extraordinary achievements. Forrest Gump chronicles his life journey through major events in 20th-century America, from college football and the Vietnam War to meeting presidents, yet his one true love remains just beyond his grasp .
We Are Guardians (2023)
July 16th at 7 pm (Documentary, Not Rated)
Set in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, this film follows the Indigenous forest guardians who risk their lives to defend their ancestral lands from illegal invasions and widespread deforestation. As environmental destruction accelerates and pressure mounts from outside forces, these small groups stand firm, fighting to preserve centuries-old ecosystems and cultural traditions.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
13 Going on 30 (2004)
July 18th at 7 pm and 10 pm (Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Rated PG-13)
First Kiss Friday continues with a feel-good romantic comedy starring Jennifer Garner as Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old girl desperate to escape the pressures of junior high. After making a birthday wish, she wakes up to find herself suddenly transformed into her 30-year-old self, with a dream job, a grown-up apartment, and a life she doesn’t remember living. As Jenna navigates the highs and lows of adulthood, she realizes that growing up isn’t as simple or glamorous as it seemed.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
July 26th at 11 am (Drama, Animation, Family, Rated G)
Saturday Morning Cartoons conclude with Disney’s darker, operatic take on Victor Hugo’s classic. Quasimodo, the kind but isolated bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, dreams of life beyond the tower walls. When he sneaks out during the Festival of Fools, he meets Esmeralda, a brave and compassionate Romani woman who challenges the cruelty of Judge Claude Frollo, Quasimodo’s oppressive guardian and Paris’ Minister of Justice.
Interstellar (2014)
July 30th at 7 pm (Adventure, Science Fiction, Drama, Rated PG-13)
Marking director Christopher Nolan’s birthday, this sci-fi epic closes out the summer with emotion and visual spectacle. Set in a near future where Earth is on the brink of collapse, a group of explorers sets out on a daring mission through a newly discovered wormhole, seeking a new home for humanity among the stars.
Plan Your Summer Nights at The Franklin Theatre
The Franklin Theatre offers the perfect way to cool off and unwind this summer. With air-conditioned comfort, themed movie nights, special guest appearances, and family-friendly showings, the summer series is designed to appeal to all ages and interests. Its historic setting and downtown location make it a great place to escape the heat and enjoy a laid-back night at the movies.
Please note: The Franklin Theatre does not show previews, and movies begin promptly at the listed time. Unless otherwise stated, doors open 45 minutes before each screening.
