MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- To watch a movie at Bryant Park on a beautiful summer-like night is on the bucket list of many people.

Monday was the premiere of Paramount+ movie nights at Bryant Park. The classic Forrest Gump was the chosen film to begin this season, a summer tradition now in its third decade.

A different movie will be featured every Monday until Aug. 12. Whether you come with your significant other, a family member, a friend, or by yourself, it is an experience described by many as magical.

It was the perfect date night for Melissa and Marco.  

“It was my idea. I’ve been here before, and it is a nice place to come when the weather is amazing,” said Melissa.

The couple has been dating for six months. They were among the thousands who got their blankets ready and snatched a spot on the lawn at Bryant Park for the premiere of Paramount+ movie nights.

For Marisol Quintero, this movie night under the stars was extra special. Not only was she celebrating her birthday. But one of her favorite movies is Forrest Gump.

“I love Forrest Gump, so it feels great. So, I am hoping Forrest will find me somewhere here on the lawn. How about that?” said Marisol.

And even though Mr. Gump said, “life is like a box of chocolate,” for Vanessa, life is eating ice cream while enjoying this film, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

“I am ready, but my ice cream is almost finished, so I have to buy another one,” Vanessa said.

Others, like Pauline, just wanted some alone time, and this was the right scenario to give them that.

“I am here having a good time by myself, a little self-care day. Forrest Gump, especially, is a classic,” said Pauline.

The next film on the big screen here at Bryant Park is The Talented Mr. Ripley, which will be shown on June 17.