Americans love movies. In fact, the box office generated more than 11 billion dollars in 2019. Who doesn’t love a good trip to the movies or a fun movie night at home?
So if you’re wanting to host a movie night at your place, you’re not alone. But how can you make sure it’s a night to remember?
We’ve put together this guide for you outlining 6 awesome movie night ideas that will make for the perfect event. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Get Your Theater Components
When you’re planning your movie night, you first want to make sure you have all the necessary equipment. This is true whether you’re hosting an indoor or outdoor party, although it’s a little more complicated if you’re having an outdoor movie event.
Either way, you’ll want to make sure you have the following:
- A TV or screen to watch the movie on
- A DVD player or streaming service to access the film
- A strong internet connection if you’re going to stream
- Speakers that will be loud enough for everyone to hear
- The ability to turn on subtitles if you want
If you’re watching outside, one of the biggest things to consider is your screen. You could use a white sheet attached to your fence or the side of your house.
You could also rent or buy an inflatable movie screen. These always make for a memorable outdoor event.
2.Have Plenty of Comfortable Seating
Next, it’s important to think about seating. Since your movie night will involve a lot of sitting, you want to make sure people are comfortable.
If you’re doing it inside, you probably already have a theater room with movie chairs or a living room with couches. But this is just the foundation.
Also, think about adding some bean bags. These are perfect for kids to sit on in the front.
Don’t forget the extras like blankets and pillows. You should have a large stash of these so people can make themselves at home.
Don’t have all of these things? Ask your guests to bring some of their own. That’s no big deal.
If you’re having an outdoor movie night, you’ll also want to make sure your lawn is freshly mowed and that there’s no pet waste on the grass.
Creative outdoor seating can involve lawn chairs, an air mattress, or simple blankets. The idea here is to have options.
3. Pick the Right Movie
Now it’s time to think about what movie you’re going to watch, one of the most important movie night ideas. It’s important to think about your guests.
Do you have just adults coming? A PG-13 is fine.
A mix of adults and children? Lean towards something kid-friendly that will still appeal to adults. This will help keep everybody interested.
Also, try to find something that doesn’t have a lot of dark scenes. These will be difficult to see with a large group.
4. Think about Snacks
Consider a normal trip to the movie theater. One of the highlights for most people is the concession stand! Who doesn’t love some delicious butter popcorn or a box of movie theater candy?
The same concept applies to your at-home movie night. Take some time to create a delicious spread of treats.
These could include:
- Different types of popcorn, including butter, kettle, garlic, or cinnamon
- Bins of bulk candy with bags so people can create their own perfect mix
- A homemade smoothie section with various fruit options
- A s’mores station if you’re outside
- An ice cream sundae bar with all the toppings
Also, think about drink options. Soda, sparkling water, and lemonade can all take your party to the next level.
If this feels overwhelming, involve your guests. Have everyone bring something to contribute and it will be easier to manage.
5. Consider Your Outdoor Lighting Situation
Having your movie night outside? Make sure you don’t set up next to bright streetlights. But you’ll still want some type of lighting so people can get around.
Here are some options you could do to make it so people can still see each other and get to the bathroom when they need to:
- You could hang some Christmas lights around the yard
- You could get some tiki torches and put them around the yard
- You could make some homemade lanterns out of jars
- You could hang camping lanterns around the yard
Some outdoor lighting options even include citronella which is a great way to keep bugs away as well.
6. Make Some Invitations
Last but not least, let’s talk about invitations for your movie night. This is an awesome opportunity to get creative, especially if you have kids.
You could design invites inspired by old-school movie theater tickets. Or could you base them off of the movie you’re going to watch.
Having a Jurassic Park movie night? You could cut your invites in the shape of a t-rex.
Plus, people love getting a physical invitation in today’s digital world. It will make your party feel even more exciting.
Movie Night Ideas for the Best Party Ever
There you have it: 6 movie night ideas that will help you have the greatest party ever. Now that you’ve read through these tips, what’s next? It’s time to get planning.
Do you want to have your event inside or outside? Want to watch a kids’ movie or a movie for adults?
Soon, you’ll have an awesome event planned.
