Watching a movie is an excellent way to spend quality time with family and friends; the easy banter before, during, and after the film is almost as fun as the movie.
However, just staying indoors watching Netflix tends to suck out the adventure and fun of watching movies.
Still, going to the cinema can be expensive and might not be appropriate for sensitive children who might feel scared or uncomfortable.
Also, being in a big, closed room with recycled air can be pretty painful; the smell of popcorn in large quantities in one secure room with many people can be revolving.
This is where outdoor movie night ideas come in; outdoor movie night is fun for adults and children.
It feels like going on a short camping trip; it is often free or, at most, a minimal entry fee rather than the expensive entry fee charged at the cinema (movie theater).
Outdoor movie night is friendly to kids and pets and offers a sense of freedom.
When you have a kid, you can easily sit, stand, walk, or crawl (the kid) around without feeling guilty like you are disturbing people. You can quietly talk without anyone “shushing” you.
Watching a movie in the open air with lights and balloons floating around is more romantic than being cooped up in a cinema.
The experience generated in an outdoor movie night can never be forgotten; Mother Nature tends to feel the atmosphere with excitement and a beautiful backdrop before, during, and after the movie.
How to Throw an Outdoor Movie Night
There are two ways to have an outdoor movie night: the community could organize it, and people could pay a minimal entry fee or set up their outdoor movie night.
Especially during summer, it is nice to stay outdoors late at night.
So, with a few easy improvements to your backyard, you can host an outdoor movie night and spend quality time with your friends and family.
But like everything, outdoor movie night has to be planned and set up to be enjoyable.
Things needed to set up an outdoor movie night are;
Projector
A projector is essential for an outdoor movie night; when getting a projector, invest in a good projector compatible with your favorite streaming device.
A compatible projector is necessary because it allows you to watch the movie no matter how it is stored or streamed.
Screen
If your backyard is properly organized, you can project the movie onto the side of your house or garage.
You could also buy an outdoor screening designed especially for outdoor movies or hang a white sheet over the side of your building and project the film on it.
Speakers
Even though your projector has an inbuilt speaker, it’s always a nice choice to use additional speakers to guarantee everyone can hear the movie.
Small wireless speakers are a great option because you don’t have to worry about plugging them in, and they can be discreetly placed throughout the yard without it being in the way.
Extension Cords
If the speaker or projector isn’t battery-operated, you’ll need a few extension cords to connect the gadgets to the closet outlet.
Keeping at least two extra nearby is also necessary in case one shorts out, or you need an extra few inches to run a line.
Comfy Chairs or Pillows
You should arrange the seating in a picnic-like environment and put your patio furniture in front of the screen.
The chairs and pillows should be thrown around the yard quickly and efficiently to give guests a place to sit.
Everyone has a preference of what they like to sit on, so, if possible, tell your family and friends to bring their seating options (Chairs, pillows, or blankets)
Blankets
You should provide some cozy blankets; this can be used to cover up when the sun goes down and the temperature drops.
Twinkle Lights
You can hang Christmas bulbs or decorative mini lanterns from trees or movie screen anchors.
Also, glass solar stake lights and a paper lantern can be used—this helps create a serene, beautiful atmosphere.
At the same time, it provides enough light for guests to walk around without distracting others.
Citronella Candles or Bug Spray
Nobody wants to watch a movie with bugs and mosquitoes. Citronella candles and bug sprays help keep them away.
The film is more enjoyable when these insects are not buzzing in your ears.
A pot of bug-repelling plants such as lavender, basil, mint, and rosemary can be set up in the yard.
Flashlights or Lit Pathways
Flashlights or lit pathways are essential for bathroom breaks; they help prevent accidental tripping over equipment or stepping on a fellow guest.
Snacks
Snacks are essential for an outdoor movie night. It would be incomplete without a few sweets and salty snacks.
Popcorn is described as the ultimate movie night snack. During an outdoor movie night, instead of plain old popcorn.
You can set up a popcorn bar where a big batch of plain popcorn is served along with a variety of toppings and mix-ins, such as cheese, ranch seasoning, melted butter, caramel sauce, salt, cinnamon sugar, and butter salt.
Candies such as Twizzlers, M&M, Junior Mints, Swedish fish, etc., should also be provided.
Finger foods such as meatballs can be delivered to ensure guests enjoy their food while watching the movie.
Grilled foods like hot dogs and hamburgers could also be provided outdoors, and grilling goes hand-in-hand.
Drinks
Instead of using plain, blocky, ugly coolers, get an inexpensive galvanized steel or painted tub and fill it with ice, bottled water, and soda.
Beer and other adult beverages should be served in a separate tub from the one accessible to the children.
You should provide hand wipes or sanitizers and a trash can with a lid for guests to clean up after themselves after eating.
Disposable cups and plates should be utilized to make cleanup easier. A trash can with a lid helps keep animals away and keep the environment neat.
Activities Before the Movie
The movie is the primary event at an outdoor movie night, but other entertaining activities exist before the movie starts.
This includes playing charades or movie-related trivia to excite people while guests are still trickling in.
Before the movie starts, give the kids glow sticks to light up the night and delight and mesmerize them. If a fire pit is available, s’mores can be roasted as a treat.
How to Select the Movie for an Outdoor Movie Night
Outdoor movie nights include adults and kids; finding the perfect film the audience will enjoy is significant.
You don’t want a movie that will bore the adults, and you don’t want the children to be bored or scared of the selected movie.
Below are some categories of movies that are entertaining to both adults and children.
Marvel/DC comic Movies
Everyone likes watching superheroes. Movies like Captain America, The Avengers, Superman, Aqua-man, Spider-man, etc., are sure to entertain adults and children during an outdoor movie night.
Star Wars Films
The Star Wars franchise is an outdoor movie night movie idea; whether you watch a classic like A New Hope or a new trilogy like The Force Awakens, the audience will be entertained and captivated.
Disney Movies
Disney doesn’t have an age bracket; their movies (either animation or live-action) are entertaining to both young and old.
This is evident from the millions of old and young people visiting Disney World yearly.
Disney movies like Maleficent, Sing, Beauty and the Beast, Moana, and Zootropolis, among others, are sure to entertain both adults and children.
Classics
You can never go wrong with showing a classic; everyone enjoys re-watching classics. This is evident as classics are always popular on outdoor movie nights.
Movies like Grease, The Wizard of OZ, The Goonies, ET, Back to the Future, Indiana Jones, etc., are always entertaining. Comedy Everyone enjoys relaxing and laughing at silly things, even kids.
Comedy
is an excellent choice when choosing a movie for an outdoor movie night. Movie-like Big Momma’s House, White Chicks, and Madea Movies (Witness Protection, Boo, etc.) will entertain the audience.
Organize an outdoor movie night when you feel like hanging out with your family and friends; these ideas will make the night memorable for your guests.
