- What Do You Need for an Outdoor Movie Night?
- Outdoor Movie Night Invitation Ideas
- Family Friendly Outdoor Movie Night Ideas
- Outdoor Movie Night Snack Ideas
- Additional Activities for an Outdoor Movie Night
Let’s dive into some outdoor movie night ideas that will make your party one to remember!
What Do You Need for an Outdoor Movie Night?
Ready to host an epic outdoor movie night? Let’s make sure you’ve got all the essentials to turn your backyard into the ultimate open-air theater. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Projector: Look for one with plenty of lumens so it’s bright enough to see clearly in the twilight.
- Screen: An inflatable screen can be a game changer. It’s super easy to set up and big enough for everyone to have a great view.
- Sound System: Grab a quality speaker system to make sure your movie’s sound is as good as the visuals. Outdoor speakers really help the sound travel.
- Seating: Mix it up with some comfy options like bean bags, lawn chairs, or even fluffy picnic blankets.
- Lighting: A few string lights or lanterns can add a cozy glow without drowning out the movie.
- Power Source: Don’t forget a reliable power source! A long extension cord or a sturdy portable battery pack will ensure everything runs smoothly all night.
At Reventals, we’ve made it super simple to rent everything you need to show your movie in one package with our Outdoor Movie Bundle! We’ve also got seating and lighting rental options for the ultimate outdoor movie night!
Outdoor Movie Night Invitation Ideas
When planning a special outdoor movie night, why not kick things off with some creative invitations? Crafting unique invites adds a personal touch and sets the tone for a fun-filled evening. Here are some adorable invitation ideas to get your guests excited:
- Popcorn Invite: For those who love a bit of DIY, a popcorn-box-shaped invite captures the playful spirit of an outdoor movie night. You can DIY this with some simple craft supplies from the store!
- Movie Night Printable: If you’re looking for a simpler option, printable movie tickets are a great option. You can customize them easily, and they add a classic cinema feel to your event.
- Custom Movie Ticket Invitations: Prefer to have your invites ready-made? Order custom movie ticket-style invitations online to give your event a professional touch.
If you’re planning an outdoor movie night for a larger event, we suggest using printable tickets or ordering simple raffle tickets that attendees can use to check into your event. If your event is exclusive, don’t forget to set up a table where attendees can check-in and grab snacks and drinks!
Snack and Food Ideas for Outdoor Movie Nights
Snack & Food Ideas for Outdoor Movie Nights
- Classic pizza night: Each family or group member can order their size and have it delivered to the host’s address. Use chafing dishes to keep food warm during the movie, so that attendees can grab food whenever without sacrificing taste or risking bacterial growth on the food.
- Family picnic style: Pack up your own basket/lunchbox filled with simple picnic foods like sandwiches, raw veggies, and cut fruit. This spread looks amazing!
- Popcorn! You can keep it super simple and pick up some individually packaged Skinny Pop so everyone has a small snack to enjoy after dinner at home. Or if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, rent a popcorn machine and pop your popcorn fresh!
Drink Ideas for Outdoor Movie Nights
If you’re hosting an outdoor movie night, you can’t forget about the drinks! Here are some cute drink outdoor movie night ideas that fit well for small parties and larger events!
- Soda: This is a classic! Check out these cute personalized Coke bottles. You should offer a variety of soda options. Some classics are Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, and Mountain Dew.
- Margaritas & Slushies: This is a great addition for hot summer nights. Rent a margarita machine and make margaritas for the adults and treat the kiddos to some slushies. If you’re hosting at home, ask guests to bring their own glasses and keep some disinfectant wipes near the machine for a quick wipe-down of the handle between uses. For larger events, make sure to purchase plenty of disposable cups for your guests.
10 Movie Ideas for Outdoor Movie Nights
If you’re hosting an outdoor movie night, it’s essential to choose a movie that everybody can enjoy! This might mean choosing something kid-friendly, or opting for a classic that everybody can appreciate.
1. The Lion King (1994)
Set in the African savannah, this animated Disney classic tells the story of Simba, a young lion who must embrace his role as the rightful king of the Pride Lands after the tragic death of his father, Mufasa. This film is filled with memorable music, loveable characters, and valuable life lessons, making it a great pick for families.
2. Toy Story (1995)
The first entirely computer-animated feature film, “Toy Story” introduces us to Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and a diverse group of toys that come alive when humans aren’t watching. This movie explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the fear of being replaced, captivating both children and adults.
3. Finding Nemo (2003) or Finding Dory (2016)
This underwater adventure follows Marlin, a timid clownfish, as he sets out to find his son Nemo, who is captured and placed in a fish tank. Along the way, Marlin learns about taking risks and letting go. It’s a story full of humor, heart, and breathtaking animation.
If your audience prefers, you could also show Finding Dory, the sequel to Finding Nemo that explores Dory’s backstory and her journey to find her family.
4. Inside Out (2015) or Inside Out 2 (2024)
This imaginative Pixar film takes us inside the mind of 11-year-old Riley, where five emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—struggle to guide her through a difficult life transition. The movie brilliantly navigates the complex world of emotions and is praised for its creative storytelling and deep understanding of human psychology.
Or you could show Inside Out 2, the groundbreaking sequel to Inside Out, which earned $1.699 billion worldwide, breaking multiple box-office records! This film was the highest-grossing animated movie on record, so your audience is sure to enjoy a rewatch of it!
5. Turning Red (2022)
From Pixar, this animated film explores the life of Meilin Lee, a 13-year-old girl who turns into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited. Set in Toronto, it’s a fun and heartfelt story about the complexities of adolescence, family expectations, and personal identity.
6. The Princess Bride (1987)
This cult classic is a swashbuckling fantasy adventure that tells the story of Westley, his beloved Buttercup, and their fantastical adventures. Filled with witty dialogue, memorable characters, and a satirical take on the fairy tale genre, “The Princess Bride” is as much a hit with adults for its clever humor as it is enchanting for kids.
7. Up (2009)
Pixar’s “Up” is an adventure comedy that follows elderly widower Carl Fredricksen and an earnest young Wilderness Explorer named Russell. By tying thousands of balloons to his house, Carl sets out to fulfill his dream of seeing the wilds of South America and complete a promise made to his late wife. The film’s mature themes of loss, grief, and moving on resonate deeply with adults.
8. The Incredibles (2004) or The Incredibles 2 (2018)
Directed by Brad Bird and produced by Pixar Animation Studios, “The Incredibles” revolves around the Parr family, each member of which possesses unique superpowers. Living under the witness protection program, the family struggles to lead a quiet suburban life, hiding their abilities.
Picking up right where the first film left off, “Incredibles 2” sees the Parr family continuing to balance their civilian lives with their superhero duties. This sequel focuses more on Helen Parr (Elastigirl) as she leads a campaign to bring back superheroes into the spotlight. Meanwhile, Bob (Mr. Incredible) faces his own challenges as a stay-at-home dad, dealing with teenage angst, a toddler with unpredictable powers, and a baby learning to control his super abilities.
9. Paddington (2014)
This charming British film follows Paddington, a young Peruvian bear who travels to London in search of a home. He soon finds himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, where he meets the kindly Brown family. “Paddington” offers humor and warmth with themes of kindness and acceptance, delighting adults with its clever narrative and heartwarming message.
10. Coco (2017)
Disney Pixar’s “Coco” is a vibrant tale of family, fun, and adventure. An aspiring young musician named Miguel embarks on an extraordinary journey to the magical land of his ancestors. The movie tackles themes of familial bonds and the desire to follow one’s dreams, packed with emotional depth that appeals to adults, stunning animation, and culturally rich storytelling that celebrates Mexican traditions.
Additional Activities for an Outdoor Movie Night
Plan the Perfect Outdoor Movie Night with Reventals
Ready to kick your outdoor movie night up a notch? Whether you’re planning a fun family get-together or a big bash under the stars, Reventals has got you covered. Think of us as your personal party planning assistant. Just browse our extensive selection of high-quality rentals, add your choices to your cart, and we’ll handle the rest. We work with a curated list of dependable and affordable vendors to ensure that you get the best possible options.
With Reventals, you focus on the fun stuff: picking a great movie, whipping up some snacks, and creating the perfect vibe for your guests. Leave the gear and logistics to us, so you can relax and enjoy the show.
Ready to start planning your unforgettable outdoor movie night? Head over to our marketplace at Reventals and explore our full range of rentals.
