Backyard Movie Night Ideas To Enjoy With Family This Summer
There’s something special about watching a movie outside. It could be the simple fact that we’re accustomed to watching movies indoors. Hosting an outside movie night takes a familiar activity and completely changes the environment in which it usually happens. It’s different, it’s exciting, you could say it even feels surreal.
Outside movies also open the door for several ideas that are perfect for summer nights. Read on to find out solutions for all you need to set up a backyard movie night and ideas that could make it one of the best nights of the summer.
What Do You Need For a Backyard Movie Night?
Watching a movie outside usually requires a bit more effort than watching from the living room couch. The outdoor movie setup is what makes it what it is. There are a few necessities and a number of ways you can take your setup to the next level for a movie night you’ll never forget.
How Are You Going To Show the Film?
First things first, you need to decide how you’re going to play and display the movie. The standard choice is to use a projector and a screen. See below for options as far as projectors and screens go.
Alternatively, you can bring a TV outside, which could be easy or inconvenient depending on your TV setup. A TV that isn’t mounted on the wall should be pretty easy to take outside and set up on a table.
Screen
If you’re going to use a projector, you’ll need a blank surface to project the image on. There are different options you can purchase that will be ideal for a backyard movie night, if you don’t mind paying for it. Or, if you work somewhere that might have one already, perhaps you could borrow it for the night; just make sure to ask first!
If you don’t have access to a screen that’s built specifically for use with projectors, don’t worry. There are several DIY options for creating screens ideal for outdoor movies.
Pro tip: Want to take your setup from casual to cinematic? Meet the FUNBOY 20 FT Giant Inflatable Projector Screen — your new backyard flex. It inflates in under five minutes, works with most projectors, and looks so good, your friends might think they wandered onto a movie set. Bonus: that signature navy stripe? It’s giving Main Character energy. And yes, your phone will end up with at least 12 photos to post on Instagram by the end of the night.
Projector
Using a projector for outdoor movie nights is part of what distinguishes it. It provides an exciting viewing experience, even if it might not be as clear or bright as the flat-screen television on your wall. There’s definitely something nostalgic about watching movies on a projector outside... Perhaps it brings up memories of camp or drive-in theatres.
Projectors range dramatically in price. You can spend thousands, or you can pick one up for as little as $100. As expected, quality varies as well depending on how much you spend. If you don’t have a projector available and you want to get creative, you can create a projector that actually works using your phone display and a few basic materials. This phone-projector DIY is easier than you would think and is a great way to bring a little science into your evening.
Speakers
You need audio along with visuals. If you’re playing the movie from a projector, it may have its own built-in speakers, but these are usually not very loud. You’ll want to find speakers that are compatible with your projector. Look into wired or Bluetooth options. You may find that the exact solution you need is something you already have.
Comfortable Seating
Comfortable seating will make or break your outdoor movie night. Sitting on the grass will get uncomfortable and itchy pretty quickly. You’ll want to set up your outdoor theater with comfy spots to watch the film and enjoy the summer night.
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Lawn Chairs: Lawn chairs are an easy and classic option to quickly organize seating for the backyard. These retro-inspired lawn chairs are a stylish and comfortable option that folds up for convenient transportation and storage.
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Blankets and Pillows:Blankets and pillows are a fun and cozy option for watching movies under the summer night sky. Under your blankets and pillows, lay down a tarp or some large beach towels to prevent moisture from the grass from getting to you.
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Inflatables:Pool floats are the perfect solution for outdoor movie night seating. Kick back in this rainbow chaise lounger, or sit next to your bestie on this inflatable red lip couch. If those choices don’t match your vibe, perhaps you’d rather chill on an inflatable plane while you watch a flick. Fun inflatable options for sitting and lounging are a sure way to make your outdoor movie night unique and memorable. Make sure to get pics of this awesome setup!
- Kiddie Pool:Fill up a kiddie pool with blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals to make the ultimate comfort pit. You’ll be so comfortable and cozy, don’t be surprised if you fall asleep during the movie with a smile on your face.
Snacks
Last but not least, you need movie snacks! While you can really go any direction you want to with the snacks, people tend to appreciate the classic popcorn and candy options. Plus, these won’t cost an arm and a leg like they do at the theater. Fill up a cooler with sodas or other tasty drinks, and you’ve got all the best movie snacks and more.
Little kids often pick the snacks as their favorite part of the movie-going experience. To make this experience something extra special for them, set up your snacks with labels that show a price. You can use Monopoly money, pennies, or poker chips as their play money. This is a fun way to help them learn how to count money and pay for something on their own, and also understand that movie snacks ain’t free!
Add a Theme To Your Backyard Movie Night
A basic backyard movie night is going to be a hit. It’s casual fun that’s hard not to enjoy. But if you’re trying to throw a truly unforgettable party, you can take your backyard movie night to the next level by adding a theme to the night.
Pajama Party
A pajama dress code will make your backyard movie night more silly and more cozy. Something about wearing pajamas and watching a movie just feels natural. It also might increase the chances of people falling asleep, but that’s not a bad thing.
Throwback Teen Movie Night
Time to rewind. Pop in a classic early 2000s teen flick (Mean Girls? Clueless? 10 Things I Hate About You?) and lean all the way into the throwback vibes. Have everyone show up in low-rise jeans, layered tanks, butterfly clips, and just the right amount of frosted lip gloss. Extra credit for bringing your old flip phone or your favorite AIM screen name.
Set the scene with inflatable seating that gives main-character energy, like our Pink Retro Phone Float (because duh). Add a few disposable cameras, pass out handwritten “burn books” (for good, harmless fun), and play early 2000s playlists before the movie starts.
It’s peak nostalgia, maximum fun, and 100% the kind of night you’ll still be laughing about three group texts later.
Backyard Camping Theme
Backyard camping and backyard movie nights go hand in hand. Invite people to set up tents in the yard and crash for the night after the movies are done. Slip into sleeping bags while you watch the movie under the stars and roast marshmallows over a fire—that’s something you definitely don’t get to do at a regular theatre.
Malibu Barbie™ Movie Night
If your idea of the perfect summer night includes pink everything, a splash of nostalgia, and a whole lot of sparkle, this one’s for you. Host a Malibu Barbie™ movie night and channel your inner doll with outfits that scream poolside glam meets SoCal vibes. Think: pink sunglasses, matching sets, and anything that looks like it belongs in Barbie Land.
Screen Barbie™ The Movie (obviously), then go all out with the decor. Set the scene with the Barbie™ “B” Inflatable Pool Float as your party photo-op, and roll out the Barbie™ Golf Cart Float or Snowmobile Sled (off-duty, of course) as ultra-cute props for lounging. Toss in a few pink drinks, themed snacks, and maybe even a DIY “Dreamhouse Popcorn Bar” for good measure.
It’s playful, it’s iconic, and it’s basically a dream night in plastic — but make it inflatable.
Backyard Drive-In Movie Night
Pull vehicles into the backyard and use them as seating for an homage to classic drive-in theatres that were once so popular. Since you probably won’t be sending out a radio signal to play the movie audio inside the cars, face the rear of the cars towards the screen, and stuff them with pillows and blankets.
Trucks are the ideal option here. Truck beds make the perfect comfy fort for drive-in movies. Hatchbacks or SUVs can work just as well.
Best Backyard Movie Night Ever
There you have it — everything you need to turn your backyard into the hottest open-air theater on the block. From cozy seating and snack bar setups to dressing up like Malibu Barbie™ or your favorite early 2000s movie icon, this is your official permission slip to do it big, have fun, and make it extra.
Whether you’re pulling off a full-blown themed party or just tossing some pillows on the lawn and pressing play, the real magic is in the vibe. And let’s be honest — nothing brings the wow factor like our 20 FT Giant Inflatable Projector Screen. It’s easy to set up, ridiculously good-looking, and makes everything feel more like an event (and yeah, your IG Stories are going to eat).
So grab your floats, fluff your pillows, queue up the movie, and get ready for a night your friends and fam will be talking about all summer. See you under the stars.
Sources:
DIY Outdoor Movie Screen Materials and Ideas for Any Yard | BobVila
