Movie night is supposed to be relaxing, fun and stress-free—unless it’s your first movie night as a new couple. Rather than fighting over what to watch or where to go, use this list of the top 10 outdoor movies in 2022. You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite film under the stars with no arguments.
The “best movies to watch outside” is a list of movie ideas that are perfect for an outdoor night. It includes movies from the year 2021. Read more in detail here: best movies to watch outside 2021.
An outdoor movie night has something to do with the open air, atmosphere, and movie enchantment. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of outdoor movie night ideas that will immerse you and your buddies in the cinematic experience!
An outdoor movie night may be as simple or as elaborate as you choose. It is, nevertheless, a fantastic alternative to an indoor movie night. Don’t remain cooped up indoors when the evenings are lovely! Bring the show outside!
Allow us to lead you through our comprehensive list of outdoor movie night ideas, from setup to closing credits! Pick the finest ideas for your ideal movie night from this list, including screens, projectors, sound, seating, décor, food, movie selection, and movie night themes!
Contents
1. Screens
A great screen is the foundation of a good movie picture. The screen you choose will have an impact on the final image, regardless of whatever projector you use.
Obtain a loan from a friend: Check with your neighbors and friends. You may be surprised to learn that someone already has a screen that you can utilize!
Utilize a wall or existing structure to reflect the light: Another alternative is to use a wall or garage door. However, keep in mind that you will notice texture and lines throughout your film. Hanging a sheet on a clothesline, wall, or fence is a simple option.
Purchase An Outdoor Movie Screen: There are several outdoor movie screens available for purchase in a variety of budgets. Many outside screens have previously been evaluated for your convenience.
Build A DIY Screen With Instructions: If you don’t want to spend the money on a screen, you may make one yourself out of canvas. Canvas is more durable than a sheet and does not wave in the wind as much. Better Homes and Gardens has some directions for making your own outdoor canvas movie screen.
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OMS120H2: Elite Screens Yard Master 2, 120-inch Outdoor Indoor Projector Screen 16:9, Fast Easy Snap On Set-up Freestanding Portable Movie Foldable Front Projection | US Based Company 2-YEAR WARRANTY, OMS120H2: Elite Screens Yard Master 2, 120-inch Outdoor Indoor Projector Screen 16:9, Fast Easy Snap On Set-up Freestanding Portable Movie Foldable Front Projection | US Based Company 2-YEAR WARRANTY, OMS120H2
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9, 120-inch Diagonal 59.0″ H x 104.7″ W, 59.0″ H x 104.7″ W, 59.0″ H x 104.7″ W, Overall dimensions are 88.9″ H x 109.8″ W x 36.7″ L. Aluminum frame in silver. Projection from the Front
- CineWhite UHD-B (Tensioned Matte White) projector screen, 1.3 gain Ready for 4K Ultra HD and Active 3D Projection. With a totally blacked-out front projection, it has a 180-degree viewing angle. Accurate color points, Dynamic Range, and Color Temperature are all part of the ISF. With soap and water, it’s simple to clean. Standard, short-throw, and ultra-short-throw projectors are all compatible.
- Without the need of tools, it assembles in minutes! With the supplied cushioned carrying case, the lightweight aluminum square tube structure is easy to travel. Although the projector screen is weather resistant, it should not be kept outside for long periods of time. Disassemble the screen and keep it inside for best life.
- The snap button frame is completely tensioned to provide a level projection. Included are a single-piece aluminum frame with detachable legs, projector screen material, a carrying bag, ground anchors, rigging rope, and support rings, as well as a single-piece aluminum frame with removable legs.
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Projector No. 2
Without a projector, having an outdoor movie night is tough. You may, of course, bring out your large screen TV, but you won’t get the same cinematic enchantment that a projector provides.
Borrow a Projector from a Friend or the Library: If you don’t already have an outdoor movie projector, don’t worry. You may usually borrow one from a friend or family member. For a nominal daily charge, some libraries may rent them out.
DIY Shoebox Projector: Some individuals have successfully seen a movie using a shoebox, magnifying glass, and a smartphone as a projector. To create your own projector, follow the instructions.
Purchase a Projector: If you plan on seeing more than one movie outside of the season, it’s a good idea to invest in a projector. Outdoor projectors are offered in a variety of price ranges. If you do your homework, you’ll be able to select one that is ideal for you.
Crenova Home Video Projector, 6800 Lumen Full HD Movie Projector, 200′ LED Outdoor Projector with 1080P Support, Home Theater Projector Compatible with TV Stick, PS4, Phone, and Laptop
- When compared to other led video projectors in its class, Crenova HD home theater projector with fresh upgraded pixel and LED tech delivers outstanding 550 ANSI, 6800 Lux brightness, max-supported 1080P. The visuals project with brightness and clarity whether you’re streaming Netflix, watching a movie, or playing your favorite PC/PS4/Xbox game.
- STABLE WIRED PHONE CONNECTION: There’s no need to download any apps since this phone projector can effortlessly connect to your smartphone with an additional HDMI adapter (not included). It may provide you with a more stale gaming experience.
- EXPERIENCE A TRUE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE: Crenova’s ultra-wide color gamut, 1280*800p native resolution, 6000:1 contrast, 60″-200″ display allows you to immerse yourself in big-screen rich colors and contrast in any situation. This outdoor video projector is great for watching movies or playing video games inside or out!
- MULTIPLE INTERFACES: This 1080P movie projector accepts HDMI, VGA, USB, and AV inputs. You may connect the projector to a TV Stick and view videos from Netflix, Hulu, and other comparable services. Hulu, Netflix, and other comparable services’ copyrighted material CANNOT be mirrored or copied.
- HI-FI STEREO SOUND: The built-in strong omnidirectional speaker with SRS sound system in the XPE660 movie projector for outdoor usage gives a fantastic auditory sense experience without the need of additional speakers. Use the newest SmarEco technology to reduce light consumption and increase bulb life to a maximum of 50000 hours.
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3. Illumination
The first thing to consider when preparing an outdoor movie is the sunset. Until the sun sets, you won’t be able to view your movie screen well. Inviting people to come at sunset is a great idea. This should allow visitors around 30 minutes to locate food and a viewing place before the lighting is optimum for the screen.
You will also need a little amount of light throughout the film. Guests will be able to get up and refresh food without stumbling over each other.
Check out these 20+ landscape lighting ideas if you don’t have any already. Many of these suggestions would be ideal for a movie night. Choose a color that isn’t so brilliant that it overpowers the movie picture.
4. Music: Put the Music in Your Ears
Keep sound in mind while putting up your system. Make use of your backyard’s natural acoustics to keep the sound confined and at a comfortable level for your party. There are several options for completing the task and providing sound for your film. Make sure to put them to the test before the big night!
- Amplifier stereo
- Make sure you have a nice pair of computer speakers with a bass amplifier.
- A boombox with additional inputs
- If you’re using a projector with a built-in speaker, make sure the sound is loud enough.
You may do so if you wish to emphasize your surround sound. However, it will take much longer to put up and take down than if you select one of the other alternatives.
ION Audio Tailgater Plus – 50W Portable Outdoor Wireless Bluetooth Speaker with 50-Hour Battery, Microphone, Radio, and USB Charging ION Audio Tailgater Plus – 50W Portable Outdoor Wireless Bluetooth Speaker with 50-Hour Battery, Microphone, Radio, and USB Charging
- The strong robust woofer, bass boost control, and wide dispersion tweeter give deep, driving, and bright sound, and 50 watts of power cranks up the volume.
- Wireless Bluetooth connection — From any Bluetooth-enabled device, easily connect and transfer music to Tailgater Plus using NFC simple pair.
- Don’t turn off the music — there’s an onboard FM radio with 10 presets, all controlled by a glowing display; there’s also a 1/8 inch (3.5 millimeter) aux input for non-Bluetooth devices.
- The Star of Your Karaoke Show — Included is a high-quality microphone that is ideal for delivering announcements and producing professional-sounding Karaoke.
- Up to 50 hours of immaculate wireless sound are provided by a rechargeable battery with charge indication that is made to move.
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5. No bugging is permitted!
With these outdoor movie night alternatives, you can avoid interruptions and bugs. Notifying your neighbors that you will be holding a movie night is always a smart idea. This way, when the Star Wars theme music starts playing at 9 p.m., they won’t be surprised. Better still, bring your friends and neighbors to join in the fun! Then you won’t have to worry about them interrupting your movie night to beg you to lower the volume!
Protect your visitors if you’re showing a movie at a time of year when bugs are active. Citronella candles placed around the yard will provide ambient illumination while also keeping troublesome insects at away.
Citronella Candles, Outdoor and Indoor, 4.4oz Scented Candles, Pure Soy Wax Portable Travel Tin Candle for Stress Relief, 4-Pack Gift Set YIHAN Citronella Candles, Outdoor and Indoor, 4.4oz Scented Candles, Pure Soy Wax Portable Travel Tin Candle for Stress Relief, 4-Pack Gift Set
- NATURAL MATERIAL-Citronella oil is extracted from the citronella plant and is used to rejuvenate the mind. Natural soy wax and a cotton wick are used in this citronella candle.
- 130g (4.4oz per tin) SOY WAX CANDLE – Longer burning period. This candle is composed of 100% soy wax, which is environmentally friendly.
- PORTABLE TRAVEL CANDLE TIN-The citronella candles come in a light-weight tin that may be used as a storage tin after the candle has been used up. Travel storage that is portable.
- 【PERFECT GIFT】- These aromatherapy candles with classical painting artwork style and beautiful gift-wrap candle tin, ideal choice for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, Mother’s & Father’s Days, or other holidays party candle use that will delight people of all ages.
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6. Places to sit
After a night of movie viewing, your sweet buns will thank you for providing comfy sitting! The range of seating choices that make an outdoor cinema experience magical is one of the many advantages of an outdoor movie.
Blankets: Collect a few big, soft blankets and place them in front of your television. Oversized cushions and pillows are placed on top of the blankets. If your visitors get cold, have some throws on hand!
Chairs: If you have good outdoor sitting already, make advantage of it. Simply adjust your lawn chairs to provide a suitable viewing area for the television.
DIY Movie Theater Chairs: Making your own lounging movie theater seats is another alternative for wonderful sitting. Stacy @ Not Just A House Wife demonstrates how she created her own movie theater chairs out of plywood and cushions.
Drive-in Automobiles: Use “drive-in” cars to create a fun motif. Make miniature vehicles out of cardboard cartons. If you’re having a movie night with the kids, this might be a fun activity for them to do before the show. This is a particularly entertaining notion if you’re watching a car-related film.
7. Décor
While decorations aren’t essential for a movie night, they certainly add to the appeal of these outdoor movie ideas. Begin with a blackboard or marquee sign directing your guests to the movie theater. A humorous gesture of old-time movie theaters may be made by drawing a red arrow with yellow circle “lights.”
Garlands: Go to your local party shop and get some ticket rolls to make some ticket garlands. Use yellow and white balloons to make a popcorn balloon garland if you’re feeling fancy.
Use the movie as inspiration and decorate the yard, tables, and chairs with things, decorations, and food that correspond to the film.
Place a “concessions” sign above your food table to direct moviegoers to where they can purchase excellent snacks. Don’t miss the snacks and beverages below, which may be used as both food and decoration!
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8. Drinks
Without a superb selection of movie snacks and beverages, no list of outdoor movie ideas would be complete. Soda, popcorn, and Red Vines are all traditional movie treats that might inspire you. These movie snack ideas will have your guests coming back for more.
Italian sodas are a great party drink that the entire family will appreciate. Crushed ice, club soda, half-and-half, and sweetened syrups like Torani are all required. Raspberry and vanilla, cherry and lime, strawberry and coconut, and raspberry and peach are all great taste combos.
Recipe:
- To begin, half-fill your glass with crushed ice.
- Near the top, pour in the club soda.
- Then, into the glass, pour roughly 3 tbsp. Torani syrup.
- Next, take roughly 1-2 tablespoons of half-and-half.
- (Optional) Serve with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
- Finally, give it a good swirl and enjoy!
Root beer floats: Root beer floats are a tasty and refreshing movie dessert and drink in one! Scoop ice cream in each cup and pour A&W root beer into each cup until the foam reaches the brim. Add a cute paper straw and a plastic spoon. Serve on a tray to your guest during the previews!
With these outdoor movie night ideas, you can bring the movie theater soda fountain to your backyard. Turn tap water into a soda bar with a SodaStream. You may also use store-bought seltzer if you don’t have a SodaStream. Add-ins such as berries, lemons, limes, peaches, cherries, fruit purees, cream, coconut cream, and liquids should be available next to your SodaStream. Include paper straws in a variety of colors. Like the guys at parents.com, you can make your own mixes and name them after movies. Here are a handful of our personal favorites:
3 cups pureed watermelon + 2 cups apple-strawberry juice = Muppet Mix 2 cups pomegranate juice + 2 cups grape juice = Tangled Tonic 5 cups pineapple juice + 1/4 cup coconut cream = Fantasia Fusion
Strawberry Basil: pureed strawberries, basil leaves, and lemon juice
Torani Syrup, 750 ML, Assorted Summer Flavors (Pack of 6)
- Torani Lemon Syrup is tangy and sour, much like the greatest lemons from California.
- Torani Lime Syrup: taste and smell of freshly squeezed limes
- Torani Coconut Syrup:Full-flavored coconut conjures the sweetness you’ll enjoy in this syrup.
- Torani Blue Raspberry Syrup has a taste of sun-ripened raspberries.
- Torani Watermelon Syrup is a well-known summer drink.
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9. Snacks
With delectable movie snacks, you can create the ideal movie night. These goodies elevate buttered popcorn and Red Vines to new heights!
Rent, borrow, or purchase a popcorn machine to give your visitors the impression that they are in a genuine movie theater in your own backyard. Make sure the popcorn machine is ready to go before your first guests arrive!
Create a one-of-a-kind experience with a popcorn bar, whether you use your popcorn machine, microwave popcorn, or a huge bag of pre-popped popcorn. Paper bags or little popcorn boxes should be provided to attendees. Make sure you have scoops for each component by arranging your garnishes in short mason jars or attractive candy dishes.
Here are some suggestions for a popcorn bar:
- M&M candies
- Raisins coated with chocolate
- Chocolate chips, mini
- Parmigiano-Reggiano
- powdered ranch
- seasoning for tacos
- Oreos with crumbled cookies and cream and white chocolate chips
- cocoa powder
- Season with salt and pepper (See next outdoor movie night ideas)
Seasoning Shakers for Popcorn: Take your popcorn bar to the next level by making your own mixes to shake into plain popcorn. Toss the popcorn with melted butter from a jar. Then prepare three different recipes for visitors to use on their popcorn. A sweet, salty, and cheesy shaker spice is recommended. To get you started, the Food Network provides a terrific assortment of recipes.
Recipes for Popcorn: If you’d rather have popcorn mixtures ready for your guests, Orville has some fantastic recipes for you to try!
BBQ: Instead of a few nibbles that may leave your moviegoers wanting more, why you treat them to a BBQ? To make an ideal dine-in movie, throw a couple hot dogs and hamburger patties on the grill.
Snow Cones: An ice-cold snow cone is the epitome of a wonderful summer delight. Use a snow cone machine or ice that has already been shaved. Set up a few popular snow cone varieties as well as sweetened condensed milk for a wonderful snow cone treat!
S’mores: No list of outdoor movie night ideas would be complete without taking advantage of what the inside can’t provide! While your friends are waiting for the feature film to start, use your outside fire pit to grill some S’mores.
Candy Bar: If you’re not a cook, this is the perfect and easy solution for you. Choose your favorite movie night candies and create a candy bar. Have cups or bags and scoops to gather movie night candies. Place candy in large clear jars. Each person can create a candy bag to snack on throughout the movie. Some ideas of candy include Swedish Fish, peanut M&Ms, sour watermelons, gummy bears, red vines, and mini chocolate bars.
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- THEATER POPCORN MACHINE FOR THE FAMILY: The 4-quart Theater Popcorn Machine is ideal for eating while binge-watching your favorite programs.
- UP TO 4 QUARTS OF FRESH THEATER POPCORN: Cabinet holds up to 4 quarts of freshly popped popcorn and has a tilt door for convenient serving.
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- REMOVAL NONSTICK POPPING KETTLE TILTS FOR EASY POPCORN REMOVEMENT The magnetic kettle cover adheres to the top of the kettle to keep it out of the way.
- Compact FOOTPRINT: The popcorn cabinet has a small footprint, allowing you to enjoy movie-style popcorn at home.
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10. Pre-Show Activities to Keep Guests Engaged
It’s usually a good idea to give your visitors, particularly children, something to do while they wait for the movie to start.
Preview reels: Having a preview reel is a wonderful method to ensure that your sound and image are in good working order. Hopefully, it will eliminate the often requested question, “When will the movie begin?” Previews may be as basic as the pre-show included on many DVDs/Blu-Rays or as simple as a YouTube running loop of an aquarium.
Activities: Provide a selection of lawn games for guests to enjoy while they wait for the entertainment to begin. Check out these backyard games if you don’t already have any.
11. Selecting a Film
A good movie selection may make or ruin your movie night. When selecting a film for an outdoor movie night, there are a few things to bear in mind. Consider your target audience first. A film intended for adults will vary from one intended for families and children. However, whether you’re presenting your film to only adults or the whole family, it should be family-friendly.
Keep the nastiness, profanity, and gore for your indoor movie evenings. When next-door youngsters may see or hear anything they shouldn’t hear, it’s not acceptable to broadcast improper movies.
Don’t be disheartened; there are plenty of excellent film choices. Consider classics, foreign films, children’s films, and family films that are both acceptable and engaging for your audience. This list is likely to have something for you:
Best Family Films
- The Lion King is a story about a lion who (2019)
- Hocus Pocus (Hocus Pocus) (1993)
- Toy Story is a film that tells the story of (1995)
- Aladdin is a story about a boy named Al (2019)
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a fantasy novel written by J.K. Rowling (2001)
- Cruise Through the Jungle (2020)
- Coco is a character in the film Coco (2017)
- The Goonies are a group of misfits that live in (1985)
- Freeze-dried (2013)
- T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a fictional character created by T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- The sky is the limit (2005)
- The Karate Kid is a film about a young man who learn (1984)
- Cinderella is a fairy tale about a girl who (2015)
- Farmageddon, a Shaun the Sheep film (2019)
- The Parenting Catch-22 (1998)
- The Karate Kid is a film about a young man who learn (2010)
- Moana is a character from the Disney film Moan (2016)
- Alone at Home (1990)
- The Princess Bride is a film about a young woman who (1987)
- The Chocolate Factory (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) (2005)
- Monsters, Inc. is a film that is based on the (2001)
Classic Films
- Frankenstein is a fictional character created by Mary Shell (1934)
- Vacation in Rome (1953)
- It’s a Wonderful Life is a film that tells the story of a (1964)
- Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong (1933)
- The Grapes of Wrath is a novel by John Steinbeck (1940)
- The California Gold Rush (1925)
- A Space Odyssey is a science fiction film that was released in 2001. (1968)
- Gone With the Wind is a classic novel by Margaret Mitchell (1939)
- The Day the Earth Came to a Complete Stop (1951)
- Some People Prefer It Hot (1959)
- A Murder’s Anatomy (1959)
- Anne of Green Gables is a fictional character in the Anne of Green Gables (1985)
Musicals
- The Sound of Music is a musical that was released in the United States (1965)
- Spray on hairspray (2007)
- Rainy Day Singing (1952)
- My Fair Lady is a fictional character (1964)
- West Side Story is a musical that is set in New York (1961)
- Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
- Beauty and the Beast (Beauty and the Beast) (2017)
- Seven Brothers, Seven Brides (1954)
- The Muppet Show (1979)
- The Muppets are a group of puppets created by Jim Hen (2011)
- Enthralled (2007)
- The Wizard of Oz is a fictional character created by L. Frank Baum (1939)
- Mary Poppins is a fictional character in the film Mary Poppin (1964)
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12. Unusual Movie Night Suggestions
Why not make your outdoor movie night even more amazing with one of these unique outdoor movie night ideas?
Splash-in Movie Night: Instead of the usual blankets and lawn chairs, treat yourself to a splash-in movie. Organize a movie night by the pool! Provide floats or have people bring their own floats to watch the movie on. Play a film that includes a pool or a water scene! As a dessert, serve root beer floats!
Choose a movie to watch, then arrange the seating, décor, and food around it. By combining all of your ideas with what’s on the big screen, you can create a really immersive experience! Simply choose a film from the lists above to get started!
Gather the family and make them feel like true movie stars with family home movies. On the huge screen, show your own family movies!
Oscars Night: Have your friends and family make their own films to release on your special movie premiere night! Provide Oscars for the finest films in certain categories!
Drive-in: Have you ever visited an old-fashioned drive-in theater? Why don’t you make your own? Backup trucks to your movie screen if your property permits it. For added comfort, place cushions and blankets in the back. Is there no place for actual automobiles? Create a drive-in atmosphere by making miniature automobiles out of cardboard boxes. Watch a vehicle movie or one from the 1950s or 1960s, when drive-in theaters were popular. Serve nostalgic candies, Coke, and popcorn.
That’s all there is to it!
You’ll be ready for the perfect movie party with these outdoor movie ideas! A screen, a projector, sound, seats, food, and a fascinating movie are all part of an outdoor movie night. We’ve provided suggestions for a night of cinematic pleasure in the open air of your own garden.
You’ll never want to go back to the conventional movie theater after seeing this top list of outdoor movie night options! Your guests will be revealed in the cinematic enchantment of your outdoor home theater from start to finish. So, what exactly are you waiting for? Take a walk outdoors, make some popcorn, and watch the show!
The “best movies to watch outside 2020” is a list of the best movies that are worth watching outdoors. The list includes both new and old movies, so there is something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need for an outdoor movie night?
A: You need a projector or two, and theater seating.
How can I make my outdoor movie more comfortable?
A: You can go outside and lay down under the stars.
How do you set up perfect movie night?
A: First, you need to find a movie that everyone will enjoy. Next, make sure the quality is high enough and it can be streamed through your internet service provider or streaming service of choice. For example, Netflix has great quality movies that are easy to stream; however TV shows might not have as good of a resolution if theyre on network television.
Related Tags
- best family movies for outdoor movie night
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- best movie to see on a projector
- backyard movie list
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