Creating a cozy, memorable family movie night doesn’t require a full theater setup — just a few intentional upgrades that turn a regular evening into something special. Whether you’re setting up indoors or outside, these movie night favorites make it easy and fun.
1. Portable Projector
A compact portable projector lets you turn almost any wall or screen into a movie theater. Look for one that supports HDMI and phone connectivity so setup stays simple for both indoor and outdoor movie nights. This one is battery powered, portable and comes with its own stand (the stand is the extended battery)!
We have a WiMiUS projector that works okay, but I do plan to replace with the one I’ve linked!
2. Indoor Projector Screen
An indoor projector screen gives you a clearer, brighter image than projecting directly onto a wall. Many options fold or roll away easily, making them ideal for smaller homes or shared spaces. This one is motorized and can mount on the wall or ceiling!
Right now we use one bare wall and our kids thinks its the most fun idea for a movie night – we’ve even connected our Nintendo Switch to it to play Mario Kart on the wall! This projector screen is now in my cart so we can all enjoy together in the living room! (for easy portable Nintendo Switch docking, you’ll want this adapter)
3. Outdoor Projector Screen
For backyard movie nights, an outdoor projector screen with stakes or a stand keeps the image stable and visible after sunset. These are great for summer evenings, birthday parties, or neighborhood movie nights.
4. Bluetooth Speaker
Projector speakers are often weak. A Bluetooth speaker instantly improves sound quality so dialogue is clear and music sounds full without needing a complicated setup. There are so many bluetooth speaker options and you probably already have quite a few lying around the house but we have so many Bose products including multiple SoundLink speakers and this one will take backyard movie night to the next level connected to your projector!
5. Popcorn Maker
A compact popcorn maker makes movie night feel like an event. It’s quick to use, easy to clean, and fun for kids to watch while it pops. We just got this popcorn maker which uses a little oil but pops a ton! We had an air popper just before it which we loved but I felt like half the kernels would pop out and it was hard to get a big bowl.
6. Popcorn Buckets
Reusable popcorn buckets make snacks feel special and help keep portions organized. They’re also great for themed nights or sleepovers.
These are shatterproof and dishwasher safe (which I am a big fan of!)
7. Candy Bowls
Small candy bowls let you create a simple DIY candy bar with favorites like gummies, chocolate, or sour treats. This adds excitement without needing a full concession setup. This is the cutest candy bowl that is great beyond movie night as well!
8. Movie Night Decision Wheel
If choosing a movie causes debate every time, a reusable spinning decision wheel solves the problem. Write down movie options, spin, and let the wheel decide — turning the decision into part of the fun. Kids love this and we use it for other activities or crafts or “yes” days throughout the year!
9. Cozy Floor Seating or Blankets
Floor cushions, poufs, or extra blankets create a relaxed, cozy viewing space that kids love. These also make outdoor movie nights more comfortable. We just downsized our sectional and this makes for perfect additional seating for kids!
10. String Lights or Soft LED Lighting
Low ambient lighting around the room or backyard sets the mood without interfering with the screen. It instantly makes the setup feel intentional and special.
11. Spill-Resistant Cups with Lids and Straws
Lidded cups help prevent spills on couches, blankets, or outdoor rugs. Assigning colors to each family member keeps drinks from getting mixed up. This one is stainless, is easy to clean and is dishwasher safe (love!).
No matter how old the kids get I never get rid of our spill proof cups!
Final Tip:
You don’t need everything on this list to create a great movie night. Even adding one or two of these items can turn a regular evening into a family tradition.