Not going out? One of the best ways to give the whole family, from the youngest kids, to the most elderly relatives, a great time at home is to host your very own film night. Sound good? Here’s how to make your film nights the best they can possibly be:
Reader's Roadmap
1. Bring on the Snacks
Obviously, you are going to want to make sure you have plenty of that classic cinema snack, popcorn, available on your next family film night, but you know what? If you want it to be a really special evening, then popcorn alone is just not going to cut it. So, why not ramp things up with a chocolate fountain and lots of marshmallows and strawberries to dip? What about a selection of crisps? Pick and mix? Maybe even set up your own snack bar so everyone can help themselves to their favourite treats.
2. Create a Cosy Cinema Vibe
Nothing says “film night” quite like a cosy setting. Bring in all the pillows, blankets, and duvets you can find and set up a proper “cinema nest.” Dim the lights, pull the curtains, and maybe even hang up some fairy lights for a bit of atmosphere. The goal here is to make your living room so cosy that no one wants to move – even when someone inevitably spills a drink. Plus, being swaddled in blankets makes every film 10 times better.
3. Access Films from Anywhere
If you’re tired of browsing the same old films on UK services, a VPN for streaming could be your new best friend. With a VPN, you can access streaming catalogues from other countries – hello, American Netflix! This means more choices, more variety, and a lot less arguing over what to watch. Just fire up your VPN, pick a new location, and suddenly you’ve got a whole new library of options. It’s like travelling the world of film from your sofa, and no passport is required.
4. Agree on a Genre Ahead of Time (and Save Your Sanity)
We’ve all been there – film night turns into a 45-minute debate over whether to watch a comedy, action, or “something everyone can agree on.” Skip the squabbling by picking a genre or theme beforehand. Have everyone suggest one film from that genre, and then throw them in a hat to draw the lucky winner. One week could be animated classics, another could be action-packed blockbusters. Themed nights add a bit of fun and, more importantly, save you from the dreaded “I don’t mind, you pick” routine.
5. Add Intermission Games
Let’s be honest – most of us can’t sit through a two-hour film without needing a little leg stretch. Why not embrace the mid-film break and make it fun? During intermission, have a quick game of charades where each person has to act out a scene from the film you’re watching, or play a trivia game based on the film’s theme. It’s a great way to keep everyone engaged (especially little ones) and adds a little extra excitement to the night.
6. Upgrade the Sound for a Mini-Cinema Experience
Nothing beats booming cinema sound, and a good set of speakers or a soundbar can make a huge difference to your home movie experience. If you don’t have a sound system, even a portable Bluetooth speaker can help amp up the sound so that every explosion, laugh, or plot twist has you on the edge of your seat. Turn up the volume (but not too much – we’re not here to start a neighbour war), and let the sound bring your film to life.
Lights down, popcorn popped, film on!