Backyard movie night: the perfect summer date
Take your date night movie to the next level by creating your own outdoor cinema. Here’s how to create your own backyard movie night – the perfect summer date night idea for couples!
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Having a regular date night is one way of bringing fun, romance and connection to your marriage.
Date nights don’t have to involve leaving the house though.
For many reasons, such as expenses, childcare, or simply wanting to stay in, date night at home is the easiest and most flexible choice.
And one of the most fun way to spend date night at home is to watch a date night movie.
With the warm weather of summer, you have the chance to do something pretty special, and that’s to take your movie watching outdoors.
Yes, I’m talking about creating your own outdoor movie theater for a backyard movie date.
Imagine it now – snuggled up next to each other, maybe cuddled under a blanket as the temperature drops, listening to the sounds of the movie mixed in with the sounds of summer – sounds like the perfect way to spend a summer evening.
Heck, you can even make a family night or party of it if you want.
Anyway, enough on the intro – here’s how to make your own backyard movie night – from what you use to play your movies on to the decor to add that extra atmosphere.
Your outdoor movie date is coming soon!
Contents
Outdoor movie projectors
When you’re looking for an outdoor movie projector for your backyard movie night, there are a few requirements you should check.
These include:
- a brightness of 3000 or higher so you can start watching earlier
- a resolution of HD (720p or 1080p – the cheaper ones will say “supported” so be aware the quality of these may not be as good)
- HDMI and /or wireless connectivity
Note – portability is also a bonus.
These projectors are outdoor movie night approved.
Backyard movie screen
Okay, so now you have the projector sorted for your outdoor movie date, it’s time to work out what you’re going to project it on.
You have three main options for an outdoor movie screen:
- DIY your screen
- Purchase an inflatable screen
- Purchase a fixed frame screen
If you have both DIY skills and inclination, there’s a slew of You Tube videos you can watch to help you construct your own screen.
If, like me, you’d prefer to buy something fit for purpose, here’s my top five picks. These movie screens all have a 16:9 aspect ratio to match your movie projector.
Top 5 backyard movie screen choices
It’s having a big screen which takes your backyard movie date from the ordinary into the magical.
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$179.99Buy NowConsructed specifically for outdoor movie nights, this fixed frame screen even comes with handy stakes to secure it against possible wind or other hazards.
The one downside is the creases in the screen, which can take a while to go (if they go at all).
06/11/2025 04:04 pm GMT -
$24.99Buy NowThis affordable screen is wrinkle free and easy to set up: it can be fastened easily with hooks, ropes or double side tape. However it is important to note it does not come with an independent frame so you will need to have something to attach it to (such as an outside wall or gazebo) or make or buy a frame.
06/11/2025 07:03 pm GMT -
$99.99Buy NowHere's another inflatable screen. While this is cheaper that the EasyGo, the fan does make some noise, so remember you do often get what you pay for.
06/11/2025 07:02 pm GMT -
$533.85Buy NowIf you're after a more permanent screen solution, then this is the one for you. Rain proof and mildew proof, the screen retracts into a certified waterproof casing, meaning you only need to take it down in the harshest of weather.
Due to the nature of the screen, it doesn't work well with ultra short throw or short throw projectors, so give this a miss if you have one of these projectors.
06/12/2025 11:08 am GMT -
$98.99Buy NowThis inflatable movie screen is perfect for your outdoor movie night.
The 16 feet size is plenty big enough for a couple... of families should you so wish!
With less than two minutes to inflate, it's my top choice of outdoor movie screens, giving you that "wow" factor.
06/12/2025 02:04 pm GMT
Speakers for outdoor movie night
While some of the projectors come with inbuilt speakers, there’s nothing worse than your backyard movie not being loud enough.
I recommend a Bluetooth speaker that you can pair with either your laptop or your projector.
Here’s the best speakers for outdoor movies.
(and here’s how to pair your laptop to a Bluetooth speaker).
Backyard movie night decor
Now all the practicalities are taken care of, it’s time to create the perfect backyard movie date atmosphere!
Movie night decor
Your outdoor movie date deserves to have a cute, romantic ambiance.
These accessories help to create that: from vintage inspired lights to a blanket to cuddle up under!
Add to the romantic atmosphere by stringing these vintage inspired Edison bulbs around the seating area of your backyard movie setup.
Fabric bunting adds a whimsical and romantic touch to your backyard movie night.
Get yourself super comfy with an outdoor throw pillow or two, so you can lean back and relax!
These two cream throw pillow covers are 18 x 18 in.
You need something to put those movie snacks on don't you?
Try out a small tray table like this one - it's rust proof and rain proof.
Snuggle up together under this lightweight wool blanket while you watch your outdoor movie - it's designed to keep you warm as the stars come out.
Don't let your outside movie date night be ruined with the addition of unwelcome visitors of the bloodsucking kind...
These candles come in a pack of 12.
Movie night food ideas
Finally, no outdoor movie date would be complete without food and drink.
It goes without saying that popcorn is the number one movie food of all time. I’m a fan of the salted, buttered kind.
Add this Amish country popcorn gift set to complete your vintage vibe.
Of course, with all that popcorn, you’ll need something to wash it down. Any of these summer mocktail recipes will be perfect!
Alternatively, why not try one of these easy romantic desserts for two?
Your date night movie will never be the same once you bring in your backyard movie theater! This backyard movie night really is the best summer date you can have at home this year.
You might also like: Summer bucket list for couples.