Top 5 Films for Your Outdoor Movie Theater

Plan a Movie Night in Your Backyard

Just because drive-ins are few and far between doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a film under the stars. Turn your own backyard into an outdoor movie theater. Invite friends and family for an epic summer experience.

The best outdoor movies are ones that are classic, familiar or nostalgic– but not overplayed. Here are our film recommendations to set the scene for fun.

Outdoor Movie Theater Pick 1:
Big Adventure & Thrills

Seven movies later (and counting?), the original Jurassic Park (1993) still stands out for its original story by Michael Crichton, epic direction by Steven Spielberg and stand-out actors Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum. Oh, and not to mention the scare-you-til-you-scream dinosaurs! Plus, if your outdoor movie theater is equipped with LUX’s outdoor speaker system, the audio will make you feel like you are right there in the jungle.

Outdoor Movie Theater Pick 2:
Nostalgia for the Next Generation

The Goonies are a group of young misfits who find an ancient treasure map. Written by Steven Spielberg, it’s one of everyone’s favorite movies from the 1980’s. If there are young people in your group who haven’t seen it, every adult is going to be eager to make the introduction to this fine film. It’s charming, fun and adventurous.

Outdoor Movie Theater Pick 3:
Let Your Imagination Go Wild

Unleash everyone’s inner child with this imaginative thriller. Choose either Jumanji (1995) with Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt and Kirsten Dunst or Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) with Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and Jack Black. Both feature the same premise: kids get sucked into a game and have to play to survive.

Outdoor Movie Theater Pick 4:
Classic Comedy in the Outdoors

Embrace your outdoor movie theater environment and go for the rollicking 1988 comedy classic, The Great Outdoors. Dan Aykroyd and John Candy are vastly different family men in this camp camping comedy. It’s rated PG in the style of the 1980s, which means you can expect some eyebrow-raising content. Check out the IMDB Parent’s Guide here.

Outdoor Movie Theater Pick 5:
Classic Actors in the Outdoors

A Walk in the Woods features Robert Redford and Nick Nolte as two aging adventurers who hike the Appalachian Trail. This 2015 intelligent comedy might not please every crowd, but those who love it will remember it forever. Note that it’s rated R, so it’s not for family movie night.

What You’ll Need for an Outdoor Movie Theater

Options for outdoor movie theater visuals include:

  • Outdoor big-screen TV: With waterproof and ultra-bright screen options
  • Projector and screen: From small- to big-screen options that connect via WiFi or Bluetooth

For audio, we offer an outdoor speaker system from Coastal Source that will knock your socks off. Beyond movie night, you can enjoy surround sound music that makes it sound like you’re enjoying a private concert.

And don’t forget all the amenities that make an outdoor movie really special:

  • Comfortable seating: chairs for adults and possibly floor cushions for children
  • Snacks: setup a popcorn and candy bar that guests can graze on
  • Drinks: help everyone stay hydrated!

To schedule a free surround sound audio demo at your property, contact us. And get ready for an incredible summer!