While there is nothing like watching a movie at the theater, watching one at home is often more convenient, more comfortable, and less expensive. Maybe you want to snuggle up and watch a movie alone, or maybe you want to invite friends over for an all-night movie marathon. Be that as it may, you will have to choose an excellent movie, prepare your space and prepare some delicious sandwiches.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Select a Movie
Step 1. Decide if you want company
Maybe you want to enjoy the movie alone or you want to be surrounded by some friends or family. It depends on you.
Watching a movie with other people can be a lot of fun, but it also means that you will have to agree on the selection of the movie
Step 2. Choose a movie genre
If you like to watch movies alone, just choose the genre that appeals to you. If you are stressed, a comedy will help you relax. If you want more excitement, go for a horror one.
On the other hand, choosing a gender as a group can be tricky, especially if the group is diverse. If you're not sure, choose a popular genre, like adventure or comedy. We recommend avoiding more polarizing genres such as documentaries or musicals
Step 3. Search the available movies of the selected genre
Browse through the movies in your personal collection, or browse through streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and DirectTV, if you have them.
- For each movie you're considering, read the online reviews to get a better idea of its content and quality.
- Give yourself a time limit to search for a movie. If you're not careful, it can take forever and then you'll have less time to enjoy the movie. Wear a maximum of 20 minutes.
Step 4. Review the rating of the movie, if you are going to watch it with children
If you're going to watch a movie with kids, be sure to check the ratings while looking for one to help you find age-appropriate content. While rankings can guide your selection, they don't have to dictate every answer. You should also do your own search.
Reading a couple of different sources on the Internet will help you determine if a certain movie is appropriate for children
Step 5. Take turns or vote if you can't choose a movie
If you are going to enjoy the movie alone, just choose the one you want to watch within your chosen genre. If not, check with the people you are going to watch it with.
- If you can't reach a consensus, try voting.
- If movie night is something you do regularly with your family or group of friends, each of them can take a turn choosing the movie each time they get together.
Part 2 of 3: Prepare the space
Step 1. Choose a space for your “home theater”
This does not mean that you have to dedicate an entire room to watch movies, but it should be a space where you can watch a quiet one for a few hours. Ideally, it should be a relatively quiet space that has curtains or blinds to block out the light.
- If you have a basement, consider using it as a "home theater."
- Your room could also act as a “home theater”. Watching a movie from bed is a super comfortable option.
Step 2. Install a television, projector, or computer
Of course, the home theater will need a screen to play the movie. Flat-screen TVs are best for areas with ambient light, such as the living room. However, if you've put your home theater in a darker part of the house, consider purchasing a projector.
- Projectors can create a more realistic cinema experience. Choose a room with enough wall space for a 100-inch screen and one that is large enough to place the projector at the correct distance from the wall.
- Find out online and consult with professionals to find the correct projector or television for your space.
- You don't need to have a TV or projector to watch a movie. If you are going to enjoy a movie alone, you can watch it directly from a computer or tablet.
Step 3. Consider buying a sound system
If you want to take your home theater to the next level, consider buying speakers. Speakers will improve sound quality, creating a more immersive experience.
- Consult with a professional to determine which speakers will be the best for your space and needs. The size of the room will be an important factor. Large speakers do not work well in small, closed rooms, while small speakers may have a weak sound in large, open rooms.
- A sound bar is a good option if you want a significant improvement in sound quality but aren't ready to buy an expensive surround sound speaker system.
Step 4. Move furniture for optimal view, if necessary
A good view of the screen is key to enjoying a movie. Make sure the seats and sofas are properly set for a great view. Sitting too close to the screen can be overwhelming, while sitting too far away can make your view difficult.
If you are going to watch a movie with other people, make sure they can see well from their seats
Step 5. Dim the lights
A dark environment is important for an immersive movie experience. Turn off or dim overhead lights and lamps, and close curtains and blinds if there is light outside.
Step 6. Turn off the phones
The light and sounds of a phone can be extremely distracting, as you may already know from your experience at the local cinema. Turn off your phone or put it on silent, and ask others to do the same.
Another option is to ask your companions to put their phones in a bowl in the center of the room. Whoever picks up your phone first will have to serve drinks and snacks for the rest of the night
Step 7. Make your space a comfortable place
One of the best things about watching a movie at home is the comfort. Put on the most comfortable house clothes you have and bring a few pillows and blankets for a super cozy atmosphere.
If you are going to enjoy the movie with someone, ask others to bring more pillows and blankets. It is impossible to have too many
Part 3 of 3: Choosing the Snacks
Step 1. Go for bottled drinks
To avoid unwelcome spills in the middle of the movie, choose bottled beverages. Especially if you are going to watch one with children prone to spilling things.
For a more environmentally friendly alternative to disposable plastic bottles, pour your drinks into refillable bottles and drink from there
Step 2. Choose finger foods
Snack foods are easy to eat on the couch. Popcorn is the classic snack from the movies. Pretzels, caramels, and salsa fries are other good options.
- Try spicing up your regular popcorn. Add seasonings, like cayenne pepper, or top with caramel for a sweeter snack.
- For a healthier snack, try fresh fruit!
Step 3. Schedule a lunch break
If the movie is especially long or if you are going to watch it with restless children, scheduling a short intermission may be a good idea. Pause in the middle of the movie so everyone can go to the bathroom and have more drinks and snacks.
Advice
- When choosing candy, look for what theaters sell. Try licorice candies, Mentos, or sour candies.
- The night is usually the best time to see a movie.
- Consider selecting a topic. For example, you can invite your friends to a Disney movie night.