Movie Night: The Right Film for the Right Mood

movie night

With the weather set to get very rainy this week, but the want to socialise still at a high, why not consider hosting a movie night! Not sure how to set one up? First, you need to invite some friends over. Then, keep reading the rest of this blog for how to create the perfect ambience. Plus, some recommendations for picking the film depending on what mood you’re in!

Creating the Ambience

Want to create the environment of a cinema without the steep costs? Check out these suggestions!

Location

The right location is integral in creating the right mood. However, there are a few factors that must be taken into consideration. The most important being: how many people are attending? 

If the answer is: 1-2 people, why not build a blanket fort. The movie can easily be watched on a laptop, and a cosy environment rivals that which you would get in a cinema. 

If the answer is 3-5 people, the living room is you best best. Remember, it’s important to have some other light on if you’re watching at night so you don’t damage your eyes!

If the answer is 6+ people, invest in a projector. If you have access to outdoor space, you can project the film onto a raised sheet or the side of a house. Therefore everyone’s able to have a good seat. Plus, it’s very reminiscent of drive-in theatres. 

Snacks

Food makes or breaks the movie night experience. While classics like popcorn and candy show up, hosting the event at home allows for a wide range if snack choices. Here are some ideas we recommend trying out!

  1. Mozzarella Garlic Rolls. This spin on the sweet cinnamon roll is an excellent snack. Add a marinara dip for extra yum-factor! 
  2. Cookie Dough Cupcakes. Who doesn’t love cookies and cupcakes? A perfect mid-movie treat.
  3. Add spices to your popcorn! From a sweet cinnamon sugar mix to a spicer Mexican-inspired powdering — why not put out a range of different flavours for your guests to try out! 

If you want to be extra cute, create snacks with a theme that links to the movie you’re watching. 

Picking the Right Film for Movie Night

It can be hard to decide on the film, especially when there are a lot of different tastes to contend with. Here are some flicks we recommend, categorised by what genre you’re in the mood for. 

Family-Fun

The Goonies. This classic 80s adventure comedy is perfect for all the family. In an attempt to save their homes from foreclosure, a band of misfits follow an old treasure map in the hope of finding gold. Meanwhile, they’re chased by a family of criminals who want the treasure for themselves. 

The School of Rock. Another childhood classic, this film is about Jack Black who, pretending to be a substitute teacher, forms a band with his student. With them, he attempts to win the upcoming Battle of the Bands, and pay off his rent. 

Romance

About Time. Bring the tissues for this one! This British RomCom tells the tale of a young man with the ability to time travel. He tries to change his past in hopes of improving his future. It features the wonderful talents of Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, and Bill Nighy. 

Crazy Rich Asians. Anyone who’s seen this film will tell you it’s a lot of fun! We follow a Chinese-American professors who travel’s to meet her boyfriend’s family. Once she arrives, she is surprised to discover they are among the richest in Singapore. 

Comedy

The Devil Wears Prada. Marking one of Meryl Streep’s stand-out roles, this comedy follows Andy a recent college graduate who lands an assistant job at a NYC fashion magazine. Her boss (Streep) is a renowned fashion editor who has a reputation for being powerful, magnificent, and ruthless. 

Clueless. An adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, this coming-of-age comedy follow a high schooler living in Beverly Hills. Wanting to do good in the world, Cher Horowitz sets out to give makeovers, set up relationships, and change people’s lives for the better. 

Horror/Thriller

Parasite. Don’t let the subtitles put you off seeing this Oscar-winning movie! This Korean black comedy follows a poor family who scheme their way into becoming employed by a wealthy family. 

Hereditary. Dealing with the subject of passed-down trauma, this horror follows a grieving family haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences. 

About the Author

Lydia B.

Lydia B.

Lydia B. is a Marketing Coordinator and Music Club Coach for Gooroo, a tutoring membership that matches students to tutors perfect for them based on their unique learning needs. Gooroo offers Math, English, SAT, Coding, Spanish tutoring, and more.