7 Tips for a Successful Family Movie Night!

1. Give It a Theme

Kids and families are going to be excited about a blockbuster film showing no matter what. But it’s so easy to boost their excitement level even more to make it a truly memorable experience for everyone in attendance. One simple place to start is to theme your event! Instead of just showing “Incredibles 2” at your next movie night, make the showing a superhero-themed extravaganza! Have families come decked out as their very own superhero family of their choosing. Theme the concessions to the movie and make sure to match the showing with activities that also play into the theme!

2. Promote, Promote, Promote

One of the most vital components of your movie night should happen long before the day of the event – advertising and promotion! Send home flyers to kids well in advance. Post signs around the pick-up area. Include the details in the morning announcements. Make invites the banner image on your school’s website. Post regularly on your school’s private social media accounts. Have volunteers hand out invites at sporting events, recitals, clubs, PTA meetings and any other occasions where you interact with parents.

Even better, find ways to theme your promotion to your event. For instance, pass out leis at school for a showing of “Moana!” Parents are sure to ask their kids where they got them from when they come home from school.

The “Promotions” tab of our website features tons of free materials to help you get the ball rolling. We even have movie-specific customizable materials, including tickets, flyers and bookmarks, to make promotion a breeze.

3. Expand Your Guest List

If your event is also a fundraiser for your school, consider inviting your entire community – not just your school – to attend your movie event because the more people who come, the higher amount you’ll raise from donation fees, concession sales or raffle tickets!  Ideas for targeting your invitations include daycare facilities, other area schools, churches and recreational complexes.

4. Include Concessions

One easy way to make your event more successful – as well as raise funds for your school – is to include a concession stand! Popcorn is always a good idea, but make sure to have healthy options as well as items themed to the movie your showing. And to boost engagement at your event, ask teachers and the principal to man the stand so people can easily interact and get more familiar with school leaders.

5. Make Sure Everyone’s Cozy

Folding chairs are not ideal for a two-hour movie. Instead, invite families to bring blankets and inflatable couches or pillows they can get comfortable on. And make sure they know they are welcome to come dressed in their comfiest PJ’s – just like at home! Added bonus, families’ nighttime routine will be shortened – ideal for a late night out.

6. Plan an Intermission

With a crowd made up of mostly kiddos, there is bound to be some restlessness halfway through the film. So before the event, identify a good time to press pause and let families know ahead of time you’ll be taking a brief intermission. That way they can try to hold off on bathroom breaks and popcorn refills until the break. It’s also a good idea to plan a quick activity that gets everyone’s legs moving so they’re more relaxed for the movie’s second half.

7. Lead a Discussion Afterward

Make sure to allot some time post-film for a quick discussion. It’s an easy way to add a learning component to your event and ensures students understand the lessons shared within the film!

"Trolls"
This family favorite will be available starting in October. Set aside time before your screening to DIY some colorful troll hair headbands. Simply knot the tulle around the headband, use an elastic to tie it all together at the top then beautify them with ribbons and bows. Finishing up the craft with a performance of “Hair Up!” is optional, but highly encouraged. 

"How to Train Your Dragon"
With “dragon” in the name of this classic film, it would be a mistake to do anything other than dragon-themed crafts. Check out Pinterest for a variety of ideas, like toilet paper tube fire-breathing dragons or pipe cleaner dragon DIY’s. Or, do a “How to Build a Dragon” activity using Legos! Coverage for this film will also start in October. 

"Hotel Transylvania 3"
The third installment of this monstrous film franchise takes place aboard a cruise ship on the open seas. Recreate the nautical fun at your event by including a cruise ship-themed photo opportunity! The photo can serve as an easy souvenir and will help families remember the event well into the future.

"Incredibles 2"
In this sequel of the family-friendly favorite, it’s up to Bob to manage the household while Helen is in the spotlight. Play off that plot by hosting a “Domestic Domination” contest before the show! Have attendees participate in silly challenges, like who can fold laundry, take out the trash or sweep the floor the fastest to crown your school’s Household Hero.

"Sherlock Gnomes" 
Spotlight the film’s themes of teamwork, friendships and equal partnerships before the screening by having parents, teachers and students work together on team-building activities. Or, have them solve a mystery – just like Sherlock Gnomes!

"Early Man" 
When a group of cave men’s land is threatened by the Bronze Age, they challenge their rivals to a soccer game as a last-ditch effort to save their home. Raise some money for your school by hosting a foosball tournament before the game by having a cost for team entry and special prizes.  

"Paddington 2"
In this adorable sequel, Paddington tries to earn money so he can buy his Aunt Lucy a special birthday present. Challenge students to create unique, handmade items, then host a craft fair before the screening with the proceeds going toward your fundraising goal!

Check out our back-to-school ideas, fun "drive-in" movie event or some of our most popular book-to-movie ideas for a fun way to use movies. Have you had a movie event you'd like to tell us about? Give us a call at 1-877-321-1300 or fill out this quick form.