How to Enjoy a Movie at Home

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: January 18, 2023 References

While there's nothing quite like watching a movie at the theater, watching a movie at home is often more convenient, more comfortable, and less expensive. You may want to snuggle up and watch a movie solo or invite your friends over for an all-night movie marathon. Either way, you’ll need to pick a great movie, make your space movie-ready, and prepare some yummy snacks.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Selecting a Movie

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Decide if you want company. Maybe you want to enjoy your movie in solitude, or maybe you want to round up some pals or family members to watch with you. It’s your call.
- Watching a movie with others can be a blast, but it also means that you might need to compromise on a movie selection.
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Pick a movie genre. If you are watching alone, simply pick the genre that you’re in the mood to watch. If you’re stressed, a comedy could help you relax. If you want some excitement, go for a horror flick. ^{[1]
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- On the other hand, deciding on a genre as a group can be tricky, particularly for diverse groups. When in doubt, pick a popular genre, like adventure or comedy. You might want to avoid more polarizing genres like documentaries or musicals.^{[2]
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Browse available movies within the genre. Browse movies within your own collection and use a DVD player or Blu-ray player to watch them, or take a look at the options on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and DirectTV, if you have them.^{[3]
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- For each movie you consider, check out online reviews to get a better idea of movie content and quality.
- Set a time limit for movie browsing. This can take forever if you’re not careful, and then you’ll have less time to enjoy the movie. Give yourself 20 minutes, max.^{[4]
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Check movie ratings if you are watching with children. If are watching a movie with kids, be certain to check movie ratings as you browse to help you find age-appropriate content. While ratings can guide your selection, they aren’t meant to provide all the answers. You should do research on your own as well.
- Reading a couple of different online sources can help you determine whether a movie is age-appropriate.
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Take turns or vote if you can’t decide on a movie. If you are enjoying your movie alone, simply pick the movie that you feel like watching within your chosen genre. Otherwise, consult the people who are watching with you.
- If you can’t come to a consensus, try taking a vote.
- If movie night is a regular event with your family or friend group, different group members can take turns picking the movie each time.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Preparing Your Space

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Choose a space for your “home theater.” This doesn’t have to be a room completely dedicated to watching movies, but it should be a space where you can watch a movie undisturbed for a few hours. Ideally, it should be a relatively quiet space with curtains or blinds that allow you to block out light.^{[5]
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- If you have a basement, consider using it as your “home theater.”
- Your room could also work as your "home theater." Watching a movie from your bed is a super comfy option.
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Set up a TV, projector, or computer. Of course, your home theater will need a screen to display your movie. Flat screen TVs work best for areas with ambient light, like a living room. However, if you have a dedicated home theater in a darker area of the house, consider investing in a projector.^{[6]
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- Projectors can create a movie theater-like experience. Pick a room with enough wall space for a 100-inch screen and one that’s large enough to set up the projector at the proper distance from the wall.
- Conduct online research and talk to professionals to find the right projector or TV for your space.
- You don't need a TV or projector to watch a movie. If you are enjoying a movie alone, you can watch directly from your computer or tablet.
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Consider buying a sound system. If you want to take your home theater to the next level, consider purchasing speakers. Speakers will enhance sound quality, creating a more immersive experience.
- Consult a professional to determine which speakers would be best for your space and needs. Room size is a major factor. Large speakers don’t work well in small, closed-in rooms, while small speakers may sound weak in large, open rooms.^{[7]
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- A soundbar is a good option if you want a significant upgrade in sound quality, but aren’t ready to invest in a pricey surround sound speaker system. It is easier to hide also.^{[8]
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Move furniture for optimal viewing, if necessary. A good view of the screen is the key to enjoying a movie. Make sure the chairs and couches are positioned for a great view. Sitting too close to the screen can be overwhelming while sitting too far away can make it difficult to see.^{[9]
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- If you are watching a movie with others, make sure that they can get a decent view from their spots.
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Dim the lights. A dark environment is important for an immersive cinematic experience. Turn off or dim your overhead lights and lamps, and close curtains and shades if it’s light outside.
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Turn phones off. Light and sounds from a phone can be extremely distracting, as you probably know from your local movie theater. Turn off or silence your phone, and have others do the same.^{[10]
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- One option is to have your fellow movie watchers place their phones in a bowl in the center of the room. The first one to grab their phone has to refill everyone's drinks and snacks for the rest of the night.
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Make the space comfortable. One of the best things about watching a movie at home is added comfort. Put on your comfiest loungewear, and bring extra blankets and pillows for a super cozy feel.^{[11]
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- If you are enjoying your movie with others, ask them to bring extra blankets and pillows. You can never have too many!

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Picking Snacks

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Opt for bottled drinks. To avoid untimely spills in the middle of your flick, choose bottled drinks. This is especially important if you are watching with spill-prone kids.^{[12]
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- For an environmentally-friendly alternative to disposable plastic bottles, pour drinks into refillable bottles and sip away.
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Pick finger foods. Finger foods are easy to eat while lounging on the couch. Popcorn is classic movie snack. Pretzels, candy, and chips with dip are other movie-friendly options.^{[13]
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- Try spicing up regular popcorn. Add seasoning, like cayenne pepper, or drizzle your popcorn with caramel for a sweeter snack.
- If you’re looking for a healthier finger food option, try fresh fruit!
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Schedule a snack intermission. If your movie is especially long or you are watching with antsy kids, scheduling a brief intermission is probably a good idea. Pause the movie at the halfway point so everyone can take a bathroom break and grab extra drinks and snacks.^{[14]
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Community Q&A

Question

If my child is very mature and can handle mature themes and content, can she watch an MA 15+ movie with me if she is 11?

Community Answer

It's all up to you about what your child can watch, but remember that some things can't be unseen by little kids. You could try watching a more appropriate movie, but there are Mature Audience movies out there that aren't as bad as others. If you want to double check before showing your child an inappropriate movie, there are plenty of websites that give specific information on what's inappropriate in the specific movie.
Question

How do I choose what food to make for a movie night?

Community Answer

It really depends on what you like to eat. The classics are popcorn, hotdogs, and candy. But you can just make your favorite food.
Question

I don't have a movie projector and my kids do not want to watch a movie on the TV. What should I do?

Community Answer

If you have a computer or tablet, your children could watch a movie on those. Many streaming sites can be accessed via computer or tablet.

Warnings

Expect some distractions if you are watching with kids. Kids sometimes fidget, especially if the movie is long.

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