How to Create the Perfect Backyard Movie Night: Best Outdoor Movie Projectors, Screens, and More

Whether you're planning a cozy gathering or an epic neighborhood event, backyard movie nights have become a fun tradition for many families. But you're going to need a few things, like outdoor movie projectors and outdoor movie screens. We researched how to transform your backyard into the ultimate entertainment space with any size budget.

Read on to learn about everything you need to know to set up the ultimate outdoor movie night, from choosing the right equipment at the right price point to setting the scene. 

Bring your event to the next level with our recipe for easy homemade pizza and these irresistible dessert boards, and don’t forget to pick a flick from one of our 75 favorite family movies! 

 
Curl up with s'mores and a fun family flick! Photo courtesy of Solo

Best Outdoor Movie Screens

Best Inflatable Projector Screen — XHYCPY Inflatable Outdoor Movie Screen

The XHYCPY Inflatable Outdoor Movie Screen is a great choice not only because of its size, but it’s also really easy to set up. This screen includes an air blower for a quick setup.

Best Projector Screen with Stand — Wootfairy Outdoor Movie Screen

This mid-price projector screen comes with an easy-to-assemble frame, so the movie plays on a screen that won't go blowin' in the wind.

Best Budget Projector Screen — Mdbebbron Outdoor Movie Screen

This budget-friendly screen stores easily and allows for high-definition projection capability. The wrinkle-free material and wide viewing angle, make for clean viewing and an affordable choice.

Yes, You Can Use a Sheet — Queen Bedding White Flat Sheet

If the mid-$20 range is still a bit high, start with a queen-sized flat white bed sheet, which will run you under $10. A few clothespins will hang this anywhere, and you're ready to go. And talk about portable.

Best Outdoor Movie Night Bundle — Solo Stove Movie Night Feature Bundle

Solo has done all the hard work for you! This convenient bundle includes an outdoor screen, 2 reclining lounge chairs, and a campfire popcorn maker. 

 
You can fit this movie projector in your pocket! Photo courtesy of the Cinemood Store on Amazon

Best Outdoor Movie Projectors

Best Splurge Outdoor Movie Projector — NEBULA Mars 3 Outdoor Portable Projector

This portable outdoor projector may be a splurge, but its impressive 1000 ANSI lumens of brightness is worth it. Its 4K UHD resolution and Dolby Digital Plus speakers provide a cinematic experience, while the built-in battery offers up to 5 hours of playback, making it perfect for extended viewing without the need for pesky power cords. 

Best Mid-Priced Outdoor Movie Projector — XGIMI Mini Projector with Wifi and Bluetooth

This projector may be mini in size, but its wireless connectivity allows for easy streaming from various devices making it big on fun! 

Best Pocket-Sized Outdoor Movie Projector — CINEMOOD Portable Projector

The Cinemood is truly a portable entertainment warehouse. In addition to its streaming capabilities, the Cinemood also comes preloaded with a digital library that includes 40 Disney e-books, cartoons, and more.

Best Budget Outdoor Movie Projector — WiMiUS Store Mini Projector

The budget-friendly mini-projector features wireless screen mirroring capability that allows seamless streaming from smartphones and laptops. Families can also enjoy its built-in dual stereo speakers that eliminate the need for external speakers.

 
You don't have to spend a fortune to have great outdoor sound. Photo courtesy of the Soundcore Boom Store on Amazon

Best Speakers for Backyard Movie Night  

Best Party Speaker — JBL Boombox 2

Fill the entire yard with clear, dynamic audio. The JBL Boombox 2 has a rugged, waterproof design that makes it a great pick for parties with plenty of people where it might get bumped or splashed on. You can also add a bit of fun to the party with a built-in light show.  

Best Budget Speaker — Soundcore Boom 2 Outdoor Speaker

An impressive 20-hour battery life will outlast any movie you can pick! This speaker can also withstand splashes and spills. 

Best Waterproof Speaker — Turtlebox Gen 2

Turtlebox prides itself on being the loudest and toughest outdoor speaker. Additionally, Its wireless Bluetooth connectivity ensures easy pairing with your devices. 

Best Portable Speaker — Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker

The Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker has a powerful sound output, which ensures clear audio even in your backyard. Plus its compact size makes it easy to pack for a park movie night or to set up at home.

One key ingredient is keeping evening bugs away! Photo of the Adirondack Bug Relief Kit courtesy of ADK Fragrance Farm 

Best Accessories for Backyard Movie Night 

Best Pool Loungers for Dive-in Movies — Fun Boy Loungers

The comfortable, inflatable design of these lounge chairs is perfect for an impromptu movie night. They're not just for the pool and dive-in movies, either! If you're tight on backyard space or storage, these are perfect to blow up when you need them, and then deflate and tuck away. The built-in cup holders are perfect for holding all those movie snacks and drinks, and they are nice and big to accommodate adults or even two kids who want to share a chair.

Best Outdoor Floor Seating — Codi Meditation Floor Pillow Set

Set the scene for a cozy evening with these cute floor pillows. Bonus points: the cover is washable, so you don't have to stress about any movie night messes. 

Best Way to Keep Bugs Away — ADK Fragrance Farm Adirondack Bug Relief Kit 

Who wants to smell like chemicals when you are watching a movie? Not me! This DEET-free formula is not only effective, but it also smells wonderful!  

Best Way To Keep Warm — Benevolence LA Authentic Handwoven Mexican Blanket

When the sun goes down, the temps do, too! These comfy blankets are soft and provide comfortable seating or a cozy wrap for chilly evenings.

Best Ambiance-Setting — FOXLUX Solar String Lights

These string lights add the perfect twinkle to any backyard gathering.  Enjoy the warm glow of these solar-powered string lights – no plug necessary!

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