How to Make Your Own Drive-In Movie Theater

How to Make Your Own Drive-In Movie Theater at Home

By Katya Boskovic

July 8th 2021

Have you missed going to the movie theater? Are you looking for a fun and new activity to enjoy from the comfort of your own home? Continue reading for a guide on how to craft your very own cozy drive-in movie theater for relaxing summer nights!

Firstly and most importantly: the screen! There are various ways you can set up your screen at home. Depending on where you and your friends and family are able to park your cars, it is important to pick the perfect place to project the film of your choice! If your house sits on a large portion of land, your family may consider projecting the film on the side of your house with each car being parked on the grass facing that direction! For this scenario, it’s important to make sure you’re not on your neighbor’s lawn! If this is not the case, a fantastic way to enjoy a drive-in movie theater is to project the movie on your closed garage door! This can be done on your bare garage door or by draping or attaching a plain white sheet in front of or to the front of your garage door, respectively. In terms of projecting the media, there are different ways this can be done. The first way this can be done is by setting up a projector along with speakers so that each car can hear the film perfectly, preferably waterproof just in case the weather changes. The next way is by purchasing a smartphone projector which allows you to directly project the film you are streaming on your phone onto a separate surface! A third alternative is not using a projector at all and viewing your film by way of a screening platform such as Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, or Amazon Prime through either a laptop or smartphone!

Secondly, setting up the car is half of the fun! Create a comfortable and lovely ambience by filling your car with the coziest pillows and blankets! Curate your setup by determining the best way to park your car. If you have a car, pull into your driveway hood first as normal but, if you have an SUV or a pickup truck, reversing your car and parking with your hood facing the street allows you to assemble your own little nook in the trunk! Create a snug environment by bringing your favorite cute throw blankets, pillows, or even sleeping bags, depending on how cold the temperature gets as the sun goes down! In a truck, start by laying down a thick comforter for a plush base in the trunk and throwing on your most comfortable outfit! String some fairy lights around your car to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere! Invite your family and friends over for a movie night that is social-distancing friendly!

Lastly, and arguably most importantly, grab your favorite movie theater snacks and choose your film! Depending on the audience, you may want to choose a family-friendly cartoon, a romantic comedy, a drama, a musical, a comedy, or a dance-themed movie! A few movie suggestions included in these various categories are Jumanji, Holes, Mamma Mia!, Flipped, She’s the Man, The Princess Bride, and High Strung! By creating your own drive-in theater, you can incorporate your favorite movie theater treats while simultaneously enjoying the night sky and the outdoor air on a summer night! Pop some buttery popcorn, pour your favorite pop, and savor your favorite dessert or sweet! Packing delicious treats into individual containers for each member of your family and friends can give your drive-in that authentic movie theater feel that is so loved while making sure everyone avoids eating out of the same container!

Pin up a white sheet on your garage door, create your own cozy cubby in the trunk of your car, and wait for the moon to rise! Enjoy your movie night as you stargaze under the night sky, munch on scrumptious treats, and spend quality time with loved ones on a beautiful summer night!