Get a theater-quality movie-watching experience in the comfort of your living room

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 get to watch any movie you like on your own terms. We’ll help you elevate your at-home cinema with plenty of tips and tricks. Who knows—after this, you might never want to hit the theater again!

Things You Should Know

  • Pick your movie and download or make sure it’s available ahead of time, so that you’re not stuck in the endless choosing-a-movie phase.
  • Jump into your coziest clothes and make your space comfy by dimming the lights, piling on blankets, and lighting a candle or two.
  • Prep some snacks and beverages to eat while you watch. Popcorn is a must, and candy or fruits and veggies make great additions or alternatives.
2

Decide on a movie beforehand to save time.

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  1. You don’t wanna be caught wasting time browsing, after all.[1] If you’re stressed, a comedy could help you relax. If you want some excitement, go for a thriller or a horror flick. If you’re in a group, go for a more popular genre, like adventure or comedy, but maybe avoid more polarizing genres like documentaries or musicals.
    • Make sure the movie is available, either in your own personal library, on a streaming service, or at a rental outlet. Or, be sure to download it in advance!
    • If you’re watching with a group, have each person propose a movie, then vote on the one you’d like to watch together.
    • Check the critic ratings online if you want to be sure you’re watching something good, and to make sure it’s age-appropriate for any children.
3

Set up a screen and movie player in a dim room.

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  1. 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. But if you have ample room in a darker area of the house—or even outside—and want a more theatrical experience, consider investing in a projector and set up a big projection screen.[2]
    • Choose a room with little or no ambient light from outside to really immerse yourself. A basement works great, or pull the curtains closed in your living room or bedroom.
    • To use a projector, 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.
    • You don't need a TV or projector to watch a movie! If you’re enjoying a movie alone, you can watch directly from your computer or tablet.
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4

Consider a sound system for better immersion.

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  1. If you want to take your home theater to the next level, consider purchasing quality speakers. Good speakers will enhance sound quality, creating a more immersive experience.[3] If you’re watching solo, a pair of headphones can do wonders.
    • Room size is a major factor when selecting speakers. Large speakers don’t work well in small, closed-in rooms, while small speakers may sound weak in large, open rooms.
    • A soundbar is a good option if you want a significant upgrade in sound quality, aren’t ready to invest in a pricey surround sound speaker system, or want to easily hide your speakers.
    • Consult a professional at your local tech or audio store to determine which speakers would be best for your space and needs.
5

Move furniture around for optimal viewing.

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6

Ditch your phone and any other distractions.

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8

Prep some popcorn or other finger foods.

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Community Q&A

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  • 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
    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
    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
    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.
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Tips

  • When choosing candy, look for what movie theaters sell to really add to the experience. Try things like licorice, Mike & Ikes, or sour candies.
  • Nighttime is often best for watching a movie, since the ambient light is gone and the mood is better, but late-afternoon might be best for young kids with a bedtime.
  • Consider selecting a theme. For instance, you might have your friends over for a Disney-themed movie night.

Tips from our Readers

  • Be sure to think about who you're inviting, and only invite friends who you know can behave during a movie.
  • Keep a box of tissues handy for the sad movies!
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Warnings

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

Travis Page
Co-authored by:
Video Content Specialist
This article was co-authored by Travis Page and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Travis Page is the Head of Product at Cinebody. Cinebody is a user-directed video content software company headquartered in Denver, Colorado that empowers brands to create instant, authentic, and engaging video content with anyone on earth. He holds a BS in Finance from the University of Colorado, Denver. This article has been viewed 175,605 times.
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 65
Updated: June 10, 2024
Views: 175,605
Categories: Movies
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 175,605 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Suhail Surajpal

    Suhail Surajpal

    Aug 26, 2017

    "Everything was amazing. Thanks to this wiki, I was able to host the perfect theater night, showcasing my latest..." more
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