There is something that is so quintessentially summer about watching a movie outside. For some people, this activity brings back memories of summer camp or neighborhood movies in the park. Others are brought back to the time of drive-in movie theaters (and poodle skirts). However, you experienced it, there is nothing quite like a movie outside on a warm summer’s evening. Personally, I prefer my outdoor movies to happen directly after a hearty outdoor barbecue meal with friends and family.

If this relaxing vision of summer appeals to you, consider adding an outdoor theater to your backyard patio space. It might seem like an unattainable dream to have an outdoor theater, but it is in fact quite affordable, especially if you have a do-it-yourself spirit. If you can hang a white bed sheet, then you’re halfway there! You don’t need expensive audio/visual gear or a high-tech background to create an enjoyable outdoor viewing experience at home. On the other hand, if you want to invest in a more permanent or luxurious theater, there are options to fit your tastes.

Designing and Planning Your Outdoor Theater

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, most movie theaters across the nation have closed and people are choosing to stay at home this summer. As a result, there has never been a better time to invest in upgrading your outdoor entertainment space. A quality outdoor movie theater can actually increase the value of your home, and your design concept doesn’t need to be complex. 

The important aspects to focus on are the location, the audio/video equipment, comfortable seating, lighting, and most importantly, the movie snacks! Let’s dive into the equipment you’ll need, how to maximize your outdoor patio space, and get your outdoor movie theater set up for your next big movie night.

Pick a Practical Location

When planning your outdoor theater, location is very important to consider. If you are planning on a temporary setup, you most likely won’t have to worry about any major backyard renovations. You may need to adjust your furniture arrangement for optimal viewing depending on how many people you have in the audience.

If you are serious about a more permanent backyard theater, you will need to consider the space carefully for several viewing factors. You will want to consider the square footage, what furniture or ground coverings you will have, where the screen and projector (or outdoor television) will go, an outdoor kitchen (for snacks), etc. You will also want to factor in the natural elements around you such as sunlight, wind, streetlights and so on. 

The Right Equipment for the Job

Tackling the technical side of your outdoor theater is probably the most challenging aspect of designing an outdoor theater. Deciding on how you will view your media and what technology is best suited for your needs is a time-consuming research process. Whatever technology you decide on, make sure to invest in extra-long extension cords and weatherproof power strips to keep them powered and safe.

Outdoor Televisions vs. Projectors 

The largest technological question you will have to answer is whether you want to invest in an outdoor television or a screen and projector combo setup. Both systems are great with their own unique benefits, but your choice will largely depend on the space you have available.

Outdoor Televisions

Outdoor televisions are great if you have an enclosed or intimate area in your backyard. These weatherproof televisions are constructed with temperature-resistant components, anti-glare screens, and heating or cooling systems. They are generally more expensive than an indoor TV of similar size, especially if the TV is designed for use in full sunlight.

A recent popular trend has been to install several smaller outdoor televisions around your backyard to maximize your viewing potential at all angles during all activities.

The Classic Projector and Screen Combo

Instead of investing in an expensive outdoor television, why not attempt to create the feel of an actual movie theater with a projector and screen combo. Projector setups allow for a much larger viewing audience. They are also easier to protect from the elements and move for ideal viewing conditions. You can also install a screen practically anywhere in your backyard on a variety of inexpensive materials. 

If outdoor movies are going to be a regular occurrence in your backyard, invest in an inflatable outdoor screen, standing screen, or a retractable screen. These options will provide a better-quality movie watching experience. 

Video Sources

Choosing how you will play the movie is an important factor in your outdoor theater. Most projectors and TVs can connect to today’s most popular electronic gadgets. Along with the projector, you will need something like a blu-ray/dvd player, a gaming console, or a streaming box such as Roku or Apple TV to stream the media. 

The gamers in your family will love the opportunity to play video games on a large screen outdoors once the movie is over. Just make sure that these devices are in range of your Wi-Fi network and can maintain a signal strong enough to stream high quality movies.

Screens and Sheets 

If you are serious about a backyard theater, find a way to invest in a screen. Even an inexpensive screen will provide a picture that looks way better than projecting onto a bed sheet or shower curtain. A real screen will have less wrinkles in it than a sheet or curtain, which is optimal for your viewing pleasure.

If investing in an outdoor screen isn’t for you, a white shower curtain or bedsheet and some fishing line will do the trick. If you do use a sheet, make sure you pull it super taut when you secure it to either a stand or a vertical flat surface. 

When it comes to screens, size does matter. You do not want your screen to be too big or too small for your space, so make sure you know how much space you have to work with and how far away from the screen your seating will be located before making or purchasing a screen.

Sound System 

For your outdoor sound system, you’ll primarily want to decide between a wired setup or a wireless Bluetooth system. Many outdoor speaker systems involve a complicated setup of wires and extension cords, which can cause power issues and are a tripping hazard, but they offer superior sound quality and stability. Wireless systems are a little more friendly to outdoor elements but can have frequency and interference issues.

Invest in a sound system that is low-profile, high-performance with superior speakers,. Make sure the speakers are loud enough to compete with the outdoor elements, but not so loud that the neighbors call the police with a noise complaint!

Outdoor Seating

Probably the most important non-technical factor to consider is your outdoor seating options. You and your family will be sitting in place for several hours at a time which means you are going to want something comfortable to sit on. If you don’t already own patio furniture, now would be a great time to invest in some quality pieces. Placement of your seating is also important. Most people do not like sitting in the front row of a movie theater or parking in the first rows at the drive-in, so remember that these same preferences will likely hold true for your backyard movies.

Your seating should take into account several factors. If you are planning to have people sit on the ground, you’ll want to consider certain things like wet grass or hard pavement (it’s not great for your back). Can you simply throw down some blankets or will you need to invest in tarps and other materials for optimal comfort? Do you have an automatic sprinkler system that needs to be turned off? Do you have a pest problem that you can proactively spray for? There are even some manufactured turfs you can purchase for comfort while sticking with the outdoors feel.

Outdoor Kitchen for Movie Snacks

What is a movie night without popcorn, candy and hot dogs? Fully capture that movie theater experience by incorporating an outdoor kitchen in your design. Grill up some hotdogs during the game or make some fresh kettle corn without missing a moment of the movie.

Lighting Options

If you chose the projector and screen combo, it is optimal to wait until sundown to begin your movie. It will be quite dark come movie time so you will want to consider adding some outdoor lanterns to prevent stubbed toes and tripped wires. It’s for the same reason movie theater isles have the little lights in them.

String lighting is a popular option as it provides just enough light while really amplifying the ambiance of your backyard. If you are looking for a more stable source of light, try a ceramic base light that you can place strategically in the backyard.

Creating an Authentic Theater Experience

Now that you have your own personal movie theater in your backyard, it is time to fully re-create the movie-going experience. If you have the space, consider adding a countertop hot dog machine and bun warmer. Next to it you should install a popcorn machine and a mini-fridge for sodas. You get extra points for stocking snack-sized bags of candy and other goodies.

Once you’ve done all that, it’s time to enjoy your summer at the movies, at home.