If you live near the water, this summer is the perfect opportunity to host an outdoor beach screening. This list includes answers to some questions you may have while planning your beach screening, as well as our film recommendations that feature beaches from around the world. It's time to choose a movie and get out your beach balls and sunglasses!
How do you host a beach film screening?
Like planning any event, it is important to plan things one at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed. Investigate public performance rights to your chosen film and create a budget first. Our information on public performance rights can help.
Our guide to planning an outdoor film screening can help you sort out logistical details and technical concerns.
What do you need for a beach screening?
You can project a film onto a sheet or blank wall, but this may not be an option at a beach screening. We recommend this inflatable film screen that is 16 feet long and relatively inexpensive.
Attendees can bring their own beach chairs and towels, but you can also include some beach toys or serve tropical drinks alongside the film screening.
50 First Dates (2004)
Rated: PG-13
50 First Dates is a great romantic comedy to screen at the beach. The film stars Adam Sandler, who begins a relationship with Lucy (Drew Barrymore) and then discovers she is suffering from amnesia and can't remember him the next day. Filmed on location in Oahu, Hawaii, this film showcases beautiful beaches and lush, green foliage. As the pair initially meet at a diner during breakfast, it might be fun to serve a tropical breakfast buffet at the film screening.
Request a quote for 50 First Dates through Swank
Check out our review of 50 First Dates
The Endless Summer (1966)
Rated: PG
Bruce Brown’s definitive documentary introduced the world to surf culture. The Endless Summer is considered a canonical film of the 1960s, depicting surfers with accuracy and grace. The detailed photography of the film makes it a beautiful screening experience.
Request a quote for The Endless Summer through Swank
Check out essay on The Endless Summer
Jaws (1975)
Rated: PG
A beach screening classic, Jaws is a great selection for brave movie-goers. In the film, police chief Brody tries to keep his New England beach town safe from from a killer shark. There are many ways you can heighten a screening of this classic thriller. The Volente Beach Resort and Beachside Billy’s in Texas has even shown the film while attendees float in open water.
Request a quote for Jaws through Swank
Check out our review of Jaws
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Rated: PG-13
Mamma Mia! is the perfect lighthearted romp for a summer beach party. The film follows a young bride who invites three strangers from her mother’s past to her wedding in order to discover which one is her father. Mamma Mia! features an ensemble cast including Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfriend having the time of their lives on a Greek island. As a musical composed of classic ABBA songs, Mamma Mia! would be perfect for a sing-along beach screening.
Request a quote for Mamma Mia! through Swank
Check out our review of Mamma Mia!
Surf’s Up (2007)
Rated: PG
Surf’s Up is a great choice for both children and lovers of classic surf films. The mockumentary- style films follows a young penguin as he travels from his cold Arctic home to a tropical surfing competition. Organizing small games and competitions, like building sandcastles, would make this a fun, interactive film screening.
Request a quote for Surf's Up through Swank
Check out our review of Surf's Up
Public performance rights to these beach films are available through Swank, request a quote for an annual or seasonal license or single exhibition license to start the process of planning your summer beach screening!