It may seem like outdoor film screenings are a fad that arose during COVID restrictions, but outdoor film screenings are here to stay! As long as film projectors have existed, people have enjoyed watching films outside. The first outdoor film screening occurred around 1916 in Berlin, with many rooftop theaters going on to be repurposed for cinema in the 1920s. Today, there are many film festivals and events that take advantage of outdoor public spaces and warm summer weather to offer the experience of watching movies on a big screen under the stars.
How do you host an outdoor movie screening?
Like any film screening, it is important to sort out logistical details first. Consider parking options for attendees, screen visibility, food and beverages, and tech concerns prior to your event. Our guide to hosting an outdoor screening can help you sort out these details.
How much does it cost to host a film screening?
Public performance rights vary for each film and type of event but the average cost is usually between 200 and 400 dollars.
Check out our information on public performance rights as you plan your next summer screening!
What do you need for a movie screening?
Outdoor screenings are fairly cheap and easy to organize. Although larger screenings employ inflatable film screens, you can easily project a film onto a sheet or blank wall.
We recommend this portable mini projector that is inexpensive and perfect for intimate outdoor screenings.
Some other essentials include tickets for admission and bags for popcorn and snacks.
We have also included some of our film recommendations for an outdoor summer movie night and some tips on how to make your screening as memorable and exciting as possible.
Dazed and Confused (1993)
Rated: R
Dazed and Confused is the perfect nostalgic film to kick off the start of summer. Set on the first day of summer vacation in 1976, the film follows several groups of teenagers and their different experiences culminating in a party in the woods. A collection of memorable lines backed by a classic soundtrack makes this the perfect film to play at an outdoor summer party. Dazed and Confused also presents a great opportunity to invite guests to come in costume in tight T-shirts and bell-bottoms.
Request a quote for Dazed and Confused through Swank
Check out our review of Dazed and Confused
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Rated: PG-13
This 1987 summer classic encapsulates summer romance. While at an upper-class resort in the Catskills, intelligent but naïve Frances slowly falls for her dance instructor. Dirty Dancing blends fun dance numbers and romance with commentary on serious issues like class structure and women’s rights. You can bring attention to these timely issues with a post-film discussion or highlight the levity of the film with a casual dance competition after the screening.
Request a quote for Dirty Dancing through Swank
Check out our review of Dirty Dancing
Luca (2021)
Rated: PG
This gorgeously animated Pixar feature film is the perfect movie to show outside on a summer day. Set on the Italian Riviera, Luca tells the story of two young sea creatures that are able to transform into humans while on land. This family-friendly film makes you want to soak up the sun and play in the water, so it is an ideal pick for an outdoor screening. Luca also features lots of delicious Italian food, like pesto pasta and gelato, that could be served alongside popcorn to create an immersive experience.
Request a quote for Luca through Swank
Check out our review of Luca
A Midsummer Night's Dream (1969)
Rated: PG
There are many adaptations of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to choose from but the 1969 version starring Judi Dench and Helen Mirren is a great option. The classic play has a colorful cast of characters, including four young lovers, a stage troupe, and scheming fairies, with all of their storylines converging in the forest. There are many ways you can heighten an outdoor screening of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, including live performances, costumes, and decorations that play up the magical atmosphere of the play.
Request a quote for A Midsummer Night's Dream through Swank
The Parent Trap (1998)
Rated: PG
Disney’s 1998 version of The Parent Trap is the perfect outdoor movie event for the whole family. Twins Hallie and Annie are separated at birth and reunited at a summer camp and craft a plan to switch places and reunite their parents. The multiple locations of the summer camp, Annie’s posh house in London, Hallie’s vineyard home, and end-of-summer camping trip make audience members want to travel and be outside. You can play up the camp aspect of the film by incorporating group contests and games before the film screening.
Request a quote for The Parent Trap through Swank
Check out our review of The Parent Trap
Public performance rights to these 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 outdoor film screening event!