How to Host a Spooky Halloween Movie Night – Any Night of the Year!
Halloween is the perfect time to gather around with friends and family for a spooky Halloween movie night. But why limit the fun to just one night of the year? With a little creativity and planning, you can host a spooktacular movie night any time of the year. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a cosy and creepy atmosphere, including food, scary film options, spooky drinks, room decor, mood lighting, and scented candles or infusers.
Food
No movie night is complete without snacks. For a Halloween-themed movie night, consider serving some spooky snacks like popcorn with black and orange food colouring, pumpkin-shaped cookies, or candy corn.
You can also get creative with your snack presentation by serving them in Halloween-themed bowls or cups. Another fun idea is to make a spooky charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, and crackers arranged in the shape of a spider web.
If you are more of a whizz in the kitchen, this could be an opportunity to make your own Halloween sweet treats. Here are a few ideas of recipes you can follow:
- Halloween Chocolate Bark
- Toffee Apples (or Poison Toffee Apples)
- Halloween Shortbread Fingers
- Jack-o’-lantern chocolate orange cakes
There are also these sites you can look at for Halloween food inspiration; BBC Good Food; Tesco’s Halloween recipes; and Aldi’s Halloween recipes.
Scary Film Options
Choosing the right movie is key to setting the mood for your spooktacular movie night. If you’re looking for a classic scare, consider movies like The Exorcist 3 (1990), The Shining (1980), or Halloween (1978).
For a more lighthearted option, try Hocus Pocus (1993), Beetlejuice (1988), or The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). You can also mix it up with a movie marathon featuring a variety of scary movies.
Some suggestions for different types of horror movies you can watch based on age and preference
Family-friendly horror movies
If you’re hosting a movie night for kids or families, consider movies like Casper (1995), The Witches (1990), Monster House (2006) or The Addams Family (1991). These movies have a spooky atmosphere, but are not too scary for young viewers.
Classic horror movies
For fans of classic horror movies, consider films like Psycho (1960), The Exorcist (1973), or The Shining (1980). These movies are considered some of the best horror films of all time and are sure to give you a good scare.
Horror-comedies
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try horror comedies like Shaun of the Dead (2004), Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995), Zombieland (2009), or Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010). These movies combine horror elements with comedy, making them perfect for a fun and lighthearted movie night.
Found footage horror movies
Found footage horror movies like The Blair Witch Project (1999), Skinamarink (2022), Paranormal Activity (2007), or Cloverfield (2008) are a popular sub-genre of horror movies. These movies are filmed as if they were real-life events, adding to the realism and suspense of the movie.
Foreign horror movies
If you’re looking for something a little different, try watching a foreign horror movie. Movies like The Ring (Japan) (2002), Let the Right One In (Sweden) (2008), or Train to Busan (South Korea) (2016) offer a unique perspective on horror and are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Remember, the type of horror movie you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the audience you’re watching with. With so many different types of horror movies to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect movie to suit your needs.
A Horror Movie Marathon
Having a movie marathon is a great way to make the most out of your spooktacular movie night. To have a successful movie marathon, start by choosing a theme for your movies. For example, you could choose a theme like zombies, witchcraft or ghosts. Once you’ve chosen your theme, select a variety of movies that fit within that theme.
Make sure to have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand for your guests to enjoy throughout the marathon. You can also take breaks between movies to stretch your legs and chat about the movies you’ve watched so far. To keep things interesting, consider having a trivia game or a costume contest during the marathon. With a little planning and preparation, your movie marathon is sure to be a spooktacular success.
Taking Your Horror Movie Night Outside
Take your movie night to the great outdoors for a unique and memorable experience. An outdoor movie projector and screen can be a great addition to your setup, but it’s important to let your neighbours know beforehand, especially if you plan on watching a scary movie… unless you’re unlucky and have less-than-friendly neighbours. You can find outdoor movie projectors and screens at various stores, including online retailers like Amazon.
Setting up the projector is a breeze – simply hang a sheet or screen on your garage door, between two trees, or against the side of your house, and use your phone, HDMI cord, or computer to start the movie. Remember to keep warm if it’s cold outside with an outdoor heater or a fire, and wrap up!
Spooky Drinks
To really get into the Halloween spirit, consider serving some spooky drinks. You can make a batch of “witches’ brew” by combining apple cider, cranberry juice, and ginger ale. For an adult-only option, try a bloody cocktail made with vodka, tomato juice, and hot sauce! You can also serve up some “eyeball” punch by adding lychee fruit to a bowl of fruit punch.
Hot chocolate with Irish cream or dark rum will go down a treat if you are looking for those cosy, fuzzy feelings.
How to Make the Room Nice and Cozy
Creating a cosy atmosphere is key to making your guests feel comfortable and relaxed. Start by arranging plenty of comfortable seating options, like bean bags or floor pillows. Add some cosy blankets and pillows to snuggle up with during the movie. You can also set the mood with some ambient lighting, like string lights or lanterns.
Mood Lighting
Mood lighting is essential to creating a spooky atmosphere for your Halloween movie night. Consider using coloured light bulbs to cast a creepy glow throughout the room. You can also use candles or tea lights to create a flickering effect. If you’re looking for a more high-tech option, consider using a smart lighting system that allows you to control the colour and intensity of your lights with your phone.
Scented Candles or Infusers
Don’t forget to add some spooky scents to your movie night. Scented candles or infusers can help create a creepy ambience and add to the overall experience. Consider using scents like pumpkin spice, apple cider, or cinnamon to evoke the feeling of fall and Halloween.
WARNING! If you have pet birds make sure you do not burn anything around them, as it can harm them.
On a Budget?
If you’re hosting a spooktacular movie night on a tight budget, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to create a creepy atmosphere without breaking the bank. Consider making your own DIY decorations, like paper bats or spider webs, using materials you already have at home.
You can also opt for inexpensive snacks like popcorn or homemade cookies. And instead of buying scented candles or infusers, try using essential oils or simmering spices on the stove to create a spooky scent. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can still host an unforgettable movie night without spending a lot of money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hosting a spooktacular movie night is a great way to bring friends and family together for a fun and festive evening. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a cosy and creepy atmosphere that will leave you and your guests spooked and satisfied.
And remember, you don’t have to wait until Halloween to enjoy a scary movie night – you can recreate this experience any time of the year! If you are looking for a more lively night of Halloween festivities, check out our article on how to host a 90s Halloween party!
