Invite your bravest friends for a horror movie night! Scary movies are best when surrounded by other people. Horror connects all of us – no matter where you are from, we have all been afraid of what may lurk in the dark. Watching movies with friends allows you all to cower, laugh, and scream together.
Ever since I was a freshman in college, I used to host movie night parties with my friends. I love to plan the perfect double-feature, meal, and activities to keep the fun going all night long. Here are a few of my tips for hosting an awesome horror movie night.
Single screening or double-feature? When you screen just one movie, anything can really work in the slot. For double-features, try to find films that share a theme or tonally work well together. I often will schedule the darker or more serious film first and save the funnier or more lively film second. That way they will be fresh and ready to experience the heavier film. Having the lighter film second will cleanse your pallet after the terror or darkness of the first film. Additionally, it helps to energize your crowd later in the evening, when they may be a little sleepy.
My favorite movie nights feature campy horror – allowing us to riff on the film and laugh along. Other times it has been wonderful to share my favorite lesser-known horror films with my friends. It all depends on your taste. I love to introduce people to new movies they otherwise may not encounter.
Here are some pairings my friends rated among their favorites:
Crafting the attendee list is a bit of an art. Here are a few of my guidelines for when I look for the right group of people for a party:
Whether it just be popcorn and snacks or a full meal, plan your menu in advance.
Yes, they all came for the movies, but a few fun activities are what will help your group bond and decompress after a scary movie. I love to have a few party games on hand to help people mix and mingle before, after, an/or in-between the films. Here are some of my friends’ favorites:
You’ve done the planning, cleaned your house, made the food, set up the games, and now the guests are arriving. It is time to enjoy all your efforts and have a wonderful movie night.
Want some suggestions for a mini movie marathon? Check out some of my favorite horror shorts in my Film Friday blog post series:
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Welcome to my home of all things horror & Halloween! The Horror of Being Emily showcases resources, creative projects, small businesses, and more related to my weird and wonderful Halloween & horror obsession.
