What to Buy for a Movie Night

A movie night needs more than popcorn and a film. Plan snacks, drinks, serving items, and the equipment needed to show and hear the film properly. Check dietary requirements before shopping, chill drinks several hours ahead, and test the laptop, projector, HDMI connection, and speakers before guests arrive. This list also covers the items people often remember too late, such as adapters, extension cords, bottle openers, and enough seating.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Chairsqty 24
Tablesqty 4
Buffet table
Coat rack

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 30
Reusable cupsqty 30
Platesqty 30
Snack bowlsqty 8
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving spoonsqty 4

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Laptop
HDMI cable
HDMI adapter
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Remote controlsqty 2

Kitchen

Coolersqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 2
Corkscrew
Bottle openersqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Pliersqty 3
Coffee maker
Kettle

Decorations

Movie postersqty 4
Buntingqty 4
Tableclothsqty 4

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 2

Cleaning

Broom
Dustpan and brush
Mop
Bucket
Waste binsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salted popcorn - 2 bags
- Sweet popcorn - 2 bags
- Savory snacks - 2 bags
- Pretzels - 2 bags
- Mini cookies - 2 packs
- Chocolate bars - 24 pieces
- Wine gums - 2 bags
- Candy mix - 2 bags
- Salsa mild - 2 jars
- Guacamole - 2 tubs
- Hummus - 2 tubs
- Cucumber - 3 pieces
- Carrots - 1 kilogram
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Mini peppers - 2 bags
- Wraps - 3 packs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Herbed cream cheese - 2 tubs
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Boiled ham - 500 gram
- Smoked chicken breast - 500 grams
- Vegetarian slices - 500 gram
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Ice tea - 3 bottles
- Spa Blue - 2 crates
- Spa Red - 1 crate
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 bottles
- Beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 3 bottles
- Red wine - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Honey - 1 jar
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Paper napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Cleaning spray - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 1 pack
- Microfiber cloths - 1 pack

Tips

Allow about 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then add 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Chill bottles and cans at least 4 hours before the screening.
Buy around 100–150 g of snacks per guest, split across several bowls. Include options that match the dietary requirements collected during registration.
Check the laptop and projector connections at least 24 hours beforehand. Keep the HDMI adapter, extension cords, and power strips with the equipment instead of leaving them for setup time.
Plan one reusable glass or cup and one plate per guest, plus about 10% extra. Put serving spoons and cutlery sets on the buffet table before guests arrive.
Set out the practical kitchen items before the film starts: bottle openers, a corkscrew, knives, cutting boards, and serving platters. Guests should not have to interrupt the screening to find them.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a movie night?: Allow 100–150 g of snacks per guest for a screening of up to 3 hours. Add more if snacks are replacing dinner, and prepare at least two options that meet the dietary requirements you collected.
How many drinks should I buy for a movie night?: Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1 additional drink per person for every hour after that. Add water and keep drinks chilled at least 4 hours before guests arrive.
What equipment do I need for a movie night screening?: You need a laptop, projector, projection screen, speakers, HDMI cable, and any HDMI adapter your laptop requires. Test the full setup at least 24 hours in advance and bring extension cords and power strips.
When should I test the film and projector?: Test the film, picture, sound, and connections at least 24 hours before the event. Repeat a short check 30–60 minutes before guests arrive so you can fix problems without delaying the screening.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.