Choose the Perfect Size Outdoor Movie Screen
If you're hosting an outdoor movie party, finding the right size outdoor movie screen is essential for the ultimate viewing experience.The process doesn’t have to be a hassle if you ask yourself these three questions before selecting a screen:
- Should I rent or buy an outdoor movie screen?
- What's the best type of outdoor movie screen for my event?
- How much space do I have available?
Screen Size
At a 16:9 aspect ratio, the recommended screen sizes by the number of people are as follows:
- 25 people: 9’ by 5’
- 100 people: 12’ by 7’
- 150 people: 16’ by 9’
- 250 people: 20’ by 12’
- 500 people: 25’ by 15’
- 1,000 people: 30’ by 17’
- 3,000 people: 40’ by 20’
How to Choose an Outdoor Movie Screen
Especially if it’s your first time hosting a movie party, selecting the right display can be intimidating. With such a wide selection of projector, LED, and digital displays available, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure which one is best for your event. We’ll explore three important factors to consider to help you find the perfect size outdoor movie screen.
1) Decide to Rent or Buy a Screen
Before deciding on the outdoor screen type and size for your event, evaluate whether renting or purchasing is the best option. Knowing how you'll acquire the display will greatly assist you in selecting the right one. Both options have specific positives and benefits unique to your needs. Weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision, helping you choose the appropriate size and type of screen.
Should I rent an outdoor movie screen?
Renting an outdoor movie screen is the preferred option for those looking to use professional audiovisual equipment at an affordable price. With FunFlicks®, you're guaranteed cutting-edge technology and excellent service. You get not only a beautiful, seamless screen but also an incredibly high-definition sound system and crystal-clear laser projection for fold-out and inflatable screens.
Hosting a movie night is easy thanks to our local event technicians across the nation. They handle set up, operate the machinery, and tear everything down afterward. Renting is the best choice for those looking to easily host one or a few outstanding movie parties a year.
Pros of Renting an Outdoor Screen
- No concerns about storage, transportation, or arranging the setup, unlike purchasing an outdoor movie screen.
- Access to professional-quality equipment that would be very expensive to purchase.
- Enjoy the party while technicians bring the gear and do the work for you.
- Support from skilled technicians who handle setup, oversight, and teardown.
- The option to see equipment in action before deciding to buy.
Cons of Renting an Outdoor Screen
- Costs may add up to be more than purchasing an outdoor movie screen for multiple events held overtime.
- Minimized long-term value with more earnings that could be accrued when owning a screen.
Should I buy an outdoor movie screen?
Purchasing an outdoor movie screen is recommended for those planning multiple events annually and have staff willing to operate the equipment. It can be a valuable long-term investment that appreciates over time. Earn revenue by selling tickets or concessions at your outdoor movie parties, or even rent out your screen to others.
FunFlicks® offers a variety of inflatable movie screens in sizes ranging from 12 feet to over 40 feet, along with other professional audiovisual equipment such as projectors, speakers, and mixers.
Pros of Buying an Outdoor Screen
- Opportunity to garner more money with renting out or hosting your own events.
- May be more cost-effective for those wanting to throw multiple events every year.
- Ownership allows full control over where and when to arrange equipment for free.
Cons of Buying an Outdoor Screen
- Professional audiovisual equipment including the screen, speakers, projector, mixers, DVD player, chords, ropes, and more all add up to cost a lot of money.
- Need to hire technicians who know how to operate the setup at each event.
- Requires frequent maintenance and a location where equipment can be safely stored.
- Value may depreciate as new technology advances, affecting its resale value.
2) Select an Outdoor Screen Type
There are two main types of displays for outdoor movies: projector and LED screens. Each has unique characteristics that may better suit your outdoor movie party. Consider factors such as cost, technology, and installation requirements to make the best decision.
Projection Screens
If you're looking for an affordable screen that offers high-resolution viewing, projection displays are an excellent option. FunFlicks® fold-out and inflatable screens feature a seamless surface designed to produce smooth, high-quality imaging. At every event, our technicians arrive with a professional-grade laser projector that brings the movie to life with vibrant colors and immersive clarity.
Inflatable
Our fleet of inflatable screens offers top-quality viewing at an affordable price. Whether you're hosting a backyard party or a large event, we have the perfect inflatable screen size for everyone to enjoy. Our screens feature seamless viewing surfaces and can be set up in minutes. We'll ensure everything is ready to go before the show starts. Each event includes high-definition speakers that deliver powerful sound and a theatrical projector with a crystal-clear display. For the best experience, we recommend holding your event in a location with minimal lighting and wind speeds under 15 mph.
Backyard 16'
12'x7' Display
100 Guests
10 Cars
Premiere 21'
16'x9' Display
150 Guests
25 Cars
Blockbuster 26'
20'x12' Display
250 Guests
50 Cars
Elite 32'
26'x15' Display
500 Guests
75 Cars
Epic 40'
30'x17' Display
1000 Guests
100 Cars
Xtreme 50'
40'x22' Display
3000 Guests
250 Cars
AIRSCREEN
For those who demand nothing but the best, the AIRSCREEN from Outdoor Movies® is the ideal choice for an unparalleled movie-watching experience. While our other options are excellent, these state-of-the-art inflatable screens stand unmatched in the market.
FunFlicks Pro
FunFlicks® Pro screens provide an ideal balance of quality and cost. They are a more affordable alternative to the AIRSCREEN® while still offering advanced projection capabilities. Perfect for both formal debut screenings and casual backyard parties, FunFlicks® Pro inflatable screens deliver outstanding performance for any event.
FunFlicks A-Frame
FunFlicks® A-Frame screens are a classic choice for those seeking an affordable yet professional-quality inflatable projector display. Their popularity in the rental industry is well-deserved, thanks to their impressive durability and ease of blowing up in minutes. If you want to deliver a top-notch audiovisual experience to your local community, the A-Frame is the ideal choice.
Events for Inflatable Screens
- Outdoor Movie Parties
- Live Sporting Events
- Classic Drive-Ins
- Video Game Tournaments
- Holiday Celebrations
- And More!
Fold-Out
Fold-out projection screens are the ultimate compact display, perfect for indoor use. They can be set up in minutes and taken down just as quickly, requiring minimal storage space. Their wide, seamless display ensures excellent projection quality. When you rent one of our screens, you'll also receive a powerful laser projector, a high-quality speaker system, and a FunFlicks® technician to handle all the setup and equipment management. For those looking to own an impressive outdoor movie screen for home use, fold-out displays are an excellent choice. They can even be permanently installed from the ceiling, providing the ultimate theater room experience.
Events for Fold-Out Screens
- Indoor/Outdoor Movie Nights
- Corporate Presentations
- Classroom Displays
- Backyard Birthdays
- Wedding Receptions
- And More!
LED Screens
If you're seeking a professional display with excellent quality day or night, in almost any environment, LED screens are the way to go. These screens use individual panels with electroluminescent technology to generate bright light, allowing for high-resolution viewing even in direct sunlight. Our LED Trailers and LED Video Walls are rated IP65, making them rain and dust proof for reliable performance in various conditions. Available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, our LED screens can accommodate any crowd size.
Mobile LED Trailers
FunFlicks® LED Trailers are state-of-the-art, all-in-one LED displays on wheels, perfect for any time of day. Equipped with powerful electroluminescent LEDs, our screens deliver vibrant and clear visuals, day or night. With onboard generators, you don’t need to worry about supplying a power source. Each trailer includes everything you need: a high-definition speaker system, professional audiovisual control box, generator-power, and a massive LED display that can be raised up to 15 feet, towering over crowds. Renting is made easy with technicians who arrive at your venue and operate the machinery.
8'x5' LED Trailer
25 Guests
5 Cars
12'x7' LED Trailer
100 Guests
10 Cars
15'x8' LED Trailer
150 Guests
25 Cars
17'x10' LED Trailer
250 Guests
50 Cars
23'x13' LED Trailer
500+ Guests
100+ Cars
Events for LED Trailers
- Outdoor Movie Nights/Drive-Ins
- Concerts & Music Festivals
- Live Sporting Events
- Business Advertising
- Esports, Convention Centers, Stadiums
- And More!
LED Walls
Funlicks® LED Walls feature cutting-edge panels that produce sharp, colorful images and can be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes. Whether you need flat surfaces, cubes, pyramids, or curved walls, we can tailor the setup to your exact needs. The compact design is perfect for stages, truss hangings, or any location where LED Trailers can't fit. Experience the brilliance of LED modular walls at any time of day and in any weather.
Events for LED Walls
- Private Film Screenings
- Concert Venues
- Corporate Presentations
- Stadium Scoreboards
- Wedding Parties
- And More!
3) Choose an Outdoor Screen Size
Selecting the right size outdoor movie screen depends on the expected crowd size and the available space. To estimate the number of attendees, send RSVP messages and compile a list of those who confirm their attendance.
At a 16:9 aspect ratio, the recommended screen sizes different sized crowds are:
- 25 people: 9’ by 5’
- 100 people or 10 cars: 12’ by 7’
- 150 people or 25 cars: 16’ by 9’
- 250 people or 50 cars: 20’ by 12’
- 500 people or 75 cars: 25’ by 15’
- 1,000 people or 100 cars: 30’ by 17’
- 3,000 people or 250 cars: 40’ by 20’
Purchase Movie Licensing with Angel Studios for your FunFlicks Event!
Angel Studios, a premier independent media enterprise and film distribution powerhouse, is dedicated to seamlessly delivering outstanding, freshly released, and family-centered entertainment to communities across the United States.
