How To Have A Blockbuster 90s Movie Party

Step back in time and relive the nostalgia of the 90s with a blockbuster movie party where you can relive that 90s Hollywood magic all over again. The 90s were my era, and some of my favorite movies of all time were made back then. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or a lively costume part, this guide has got you covered. So grab your video store card, dust off your VHS, and let’s dive in.

Choose Your Venue

First thing you need to decide is where you’re going to host your big night. You need to pick a place that will allow you to really capture that 90s movie feel. Here’s a few ideas to get you thinking:

Garage Transformation: If you prefer a more intimate setting, why not transform your garage into a 90s-themed hangout space? Clear out the clutter, set up cozy seating arrangements, and create a makeshift home theater. Hang up movie posters on the walls, install colorful string lights, and add retro movie props like a popcorn machine or a vintage TV. This DIY venue will immerse your guests in a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere, perfect for a laid-back night at the movies.

Outdoor Movie Night: Take advantage of a warm summer night and host an outdoor movie screening. Set up a projector and a large screen in your backyard or a local park. Decorate the area with fairy lights, cozy blankets, and oversized floor cushions for seating. This relaxed setting allows your guests to enjoy their favorite 90s movies under the stars while munching on popcorn and sipping refreshing drinks.

Rent a Retro Theater: For the ultimate cinematic experience, consider renting a vintage theater or cinema. These venues often have a charming retro ambiance, complete with plush seats, a grand screen, and an old-fashioned ticket booth. Check if any independent theaters in your area offer rental options. It’s a fantastic way to bring the magic of the big screen to your 90s movie party.

Send out your invites

Sending out paper invites is a much better way to connect with your guests. Sure, you can set up an event on social media, but paper invites give a more personal touch.

Physical Invitations with Nostalgic Touches: Use materials like neon-colored paper, holographic stickers, or even scratch-and-sniff elements reminiscent of scented stickers from back in the day. Incorporate iconic 90s symbols like cassette tapes, VHS tapes, or even floppy disks into the design. You can also go the extra mile by using vintage fonts and including retro illustrations.

Better still, you could design invitations that resemble movie tickets to evoke the excitement of going to a theater. Include all the relevant details of the party, such as the date, time, venue, and any costume requirements. You can even add a tear-off section for guests to keep as a memento or use as a drink voucher during the party. Make sure to include 90s movie motifs, like film reels or popcorn, to tie it all together.

If you’re stuck for wording, try these out for size.

“Grab your flannel shirts and butterfly clips! You’re invited to a 90s movie party that will take you back to the era of Blockbuster nights and Walkmans.”

“Get ready to rewind the clock and rediscover the magic of 90s cinema. Join us for a night of movie marathons, snacks, and pure nostalgia.”

Play with the words to put your own personal spin on it.

Personalized Video Invitations: Unleash your inner filmmaker and create personalized video invitations that feature you or your favorite 90s movie characters. Dress up as your favorite 90s movie icon and film a short video message inviting your friends to the party. Add fun retro effects, incorporate iconic movie lines, and edit the video with 90s-inspired filters. You could even put on your best movie guy voice and film it like a 90s movie trailer.

Social Media Event: If you just wanna create an event, that’s fine. Make sure you use old 90s movies characters as your banner and event image. You can change these daily. If you’re hosting a movie night and not a costume theme party, run polls and ask what movies your guests would like to see. Add movie trivia to keep guests entertained and post memorable movie clips and trailers.

Decorate The Space For a 90s Movie Spectacular

Create the perfect 90s vibe with vintage props, posters and backdrops from the era. Try hunting thrift stores, goodwill and online marketplaces to get some authentic pieces from the era.

Wall Decals and Posters: Transform your party space into a shrine of 90s movie greatness with wall decals and posters featuring beloved films from the era. Choose posters that showcase iconic movies like “Clueless,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Jurassic Park,” “Titanic,” “Forrest Gump,” “Matrix,” or any other films that hold a special place in your heart. Hang them up on the walls using colorful washi tape or frame them to create a gallery-like atmosphere.

DIY Craft Projects: Add a personal touch to your decorations with DIY crafts. Create paper chains using neon-colored construction paper and string them up around the venue. Make mobiles out of cassette tapes or movie-themed cutouts and hang them from the ceiling. You can even make your own 90s-inspired movie marquee using cardboard, paint, and string lights to display the name of your favorite movie.

Neon Lighting and String Lights: Illuminate the space with vibrant neon lighting and string lights. Neon signs featuring movie quotes or popular will be a fun talking point for your guests. Use string lights in various colors to create a magical ambiance reminiscent of the era. Drape them along walls, wrap them around banisters, or hang them from the ceiling to set the mood.

Retro Movie Props: Incorporate authentic or replica movie props into your decorations to enhance the 90s cinematic atmosphere. Place vintage popcorn boxes on tables. Stack old VHS tapes as decor or use them as stands for table centerpieces. Scatter movie ticket replicas around the venue or display them in frames as an homage to the classic movie going experience.

Movie-Themed Table Settings: Pay attention to the smaller details by incorporating movie-themed table settings. Use film reel-inspired table runners or place mats. Set the table with popcorn buckets as snack containers and movie-themed coasters. For a touch of elegance, place filmstrip frames as placeholders or attach them to the back of chairs for a personalized touch.

Themed Backdrops: Create photo-worthy moments by setting up themed backdrops that transport your guests into their favorite 90s movies. Design a backdrop that recreates the high school hallway from “Clueless” with lockers, a chalkboard, and 90s school-themed props or maybe a Matrix style screen filled with green zeros and ones.

Pick the right 90s movies

This section of the guide’s usefulness depends on whether you plan on hosting a movie watch party or are having a more general bash with a 90s movie theme. Even if it’s the latter, you can still play movies with the sound off in different areas of the venue or have a separate room with a movie screen set up for people who want to have a more relaxed evening watching a film.

Maybe I’m biased, but to me, the 90s produced some real timeless and innovative classics across a whole range of genres that have stood the test of time. If you’re overwhelmed by choice, and you should be!, here’s some ideas to help you decide what to play.

Iconic 90s Blockbusters: Kick off your movie marathon with a lineup of iconic 90s blockbusters that defined the era. Include films like “Jurassic Park,” “Titanic,” “Independence Day,” “Forrest Gump,” “The Matrix,” “Home Alone,” or “Clueless.”

90s Comedy Classics: If you want a more comedy themed night, try some of these of 90s comedy classics that will have your guests in stitches. Consider films like “Dumb and Dumber,” “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “There’s Something About Mary,” “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” or “The Mask.”

Cult Favorites: Delve into the realm of cult classics that gained a dedicated following in the 90s. Include films like “The Big Lebowski,” “Fight Club,” “Donnie Darko,” “Reservoir Dogs,” “The Fifth Element,” or “The Shawshank Redemption.” These films offer unique storytelling, unconventional narratives, and thought-provoking themes that will spark discussions among your guests.

90s Animated Gems: Don’t forget the animated wonders of the 90s that continue to captivate audiences of all ages. Include films like “Toy Story,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” or “Mulan.” These timeless tales filled with memorable characters and heartwarming messages will delight both young and young-at-heart partygoers.

90s Music For A 90s Party

If you want music to be the central focus of the party, then obviously it’s got to be a 90s play list. You can really choose to mix genres or focus on something specific from the era, like grunge or 90s hip hop.

Popular Hits: Fill your playlist with chart-topping hits that dominated the 90s airwaves. Include iconic songs from various genres such as pop, rock, hip-hop, and R&B. Think of tracks like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, “Wannabe” by Spice Girls, “Waterfalls” by TLC, “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys, or “No Scrubs” by TLC. These songs were the anthems of the 90s and will instantly transport your guests back to that era.

Movie Soundtracks: It’s a 90s movie theme night, so why not play some 90s movie soundtracks? These tunes became synonymous with the films they were featured in and introduced so many people to new genres, both from the past and present. Add tracks like “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion from “Titanic,” “Kiss from a Rose” by Seal from “Batman Forever,” “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston from “The Bodyguard” or the soundtracks from “Forest Gump,” “Pulp Fiction” & “Reservoir Dogs” for some nostalgia wrapped in more nostalgia!

One-Hit Wonders: The 90s had its fair share of one-hit wonders that became instant classics. These songs may not have defined entire careers but left an indelible mark on the decade. Include tracks like “Mambo No. 5” by Lou Bega, “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba, “Macarena” by Los Del Rio, or “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes. These catchy tunes will have your guests singing along and reminiscing about the carefree days of the 90s.

R&B and Hip-Hop Jams: The 90s were a golden age for R&B and hip-hop, with artists like TLC, Destiny’s Child, Boyz II Men, and Notorious B.I.G. dominating the charts. Add songs like “No Diggity” by Blackstreet, “Waterfalls” by TLC, “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men, or “Hypnotize” by Notorious B.I.G.

Here’s a couple of playlists to set you up:

A massive 90s Dance Hits Playlist

90s One Hit Wonders

Dress In Your 90s Best

Whether you’re hosting a more laid back 90s movie watch fest or a full-blown movie theme party, take some inspiration from these ideas.

For a laid back movie watch fest

Comfy Casual: Opt for high-waisted jeans or denim overalls paired with a cropped band t-shirt or a flannel shirt tied around your waist. Complete the look with chunky sneakers or combat boots. For added nostalgia, accessorize with scrunchies, slap bracelets, and choker necklaces.

Pajama Party Chic: Recreate the classic sleepover scenes in 90s movies and dress in cozy, cute pajamas. Choose a matching set in playful prints like polka dots, animal patterns, or plaid. Don’t forget the fluffy slippers or slip-on sandals to complete the look. This comfortable ensemble will give your movie-focused gathering a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

For a Lively Costume-Themed Party

90s Movie Characters: If you’re going for a 90s movie theme, then dressing as a movie character from the era is the only option. With so many icons to choose from, you and your guests will be spoiled for choice. Dress up as Cher from “Clueless” with a plaid mini-skirt, a cropped sweater, knee-high socks, and Mary Jane shoes. How about Neo from “The Matrix?” with a sleek black trench coat, leather pants, and sunglasses. Other iconic characters to consider include Rose from “Titanic” with an elegant, vintage-inspired gown or Forrest Gump in running gea?. Let’s also not forget the iconic black suits from Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” and “Pulp Fiction.”

Remember, use thrift stores and online marketplaces for a more authentic look. It’s better for the environment that way, too. It should be easy to find black suits and plaid shirts in these places.

Movies snacks & drinks

Keep your guests watered and fed throughout the evening with these movie inspired treats. Set up a buffet table, so guests can help themselves all night.

Classic Popcorn: No movie party is complete without a bowl of freshly popped popcorn. Offer a variety of flavors such as buttered, caramel, or even cheese-flavored popcorn. For an extra touch, set up a popcorn bar where guests can customize their popcorn with seasonings like ranch, nacho cheese, or cinnamon sugar. Provide colorful popcorn boxes or paper bags for that authentic movie theater feel.

Movie Marathon Snacks

Nachos and Cheese: Serve up a 90s favorite – nachos with gooey cheese sauce! Arrange a toppings bar with options like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. Let your guests pile on the toppings and create their own ultimate nacho masterpiece.

Mini Hot Dogs: Delight your guests with bite-sized hot dogs wrapped in warm crescent roll dough or served on mini buns. Set up a condiment station with classic favorites like ketchup, mustard, relish, and sauerkraut, allowing everyone to customize their mini hot dogs to their liking.

Pizza Bites: Indulge in a 90s classic – pizza bites! Serve up bite-sized pizza pockets filled with cheesy goodness and various toppings. Whether you opt for the classic pepperoni or get creative with combinations like barbecue chicken or veggie supreme, these handheld delights will have your guests coming back for more.

90s Sweet Treats

Fruit by the Foot: Bring back the childhood delight of Fruit by the Foot, a long, fruity snack that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. Include a colorful assortment of flavors.

Gushers: Surprise your guests with a burst of fruity goodness by offering Gushers, bite-sized fruit snacks with a juicy center. These nostalgic treats will surely evoke memories of recess and lunchtime snack trades.

Ring Pops: These colorful and wearable candy rings were all the rage in the 90s. Place them in a display for guests to choose from.

Pudding Cups: Serve individual pudding cups in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or butterscotch. Top them with whipped cream and sprinkles for a touch of fun. These simple treats will transport your guests back to their childhood lunches.

Themed Cocktails and Mocktails

Alongside a standard selection of beers, sodas and juice. Try these cocktails and mocktails to keep within the movie magic theme.

Titanic Tea: Raise a glass to one of the biggest movies of the 90s with a refreshing “Titanic Tea.” Mix equal parts iced tea and lemonade, add a splash of peach schnapps (for the adults), and garnish with a lemon wedge. This delightful beverage pays homage to the romance and grandeur of the iconic film.

Clueless Cosmopolitan: Sip on a “Clueless Cosmopolitan” inspired by the fashionable and fabulous Cher Horowitz. Combine vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Shake with ice, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with a lime wedge or a cherry.

Fresh Prince Fizz: Cool down with a “Fresh Prince Fizz” mocktail that’s both refreshing and vibrant. Mix together lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, and a splash of grenadine. Garnish with a cherry and a pineapple wedge for a tropical touch.

90s Movie Games & Activities

Between watching movies or having a dance, keep your guests entertained with these fun games and activities. Make a competition of some and give away prizes for the winners.

Movie Trivia Contest: Test your guests’ knowledge of 90s movies with a movie trivia contest. Prepare a list of trivia questions focused on iconic 90s films and actors. Divide your guests into teams and take turns asking the questions. Award points for correct answers, and at the end of the contest, declare the team with the highest score the ultimate 90s movie buffs.

Movie Character Impersonations: Challenge your guests to channel their favorite 90s movie characters through impromptu skits or impersonations. Provide a collection of hats, wigs, and props to help them get into character.

Guess the Movie Soundtrack: Test your guests’ music knowledge with a “Guess the Movie Soundtrack” game. Play snippets of popular songs from 90s movie soundtracks and have your guests try to identify the film they belong to. Award points for correct answers, and for an added challenge, you can even have guests guess the specific scene or character associated with each song.

Party Favors & Giveaways

As your epic 90s movie party draws to a close, it’s time to send your guests home with party favors and giveaways that will serve as cherished mementos of the unforgettable night they’ve had.

Customized Keychains: Design keychains featuring nostalgic 90s symbols like smiley faces, peace signs, or iconic movie logos. Personalize them with the guests’ names or memorable quotes from their favorite 90s movies.

Personalized Movie Ticket Replicas: Design and print personalized movie ticket replicas with the name of your 90s movie party and the date. Include details like the party venue and a unique serial number. Guests can keep these ticket replicas as cherished souvenirs, evoking memories of the amazing time they had.

90s Candy Packs: Take your guests on a sweet trip down memory lane with 90s candy packs. Fill small favor bags with nostalgic treats like Ring Pops, Pixy Stix, Pop Rocks, and Nerds. Include a personalized note or tag with a playful message like “Thanks for making our 90s movie party a sweet success!”

So, that’s it for this 90s movie party guide. I hope you got a lot out of it and are now ready for a great night filled with lots of fun and 90s movie nostalgia.