10 Themed Movie Nights to Host With Your Childhood Besties

The early days of Barbie movies, including but not limited to "12 Dancing Princesses," "Princess and the Pauper" and "Fairytopia," were the pinnacle of childhood for most 90s to 2000s kids. This is a great movie night to roll out the pink-to-the-max decorations and some themed cocktails to accompany each film as an added adult twist. We recommend getting some edible glitter and flowers to garnish the cocktails and make them look even half as magical as the Barbie movies series. 

"Shrek" should be considered an all-time classic, like a hall-of-famer in the movie books. All four movies (bonus fifth one in the works) are comedic and entertaining. If someone doesn’t love "Shrek," simply do not trust them. Maybe cool it on the onions for this themed night if you don’t want all your friends to suffer from dragon breath all night. However, you can make a mini potluck feast, like the fancy dinner in "Shrek 2," or make some homemade fast food dishes reminiscent of and as a nod to Friar’s Fat Boy.

If you’ve never seen at least the original “SpongeBob SquarePants” movie, have you been living under a pineapple? Well, we sure know he does (get it). Sure, SpongeBob as a character can be a bit grating, as Squidward is well aware, but in this film, the plotline and the overall voice acting are comedy gold. Even better, several adult-themed jokes are interwoven in the movie and series that we may not have gotten as kids but will surely get as adults. So whip out the Pina Coladas, Pineapple Dole Whip and burgers because this themed night will get a bit under the sea.  

In honor of all the Disney princess live-action movies coming out as of late, and in honor of the best Disney films IMO, host a Disney princess animated movie night. Start with “The Little Mermaid,” and work your way back through “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Mulan” and “Cinderella.” Or, scratch all of that and watch whatever Disney princess movies you fancy. Bonus points if each friend dresses as a princess or side character and you all make corresponding cocktails.

The real ones know that Disney Channel was putting everything into busting out the most dramatic, hooking movies of the 2000s. “Camp Rock,” “Princess Protection Program,” “Lemonade Mouth” and many others had no right to be as good as they were. The entertainment and cringe of these films sit simultaneously on the same side of the spectrum, which is all the more reason to host a movie night with a lineup of these films. 

Studio Ghibli is a powerhouse and animation leader, no doubt. This would be a great night to host and find some of the treats shown in the film. Make some Japanese sweet treats with your friends (or buy them at a market if it's easier) and bring out magical decorations like fairy lights. We recommend the classic "My Neighbor Totoro'' and "Spirited Away" to get on the night's watch list — but everything Miyazaki puts out is top-tier quality and engaging. 

IYKYK, you MUST have a “Princess Diaries” night and coordinate it so it emulates Princess Amelia’s slumber party. We’re talking about bringing out the princess canopies, silky pajamas and potentially some mattress surfing, with safety and space in mind. Obviously, start with the movies, but movies one and two are too cute to not dedicate a night to. So, call up your best pals and formally invite them to your very own royal sleepover.

I'm ready for the hate, “Mean Girls” was never my favorite, BUT it is an essential part of modern pop culture. If you don’t get references from this movie, you clearly “don’t even go” to watch movies. Sassy and at times brutal, thanks to Regina George (played by Rachel McAdams), this film will keep your attention. To extend the night, queuing up “Clueless,” and/or any Alicia Silverstone movie will keep that kind of early 2000s, oblivious mean girl vibe going. 

Not only did this movie define the childhood, adolescence or young adult lives of anyone who watched the first release in 2005, but it’s still relevant today. The “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” series is actually flawless and necessary to revisit for the start of summer. So perhaps roll out the Greek food and some good wine and prepare for a night of laughter and tears with your besties. Guaranteed you’ll feel motivated to find love, self-love or book your next flight by the end of the second movie. Maybe all three. 

Basiccc, we know. But, and a gigantic BUT, “Harry Potter” is, was and always will be THAT girl in the film industry. Plus, there are just too many opportunities to zhuzh up a Harry Potter night, like making sorting hat activities, designing your own wands or whipping out some butterbeer (21+ style). If you start early, you and your pals can maybe make it through the fourth movie. We recommend making this a two-night or part one and two affair to get through all the movies with your friends.