Top 5 Flicks for an Unforgettable Movie Night With Your Group

When it comes to youth group movie nights, the goal is simple: pick something clean and appropriate that everyone will enjoy. You need laughs, quotable moments and no awkward scenes you forgot were in there. With summer coming up (and the 20th anniversary of a certain youth group classic right around the corner 👀), here are a few go-to picks, some old and some new, that keep your group inside enjoying the AC and that never miss:

1. Nacho Libre (Of Course!) 🎉

On June 16, 2006, a true masterpiece and instant youth group classic was born. Nacho Libre is clean, ridiculously funny and packed with quotes that somehow get funnier as time goes on. Plus, there’s an underlying message about identity, purpose and doing the right thing (even if it’s a little unconventional, lol). It’s definitely the type of movie that turns into a full-group quoting session by the end.

 2. Napoleon Dynamite (Another Quotable Classic) 🤓

If your group loves awkward humor and random one-liners, this one’s for you. Napoleon Dynamite doesn’t try too hard, and that’s exactly why it works. It’s weird, simple and somehow incredibly memorable. Youth groups love it because it feels completely unique from your average, run-of-the-mill teen movie. Not to mention that the quotes stick around long after the credits roll. It’s low-key, easy to watch and perfect for a chill night with lots of laughs.

 Shrek (Pretty Sure We Have All Donkey’s Lines Memorized By Now) 🫏

Between Donkey’s nonstop, hilarious commentary and the mix of random humor, Shrek is basically guaranteed laughs from start to finish. And for this generation of teens, nostalgia is everything. Underneath the chaotic, fantastical adventures, the movie hits on themes like identity, acceptance and not judging people based on surface-level appearances. It’s fun and familiar, and everyone in the room is sure to enjoy it.

The Super Mario Bros Movie (Vintage Video Game Turned Movie) 🕹️

Speaking of nostalgia, The Super Mario Bros. Movie brings the vintage vibes to this generation’s kids while staying packed with energy and vibrant colors. This one is fast-paced, visually awesome and filled with modern-day references that keep kids engaged and glued to the screen (in the best way). If you’re looking for something super lighthearted and endlessly entertaining with a classic friends-rescuing-friends plot, then The Super Mario Bros. Movie for the win!

A Minecraft Movie (Not-So-Vintage Video Game Turned Movie, LOL) 🎮

For groups with gamers (so…most groups), this one just makes sense. A Minecraft Movie taps into something youth group students already love, which makes it an obvious choice. It’s undoubtedly creative, adventurous and gives everyone something to talk about after, whether they play the game or just know the references. It’s newer, but it definitely has the potential to become a go-to movie night pick.

A Couple Honorable Mentions 🍿

Every group is a little different, and not all movie nights serve the same purpose. Some lean toward more faith-based themes. For this, options like Jesus Revolution, The Prince of Egypt or episodes from The Chosen can spark those meaningful conversations and really get your students thinking. It just depends on your group’s vibes and the kind of movie night you’re going for.

A good movie either leaves your teens in deep thought or has them quoting lines for the next week. So, what’s your group’s go-to movie night pick?