Life | Personal Finance | Article

Everything You Need To Create The Best Movie Night At Home With Only RM$15

by Eunice Leong | 6 Feb 2025

Nothing beats the ultimate comfort of watching a movie on a comfy seat with snacks in our hand. However, with so many prices increasing around us, we might need to limit ourselves to such nostalgic pleasures.  

As of today, a movie ticket now cost around RM14 (and that’s only on weekdays!) and a box of popcorn is around RM12, meaning you need to have about RM24 for a nice movie night (with snack) at the cinema.  

But I have good news for you, readers! I have come up with the best movie night guide that you can easily recreate at home. It has everything from movie to snacks, all under just RM15

 

1. Rent your favourite movie (RM2.90++) 

Nowadays, we are spoiled with so many video on demand platform choices, such as Disney+, Netflix, Hulu… but we know that they do not include all the movies we are looking for. Therefore, I would usually rent movies on platforms such as Apple TV or Google TV. 

After researching which platforms offer the best prices, I suggest choosing Apple TV, as it offers RM2.90 movie deals on popular titles such as Grease, Sonic, and The Adventures of Tintin. 

They may not always be the latest releases, but there will be some new shows that you may have not seen yet or you can rewatch your favourite movies. 

While others may question why I would rent a movie instead of buying it, I always tell them that renting helps to save money if the movie turns out to be bad. If the movie turns out good, you can always choose to buy it later. 

 

 2. Get cozy with a blanket (Free)

This is assuming that you already have a blanket. If not, a soft bedsheet will also do the trick! No movie night is complete without a soft, warm blanket to keep you warm and snuggly.  

I like to wrap the blanket around myself while laying down on the sofa during movie nights. But you can also choose to spread out the blanket on the floor and have yourself a little indoor picnic while binging on your favourite film. 

 

3. Extra comfort with Tatami cushions (RM5.69) 

Sitting on the floor or chair for two to three hours may not be ideal, so I found these amazingly comfortable cushions online, selling for only RM5.69! They’re perfect for adding some extra comfort for your posteriors, making your movie experience more enjoyable.  

Pair these with your blanket and you’re ready for a comfy movie marathon! 

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4. Satisfy your cravings with snacks (RM2.99+)

Source: @Racool_studio

What’s a movie night without munchies? Remember to grab your favourite snacks and drinks before you hit ‘play’. To stay within my budget, I usually choose snacks that cost less than RM5. This allows me to enjoy and try a variety of treats without overspending on my movie nights.   

After testing brands after brands of popcorn, I would recommend the Tong Garden Caramel Popcorn (RM2.99*) due to its buttery light texture and affordable price. Their popcorn is generously coated in delectable caramel, making it the perfect guilty pleasure for a fun movie night. 

If you wish to splurge a bit, another personal recommendation will be the Wheel Crackers, which costs around RM5.00* per 100g. They are crunchy and savoury, and they remind me of my childhood snack runs, giving me a comforting sense of home. 

*Prices may vary based on location. 

 

5. Set the mood with a scented candle (RM2.99) 

A lightly scented candle can add a touch of sophistication to your movie night. While we can’t recreate the exact ambience of a cinema theatre, the soft flickering light of candle will be one step towards it.  

I usually buy my candles online because it has more variety and price range to pick. I like to choose a soothing scent like eucalyptus or lavender to enhance the comfy vibes. This candle can burn for up to 10 hours, making it perfect for a relaxing movie night at home.

 

Here’s the price breakdown for a movie night experience: 

Movie: RM2.90 

Tatami cushion: RM5.69 

Snacks: RM2.99 

Scented candle: RM2.99
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Total: RM14.57 

And there you have it! The ultimate movie night guide, including everything from movie to comfort —all for less than RM$15.  

Who says we have to give up on nostalgic moments just to save money? A great movie night is still possible without going over budget. By following this guide, you can save some cash by skipping the cinema and enjoying a cozy movie night at home instead. 

Do you enjoy this guide? Stay tuned for more tips on how to create magical moments without breaking the bank!