Want to throw a truly epic party? Forget event planning handbooks, the best place to turn to for inspiration is the movies.
Thanks to Hollywood, we can be guests at some of the wildest, most decadent parties ever thrown by simply buying a Netflix subscription.
The following 10 films feature a plethora of crazy parties, from teen house parties and stag dos to masked balls and Mediaeval banquets. Have fun and be home by midnight!
1. House Party 2, 1991
A sequel to ‘House Party’, this film see the return of hip hop duo Kid ‘n Play to throw the ‘mutha’ of all pyjama parties.
They say necessity is the mother of invention, and this party (an illegal, late-night party in the faculty hall) has been conceived to raise money to pay for Kid’s college fees after Play loses Kid’s tuition check.
Expect 80s fashion that makes MC Hammer look stylish and excellent performances by Queen Latifah and Martin Lawrence as foul-mouthed, bad-breathed DJ Bilal.
Party wisdom
DJ Bilal, when no one lends him a hand with his music equipment: “Yo, if you don’t help me, I swear I’ll play the Village People all {expletive} night.”
2. Van Wilder: Party Liaison
Van Wilder was born to be an event organiser. He’s spent seven years at Coolidge College and still not managed to graduate, but he has achieved legendary status for his epic parties.
If anyone knows how to rally the party spirit it’s Van and now he’s going to impart that knowledge on Taj, an Asian transfer student, who wants to learn from the best. Watch and learn!
Party wisdom
Van Wilder: “Those circus midgets can NOT hold their booze!”
3. The Great Gatsby, 2013
It’s 1922 and prohibition is in full force. Nick Carraway has received an out-of-the-blue invitation to a party at Jay Gatsby’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) mansion – where all the wealthy people in New York go to indulge themselves.
Nick goes to the extravagant party and is lured into the lavish world of his new neighbour, but all is not what it seems.
While he may soon start to see through the cracks of Gatsby’s nouveau riche existence, we can still enjoy observe 1920s debauchery at its best!
Party wisdom
Jordan Baker: “Well, I don’t care. He gives large parties, and I like large parties – they’re so intimate. Small parties, there isn’t any privacy.”
4. Project X, 2012
Okay, this movie is perhaps more a warning than a source of inspiration, but it’s a must-watch nonetheless. Three teenage friends are hoping to throw the greatest house party of all time. Thomas has only been given permission to invite a handful of friends over, but word of the event is spreading all over town.
It’s not long before the party is totally out of hand. We’re talking flamethrowers, Taser gun attacks and dad’s prized Mercedes in the pool. The lesson? Sometimes it’s good to maintain an exclusive guest list.
Party wisdom
Thomas, as the three watch the party from the bathroom window: “Where the {expletive} did all these people even come from? You know some guy down there told me he found out about the party on {expletive} Craigslist?”
5. Ever After: A Cinderella Story, 1998
Ever After is the story Danielle de Barbarac – ‘the real Cinderella’ – set in 16th-century France. It’s minus the magic and fairy dust, but this film does still include a fabulous masquerade ball scene.
The ball takes place in the prince’s mansion, which is beautifully dressed for the occasion with red carpet, candelabras and even a mechanical ship-on-the-waves. Meanwhile, the costumes are a feast for the eyes, from the stepsisters in their peacock and horse costumes to Danielle (Drew Barrymore) in her dreamy, angelic “just breathe” gown with wings. Don’t forget the dress code at your epic party!
Party wisdom
Jacqueline: “Mother, it’s only a ball.“
Baroness Rodmilla De Ghent: “Yes, and you’re only going for the food.”
6. National Lampoon’s Animal House, 1978
Way before ‘The Hangover’, back in the late 70s, was Animal House – this movie was arguably the birth of the gross-out comedy genre and remains one of the greatest party films of all time.
John Belushi plays John “Bluto” Blutarsky, a member of the disreputable Delta Tau Chi fraternity at Faber College. Full of slackers and troublemakers, the frat house is the bane of Dean Vernon Wormer’s existence and when he finally finds a way to expel them, the boys of Delta House decide to throw a homecoming parade the college will never forget.
Togas galore, beer spraying everywhere, and a live performance of “Shout” by Otis Day and the Knights are highlights of the evening.
Party wisdom
Doug Neidermeyer: “And most recently of all, a “Roman Toga Party” was held from which we have received more than two dozen reports of individual acts of perversion so profound and disgusting that decorum prohibits listing them here.”
7. American Wedding, 2003
If you’ve seen ‘American Pie’ then you can probably imagine what happens when Stiffler is put in charge of organising Jim’s bachelor party…
Like every good stag party, it’s got strippers, beer, bondage – and some unexpected guests (Jim’s parents in law). They almost manage to get away with it until they find Kevin almost naked and tied to a chair in the closet.
Party wisdom
Stiffler:“Jim’s getting married, isn’t he? Holy {expletive}! This is major! Do you have the slightest idea of how important this is? We get to have a bachelor party. Yes! We celebrate the death of Jim with a party in his honour. Chicks and boobs. Tits and ass. Titties, ta-tas, casabas, bazoongas all up in our friggin’ faces! Come on, buck up fellas. Show some enthusiasm. It’s gonna be {expletive} great. Oh, my god!”
8. Clueless, 1995
Classic 90s chickflick ‘Clueless’ invites us to party the rich kids of Beverly Hills.
Learn how to play ‘suck or blow’, bring round possibly concussed guests, and how to react when you get beer spilled on your shoes.
Worth watching just to see Brittany Murphy singing “Rollin’ With The Homies”.
Party wisdom
Tai, entering the party: “This is raging!”
Cher: “Let’s do a lap before we commit to a location.”
9. Eyes Wide Shut
Want to really make an impression on your guests? Try going a little freaky a la Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut (if your guests are all over 18 and extremely open-minded).
The film follows New York City doctor William Harford (Tom Cruise) who sets out for a night of sexual adventure after his wife Alice tells him about her fantasies.
An old friend, Nick Nightingale – now a musician – tells him of strange sex parties when he is required to play the piano blindfolded. All the men at the party are costumed and wear masks while the women areal young and beautiful. Harford manages to find an appropriate costume and heads out to the party.
If you like strange costumes, nakedness and ritualistic chanting, this one’s for you.
Party wisdom
Nick: “I have seen one or two things in my life but never, never anything like this.”
10. Troy, 2004
Finally, don’t forget the food – at the centre of any great party.
Troy shows us how to host a rowdy Medieval banquet, complete with plentiful food, tankards of wine, stirring speeches, cheering guests, belly dancers and exotic music. Who wouldn’t enjoy a party like this?
Party wisdom
Menelaus, raising a toast at the banquet: “May the Gods keep the wolves in the hills and the women in our beds!”
Conclusion
Imitating some of these parties might land you in hot water, but you’ll certainly succeed in creating a night your guests will never forget!
