How to Make Money with Movies: A Realistic Guide for Film Buffs, Creators, and Couch Critics

Let’s face it, most of us already spend hours watching movies. But what if your movie obsession could actually earn you money? Whether you’re a casual fan, a die-hard cinephile, or someone with a knack for spotting cult classics before they blow up, there are real ways to turn your passion into profit.

This guide breaks down legitimate, creative, and sometimes surprising ways you can make money using movies, without needing a Hollywood budget or a studio exec's number in your phone.

1. Start a Movie Review Channel or Blog

Got opinions? Turn them into content.

YouTube and TikTok are full of movie reviewers who started with nothing but a smartphone and some snark. If you can consistently offer insightful, funny, or fresh takes on current releases or niche genres, you can build an audience that eventually earns you ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate income.

Tips:

• Niche down: Focus on a specific genre, decade, actor, or theme

• Use SEO rich titles like “Best Bad Movies to Watch Hungover” or “Every Nicolas Cage Movie Ranked by Chaos”

• Monetize with YouTube ads, sponsored content, affiliate links to merch or movie rentals

If videos aren’t your thing, blogs are still powerful. You can earn with ad networks like Mediavine or Ezoic once traffic picks up.

2. Create a Drinking Game or Party Game Inspired by Movies

This is where things get creative, and lucrative.

If you love watching movies with friends, turn that vibe into a product. Games like Watch Movies, Get Drunk by Falling Whale Games show how a simple concept, when well executed, can become a cult hit. These games are often themed around viewing parties, with players drawing cards based on events, tropes, or funny challenges.

How to Get Started:

• Create downloadable PDFs and sell them on Etsy

• Design a physical version using print on demand

• Promote with short-form video demos on TikTok or Instagram

• Crowdfund on Kickstarter to raise money to mass produce

There’s always demand for new drinking games, especially those that don’t rely on boring rules or legal licensing.

3. License Footage for Fan Edits, Commentary, or Education

If you’re a filmmaker, editor, or motion designer, you can legally license film clips or public domain footage and repurpose it.

Use Cases:

• Create educational videos analyzing scenes

• Make commentary compilations under fair use

• Sell stylized mashups to media outlets or YouTube creators

Bonus: If you work with public domain movies (like old B horror films or classic noir), you don’t need to pay for rights. Check out the Prelinger Archive, Internet Archive, or Wikimedia Commons.

4. Start a Podcast Around Movie Themes

Podcasts offer intimate engagement with an audience, and film talk is perennially popular.

Theme ideas:

• “Bad Movie Therapy” – dissect bad movies and what makes them secretly great

• “Cult Club” – dive into cult classics and underrated gems

• “Rewatch Roulette” – randomly pick a movie each week and unpack it

Monetize through:

• Patreon exclusive episodes

• Sponsorships and product placement

• Affiliate links to streaming platforms

Plus, podcasting costs very little to start. A decent mic and free editing software can get you rolling.

5. Curate Movie Watchlists and Guides for Cash

Believe it or not, there’s money in lists, especially good ones.

Create themed movie guides, like:

• “Top 10 Movies to Watch During a Breakup”

• “Best Movies Set in One Room”

• “Films That Pair with Red Wine and Existential Dread”

Post these as blog articles, downloadable PDFs, or social posts. With affiliate programs from Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or even Letterboxd, you can earn small commissions for each rental or purchase through your link.

Pro Tip: Combine this with a newsletter or social media account. Weekly watchlist emails or TikToks can grow fast.

6. Sell Custom Movie Merch or Fan Art

If you’re artistic, you can create unofficial merch based on beloved movie moments or obscure lines.

Examples:

• Minimalist posters of cult movie scenes

• Embroidered quotes from bad movie dialogue

• Enamel pins inspired by iconic characters

Sell through Etsy, Redbubble, or your own Shopify store. Just steer clear of copyrighted logos or actor likenesses.

7. Become a Trivia Host or Movie Night Coordinator

Bars, cafes, and virtual events always need charismatic hosts. Why not bring your movie knowledge to the mic?

You can charge for:

• Hosting movie trivia nights (in person or online)

• Creating curated movie night kits (complete with themed snacks and games)

• Running corporate team building events with a film twist

Start local or pitch to groups on Meetup and Eventbrite.

8. Write Movie Scripts, Treatments, or Novelizations

Okay, this one’s big league, but totally possible.

If you’re a writer with storytelling chops, consider writing:

• Original screenplays to sell or pitch

• Novelizations of original stories

• Parodies or spoofs that satirize film tropes

You can self publish scripts, share them on sites like The Black List or Coverfly, or adapt them into audio dramas.

Pro tip: Some writers have gone viral simply posting short scenes on Twitter or TikTok.

9. Host a Patreon for Cult Movie Fans

Create a paywalled community for like-minded movie nerds.

Ideas for tiers:

• Monthly curated watchlists

• Drunk commentary tracks

• Access to exclusive reviews or reaction videos

• Behind the scenes of your creative projects

You don’t need 10,000 fans, just a loyal few hundred can earn you serious side income.

10. Organize Film Screenings or Pop-Up Cinemas

With a projector and a license, you can host ticketed movie nights.

Themes that work:

• “So Bad It’s Good” night

• Outdoor movie screenings with local food trucks

• 90s sleepover movie parties

Check your local regulations and rights for public performance, but once set up, it’s a great way to make money and connect with your community.

Final Thoughts

Turning your movie obsession into money is totally doable. Whether you're creative, analytical, funny, or all of the above, there’s a lane for you. The trick is to pick something that aligns with your skills, stay consistent, and make it fun.

Lights. Camera. Cash out.

And hey, if you’re looking to blend movies with a good time, you already know Watch Movies, Get Drunk is the best way to start. Check it out at fallingwhalegames.com and let the credits (and the income) roll.