Having a movie marathon party puts two things together that teens enjoy - their friends and a night at the movies! You can wrap an additional theme around your party, especially for birthdays near a special event, such as Hallowe'en or Christmas. Or really, any number of themes will work just as long as there are some movies that have been made about the theme you choose. You could choose anything from Dolphins to Spiderman! Movie marathons make great sleepover birthdays, since showing two or more movies in one night, plus all the celebrations tied into the party, take several hours at least. If you do plan this party as a sleepover, make sure you mention to the guests that they will need their sleeping bags. And if the movies will show later into the night, set up a secondary sleep location adjacent to where the movies are playing for the kids who are tired and can't stay awake 'til the end of the double feature.

To get the party started, you could make a movie at your movie party, capturing all the excitement on your video camera (or, if you do not have one, borrow from a friend or a parent of the party guests.) Get a short script and cast all of the guests as actors in your feature. Then after a short rehearsal, film your creation and preview it as the trailer for the night's double feature! Or if you don't have a camera, why not play a movie trivia game to get everyone ready for the shows. You could make the prizes coupons for your "concession stand" - popcorn, twizzlers and other sweet treats. Save the treats for the actual movie of course!

Food that would be popular for a movie marathon would be pizza, or any other fast food that teenagers enjoy. A giant submarine from the sub shop would be a great choice as well. For the birthday cake, you could get an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen, or get one decorated at the bakery with a big film strip across the center with the birthday teen's name inside the strip.