Sometimes it can seem that the universe is calling you to sit by your television and stream movie after movie. However, while the stars might have aligned to give you the free time to binge-watch, you can waste a lot of time searching for the perfect title.
Instead of wasting valuable binging time searching through countless streaming services only to land on a flick and fall asleep halfway through, let this list of 10 great movie marathons be your spirit guide on this cinematic journey.Â
The Ultimate Movie Marathon Setup
Like in Friends when Chandler and Joey purchase those leather recliners, you won’t want to leave your couch once the marathon gets started. Therefore, you need to conduct some preparation before hitting play.
Firstly, make sure that your internet is up to the task. There’s nothing worse than reaching a climactic moment in the story only for your internet to buffer. When looking for the perfect internet plans and speeds, keep in mind that 2Mbps is great for standard definition YouTube videos while high definition videos (like those on Netflix) require a 5Mbps connection.
Next, set up your viewing room. Make sure there are drinks and snacks. Keep plenty of blankets and pillows on hand. You never know when you’re going to need a pillow to shield your eyes from heart-breaking or scary moments.Â
Marathon 1: Big screen blockbusters
The first marathon on this list has to be big-screen blockbusters. This of course means flicks that changed the game for both audiences and the cinema industry. There will be action-packed moments, beats of tension, and iconic dialogue in the following movies:
- Forrest Gump
- Million Dollar BabyÂ
- The Hurt Locker
- The King’s Speech
Marathon 2: Marvel cinematic universe Â
For a little over a decade, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been providing audiences with immersive and groundbreaking superhero movies. From franchises to stand-alone features, the following Disney+ titles showcase the best of the MCU:
- Iron ManÂ
- Black PantherÂ
- The AvengersÂ
- Captain America
Marathon 3: Disney classics
There’s nothing more comforting than watching a Disney feature. It simultaneously takes you back to a simpler time and wraps you up in a warm hug. For nostalgia personified, check out these flicks:
- Toy Story
- Snow WhiteÂ
- Beauty and the BeastÂ
- AladdinÂ
Marathon 4: Movie franchisesÂ
It seems that franchises were made for binge-watching. Rather than picking a collection of movies in the same genre, movie series are great to stream as it lets you become fully immersed in a story. For the ultimate viewing experience, stream the:
- Twilight Saga (5 movies)
- Star Wars franchise (9 movies in the ‘Episodes’ group or you could break it down to only the most recent 3, the original 3, etc)
- Divergent trilogy (3 movies)
- Fast and Furious series (perfect timing to start re-watching these, as the 9th film was released in June 2021!)
Marathon 5: Musical memoriesÂ
Musicals are the perfect tool for escapism. Oftentimes warm, funny, and catchy, musicals provide an immediate injection of happiness. Bust out your best moves and singing voice with these classics:
- High School Musical trilogy (3 movies)
- Grease
- Mamma Mia (1 and 2)Â
- La La LandÂ
Marathon 6: Comedy favoritesÂ
Sometimes you just need something to make you laugh out loud. Cleverly crafted plot points, jokes that have entered the zeitgeist, or physical comedy never fail to make you smile. For a serotonin injection, press play on these comedic masterpieces:
- Wedding Crashers
- Step Brothers
- Wayne’s World
- Old School
Marathon 7: Action-packed
When the weather is wicked outside or motivation is lacking, it can be great to get energized by iconic action features. The heart-starting fight sequences, multi-car explosions, and biting dialogue in these pictures will really get the blood pumping:
- Mad Max: Fury Road
- The TerminatorÂ
- John WickÂ
- Kill Bill
Marathon 8: Heart-warming rom-coms
Individuals have been known to turn to rom coms when things in life aren’t going well. A monologue from Colin Firth and a carefully crafted ‘from enemies to lovers’ plotline works wonders on even the most cynical of hearts. Dive heart first into one of these rom coms:
- Bridget Jones’s DiaryÂ
- Maid in ManhattanÂ
- Suddenly 30
- Notting HillÂ
Marathon 9: Killer thrillers
When life seems too predictable, it’s great to turn to a thriller for a bit of hair-raising fun. For moving pictures that will have you leaving the lights on at night, look no further than these Stephen King titles (I will be honest and admit I haven’t watched these – horror movies are too scary!):
- Misery
- Doctor Sleep
- The ShiningÂ
- It Chapter TwoÂ
Marathon 10: Teen heartthrobs
Everything old is new again when it comes to television shows and films. Embrace the trend and enjoy the heartthrobs that shaped your childhood with these teen heartthrob motion pictures:
- Clueless
- Legally Blonde
- The NotebookÂ
- 10 Things I Hate About YouÂ
Break streaming records with these marathons Â
Some people may look forward to days off and the idea of getting odd jobs around the house finished. Others enjoy their days off because they have nothing planned other than outrageously long feature film marathons.
Maximize your time in front of the screen with the help of this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re in the mood for a thriller, musical, or comedy, pick a marathon from the list and start streaming today. If you want to watch them all, there’s simply no time to waste!
