Lacking energy? Relaxation? A significant amount of spending money? Most students can answer “yes” to almost all of these questions. How, then, would a student at Seton Hill University go about solving most of these issues? The answer lies within the magic of the movie marathon.
Watching a movie is a great way to relax on the weekend or after a long day. Movies are also a great excuse to get a group of friends together for some down time.
And why stop at one movie? For some psychologically questionable reason, movies seem best when viewed in nonstop marathon format. Grab some snacks, a group of friends and a big, comfy couch.
Compiled below is a list of tentatively titled movies marathons for your own personal enjoyment.
1. “Harry Potter” Extravaganza
From the blatantly proud to the closet-residing fans of the British boy wonder, this marathon would be indubitably entertaining. It may take entirely too long to make it through them all, however. If this happens to be the case, those familiar with the story should probably skip the first two movies. While still solid films, the real action starts with the third and continues through the final one. ABC also often runs the films during holidays which saves a trip to the video store and a little bit of spare change.
2. Disney Movie Bash
Most teenagers seem to enjoy reverting back to the magic Disney once brought into their lives. The classics, including “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast,” always have a way of prompting reminiscence of youthful and less stressful days. A Pixar marathon of movies like “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles” and “Finding Nemo” could also be a good time. Disney’s more modern films, including the “High School Musical” trilogy, could additionally be run consecutively for a night of juvenile fun.
3. Mobster Pics
Nothing hints at fun quite like machine guns and cigar smoke. A running of all the classic mob and gangster films could make for quite a movie party. “The Untouchables,” “Goodfellas,” “Casino,” “The Departed” and “Donnie Brasco” are just a few. “The Godfather” trilogy could also be played as its own marathon. After all, nothing beats a soft spot for gangster stories and throwbacks to the shady lives of the Italian mob.
4. Monster Movie Night
It seems like it’s been a while since a truly decent horror film was released. So why not revert back to the classics for some cheap, cheesy thrills? The “Evil Dead” series, alongside “Army of Darkness” collectively make for a gore-filled, slapstick celebration. “Frankenstein,” “Dracula” and “Wolfman” wouldn’t mind some renewed glory either.
5. Super Hero Smash Hits
An overabundance of super hero films seem to be produced these days. “The Green Lantern” and the first “Avengers” film aren’t likely to end up in most students’ lists of favorite movies. Regardless, most super hero movies are definitely worth watching. “Iron Man I” and “II”, the first three “Spider-Man” films, Christian Bale’s “Batman” and the first three “X-Men” films could all be viewed in marathon form. Movies could be mixed, too. “Thor,” “Captain America” and the most recent “Incredible Hulk” all proved to be action-packed, romance-based and just generally engrossing.
6. Oscar Party
From “Gone With the Wind” all the way to “The King’s Speech,” Oscar nominated films hold both critical and mass appeal. Running all of this year’s Academy Award films could take several days but would undoubtedly be worth the time. “Inception,” “The Social Network” and “The Fighter” can hardly be questioned as works of solid cinematography. Select theaters in the Pittsburgh area also host a daylong showing of all the Best Picture nominees for a fairly reasonable price during Oscar season.
7. Sing-alongs
Musicals are always enjoyable with a large group of friends. Musicals urge watchers to awkwardly, and often hilariously, sing and flail along to the choreography and vocals. Musicals don’t necessarily have to be classics like “West Side Story,” either. “Hairspray,” “Moulin Rouge,” “Mamma Mia,” “Rent” and “The Phantom of the Opera” are just a few of the newer musicals to be enjoyed during a sing-along marathon.
8. Chick Flicks Galore
Most guys admittedly don’t want to sit through chick flicks. For the girls that want to watch them, try getting a group of friends together for a laugh or cry fest that’s sure to bring tears either way. A Nicholas Sparks romance marathon of “The Notebook,” “A Walk to Remember” and “Dear John” is sure to require a box of Kleenex. On the other hand, a “Mean Girls”/”Sleepover”/”Legally Blonde” mash up might be even better.
9. Comedy Cult Classics
For a night of uncontrollable and slightly disturbing laughter, have a comedy movie marathon. These would probably best be centered on one favorite actor. For example, a Will Ferrell marathon could include “Old School,” “Anchorman” and “Talladega Nights.” Even some of the oft forgotten comedic directors could be brought back via marathon. Kevin Smith’s “The Clerks,” “Dogma” and “Chasing Amy” all dish out some serious, and highly inappropriate, laughs.
10. Movies We Grew Up With
It seems like everyone over the age of 13 enjoys reliving their childhood. This may best be done by watching old film favorites. These can include the old Nickelodeon movies “Snow Day” and “Harriet the Spy.” Even the old Disney Channel Original Movies, including “Hocus Pocus,” “Zenon” and “Halloweentown” have a habit of stirring up some great old memories.