by Genni Schroepfer
Want to have a completely different vibe for your day-long movie marathon? Well, look no further. You are in the right place! These are my top picks for enjoying a day at the movies from the comfort of your own home! When the snow starts to fall, grab some popcorn, curl up on the couch, and tee up these flicks for an entertaining day!
Pitch Perfect (2012) PG-13
Runtime: 1hr 52min
Genre: Musical comedy
Starring Anna Kendrick, the Barden Bellas – an all-girls a cappella group – compete in a nation-wide a cappella championship in hopes of winning Nationals. A staple in the 2010’s movie scene, Pitch Perfect was the home of “The Cup Song,” starting the trend of children using cups as instruments, much to the dismay of many parents and teachers in the U.S.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) PG-13
Runtime: 2hr 11min
Genre: Action
Maverick is ordered to train and lead a group of elite young pilots for a dangerous, near-impossible mission. Thirty-six years after the release of the original Top Gun, the story continues. This sequel does not disappoint. Top Gun: Maverick is a wild ride full of adventure, drama, and love, sure to get you invested in this action-packed story.
Napoleon Dynamite (2004) PG
Runtime: 1hr 26min
Genre: Indie
In this offbeat, atypically paced movie, Napoleon strives to help his new friend win the vote for class president. This cult classic had an unexpected rise to popularity with its distinct and offbeat characters.
Scott Pilgrim vs The World (2010) PG-13
Runtime: 1hr 52min
Genre: Action comedy
Scott Pilgrim takes a liking to Ramona Flowers but must first defeat her Seven Evil Exes to date her. In a complete juxtaposition from Napoleon Dynamite, this movie is incredibly fast paced. Scott Pilgrim vs The World will keep you on the edge of your seat for the entire ride, always keeping you guessing as to what will happen next.
Coraline (2009) PG
Runtime: 1hr 40min
Genre: Fantasy horror
Eleven-year-old Coraline uncovers a hidden door, leading to a peculiarly idealized version of her life—only things aren’t all what they seem. Many teens and young adults may remember Coraline being a rather frightening film from their youth, with the characters’ off-putting button eyes and the strange ambience this movie provides. Coraline is a goldmine for those with a love of theorizing, psychology, and the macabre.
Wonka (2023) PG
Runtime: 1hr 57min
Genre: Family musical
A young Willy Wonka aspires to open a chocolate shop, only for his plans to be thwarted by the Chocolate Cartel. Wonka is a more recent release, sure to be enjoyed by the whole family with its silly songs and heartfelt story.
Hidden Figures (2016) PG
Runtime: 2hr 7min
Genre: History drama
Based on true events, Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary—three women who played an instrumental role during the Space Race—enter the NASA space program as mathematicians. Throughout their journey, they face the trials of being black women working in STEM during the 1960s. Hidden Figures is a very moving film, highly renowned by critics and audiences alike.
Love and Monsters (2020) PG-13
Runtime: 1hr 48min
Genre: Monster adventure
Joel Dawson sets out to reunite with his girlfriend seven years after the world was nearly destroyed and must learn to survive in this monster-infested apocalyptic reality. Throughout his journey, Joel learns to be courageous and attentive, finding friends—and himself—along the way.
These just happen to be some of my favorites! If you have other titles on your list of favorites, let us know! Post on our social media! We’d love to hear your suggestions!