Midnight Movies: Movies to Marathon During the Lockdown

Midnight Movies

Another day in lockdown means another day of catching up on the backlist of films to watch. Some of us are lucky enough to take advantage of the glorious sunshine in our gardens, but if not there are plenty of ways to spend time indoors that are both productive and indulging. Movies are the perfect escape in this strange time. The arts are a medium of storytelling that can transport you to a world of wonder and adventure. Present circumstances forbid us from making the trip to the cinema, but we can still take the time to appreciate the escapism that comes from watching movies. This post will highlight some of the best film franchises to catch up on during lockdown.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe was made for a lockdown. With 23 films to get through, this collection will keep you entertained from beginning to end. With breathtaking action sequences, compelling character arcs, and plenty of banter, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a visual experience that culminates in one of cinema’s greatest achievements, Avengers: Endgame, an event serving as a swansong to some of the most beloved characters that shaped the MCU. We might have to wait a while longer for the next wave of Marvel films, but this gives us a moment to look back and embrace the characters that started the journey.

Must-watch: Captain America – The Winter Soldier | Avengers – Infinity War | Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 1

Back to the Future

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A timeless sci-fi classic that put Michael J. Fox on the map Back to the Future has just the right balance between comedy, time-travelling action, brilliant music score, and plenty of spirit, making it a franchise that can be enjoyed by the whole family. However, the true brilliance of this film lies in the dynamic between Marty (Fox) and Doc (Christopher Lloyd) as the eccentric Doc and his time travelling DeLorean transports Marty back in time, encountering his teenage parents and getting into a whole lot of trouble along the way. It’s a brilliant franchise.

Star Wars

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Regardless of how you may feel about the Skywalker Saga, you cannot deny the impact Star Wars has had on sci-fi cinematic epics. With 9 films to the Saga and the spin-off movies to look forward to, now is the time to discover the force. With iconic performances by Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and the late Carrie Fisher, Star Wars is essential viewing for any sci-fi fan.

Romantic Comedies

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Over the years, romantic comedies have made a comeback as a cinematic staple. With streaming platforms like Netflix capitalising on the genre, now is the perfect time to settle in and catch up with these feel-good films. The world seems like a scary place right now, so romantic comedies are the perfect remedy for those wanting to escape from the doom and gloom of life. You are spoiled for choice with this genre as you have the brilliant classics like Notting Hill and Sweet Home Alabama or the latest blockbusters like Set It Up and Crazy Rich Asians to indulge in. Whatever you decide, there is no denying that these films will put a smile on your face.

Disney Animated Classics

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With the kids home from school, parents are tasked with having to look for ways of entertaining the children for a longer period. It’s a difficult task, and after a long day, you need something to kick back to and what could be better than Disney animation? You can sing-a-long to classic tunes, introduce kids to your own childhood favourites, and embrace this time as a family.

Must Watch: Lion King | Atlantis – The Lost Empire | Basil, the Great Mouse Detective | 101 Dalmatians

The Hobbit / Lord of the Rings

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Did you really expect this list to be complete without this Middle-Earthathon? The Hobbit trilogy might not live up to the quality of Lord of the Rings, but it’s still worth watching and fill you with that adventurous spirit. The Hobbit also provides greater insight into Bilbo’s own journey, bringing his own tale to life while setting in motion the chain of events that lead to Frodo’s own journey. The Lord of the Rings is one of the best fantasy franchises in cinematic history, and there’s a lot to love about the franchise. From the dramatic New Zealand landscape to the music, the adventure, and the journey undertaken by an unexpected hero that gives hope to the people of Middle-Earth. This Middle-Earthathon is the perfect weekend event, one that will transport you to the lustrous lands of magic, elves, and adventure.

The Matrix

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Keanu Reeves fans should jump at the opportunity to watch this epic franchise again. The Matrix is an action-packed sci-fi epic that immerses you in the world of simulated realities. When Reeves’s Neo discovers the truth about this reality, he, alongside a compelling supporting cast of characters, brace themselves for a rebellion against this order. It’s a perfect franchise for sci-fi and action fans as the fight scenes in this film offers some of the most striking sequences in cinematic history.

Have you seen any of these films?
What are your lockdown film recommendations?

 

15 thoughts on “Midnight Movies: Movies to Marathon During the Lockdown”

  1. There was a JLo marathon on telly today, so we kind of watched Maid in Manhattan and the Wedding Planner in a row haha If I had suggested Sweet Home Alabama afterwards, I think my dad would have rioted. But romcoms are indeed a great distraction during lockdown. I especially like the ones from the 90s and early 2000s. There weren’t all that many that I liked after … (except for Set It Up and Always Be My Maybe)
    Do you also like Infinity War better than Endgame? I just had to ask because of your Marvel movie must-see inclusions.

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    1. My mam and I live on those 90’s/2000’s romcoms. They’re such classics and find don’t try too hard to be funny. The balance between the comedy/romance and the story was on point. I still need to watch Always Be My Maybe. I might suggest that tonight haha.
      In terms of narrative yes. Endgame had a lot of emotional spots that will always be iconic, but Infinity War felt like it had a more cohesive story, and I love how they made Thanos a legitimate villain.

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      1. Did you end up watching Always Be My Maybe? I cannot get over the fact that Keanu Reeves agreed to this and that Ali Wong was more excited about Daniel Dae Kim than Reeves … actually, I can believe the latter.
        I was weirdly disappointed with Endgame, because it didn’t seem to follow through on Infinity War. I really would have liked less of a “let’s go back in time and reverse everything” approach.

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  3. I totally made my husband watch Isn’t It Romantic during this time. We also watched 50 First Dates with my daughter. I’m hoping I can get them to rewatch a couple more with me like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Sweet Home Alabama.

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    1. Movies to binge do not make any sense in my mind haha. Back the Future always puts me in a good mood. We’re looking to set the projector up next week so we can enjoy them on the big screen.

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