This pandemic is a drag, though staying indoors under quarantine is saving lives. Those who have been deemed “essential workers,” who are keeping our lives going, have my deepest respect. I hope they all stay safe!
For everyone’s sake, I hope things go back to normal soon. One thing I miss right now is going to the movies. I miss the atmosphere, the big screen, previews…but I don’t miss people’s lack of theater etiquette.
If we can’t go to the movies, then the movies can come to us. From home video collections to Netflix, there are ways we can continue this pastime. Some studios have even made new releases available digitally!
Movies are a great way to break the monotony of quarantine and bring a little sunshine back into our lives.
When You’re Alone
Animal House (1978)
This fun-filled comedy about an unruly fraternity always makes me laugh! The jokes may be a little raunchy, but the film never fails to entertain. This movie is definitely a major influence on comedies today.
National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
When you first start watching this movie, you might feel disappointed about missing your family vacation. However, once you see what the Griswolds go through, you may be glad you’re at home! The Griswolds may even convince you to consider flying on your next trip. Just…try to avoid a Home Alone (1990) situation.
Footloose (1984)
I’m embarrassed to admit that I just watched this film for the first time. I don’t know why I waited so long, because I loved it! Kevin Bacon and company provide great entertainment with several fantastic dancing sequences. I suggest watching this alone, though…because you may start dancing (poorly) in your living room.
The ‘Burbs (1989)
This is a great film about a vacation, or rather a “staycation.” Tom Hanks is Ray, a typical suburbanite who takes a week off from work, only to laze around the house. However, when his mysterious next-door neighbors exhibit strange behavior, Ray and his other neighbors decide to investigate. It’s the perfect film for staying at home – you know you’re people-watching as much as I am!
Friday (1995)
This is another film that takes place in a single neighborhood. Craig (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker) set out to “waste” a day doing nothing in their South-Central Los Angeles neighborhood. However, once there is trouble in the neighborhood, the pair realizes that this may not be a typical Friday. A comedic classic!
Tommy Boy (1995)
Here is another hilarious comedy that never gets old! The pairing of Chris Farley and David Spade is sure-fire comedic gold. I miss Chris Farley’s onscreen presence – he was a talent who left the world too soon. Tommy Boy is rife with entertaining scenes and one-liners!
The Birdcage (1996)
Robin Williams is another comedic genius who left a great comedic legacy. In this film, Williams is a gay nightclub owner who, along with his partner (Nathan Lane), must pretend to be straight while meeting their son’s fiancée’s conservative family. Their ruse is a sure-fire laugh riot!
The Big Lebowski (1998)
I’ve written about this movie so many times, I should include it in every applicable “10 Best” list. Jeff Bridges and John Goodman are great together as The Dude and Walter, bowling buddies who try to solve a kidnapping case. The movie is memorable for its plot, scenes, characters, and dialogue (keep in mind, the movie is full of F-bombs – not recommended watching with the littles in your life).
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
This hilarious satire of the apocalypse was my introduction to Simon Pegg, who I consider one of the funniest actors of his generation. I’ve seen several memes about the current pandemic being the apocalypse, using screenshots from this film. This movie is certainly reflective of the current times.
Begin Again (2013)
This is one of the best feel-good films I’ve seen. It’s about forming a friendship and making dreams come true. Mark Ruffalo plays Dan, a washed-up music executive who encounters Gretta (Keira Knightley), an aspiring musician. They bring out the best in each other, which is a great formula for a feel-good movie.
With Your Significant Other
The Princess Bride (1987)
This is my wife’s absolute favorite movie, so I’m pretty sure I’m getting major brownie points here. The Princess Bride is a terrific love story, and one of the most quotable movies of all time.
When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
My wife and I watch this movie together every New Year’s Eve, and I’m sure we would gladly watch it again during quarantine. You can’t go wrong with Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan in this original love story between friends.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
This is another great film from Meg Ryan in her prime. She is the queen of cinematic love stories and has always had a great screen presence in them. This movie is a cute story of two anonymous pen pals (Ryan and Tom Hanks) who talk on an online chat room. Unbeknownst to them, though, they are also business rivals. Great irony! And oh, the nostalgia of that sound. screech “You’ve got mail!”
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
I think this is a great date movie for any age group. The film has lots of well-written and memorable dialogue – if you’ve seen it even once, you’ll probably be quoting it together throughout.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
I love watching this movie with my wife. In a way, we watched this together for the first time while under quarantine. We were celebrating our first wedding anniversary when a nearby wildfire infiltrated the area with smoke. We couldn’t go anywhere without choking on smoke, so we stayed put in our hotel room. There’s never a bad time for the nonstop hilarity of this movie, though!
Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
Reese Witherspoon shines in this cute and hilarious film about Melanie (Witherspoon), who returns to Alabama after several years in New York. I love the chemistry between Witherspoon and Josh Lucas in this film, and that’s what helps make this film a romantic comedy classic!
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Here is another great romantic comedy with hilarious complications. Ben (Matthew McConaughey) and Andie (Kate Hudson) have a meet-cute, but they have opposite agendas regarding their relationship. I’m laughing already!
13 Going on 30 (2004)
This is a funny and cute film with a great performance from Jennifer Garner. It’s full of 80’s nostalgia and will most likely have you and your loved one dancing to “Thriller” in your living room!
The Notebook (2004)
So many great love stories came out before this one, but I think this is one of the best of all time! It will have you laughing and crying – it’s a classic!
The Intern (2015)
What I love about this film is that it has all the elements of a great love story, but it is strictly a friendship story. The pairing of Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway is perfect, and they have great chemistry. It also gives a great life lesson about how it’s never too late in life to try something new.
With the Kids
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
A timeless classic that takes you on a journey to the Land of Oz, somewhere where you can forget about staying indoors. I think I’ve watched this film more times than any other, and it never ceases to delight!
Hook (1991)
This is another childhood favorite. You cannot go wrong with Robin Williams playing Peter Pan as an adult, and Dustin Hoffman is convincing as Captain Hook. Plus…you know…Steven Spielberg.
Aladdin (1992)
Another childhood favorite and a Robin Williams classic! The entire film is great, but I always count the minutes leading up to the reveal of the Genie.
Babe (1995)
This film almost makes me cry every time I watch it (happy tears, I swear). It pleases both children and adults – the perfect family film.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
I don’t think this film will ever get old. It’s classically quotable, and Johnny Depp’s performance is one of the best I’ve seen in any film!
Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009)
Long before I allow my future children to watch Die Hard (1988), I will enjoy watching this film with them. It’s the PG version of Die Hard, with funny and clean gags throughout.
Despicable Me (2010)
I love the animation in this film, and the characters: the hilarious Gru (Steve Carell), the adorable children, and the always lovable Minions!
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Here is another travel film, and it’s one of the best in that category. It’s also one of Ben Stiller’s best movies, and it will surely delight the whole family.
Zootopia (2016)
There is so much to love in this film! All the cute animals, for starters. It also contains a mystery plot that should entertain the adults. It’s a fun-filled movie that doesn’t drag, unlike Flash’s smile.
Playing with Fire (2019)
Okay, I know the critics panned this one… but it’s not a bad film! It does what it intended: entertain the whole family. I’m not ashamed to admit that my wife and I enjoyed this film thoroughly. If you haven’t yet, go watch it!
Happy watching and stay safe!
