Despite being able to recite them by heart, it has become a tradition to watch certain movies on a yearly basis.
Sometimes they’re relevant to holidays, especially around Christmas time. Other times, it’s due to other various events; what better way to get ready for baseball season than with Kevin Costner?
Whatever the reason, you don’t need to spend too much time convincing us to watch these movies every year.
Field of Dreams
Every year before Major League Baseball’s Opening Day, I sit down and watch Field of Dreams.
It’s the best way I can think of to prepare for one of my favorite sports. It gets me in the mood to think back at my childhood, watching games at Fenway Park with my Dad, rooting for the Red Sox not because they were good (they weren’t for much of the ”90s), but because I watched my heroes play the game.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
When you think of holiday movies, you generally think of Christmas and Halloween. We’ll get to those, don’t worry, but for now, let’s talk about my Thanksgiving tradition.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is one of the funniest movies ever made. A true John Hughes classic that showcases both the talents and impressive chemistry between Steve Martin and John Candy.
Trading Places
While not a “traditional” Christmas movie in the eyes of many, it was in our household. Hey, just like Die Hard, it takes place during Christmas, so it counts in my book!
The holiday theme may take a back seat to the actual plot, but it allows us to see a drunken Dan Akroyd crashing a Christmas party, so it’s well worth it.
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The Lord of the Rings
I’m not sure how my tradition of watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy every December 23rd started. Most likely, it was because all my college roommates were home for Christmas, and I needed something to do all day.
While I’ve gotten older, things have changed, but no matter the date, I always make sure to sit down and watch the trilogy from beginning to end.
The extended editions, of course.
The Departed
It didn’t hit me how often I rewatch The Departed until I caught it on television on St. Patrick’s Day (clever marketing, Paramount Network).
While some of the dialogue hasn’t aged well, The Departed remains as sharp, engaging, and clever as ever. I was worried that the film would age poorly and we’d look back and see this as Scorsese’s token Oscar win, but it’s absolutely well deserved and still ranks among his best movies.
Christmas Vacation
Okay, we beat around the bush long enough. Let’s talk proper holiday movies.
Christmas Vacation feels like the one that transcends all audiences. It’s the one holiday movie where everyone can agree to watch. It offers something for everyone, featuring comedic elements that appeal to audiences of all ages, and earns its status as a Christmas classic.
The Santa Clause
I am here to defend this Tim Allen holiday classic. There’s a reason why he’s most commonly recognized as Santa.
The Santa Clause doubles not just as a Christmas classic, but also as a clever Tim Allen comedy. The sharp, witty comebacks you’d expect from Allen are on full display, especially during the opening act.
Die Hard
Enough of the “traditional” Christmas movies, time for another alternative classic.
While many spend Christmas Day enjoying 24 hours of A Christmas Story, us included, for others, it’s not truly Christmas until they see Hans Gruber fall from Nakatomi Plaza.
Hocus Pocus
It was a busy October for the Valentine household, but we made sure to watch one Halloween movie: the one we watch every year.
Hocus Pocus was released to mixed reviews in 1993, but has endeared itself over time to become one of, if not the, definitive Halloween movie. Its plot is nonsensical and over-the-top, but it represents the very best from Disney in the 90s, and it’s easy to suspend your disbelief and enjoy the film.
V For Vendetta
“Remember, remember, the 5th of November.”
Based on the DC Vertigo Comics series of the same name, V for Vendetta is a politically charged thriller from The Wachowskis, which, given its heavy references to Guy Fawkes Night, has fans watching every November 5th.
Mean Girls
“On October 3rd, he asked me what day it was.”
October 3rd has become an unofficial holiday for me: it’s the day I sit and rewatch Mean Girls.
I remember being unsure about the comedy when I was in college. As a young 20-something male, I didn’t feel like the target demographic. Imagine my surprise when I was treated to one of Tina Fey’s best works, and I say that as a huge 30 Rock fan!
Talladega Nights
As much as my wife and I love this movie, and she can recite it from memory, this one is a bit of an unofficial annual rewatch.
Every time we’re out of town and staying in a hotel, Talladega Nights is on television. We can’t explain why that happens, but we’re perfectly content to watch it as often as we can.
21 Jump Street
Another one that’s a personal favorite of ours that also happens to be on every time we’re in a hotel.
Just recently, we caught the tail end of 21 Jump Street, then watched 22 Jump Street, and then the original came on again, and we were more than happy to watch it.
Both movies are shockingly clever, witty, and some of the most fun you’ll ever have watching a movie.
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