Kevin's Eleven: Movie Replays

Whether it is the number of awards won, box office returns, or critical acclaim, there are numerous ways in which a movie's greatness can be measured.  When most people are asked what they consider to be the greatest films of all time, you will hear them rattle off classics such as Citizen Kane, Casablanca, or Gone With The Wind.  These are all great films in their own respect... but how many times could you stand to watch them?

The re-watchability of a movie is a vitally important characteristic to consider when rating films.  The most re-watchable films are not always the ones with a rich plot, deep-rooted character development, or academy award caliber acting.  Sometimes, a movies' simplicity, iconic catch phrases, or nostalgia is most important in our decision on what to watch.

On a rainy Sunday, you can flip through the channels, passing through hundreds of viewing options.  But would you rather settle on Schindler's List, or the Breakfast Club? The King's Speech or Raiders Of the lost Ark?  I am willing to bet that you would pick the latter in both cases. 

Many of these films tanked at the box office, many were widely criticized by the experts... but they are our security blankets, our hangover remedies, our friends on a lonely day, even our guilty pleasures. 

Here are the 11 most re-watchable films of the modern era:

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11. The Big Lebowski

The Dude Abides.  Jeff Bridges has been nominated for 5 Academy Awards, winning one.  But he is probably most easily recognized as the "The Dude" from this 1998 slacker comedy.  This film has achieved cult status, even sparking a religion (The Church of the Latter-Day Dude, or Dudeism) as well as an annual themed music festival known as "Lebowski Fest."

9. Point Break

All I should really need to say is: Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, and Gary Busey. But when you throw in a plot that includes a gang of bank-robbing surfers that perform heists while disguised as former U.S. presidents, the result is pure gold... pure re-watchable gold!

7. Die Hard

12 German Terrorists. One Cop. Unlimited Watchability. This Christmas Eve hostage crisis in an LA skyscraper introduced us to bad-ass Jonn McClain, who with the help of Carl Winslow and a cache of weapons, eliminates the terrorists and saves the day.  Yippee Kay-Yay!!!

5. Beverly Hills Cop

Redefining what "banana in the tailpipe" means, Beverly Hills Cop features Eddie Murphy before he stopped being funny.  It is hard to channel surf on the weekend without catching Axel Foley, it's also hard not to put down the remote once you find this cinematic gem.

3. Back To The Future

This film has it all: Time-traveling DeLoreans, the invention of rock music, Libyan terrorists, and even a hint of incest.  This, the first film of the trilogy, introduces us to Marty McFly, Doc brown, and Biff Tannen.  All three of the movies were great, but this is most worthy of repeat viewings.

10. Ghostbusters

When I ask you "Who you gonna call?" I am sure you know the answer.  An all-star cast featuring Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, and Harold Ramis gives a glimpse into the entrepreneurial adventures of a "paranormal extermination service."  We get to see Sigourney Weaver become possessed by Zuul, and we also get to meet the giant future S'more.... The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.

8. Shawshank Redemption

Freedom isn't free.  Sometimes you have to fight for it, and sometimes you have to tunnel through a brick wall with a rock hammer, then crawl a mile through human excrement for it.  This is a re-watchable classic has yet to overstay its welcome.  As Andy Dufresne once said: "No good thing ever dies."

6. Anchorman

While many of Will Ferrell's characters grow old quickly (Ricky Bobby, Jackie Moon), Ron Burgundy is timeless.  He may be arrogant, ignorant, and have an unhealthy relationship with his terrier.... but this film is one of the most quaotable comedies in recent history.

4. Caddyshack

Based on Harlod Ramis and Brian Doyle-Murray's real-life experiences caddying as teenagers, Caddyshack is arguably the funniest sports movie of all-time, Though Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, and Rodney Dangerfield are the big names on the marquee, Ted Knight is the real star of this re-watchable flick.   

2. National Lampoon's Vacation

The tale of a man, his family, their Wagon Queen Family Truckster, and a doomed road trip to Wally World, "Vacation" is a cautionary tale of how despite one's best efforts, adversity cannot always be triumphed.  "Sorry folks, park's closed. Moose out front shoulda told ya!"

1. Almost Famous

Based on Director Cameron Crowe's real life experiences as a young journalist of Rolling Stone, Almost Famous is regarded as one of the best films in the last 15 years.  This coming of age tale takes us back in time to 1973, where protagonist William Miller goes on tour with the fictionalized rock band "Stillwater."  On tour, William is faced with temptation from drugs and women, disloyalty from those he idolizes, and an overbearing mother,  but is able to persevere and establish himself as a legitimate rock journalist, despite being 16 years old.  This is one of the greatest films of our generation, and holds up over numerous viewings. 

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Honorable Mention: The Sandlot, The Godfather, GoodFellas, My Cousin Vinny, A Bronx Tale, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Terminator 2, The Princess Bride, Groundhog Day.  

- Kevin Aherne