How to Have a Solo Marathon Movie Night
Do you need plans for the upcoming weekend? Are the kids away at Grandma's for a few days? Is your spouse on a business trip? Are you single, with absolutely nothing to do tonight? Why not have a solo movie marathon night! It's easy, relaxing and loads of fun, and can be done with minimal preparation. Plan your very own solo movie night by using these simple tips.
What is a solo movie marathon night?
A solo movie marathon night is just what it sounds like. It is a night of watching numerous movies, one after the other, probably while munching on snacks and drinking your favorite beverage. It is a great "alone time" activity, especially when you don't have anything else to do, or you are stuck inside for some reason. Things like choosing a theme for the night, or maybe watching a certain movie trilogy, are just two ideas that can make the night even more fun. You can even watch your favorite television series from beginning to end. There are no rules as to what movies to watch, just have fun!
Obscure movie trivia
Did you know that:
In
Some Like it Hot
, Tony Curtis could not speak in a high female voice so his lines as a lady were dubbed by an actress.
During the filming of
Jaws
, George Lucas stuck his head in the shark prop for fun and got stuck when it was closed.
Marlon Brando only used cotton in his cheeks when he auditioned for
The Godfather
. A specially designed mouthpiece was used during filming.
Cary Grant was older than his on-screen mother in the movie
North by Northwest
.
Harrison Ford was originally supposed to have a sword fight with the Arab swordsman in
Raiders of the Lost Ark
, but Mr. Ford had dysentery and did not have the energy, so he shot him instead.
Movie night tips
Once you have a time picked out for your movie marathon, you'll need to keep a few things in mind.
Have plenty of snacks and beverages
- No movie marathon is complete without your favorite snacks and drinks. Have them within reach so you don't have to keep pausing the movie and running to the kitchen for something.
Make sure you have all the movies you want to watch
- Nothing is worse than getting to the third movie in a series only to realize that it's not in the DVD case and cannot be found anywhere.
Turn off the phone
- This is your time. Enjoy it. Don't let phone calls interrupt the fun. If you don't want to turn it off, then just don't answer it, or at least check your caller id before you do.
Stash the laptop and other devices
- It's too tempting to check your email when your laptop is sitting on the sofa next to you. Just keep it in another room. This includes tablets and smartphones too.
Wear comfortable clothes
- Pajamas are perfect for a marathon movie night, but if you don't want to go that far, sweat pants and a t-shirt will do.
Let friends and family know they shouldn't bother you
- This is much easier said than done, but just give them a heads up that you will be busy for the night and not to call unless it's an emergency.
Choose movies that interest you
- You won't last long if the movies you choose are boring to you. If you don't like mysteries then it is probably not a good idea to choose Sherlock Holmes movies.
Movie collection ideas
There are thousands of movies out there, so your movie marathon night can be whatever you want it to be. The movies provided below are just some of the collections available.
Action/Adventure
Comedy
The Dark Knight Trilogy
Beverly Hills Cop Collection
The Bourne Trilogy
Austin Powers Collection
The Die Hard Collection
Coen Brothers Collection
James Bond Set
Men in Black Collection
Fast & Furious Collection
Monty Python Collection
Rocky Collection
Abbott & Costello Collection
Indiana Jones Collection
The Naked Gun Collection
Jurassic Park Collection
Fantasy/Science Fiction
Thriller/Mystery/Westerns
The Twilight Saga
Columbo Movie Collection
Star Wars Collection
Dirty Harry Collection
Alien Collection
The Man with No Name Trilogy
Planet of the Apes Collection
Billy Jack Collection
Star Trek Movie Collection
Alfred Hitchcock Collection
The Mummy Collection
The Godfather Collection
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
The Thin Man Movies
Spider-Man Collection
The Falcon Movies
Pirates of the Caribbean Collection
Scream Trilogy
The Blade Collection
Charlie Chan Collection
X-Men Collection
Godzilla Collection
The Matrix Collection
Harry Potter Collection
Movie night themes
If you don't have a collection, or you don't feel like watching one, you can always choose a movie night theme. Here are just a few theme ideas for your next solo movie night.
Romance
Favorite Actor
Patriotic
War
Tear jerkers
Childhood favorites
Really bad movies
Raunchy humor
Holiday
Horror
Science Fiction
Try a solo movie night marathon
The next time you have a free evening why not try a solo movie night marathon. It's fun and easy and you get to see great movies. Add a twist by having a specific theme or pull out some old favorites that you have not seen in a while. You are guaranteed to have a great time!
© 2012 Claudia Mitchell
Dale Anderson
from The High Seas on March 02, 2020:
Both my wife and I are huge fans of movie night so we enjoyed your hub here. Thanks for posting it.
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on March 14, 2014:
Thanks Luke Ellis! I'm glad you enjoyed the hub. I don't get to have too many movie marathons, but they are fun when I can.
Luke Ellis
from Nottingham, England on March 12, 2014:
I think my last movie marathon involved the three good X-Men movies. After that point I went onto Netflix and started watching garbage horror. It was a great nice :) Really good hub here, voted up!
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on November 17, 2013:
I am really enjoying Netflix Efficient Admin. They have an unbelievable selection of dvds and it comes straight to our house. It is sad to see video stores go away though. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Michelle Dee
from Charlotte, NC on November 16, 2013:
I sure do miss Blockbuster. They all went away and there are no longer any video rental stores where I live.
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on February 13, 2013:
Thanks Rebecca - Sometimes it's just fun to curl up and have some alone time with a couple of great movies.
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on February 13, 2013:
Hi rajan - I appreciate all of the support. I think solo movie nights are great any time and anywhere in the world.
Rebecca Mealey
from Northeastern Georgia, USA on February 12, 2013:
Cool, will do. Someday when I get time. Need to! Great suggestions.
Rajan Singh Jolly
from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on February 12, 2013:
This is a wonderful hub with a lot of ideas that many would be interested in. Voted up, interesting and sharing.
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on January 08, 2013:
Thanks Kosmo. Enjoy your movie. It's a great one!
Kelley Marks
from Sacramento, California on January 08, 2013:
This is a good theme for a hub. Hey, I had no idea there were so many movie collections, at least one or two for every taste imaginable. Anyway, time to watch another movie - "The King's Speech"? Later!
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on January 03, 2013:
I hope you give it another try Millionaire Tips! I am gearing up for one and just deciding on my snack selection. Thanks for commenting.
Shasta Matova
from USA on January 03, 2013:
I've done this once or twice, but maybe I should do it more often - it is a lot of fun. There's no one to interrupt you or talk over the best parts. You've provided great suggestions.
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on January 02, 2013:
I appreciate it midget! I am getting ready to have a solo movie night in a couple of days. Well, it will be me and my dog because everyone else will be out of the house for a while!
Michelle Liew
from Singapore on January 02, 2013:
Great movies on the table there and wonderful recommendations. Having "alone" time is a lot of fun! Thanks for sharing!! Am passing it on.
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on December 17, 2012:
Thanks so much ES. Gotta love the Indiana Jones series. They are one of my favorites. I appreciate the comments.
Emilie S Peck
from Minneapolis, MN on December 16, 2012:
This is so fun! I love this hub.
I'll do a TMNT, Monty Python or Indiana Jones marathon once in a while. Always a great de-stressor. :)
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on December 12, 2012:
You can't beat 99cent movies. Makes for a cheap evening of entertainment. I guess you can count hubbing nights if they are as much fun as watching movies! :) Thanks for visiting!
Patricia Scott
from North Central Florida on December 11, 2012:
This is a great idea. I have never had a solo movie night so will need to give it a try. Have had many solo hubbing nights, does that count?? :)
My daughter lived with me for a couple of years after high school whlie she worked for a vet. About once a month we would have a marathon movie night. There was movie rental place down the street that had great movies for 99cents...we could keep them three days. It was awesome. We used to laugh and say our eyeballs were coughing after we had watched way too many favorites.
thanks for sharing this clever idea. :) ps Sending angels your way.
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on December 11, 2012:
Thanks vespawoolf! I think it would be perfect for a mini vacation too, especially after moving. I appreciate the comments.
Vespa Woolf
from Peru, South America on December 11, 2012:
I haven't done a movie marathon in years! It certainly sounds relaxing. I love the list of possible movie titles. I might go for James Bond, Bourne trilogy or Jurassic Park depending on my mood. We're going to move in the next month or so, and this would be the perfect mini vacation after we've moved into the new place. Thank you! Love your tips.
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on December 09, 2012:
Hi fpherj - With all the stress around this time of year it's a great way to relax. I appreciate the comments.
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on December 09, 2012:
Thanks teaches! My daughter and I just watched a couple of the Santa Clause ones yesterday while decorating. I appreciate the visit.
Suzie
from Carson City on December 09, 2012:
I love this idea. Sounds like the perfect way to spend an enjoyable and relaxing day!.........UP+++
Dianna Mendez
on December 08, 2012:
I voted this way up for the wonderful suggestion. We do this occasionally with our most liked DVD series: LOR, Star WARS, and for the season: The Santa Clause with Tim Allen. Great post!
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on December 08, 2012:
Thanks so much Gypsy48! That sounds like the perfect way to do a movie marathon. I appreciate the comments.
Gypsy48
on December 07, 2012:
I do this every once in a while. I like to stay in pajamas, get comfy in bed with lots of pillows, favorite movies, snacks and wine. A perfect way to relax. Voted up.
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on December 07, 2012:
Thanks so much shiningirisheyes. It's too bad people can't do this more often. It must be fun with your sister. I appreciate the comments.
Shining Irish Eyes
from Upstate, New York on December 07, 2012:
Oh - You describe so well my favorite excursion. Not often, but every once in a while the opportunity presents itself and I spend a glorious weekend with my sister doing just this!
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on December 07, 2012:
Thanks so much alekhouse! It was fun making the list, but I'm sure I've missed some good ones. Love my netflix too!
Nancy Hinchliff
from Essex Junction, Vermont on December 07, 2012:
Really good hub. I have done this frequently over the years for a couple of reasons: I live alone and I'm a big film buff. I love your list of movies. I am definitely listing some of them on my Netflix cue. I don't watch much TV. I find that recently, most of the shows are pretty bad and I can't afford HBO.
Jools Hogg
from North-East UK on December 07, 2012:
You should be delighted to admit it...they lost me off but hubby loves 'em!
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on December 07, 2012:
Thanks Jools99. A TV series is a good option too and I hate to admit it, but I have never seen a Matrix movie. That might be a good marathon for me to do.
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on December 07, 2012:
I appreciate it tillsontitan. I like movies too, but I don't get a chance to watch as much as I would like to.
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on December 07, 2012:
mHatter - Thanks for the visit. Planet of the Apes is a great one, but it sort of morphs into bad humor by the last movie (at least for me it does).
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on December 07, 2012:
Crystal - I know the feeling. There are certain movies I can watch over and over and over and I won't go to bed until all of them are done. That is why I wear my pajamas when I have my marathon. Thanks for commenting!
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on December 07, 2012:
Thanks so much JMcFarland. Writing the hub made me want to have one too! Probably won't be until after the holiday season.
Jools Hogg
from North-East UK on December 07, 2012:
Great hub! I have had to endure a Matrix marathon a few years ago (never again, I think I feel asleep) but other ones, I have had some say over and enjoyed them much more. I often have TV box set solo marathons when I get a chance.
Mary Craig
from New York on December 07, 2012:
Voted up, useful, and interesting. Great suggestions and your aside box is filled with useful info too! I'll watch just about any movie there is as I am a big movie fan. Sometimes I'll just put on HBO and watch whatever movie comes on.
Voted up, useful, and interesting.
Claudia Mitchell (author)
on December 07, 2012:
Hi Bill - This is a great way for me to relieve stress. Unfortunately I rarely get a chance to do it. I do have to respectfully disagree with your movie choice though. Sorry...I am more of a James Bond fan, but we can still be friends :-). Thanks for commenting!
Martin Kloess
from San Francisco on December 06, 2012:
Thank you for this. try to do a Plant of the Apes (all) marathon. There should be a medal for all survivors.
Crystal Tatum
from Georgia on December 06, 2012:
One of my favorite things to do - I once watched an eight-hour miniseries in one night. I overdosed a bit though - I didn't get to bed until after 2 a.m. and I felt like I'd run a marathon instead of just spent hours lying on the couch watching DVDs. But every time I tried to sleep, I couldn't - had to know what came next! Voted up and awesome.
Elizabeth
from The US of A, but I'm Open to Suggestions on December 06, 2012:
voted up and awesome - I've done this many times, and your hub reminded me that it's time for another one.
Bill Holland
from Olympia, WA on December 06, 2012:
I love it! Great idea for a hub, and one I have done myself from time to time. There is nothing like killing hours watching some great trilogies. Lord of the Rings, to me, is the ultimate movie marathon. :)