My 20 MOST REWATCHABLE films

Haven't posted for a while, so thought I'd go with something new. Rewatchability is a major criteria for inclusion in my top 100. I tend to think of favorites as something that holds up to repeat viewings, and that you sometimes think about fondly even when not watching the actual film. Quotable movies also have a habit of getting watched over and over. It was tough to narrow down to 20 films, I could easily have added more, but you have to cut off somewhere. Today I’m going with these choices:




Shawshank Redemption (1994)
(There's a reason why it's no 1 on IMDB's top 250. Even those who are not film buffs have told me they can't help watching it to the end if Shawshank is on TV)

Match Point (2005)
(My favorite Woody Allen film. The story draws me in every time, despite knowing what happens. I'm fascinated by the obsessional nature of the main character, even though I think Jonathan Rhys Meyers' acting is not the greatest. Scarlett Johansson in perhaps her sexiest role)

Magnolia (1999)
(The characters I just never tire of watching, there's an emotional vulnerability going on that gives the film real heart. Doesn't feel like a 3 hour movie. Aimee Mann's soundtrack is another reason to appreciate the movie)

Before Sunrise (1995)
(How can you not love the sweet love story? The most romantic film I can think of. Superbly written.)

The Hours (2002)
(Rare that such complex, rich characters make their way into the oscar race)

Blue Velvet (1986)
(I love the atmosphere, and there's a certain thrill with us being in the shoes of Jeffrey, hiding in the apartment. Mulholland Dr (2001) I feel is solvable, whereas Blue Velvet is still an enigma to me)

The Decalogue (1989)
(So many details, so much to take in, even after 2-3 watches there are still things I missed. I could say the same about Kieslowski's work in the 90s as well. A master at the top of his game in that period 1989-94)

The Breakfast Club (1985)
(I love hanging out with these characters. Tarantino talks about Linklater's Dazed and Confused (1993) in the same way, the characters are like friends you see again every few years. The song by Simple Minds is today an 80s classic, and gives the movie the ending it deserves)

Point Break (1991)
( Jumping out of a plane, the chase on foot, the bank robbers, etc , etc. I don't see any reason for a remake. This movie still rocks and the action scenes have aged well. The ending is iconic)

Terminator 2 (1991)
(Not often that a sequel improves on the original, and I think James Cameron achieved that. A candidate for best action movie of the 90s, and I'd put Point Break on that list as well.)

The Shining (1980)
(That ending still baffles me today, no mater how many times I've seen The Shining. It could be my favorite movie ending of all time. That rare film that I coud rewind and watch again immediately)

Collateral (2004)
(I still can't get over how different Tom Cruise is compared to other roles. He's like a wolf prowling in the night. A hitman who seems in control, but is he? There's a mystery there)

Crocodile Dundee (1986)
(Quotable, funny, heartwarming. The fish out of water story is timeless in a way, and could have been made today. That poster is genius. Probably the most famous Australian film)

Juno (2007)
(The deadpan delivery by Ellen Page is hilarious, Probably my favorite Diabo Cody script. The music discussion between Juno and Mark Loring is my favorite scene from the movie)

Rounders (1998)
(I almost picked Good Will Hunting, but I mainly love that for the scenes with Robin Williams. It's been a while since I rewatched Rounders. Every time I feel the tension, and it's like I'm almost living what the character is going through. )

Rain Man (1988)
(I think Cruise should have been nominated for a supporting Oscar, although Hoffman is amazing here. An unforgettable road movie which doesn't lose its power on rewatch)

Don’t Look Now (1973)
(Holds up well despite being from the 70s, for several reasons: We feel their grief due to the strong performances, the colours and images are loaded with symbolism, and also Venice looks fantastic. A different kind of horror film)

A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
(So quotable, so funny. Kevin Kline is on top form in his wacky oscar winning performance.)

I’m Not There (2007)
(A divisive film. I love it and feel it was misunderstood by critics. While somewhat messy, it's also a unique way of showing us Bob Dylan's many personas. The singer continues to fascinate.)

Flash Gordon (1980)

(The colorful sets, the pulsating Queen soundtrack, the memorable characters. I know there are those who find it too silly, campy and over the top. It's my favorite superhero movie, I've seen it ten times and never gets old. The tribute scene in the movie Ted (2012) probably helped boost the dvd sales)

Which are your most rewatchable films? Any of the above, or other films that you watch again and again? What is the attraction about rewatching for you?