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THE MOST: A Game of Favorites

THE MOST: A Game Of Favorites

For quite some time I’ve always said the thing that makes a great film isn’t the story, the direction or the acting; it’s all about creating a necessary reason for a viewer to revisit a film. This is what makes a film a specific favorite to the viewer. A film like Titanic can be critically praised, but, it might not be your favorite film or a film that warrants repeat viewings.

A lot of ‘classic’ films (Halloween, Jurassic Park, Back to the Future) tend to draw a lot of repeat viewings. They are the films that audience members will watch over and over at home, or, will even go to a local arthouse theatre to watch an old film print of it.

But, with an endless amount of films releasing yearly, the odds of a viewer attaching themselves to one and deeming it a classic (while entirely possible) seem few and far between.

With all that said, I figured it would be fun to give you the top 5 films I’ve seen the most.

Birth Year – 1991 

While this seems silly, it’s an important factor; as it determines what films you watched growing up. Basically, the films you watched growing up will hold the highest number of views…unless you’re a movie fanatic like me!

5. La La Land (2016) – 15+ times

THE MOST: A Game of Favorites

Directed by Damien Chazelle

Now, I know what you’re thinking: how can a movie that came out last year be on this list? 

The answer is simple…obsessiveness.

This is one of my new favorite films and one that truly calls for repeat viewings. The music is infections, the visuals are dazzling and it just gives me such a magical feeling with every viewing.

I did a lot of travel throughout the month of March, and the airline had ‘La La Land’ as its in-flight film. So, I made it a challenge to watch it as many times as I possibly could.

I wound up watching it 12 times…and, getting a tattoo of the film as well.

4. Moon (2009) – 20+ times

THE MOST: A Game of Favorites

Directed by Duncan Jones

Now, I have to start this off by saying how huge of a sci-fi nut I am. It’s true.

So, it makes perfect sense that this film made the list. Not only is it filled with lots of mystery…it’s driven by a phenomenal score by Clint Mansell.

Duncan Jones (David Bowie’s son) directed this film with such intelligence. It gets better every time I see it!

After seeing it 6 times in theaters, I knew I was in love. I purchased the Blu-Ray at midnight and watched it multiple times that night.

Years later, I managed to catch a screening of this film WITH Sam Rockwell in the audience. He followed it up with a Q&A that was absolutely incredible. This easily reignited my love for this film.

I even have a Lunar Industries tattoo on my arm.

3. The Neverending Story (1984) – 30+ times

THE MOST: A Game of Favorites

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen

Talk about magical! This is the film that introduced me to fantasy. Not only was it the first book I ever read (and one of very few I’ve read in general), the film felt like a dream of mine that I had as a kid.

Not only do all of the practical shine so bright in this film; the score is what stirs up all my emotions. Giorgio Moroder and Klaus Doldinger captured the true magic of The Neverending Story by creating such a phenomenal musical companion to the film.

I know this film hasn’t aged insanely well to some, but, any film fan can say that the practical effects still look amazing…even on the Blu-Ray.

If you haven’t seen this film or read the book, I highly recommend you do that right now. And, if you watch the film, watch it on the largest speakers possible!

2. The Goonies (1985) – 35+ times

THE MOST: A Game of FavoritesDirected by Richard Donner

HEY YOU GUYS!

Need I say more?

I have a very strange brain in the sense that I can’t quote movies for the life of me. But, this is one film that I can quote from front to back.

This is the film that taught me about adventures, treasure and booty traps. I say that I’ve seen this film 35+ times, but, it grows almost every week. It is my go-to film on a rainy day.

Anytime this film has screenings at our local arthouse theatre I make an effort to see it if possible.

The Goonies might not’ve been anything special in 1985…but, it’s a classic now!

1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) – 50+ times

THE MOST: A Game of Favorites

Directed by Steven Spielberg

This is the film that inspired me. This is the film that I live my life by. This is the film that taught me to love and feel.

I’ve seen this film MULTIPLE times at local theaters and during re-release runs. I grab a giant bag of Reese’s Pieces, throw my red hoodie on and feel like a kid again.

I remember E.T. terrifying me as a kid and always feeling hesitant as to whether I should put the VHS back into the VCR to welcome this little alien back into my life. But, it never failed. I grew up on this film. This is the film that lit a creative spark in me that has carried me to this day.

If you haven’t seen E.T. at least 10 times…there’s something wrong.

This movie did for riding bikes what JAWS did for swimming. Well…maybe that analogy doesn’t work as well as I’d like it to.

Honorable Mentions:

Home Alone (1990) – 30+ times

THE MOST: A Game of Favorites

Directed by Chris Columbus

I love this movie.

Every Christmas, this is my go-to movie.

Heck, even when it isn’t Christmas this movie finds its way onto my TV screen.

Yes, the general idea of the movie is a bit messed up; but, this movie represents a simpler time. A time where making films like this were all in good fun.

As a kid, the villains were just that…villains. But, they were fun, silly and just animated enough to keep the feeling of security present.

Even the sequel to this film is fun to watch!

As a child, my parents used to say ‘Home Alone’ to me and I’d throw my hands on my face and scream…just like Kevin McAllister.

Into The Wild (2007) – 20+ times

THE MOST: A Game of FavoritesDirected by Sean Penn

This is a special book for me; which in turn made it a special film.

The way Sean Penn handled this story was unbelievable. And, don’t even get me started on the incredible soundtrack by Eddie Vedder.

When I was 16 years old, I hiked the ‘Stampede Trail,’ just like Chris McCandless. It was a surreal, excruciating and enlightening experience. The sounds of Eddie Vedder drove me and the book never left my hand throughout the entire trip.

This film seems to get ignored, so, if you haven’t seen it, please check it out. It’s a beautiful story about escapism and spiritual freedom.

I worked at a movie theatre when this film came out, and I wound up seeing it 7 times in theaters. I even forced my High School Drama Troupe to take a group trip to see it one night.

What are some films you’ve seen the most? Comment and let us know!

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