In this era of abundant podcasts, there is no end to movie-related pods you can listen to in your spare time. Each will have its own hook, of course, ranging from exploring overlooked movies of the Silent Era to modern horror. One of the more interesting USPs for a podcast is The Ringer’s “Rewatchables,” a show devoted to talking about movies that are, as the name suggests, easy to rewatch again and again.
We are, of course, living through times of entertainment on demand, allowing us to choose new movies, television shows, video games, online slots, music, or anything else that entertains us. And yet, there are those pieces of entertainment that we feel comfortable revisiting again and again, including movie “rewatchables.”
So, how do we define a rewatchable for the purpose of the list below? It’s actually quite difficult because each movie fan will have different tastes. Yet, we might argue that the definitive concept of a rewatchable is the kind of movie you fall upon by accident when flicking through the television late at night, and you say to yourself, “I’ll just watch this scene.” A little later, you have ended up watching the whole movie. Again. So, let’s discuss 10 movies that fit that category:
1. Goodfellas
Perhaps the ultimate rewatchable. There isn’t much that we can say about Scorsese’s 1990 masterpiece that hasn’t been said before, but it is, as stated, the kind of movie you’ve seen a million times before yet have no problem revisiting because it’s just so good.
2. Pulp Fiction
Pulp Fiction’s rewatchable status is arguably bolstered by the fact it is several stories in one, allowing the viewer to compartmentalize the movie into bite-size chunks. Again, there’s little we can say about Pulp Fiction that hasn’t been said before beyond re-iterating that it probably should have won Best Picture at the 67th Academy Awards.
3. Forrest Gump
Speaking of the 67th Academy Awards, the movie that triumphed over Pulp Fiction in the Best Picture category is also a bona fide rewatchable. Thirty years later, Forrest Gump does have some critics, but it is certainly the type of movie you can jump back into at any point and end up enjoying.
4. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
We appreciate that you either buy into the LOTR or don’t, but those that do are committed to Middle-Earth. One of the issues with rewatching the first installment in the trilogy is that it demands you to watch the next two movies in the trilogy. If you are watching the extended editions (as you should), you’ll need about 12 hours to spare.
5. Trains, Planes & Automobiles
The pinnacle of 1980s comedy and an absolute masterclass from John Candy and Steve Martin, the John Hughes vehicle is just perfect. Even if you have watched it a dozen times, you enjoy hopping in for one more ride. And despite the fact you know it’s coming, the twist in the end will make you choke up each time you return.
6. It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s become a customary Holiday rewatchable for people all over the world. In fact, it’s difficult to think of a movie that has become more appreciated over time. Frank Capra caught lightning in a bottle, and Jimmy Stewart opened the bottle and caught it again. The ultimate comfort film.
7. The Big Lewbowski
The Cohen Brothers could have a rewatchables list of their very own, yet we will plump for the adventures of “The Dude” as an example of one you can return to again and again. It has that quality shared by Goodfellas and Forrest Gump, among others, where you can simply jump in at any point and instantly feel satisfied.
8. Raiders of the Lost Ark
You could also put several Steven Spielberg movies on this list, including Jaws and Jurassic Park, but Raiders of the Lost Ark might be just a squeak ahead of them in rewatchability. Like many on this list, it does not need an introduction: It’s Indy at his best.
9. Casablanca
Often cited as the greatest movie of all time, Casablanca is, you know, Casablanca. Roger Ebert’s take, “It’s about a man and woman who are in love, and who sacrifice love for a higher purpose. This is immensely appealing,” perfectly sums it up.
10. The Shawshank Redemption
We can finish this list with the 3rd entry that was nominated for Best Picture at the 67th Academy Awards. Every scene feels important and profound. And while we all know the outcome, the journey to get there always feels fulfilling.