10 movies, TV shows for your weekend marathon

If you don’t have plans for Holy Week aside from family reunions and church services, who says the holiday can’t involve lounging in your pajamas and catching up on all the movies and shows you love and miss?

Gear up with a bowl of popcorn and a bag of chips—here’s a list of a few TV and movie gems to keep you company for the next few days.

TV

1. FRIENDS (1994-2004) 

A story of a group of six pals surviving life and love in the crazy city of New York. Need we say more?

 

What we loved about it: If you’re going to marathon any TV show, this ought to be it. Just some of the things we remember (and giggle) about today: Dancing Monica with a turkey on her head, the one with the prom video, Phoebe and her triplets, and the now-famous line: “We were on a break!”

Starring Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry, and Matt LeBlanc. Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman.

2. GILMORE GIRLS (2000-2007)

A series centered on mother-daughter duo Lorelai and Rory Gilmore living in Stars Hollow, Connecticut. The show’s fast-paced dialogue and knack for pop culture references has garnered it the title of television classic.

 

What we loved about it: This show had it all—great cast, great story, and great soundtrack, too. Plus, we love seeing stars before they made it big – particularly Jared Padalecki, who went on to star in the hugely successful Supernatural, and comedic force Melissa McCarthy, who played Lorelai’s best friend, Sookie. The clip above also features Chad Michael Murray as arrogant Tristan – he later starred in his own show, another marathon favorite: One Tree Hill. 

Starring Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Melissa McCarthy, Jared Padalecki and Scott Gordon-Patterson. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino.

3. THE O.C. (2003-2007)

The O.C. follows a troubled youth and his entry into high society at Newport Beach, Orange County, California. Taken in by the dysfunctional Cohen family, his adventures begin the moment he meets the beautiful Marissa Cooper and her wild group of friends.

 

What we loved about it:  The quirky characters, the love arcs, the bromance, and the drama – not to mention the music! Don’t tell us you’re not hearing Phantom Planet’s “California” in your head right now. Great songs from acts like Death Cab for Cutie, Alexi Murdoch, and Imogen Heap all had amazing music moments during the show’s run.

Starring Mischa Barton, Adam Brody, Rachel Bilson, Ben McKenzie, Tate Donovan, and Peter Gallagher. Created by Josh Schwartz. 

4. HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (2005-2014) 

The series begins with future Ted Mosby telling his kids the story of how he met their mother. From here, the show chronicles the events of current day Ted as he searches for the woman of his dreams in New York City, along with friends Marshall, Lily, Robin, and Barney.

 

What we loved about it:  There’s a long list of memorable moments here, but we think the friendships are at the heart of the story. Just a few memorable moments: Marshall and Ted sitting on the steps after Lily left Marshall in season 1, Ted and the blue French horn in season 1 episode 1, Robin Sparkles – and let’s not forget the long list of guest stars, from Katy Perry to Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt.

Starring Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris, and Alyson Hannigan. Created by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas.

5. THAT ‘70S SHOW (1998-2006)

Set in 1970s Wisconsin, USA, the show was about the typical problems that high school student Eric Forman and his band of friends encounter on a regular basis – during a much groovier period, of course.

 

What we loved about it:  The dry humor and interesting cast of characters made for a good laugh each episode (raise your hand if you think Kitty and Red were the best part!). Plus, who doesn’t love the fact that Jackie and Kelso ended up together in real life (they’re now expecting, too)?

Starring Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Topher Grace, Wilmer Valderrama, Danny Masterson, and Laura Prepon. Created by Mark Brazill, Bonnie Turner, and Terry Turner.

MOVIES

1. THE BREAKFAST CLUB (1985)

Five high school kids, one Saturday in detention, and a high school library. They enter as the Jock, the Rebel, the Beauty, the Brain, and the Recluse, but together, they leave as the Breakfast Club.   

 

What we loved about it: The Breakfast tried to go beyond the stereotypes, plus it was both funny and strikingly honest, without trying too hard. Also, we love the film for one great musical moment: “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” by Simple Minds. Almost 30 years later, the song also figured in another hit movie, Pitch Perfect.

Starring Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, and Anthony Michael Hall. Written and directed by John Hughes.

2. PRETTY IN PINK  (1986)

Another 80s favorite, Pretty in Pink is a coming-of-age story about an outsider who falls for the popular rich boy, and her goofy best friend who has been secretly and hopelessly in love with her all along.

 

What we loved about it: Adolescent insecurities, high school hierarchy, young love – who can resist?

Starring Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, Andrew McCarthy, and James Spader. Written by John Hughes. Directed by Howard Deutch. 

3. SIXTEEN CANDLES (1984) 

Sixteen Candles is the story of Samantha Baker and the less-than-ideal events that surround her sixteenth birthday. Stuck in an odd love triangle between the cutest guy in school and the class geek, she struggles to come to terms with high school life and growing up.

 

What we loved about it: The 80s fashion, more Molly Ringwald, and a look at both John and Joan Cusack in their early careers.  

Starring Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Michael Schoeffling, John Cusack, and Joan Cusack. Written and directed by John Hughes.

4. CAN’T BUY ME LOVE (1987)

Spirited but nerdy high school student Ronald Miller decides he’s fed up with being an outcast, and pays the most popular girl in school to date him. His plan proves successful and his popularity skyrockets, but soon, the consequences prove to be a bit too much to handle.

 

What we loved about it: Did we mention teenaged Patrick Dempsey played the lead? If seeing one of Hollywood’s dreamiest celebs during his awkward years isn’t enough to get you watching, we don’t know what is.

Starring Patrick Dempsey, Amanda Peterson, Courtney Gains, and Seth Green. Written by Michael Swerdlick. Directed by Steve Rash. 

5. SAY ANYTHING (1989)

A story about a misguided teen and his efforts to win the heart of the beautiful and quiet brainiac, Say Anything is yet another movie about young love against the odds.  

 

What we loved about it: More than just about a boy winning over a girl, it was about love flourishing against the backdrop of the difficulties in life. And few teen movies can compete with that iconic boom box scene, too, which was completed by the perfect song: Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes.”

Starring John Cusack, Ione Skye, John Mahoney, Jeremy Piven, and Joan Cusack. Written and directed by Cameron Crowe.

Will you be out and about or will you be staying in during the weekend? What’s on your list of DVDs to watch? Let us know in the comments below. – with reports from Marga Andrews/Rappler.com