Movie marathons — my go-to activity when I inevitably get the flu every January or my family’s beloved Christmas day tradition. Movie marathons are a commitment and if done improperly, can be a huge waste of time. If you’ve made the decision to sit in front of your TV all day with family and friends, you might as well make it worth your while. As a pro movie marathoner, I thought I would come up with some ideas that have helped enhance my experience. I encourage you to try them out to elevate your movie marathon experience!

Just accept it

My first tip is to just accept it. Just accept that it’s going to be a lazy day or night. I hear a lot of people say they can’t watch movies because they feel guilty for spending so much time not being productive. Not only is that actually the most annoying thing I’ve ever heard, but it also exposes a larger problem. If you’re going to watch a movie, watch the movie. If you don’t fully commit yourself of course you will feel guilty about it. Making it a plan and accepting that it’s going to be your activity for the day will make you enjoy it much more.

Attire

Dress in your comfiest clothes, but I also recommend bringing layers. If you’re watching a movie series that leaves you on cliffhangers, chances are that the adrenaline will start pumping and you may even start to break a bit of a sweat. Also, this is so random, but I always like watching movies after I’ve showered. It makes me feel refreshed and a bit more awake, but that’s just a personal preference. Be prepared to fall asleep at any point during or after your movie marathon, so do your dishes, wash your face, lock your doors and settle in. 

Environmental factors

Bring lots of blankets, pillows or comfy people to lay on. Create an environment that you want to spend the next five or so hours in. Maybe turn off all of the lights and light a candle to create a nice and relaxing ambiance. Additionally, choose the people you are going to invite wisely. If you’re a talker, invite other talkers. If even the slightest crunch of popcorn angers you, maybe just make this a solo activity.  

Foods

This is the most crucial part of your movie marathon experience. The food honestly makes or breaks it for me. This is your time to really indulge. I always get my favorite meal along with many little snacks and some sort of caffeinated drink. I also recommend having water on hand so you can stay hydrated. While I do love junk food as much as the next person, maybe include some of your favorite fruits to make you feel refreshed after the many snacks you will eat. 

I know school just started and it may feel like your workload is already increasing exponentially, but hopefully, you and some of your friends (or new roommates) can take some time to watch your favorite movies. It’s okay to not be productive all the time — that’s totally unreasonable anyways. Watching movies is a fun way to take your mind off a lot of the stressors and hardships of everyday life. I hope these tips gave you some new ideas for your next movie marathon or even inspire you to have your first movie marathon with your friends!