How to Binge Watch Seven Movies in a Row

I watch a lot of movies, and when I tell people just how many, they are usually agog. My average is between 200-300 films a year, each having to last at least an hour and twenty minutes. Many of my readers, and friends, ask me just how do I watch so many films, and where do I find the time? Honestly, you can do anything you want if you make it a priority: reading, cleaning, taking up a new hobby, or exercising. Films are somewhat tricky compared to other activities because movies take a considerable amount of time. Besides that obvious problem, film watching can become wearisome if you’re being bogged down in the symbolism, mis-en-scene, and contextual history of all those films.

When I have an entire day to myself, sometimes I binge films, because during the rest of the week I can’t seem to find the time. In these situations I sometimes try to beat my existing record, which at this moment stands at seven films in a row. Those who want to watch more quality films have said they could never binge because it’s so tiring and it’s such a sedentary activity. This article will help all those without the stamina and drive of us hardcore film geeks. Below I have listed some helpful tips on how to surf the couch, so to speak, and experience the majesty of cinema. For this list we’re only looking at the situational issues of watching films in your own home, because film festivals and movie theaters are their own minefields.

Watch Alone

Even the best friends in the world can be the worst distractions. Between their incessant need to use the restroom, get or make food, and their constant questions, friends often distract from the movie going experience, and make it that much harder to truly binge watch. If you’re simply watching a couple films together, or making your way through a trilogy (like Star Wars perhaps) it’s not quite as difficult, but if you’re going for five or even seven, isolation is key.

Start Early

If you’ve done the math thus far, you will realize that watching seven films, or even five films, takes a long time. We’re talking early morning until late at night. The day I watched seven films I started at nine thirty that morning and ended around ten that night; and each film lasted for an hour and a half. If you’re unsure of what movies you want to watch perhaps you should plan them out the day before or early that morning so you can reach your ultimate goal.

Don’t Watch Anything too Cerebral or Complex

If you truly love film than you love it all: slapstick comedies, social problem documentaries, Blaxploitation, and everything in between. When you binge films you especially want to watch the very best of the best, so your day isn’t completely wasted. Honestly that is a rookie move. You can still watch some seriously great films without ending the day with a migraine. Don’t turn to silent films, foreign films, surrealist films, European art films, or anything that challenges you intellectually. You will not be able to process and digest these films if you watch them five in a row, and that isn’t fair to you the viewer, or the movie in general. Instead watch films that are good, but won’t drain you. I generally watch a documentary, maybe a classic children’s film I haven’t seen, a biopic, some cult films, and one bad film that generally entertains. These will make for an easier viewing experience and will still be worth the time.

Change Viewing Platforms or the Room You’re in.

Sitting in the same room for so many hours can be frustrating and a bit depressing. If you really want to go the distance you need to shift spaces or try different ways of watching. When I am bingeing I try to use multiple apps to feel like I am watching from a wide array of choices. Shifting between Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO GO, DVDs, Hulu, and any other form of entertainment (Redbox, library DVDs, and rentals) will enable you to feel like you are shifting, and makes it a bit more exciting, because you don’t know the films you will end up seeing. Going between rooms also helps because it breaks up the monotony, so if you can move between the living room, bedroom, or other areas of your home, do so.

Take a Couple of Breaks.

Don’t be afraid to take several five to twenty minute breaks. Go for a walk. Take a long shower. Make some really great food, or get a snack for the viewing experience. If you’re the kind of person who cannot deal with sitting for long periods of time, and this experience is more about watching certain films, than you’re going to have to plan out the run-times in conjunction with breaks that serve to keep you from getting fidgety.

Don’t be Afraid to throw in a Mindless Bit of Fun.

Like I said above, I completely advocate for throwing in something not too cerebral or even that good. If you feel like watching a Vince Vaughan comedy, that you know is absolutely terrible but you desperately want to see, watch it. If you’re seriously feeling a certain film but you’ve just watched a similar one, watch it. That is the mentality you need to keep in mind when bingeing, because if you self-judge, or start to question the viewing choices you are making you will twist yourself up and not end up watching the amount of films you want. Just follow your instincts and realize it’s about having fun and watching what you want. Many times I have surprised myself by watching something that I thought would be terrible but became one of my favorite films.

Somewhat Occupy your Mind

If you can’t sit through a film by itself, find an outside form of entertainment. Don’t spend the entire film on your phone or lap top, because that’s too distracting, but find an activity or hobby to do in conjunction to the movie. Oftentimes I try to do something that I have been putting off, so the time is not wasted. This usually involves painting my nails, using my adult coloring book, or doing inane tasks like folding laundry or crocheting. Again, don’t let it completely take your attention away from what’s onscreen, because then there’s no point in you watching the film in the first place, but also don’t become bogged down for seven and a half hours, because though the fatigue is unavoidable, it can be manageable.

The main reason I wrote this essay/article is because people consistently think they need to watch a lot of great movies, but they don’t actually want to sit and watch them all in succession. This is totally understandable. When I first heard that Roger Ebert watched between 300-500 movies a year, putting him at 10,000 for his entire lifetime of reviewing, my head started to spin. The thought crosses your mind, “Oh my God I have seen five Ernest films but not a single Bresson,” and you doubt your entire credentials as a film critic; but honestly even that is completely forgivable. Film criticism and enjoyment is not about watching the strangest, most avant-garde, or critically acclaimed films. Every film has taught me something, whether that be the remake of “Swept Away,” or the classic “Apocalypse Now.” No matter how you watch, hopefully it will bring something favorable to your life and let you watch some films that will stay with you for the rest of your life.