We’re all supposed to be staying inside right now, in case you didn’t know. With most places closing for a few weeks, including movie theaters, it’s easy to feel like there’s nothing to do. But luckily we live in an age where we have access to a lifetime’s worth of movies at our fingertips. So while you’re social distancing, I figure I’d share a list of some movies you can watch to pass time. Grab your snacks, drinks and your favorite chair. Get yourself cozy and secure in your home and maybe enjoy one of these fine films.
The Purge (2013)
The Purge is set in a world where once a year all crime is legal for twelve hours. Yes, that includes murder. Starring Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey, the first film in the series follows a family on purge night. As they’re hiding in their home, the son of the family lets in a stranger, with a mob of purgers chasing him. The family must then survive purge night as their home is invaded by purgers. This is only the first movie in The Purge series, as it’s followed by four movie sequels (one still upcoming) and two seasons of a Purge tv show.
House On Haunted HIll (1999)
Starring the talents of Geoffrey Rush, Famke Janssen, Ali Larter, Taye Diggs and Chirs Kattan House on Haunted Hill follows a group of strangers invited to a party at an abandoned insane asylum. If they manage to last the entire night, they’ll win $1,000,00. Before anyone can leave and forfeit their prize, the security system is tripped locking everyone in the asylum. Which unknown to them is haunted. This one is a bit of a two-for-one, you can watch this “modern” remake, or opt for the original 1959 film, starring Vincent Price.
10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)
With the outside air too dangerous to breathe, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is trapped in an underground bunker with the man who saved her and another captive man. A very tense movie follows as doubts are cast whether the outside world is gone, or Howard (John Goodman) has more sinister things in mind. With excellent performances from each actor, 10 Cloverfield Lane will make you feel the tension in the air.
Rec (2007)/Quarantine (2008)
This is kind of cheating, but kind of not. Rec is the original 2007 Spanish found footage horror movie. Quarantine is the 2008 American remake of that movie. Except for some minor changes to characters and stories, both movies are essentially the same. A news reporter and her cameraman are following a fire department on the night shift. When they’re called to an apartment building, they’re attacked by an elderly woman. Without warning the occupants of the building, including the reporter and emergency services, are quarantined in the building. With an illness spreading through the building, the survivors must defend themselves against those infected. Genuinely one of the best of the found footage genre, both movies offer an intense, personal perspective at the “zombie/infected” genre.
Paranormal Activity (2009)
Moving into a new home together, Katie tells her boyfriend Micah she’s been haunted since she was a child. Micah sets up a camera to record any paranormal activity that might occur while they’re asleep. Starting with the mundane jingling of keys, things escalate as Michah taunts the demon and things get worse for the couple. Paranormal Activity is one of the tentpole films of the found footage genre. Both in its intents to scare viewers, and in its success as an independently made movie, grossing $193 million dollars on a budget of $15,000.
Home Alone (1990)
A Christmas classic that is perfectly acceptable to watch outside of the Christmas season! Everyone knows the story to home alone, even if you’ve never actually seen it. The McCallister family is going on vacation for Christmas, but in their rush leaving for the airport, they leave behind eight-year-old Kevin. With his family gone and the house to himself, Kevin must defend the home against two burglars. With classic performances from Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Daniel Stern, Home Alone is a perfect movie to sit and enjoy with the family.
