Planning the Ultimate Movie Marathon: 15 Franchises to Binge
A weekend movie marathon is the perfect way to unwind. Whether you're solo or with friends, choosing the right franchise can make all the difference. Below are 15 fantastic franchises, complete with estimated runtimes to help you plan your cinematic adventure.
1. Planet of the Apes:
With the recent release of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, now's the ideal time for a sci-fi binge. Ten films in total, spanning multiple timelines, offer a substantial (two-day) viewing experience. Alternatively, focus on the prequel trilogy for a shorter, single-day marathon.
2. X-Men:
Before the MCU, there were the X-Men. This franchise boasts 13 films, including Deadpool and Wolverine. While the chronological order is complex, a shorter binge is possible by focusing solely on the Wolverine storyline. Excluding Deadpool, the total runtime is just over 22 hours.
3. Fast and Furious:
From humble racing beginnings to space-faring adventures, the Fast and Furious saga now spans 13 films. This action-packed marathon clocks in at nearly 23.5 hours.
4. Lord of the Rings:
A classic choice, the original Lord of the Rings trilogy remains a timeless favorite. Including The Hobbit trilogy and the Rings of Power series significantly extends the viewing time. The six feature films alone require approximately 19.5 hours.
5. Star Wars:
The ever-expanding Star Wars universe currently includes 11 movies, with more on the horizon. The live-action films alone comprise over 25 hours of viewing.
6. Pirates of the Caribbean:
Five films featuring the iconic Jack Sparrow, this franchise offers a manageable, one-day marathon of just over 12 hours.
7. Jurassic Park:
Six feature films, plus shorts and an animated series, make up the Jurassic Park/World franchise. The combined runtime of the films is just over 10 hours.
8. Indiana Jones:
Five films spanning decades, the Indiana Jones franchise offers a concise, one-day marathon of slightly over 10 hours.
9. The Conjuring Universe:
Nine films and five shorts make up this extensive horror universe. A weekend is sufficient to conquer this marathon, clocking in at just under 14.5 hours.
10. Transformers:
Eight films filled with action and Michael Bay's signature style. This marathon will occupy approximately 18.5 hours, ideal for a two-day binge.
11. Harry Potter:
Eight core films, plus the Fantastic Beasts prequels, offer a magical journey. The main series alone takes just under 20 hours.
12. Alien:
Nine films, including Predator crossovers and prequels, comprise the Alien franchise. A space-horror marathon of slightly over 17 hours (or 14 hours excluding the crossovers).
13. Scream:
Six films of self-aware horror, perfect for an October binge. The total runtime is just over 11.5 hours.
14. James Bond:
A marathon of epic proportions! 26 films across seven actors total over 54 hours. A more manageable option is to focus on a single Bond's era (e.g., Daniel Craig's films, approximately 7 hours 40 minutes).
15. The Hunger Games:
Five films, including the prequel, offer a dystopian adventure. The entire series clocks in at just over 11.5 hours.
Remember to factor in breaks, snacks, and bathroom trips when planning your marathon! Enjoy the show!
