Here’s my Top Ten Guilty-Pleasure Films. They aren’t necessarily Oscar-Award worthy, but I could easily watch these glorious films in a never ending loop. All I’d probably need are some good snacks and a box of tissues at the ready. Let the countdown begin!
- (500) Days of Summer [2009]
I adore this film for its honest portrayal of a relationship from the euphoric peaks to the devastating lows. One of the many reasons it deserves a place on this list, is for the amazing break out musical moment. After Joseph Gordon Levitt’s character has just had sex with Summer, he’s joined by dancing strangers in the street, a marching band and an animated bird to the tune of ‘You Make My Dreams Come True’! I’d be lying if I said that I wouldn’t want to re-enact something like this at one point in my life…somehow.
- Chicago [2002]
I know this film, centred around two murderers on death-row, polarised audiences. But I am proudly one of its avid fans: the sensational pairing of Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones and that Kander and Ebb score! It’s just sensational. My favourite character has to be Amos, played ardently by John C. Reilly. His number Mister Cellophane, where he woefully laments his invisibility, is just heart-breaking. All I want to do is give him a hug.
- Silver Linings Playbook [2012]
It’s not often that mental illness is portrayed so well on-screen. The resolve of our protagonist, Pat, played by Bradley Cooper is awe-inspiring. His belief that ‘if you stay positive, you have a shot at a Silver Lining’ has stuck with me ever since the first time I saw it. Jennifer Lawrence’s performance was also brilliant and of course won her the Best Female Lead Academy Award that year. If anyone wants to enter into a dance competition with me, let me know ok?
- It’s a Wonderful Life [1946]
I urge anyone who hasn’t watched ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ to do so. Some profoundly moving messages are simply delivered in this black and white 1946 classic. We follow a down and out man who learns that although this life may be crazy and chaotic, it’s also quite wonderful too. Although I only discovered it recently, it now holds a dear place in my heart. For those of you who haven’t watched it yet, don’t click on the following clip! But for those of you who have, here’s the beautiful ending scene.
‘If you ever want to feel rich, just count all the gifts you have that money can’t buy’.
- Les Miserables in Concert: 25th Anniversary [2010]
My obsession with this Anniversary Concert version of Les Miserables was at one point very unhealthy. Despite its 3 hour running time, I once watched it through and immediately replayed it all they way through again in the one sitting. I just can’t get enough of those superb voices (except for Nick Jonas and Matt Lucas, but we’ll forgive them). Norm Lewis as Javert was such a great casting choice, why Russell Crowe was chosen for the film instead of Norm, I’ll never know. If you’re in any doubt of this man’s talent, I’m sure the following clip will change your mind. What I wouldn’t give for a proper version of ‘The Confrontation’ in a cast recording.
- When Harry Met Sally [1989]
This Nora Ephron classic is just too good and it’s such a guilty pleasure of mine. There are so many fantastic moments from Meg Ryan’s fake orgasm to Billy Crystal singing ‘Surrey With the Fringe On Top’. My favourite of all has to be that ending scene. Again, if you haven’t watched this yet (if not, what have you been doing with your life?) please don’t spoil it by watching the following clip. At this point, I have it all memorised so could also re-enact it for you.
‘You see, that is just like you Harry. You say things like that and you make it impossible for me to hate you. And I hate you Harry… I really hate you’
- Hunchback of Notre Dame [1996]
This surprisingly dark Disney film stands out as being one of their best productions for multiple reasons. We have a protagonist, Quasimodo, who is not your typical charming Disney prince, but an outcast who has lived an isolated life in a bell-tower. We have a fantastic heroine in Esmeralda who does not need saving from a prince and also fiercely stands up for what she believes in. There’s so many other things to unpack but the fact that it plays well to young audiences and adults alike makes it a universal and timeless piece. One of my favourite numbers in this fantastic score, has to be ‘A Guy Like You’ delivered by the hilarious gargoyles, Victor, Hugo and Laverne.
- Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story [2004]
I don’t think I’ve seen a film which has made me laugh harder than Dodgeball. It’s got a great ensemble comedic cast, led by Vince Vaughan. Although it’s rich with brilliant one-liners, it also surprisingly has a lot of heart. I think everyone loves a film where you support the underdog and it sweeps me up every single time.
‘Necessary? Is it necessary for me to drink my own urine? No, but I do it anyway because it’s sterile and I like the taste.’
- Liberal Arts [2012]
How can I explain by undying admiration for this film? Is it the relatable and incredibly moving story arcs or the endearing performances by Josh Radnor and Elizabeth Olsen. There is so much to this film that I could unpack, and I intend to a full post on this relatively soon. But for writer/director Josh Radnor, I’d say this is a near perfect film in my eyes. One of my favourite scenes, the Caterpillar scene, takes place between Zac Efron and Josh Radnor.
- Love Actually [2003]
Deciding first place for me was a no-brainer. As a December baby, Christmas is my favourite time of year and my Christmas would be incomplete without at least one viewing of Love Actually. What’s not to love about this film. From the outstanding cast, to the emotional story lines, Christmas films just don’t get better than this one. It never fails to make smile, laugh and cry. Picking out a single favourite scene was too difficult, so I’ve picked two instead. Enjoy!
Thanks for reading! Let me know some of the films you love to watch multiple times in the comments below! Also brb while I go and watch all of these now.
myfairtheatregoer.com 
It is the Les Misérables (2012) film that I have listened to so many times- who knows how many.
After the first viewing- I did not know if I even liked it- I called it TOO DEPRESSING. Then gave it a 2nd chance March 2013. That is when my love for Les Mis truly began. I only have owned the film for 5 years and watched it so many times and still am an emotional wreck watching it.
If the 25th anniversary concert film was a bit shorter- it would be following the same cycle. If I am in the mood for Les Mis and there was enough time, this would be on. Even this leaves me an emotional wreck. This has been watched maybe 20-30 times or something like that.
So I am an obsessed Les Mis fan.
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Wow another Les Mis fan hi there! Thanks for your comment 😀 I was fairly impressed by the 2012 film but only watched it once, but after what you’ve said I might need to revisit it … I loved how it took a show which I thought I knew pretty well through the cast recording and delivered it in such a way that it felt new to me. It worked well on the screen and did some interesting things that wouldn’t have been possible on stage. I really enjoyed Sacha Baron Cohen’s and Samantha Barks’ performances. I know this has been said to death but I was just so disappointed by Russell Crowe that I suppose that’s the main reason why I haven’t re-visited it. Also the 25th Anniversary concert is really for when you want to soak in that beautiful score and really needs a cast recording but I suppose it’s too late for that 😦
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My journey with Les Mis began with the film. I was kind of unsure entering the film. After Fantine died, I was thinking “wait, Les Mis is TRAGIC, musical aren’t supposed to be TRAGIC”. I was shocked and confused. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know how to respond. I wasn’t able to really respond to the rest of the film. By the end, I really did not know if I liked Les Mis or not, I almost thought it was TOO DEPRESSING. Despite that, I started researching Les Mis anyways and requested the songs on Pandora. Something must have struck a chord on me if I did all of that, but I was confused a bit.
The 2nd time- I do not know why I watched it a 2nd time one bit. I gave it a 2nd chance. I was able to calm down. I think this is when I realized it was uplifting. The tragedy did not come as much of a surprise.
By summer 2013, I was obsessed. So I had a rocky start to Les Mis. So November 2013, I was able to watch the stage show for the first time: I was still a student at Central Piedmont Community College- they were doing a production of Les Mis- I watched it once and ushered twice for that.
Then two years later- I saw it in the West End- my family went up to England for a pilgrimage since our family church choir was in residence at Bristol Cathedral. We went up two days early since the pilgrimage started in London- in those early days, my mom took me to Les Mis in London- a dream fulfilled.
2017- saw Les Mis on tour, my 5th time.
So in a short period of time, saw Les Mis 5 times. Les Mis turned my previous love of musicals into a passion.
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Wow interesting story! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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I still have no idea what made me decide to give Les Mis a 2nd chance to begin with, but glad I did
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