Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Top 15 Movies that Demand Repeat Viewings


Most great movies get better with subsequent viewings. But why? Is it because of their raw, unique narration? The advancement of their humor? Or even the slightly diluted shock of their violence? For whatever reason(s), the films below are the 15 I think most demand a second viewing. And a third. And a fourth. And on and on.

Head over to Movie Mezzanine to view the full list

25 comments:

  1. Nice list. A big one I think you left out was Blade Runner. Blade Runner was actually one of the first films to show the benefit of repeat viewings and how much more you learn from them.
    -Dan

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    1. Oh I definitely considered Blade Runner, but, funnily enough, I am in serious need of a rewatch. To be honest, that movie's distribution frustrates me. I'm at a complete loss as to which version I should be watching. There are like, what, four of them now?

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    2. Just about except there's barely any difference between the international version and the theatrical. For me the final cut is definitely the definitive version but the other versions are worth watching just to see the film's history. There's actually a small group of people who still prefer the voice over narration in the original theatrical release (Guillermo del Toro being one of them)

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    3. See man, that's what I'm talking about haha, so damn many. I'm not a big enough fan to crush out all of 'em, so I'll seek out the Final Cut really soon. I honestly have been wanting to give it another go.

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    4. Pretty much any version outside of the theatrical one (with Ford's horrible narration and forced happy ending) is fine. There are many versions they'll differ a tad, all the problems with the theatrical cut are taken care of in all subsequent releases. Final cut probably is your best bet.

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    5. Ok cool, thanks for the clarification. I actually think I've only seen the theatrical cut.

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  2. Nice picks! Pulp Fiction is probably my most rewatchable film too. My list would also include Memento, along with varied picks like Fargo, Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland, and The Wizard of Oz.

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    1. Thanks! I think most any Coen brothers film could be here. There's always more to see in their films. Love your zombie-inspired picks :)

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  3. Ah! I only rewatch movies if I thoroughly enjoy them. That puts the entire Lord of the rings trilogy and The Dark Knight trilogy right up there. If only this were included TV Shows....Arrested Development would make it right to the very top!

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    1. Good stuff! Part of the fun, for me, in rewatching a film is trying to see if I'll actually like it more, which is what happened with a number of the flicks above. But yeah, nothing better than rewatching something you love.

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  4. One of my biggest criteria on what makes a "great film," for me is actually how much it rewards rewatching - if I love a film on first viewing but it doesn't stand up to deeper analysis/rewatches then I tend to downgrade my opinion of it accordingly (I don't expect everyone to agree with this idea!).

    That said, one of the films on your list I'd agree is great - or at least, very good - but I don't know if I could watch it more than once. I'm talking about Irreversible; I don't know if I could handle that gutpunch of a film again anytime soon.

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    1. That's a big aspect for me to like a film as well. That and staying power. As in, how long does it stay in my mind after watching it.

      Irreversible is damn rough, there's no debating that. I was speaking from personal experience there - rewatching that film really did make me appreciate it.

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  5. Totally agree with Pulp Fiction and Memento. (The latter I really need to watch again) but I don't know if I could sit through Irreversible once, let alone several times. I'm afraid to watch it.

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    1. It's a rough ride, Irreversible. But revisiting it and being aware of the horrors that are coming sort of numbs the pain, if that makes sense. I actually think it is one of the most tragically beautiful films ever made.

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  6. That list seems just about perfect, except I haven't rewatched JFK, The Big Lebowski, Mulholland Drive, or Irreversible yet. Also, I need to see Primer. The Big Lebowski is an interesting choice, as I wasn't that impressed on a first viewing. I guess I do need to give it another look.

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    1. Ohh man I'm telling you, the humor in Lebowski is so... evolved, if that makes sense. That movie really does it funnier and funnier with subsequent viewings.

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  7. The one list where I've seen most of your choices! I so glad Double life of Veronique made it on, I only recently discovered Kieslowski and man I can't get enough of the guy's work. His characters are so complex and scenes perfectly composed that the dense narratives become eerily hypnotic. Always something new to grab onto in film, I would add Blade Runner, the Fountain, There Will be Blood, 8 1/2 and A Prophet to name a few. Great List as always.

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    1. Nice! Such a lovely description of Kieślowski's work there. He really was a master, wasn't he?

      Love your picks as well. Had it popped into my head, 8 1/2 would've definitely made the cut.

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  8. Interesting list. I'd never watch "Irreversible" again though. Never. Ugly, ugly movie. Gaspar almost painted himself into a corner with that one! Can he make anything worse? Well, his recent effort, which I refuse to see, is just plain ole porn. Only "Seule Contre Tous" grabbed me. Tough watch, but well worth it for the hard, raw truth it tells.

    Thanks.

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    1. Well, we clearly disagree about Noé's work (I think Irreversible and Love are perfect films), but that's okay. I appreciate your comment all the same!

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  9. Also, almost anything by Tarkovsky is worth multiple viewings.

    Thanks again.

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  10. Dracula from 1979, because of the brilliant Frank Langella, and the romantic twist he gave to the story. Ina

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    1. Oh nice call there. I need to see that film again.

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    2. My nomination would be for Hitchcock's 'Vertigo!

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