Now that our summer looks to be a rainy one, we can’t think of a better way to while away the lazy, in-between period that stretches from Christmas to the new year than sitting down to a great movie with friends and family. 

We love a great TV series with lots of seasons that can keep us entertained for days, and sometimes watching just one movie isn't enough. If you want to continue the series for as long as possible why not opt for an epic movie franchise?

If it’s cloudy outside or you just need some good old downtime, snuggle up on the sofa with a throw blanket and some snacks and get ready for some escapism.

Whether you'd prefer to get stuck into a fantasy saga like Harry Potter or a romcom series like To All the Boys I've loved Before to boost your mood, we've compiled a movie marathon list with some of our favourites to cue up on streaming platforms like Netflix and Stan this summer.    

7 Movie Marathons to Watch Online

1. Harry Potter 

There’s something about Harry Potter and Christmas that just go together, right? The eight films in the franchise all have a Christmas scene, complete with hand-knitted jumpers and sweet treats and festive season feasts, which certainly helps. But they’re also stories of magic and family and connection, which is what Christmas is all about. You have added incentive to work your way through the movies this year, because on 1 January a very special Harry Potter reunion episode will air on Binge, bringing the original cast together for the first time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first film. How time flies!

Where can I watch it? Binge

2. Lord Of The Rings

We also can’t help but associate Christmas with Lord of the Rings, partly because the original films all premiered on Boxing Day and we have such strong memories of trotting off to the cinema with our families to see them. Now, a Lord of the Rings movie marathon feels like the perfect thing to do one lazy summer weekend. Our advice is to skip the later The Hobbit films and focus on the original trilogy, but make sure you watch the extended versions. Sure, they’ll make your marathon a little longer, but they’re so much better. 

Where can I watch it? Stan

3. The Matrix 

All three films in The Matrix franchise are available to binge as part of a movie marathon on Netflix, which is perfect timing because the fourth film, a reboot that reunites stars Keanu Reeves and Carrie Ann Moss with a new crew including Jessica Henwick and Priyanka Chopra, is in cinemas on Boxing Day. The Matrix is one of those sci-fi franchises that was way ahead of its time when it premiered all the way back in the ‘90s. The fight scenes are epic, the leather trousers are incredible and the soundtrack is techno-fabulous. It’s everyone’s cup of tea, but if you love action and science fiction, this one will be a fun marathon to binge.

Where can I watch it? Netflix

4. Father of the Bride 

Now, for something completely different. When was the last time you watched the Father of the Bride series? Because they’re all available over on Disney+, and if you’ve been as charmed as we have been this year watching Steve Martin and Martin Short in Only Murders In The Building, also on Disney+, then it’s definitely time to revisit Father of the Bride. These romantic comedies are just so gorgeous, written by Nancy Meyers and directed by her then husband, Charles Shyer, and full of light and love. The performances from stars Martin and Diane Keaton are perfect, and the hijinx make this a perfect, light-hearted rom-com binge. Just heaven. 

Where can I watch it? Disney+

5. James Bond 

What about something a little more glamorous? We’re not suggesting you watch every James Bond film, that would be crazy, especially given that there are 25 now. But since Daniel Craig’s last Bond film No Time To Die is in cinemas, maybe it’s time to watch all five of his films together, starting with Casino Royale, his first and his best, and maybe the best of the whole franchise. Craig’s journey as James Bond has been stylish and slick, and between Casino Royale and Skyfall, comprise at least two of the franchise’s best films. Pretty chic and cool viewing for a weekend spent on the couch. 

Where can I watch it? Itunes

6. Indiana Jones 

We love the Indiana Jones movies. Yes, even the last one. They’re just so charming and fun, perfect family viewing if you have younger audience members to consider, and they make us dream of travelling to Egypt and beyond. Harrison Ford stars as archaeology professor slash explorer Indiana Jones, and in later films he is joined by Sean Connery as his father. These movies are super silly and full of quippy lines and funny stunts, and we love them all the more for it. 

Where can I watch it? Netflix

7. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before 

Nothing like a sweet, teen romcom binge to get you through a summer weekend. The To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy on Netflix are some of the sweetest films we’ve ever seen, and no matter how many times we watch this tale of Lara Jean Covey and Peter Kavinsky, high school sweethearts brought together because of a fake relationship plot – surely one of the best tropes in romcom history – it doesn’t get old. We always swoon everytime we watch the three films in this franchise, and at around 90 minutes each, all together they make for a perfect afternoon binge. 

Where can I watch it? Netflix

Enjoyed this? Here are 11 Beach Reads to Keep You Entertained This Summer