Ten great rainy day movie marathon ideas

With a status orange weather alert throughout much of the country, it’s a great opportunity to settle down with loved ones, grab some popcorn and enjoy a marathon of movies. Here are our favourite things to binge watch...

Follow Frodo and friends through Middle Earth

What better way to ignore the miserable weather outside than to travel to another world and join a misfit band of heroes on an epic quest in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Make a full day of it by watching the extended editions.

If you're feeling up to it, finish off with the two Hobbit movies. It's the perfect way to prepare for the release of the final film in the series,  The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.

Take a trip on the Hogwarts Express

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is sure to take your mind off the rain beating against the window. Start with the Philosopher's Stone and follow Harry and his friends through eight films as he encounters news mysteries and battles old enemies.

A series of rom-coms

If you'd rather enjoy a romantic movie or three, try a classic such as Notting Hill or Love Actually.

A firm favourite of ours is About Time, a heartwarming film about love, family and, of course, time travel.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

You really can't go wrong with classic Star Wars on a rainy day. Put on Episode IV: A New Hope and carrry on in chronological order.

Look for the Bear Necessities

Take a trip down memory lane with Disney. Whether young or old, you're guaranteed to enjoy yourself. Sing along with Baloo in The Jungle Book, play with Woody and Buzz in the  Toy Story trilogy or be blown away by Elsa in Frozen. You're sure to please everyone with this choice.

Yippee-ki-yay!

Have an adrenaline-filled evening with Die Hard. Root for John McClane as he fights various baddies in five films, and enjoy the ridiculous but amazing action scenes.

Superheroes and supervillains

Superhero films have never been better. Pick any recent Marvel films, such as The Avengers for a night of actiion, laughter, romance and revenge. There's something for everyone in these films.

Laugh-out-loud comedies

Fancy a day of belly laughs? Set aside a few hours for Bridesmaids, Easy A, Anchorman or Zoolander.

Jane Austin classics

For something a little different, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, or the perpetual favourite, Pride and Prejudice are a fine choice for a rainy day for any fan of classic literature. The stormy weather will be perfect for  that iconic Colin Firth scene.

Tearjerkers

Sometimes you just need a good cry. Cuddle up under a blanket and have tissues to hand to help you through Marley and Me, My Sister's Keeper and the first 10 minutes of Up (the rest of the film will cheer you up).

What are your favourite rainy day movies?