Generally speaking, movies that fit the OP’s criteria must be “cable favorites”, programmed by multiple channels countless times a day, day after day, for years.
Overboard was the quintessential cable favorite, and is one of the most re-watchable movies ever made. I’ve probably seen it 100 times, but I could watch it 100 more, easily.
Outbreak is another. Always on. Always good.
Crocodile Dundee is possibly the worst quality movie that fits in this category. So watchable; so much cheesy goodness.
As several posters have already mentioned, Groundhog Day not only fits the bill to a tee, but has also usurped Overboard’s status as all-time cable favorite. Possibly the finest cable favorite ever released. I don’t need no stinkin’ Lost In Translation or River’s Edge to appreciate Bill Murray’s acting chops. He was in rare form in Groundhog Day.
I attribute this to “me, too” syndrome, at least with myself. If I’m sitting at home watching a dvd, I’m alone and watching a movie. If I’m watching it on tv, I know that there are thousands of people around the US watching it with me. It’s a party!
As for my movies, I’d say …
Fargo (“Drop that foolin’ money!”)
Back to the Future
Shawshank Redemption
Office Space
My most comforting movie is Stuart Saves His Family. I also like to watch Bridget Jones over and over.
I’ve seen **Shallow Hal ** more than my fair share of times but under ten I’m proud to say. That’s more because I am obsessed with Jack Black than any sensible reason.
My father is a huge John Wayne fan, so watching any of his movies is like going home. I can’t seem to change the channel from:
Big Jake
The Quiet Man
El Dorado/Rio Bravo (its the same bleeding movie and I’d still watch the two back to back)
The Shootist (anytime you get the opportunity to hear Jimmy Stewart say “I’d have to gut you like a fish” you should take it)
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
The Sons of Katie Elder
Non-Wayne favorites (excluding all previously mentioned)
Philadelphia Story
Harvey
It’s a Wonderful Life
Mr. Smith goes to Washington
The American President
Serendipity
When Harry Met Sally
[slight hijack]
I’ve also notice that there are some films I can’t watch on TV. I try but I just get soooo angry.
Pulp Fiction (cut to black: “man I shot Marvin in the face”–suddenly we’re drinking coffee?!?)
High Fidelity (damn you, edited to run in the time allotted!)
A Knight’s Tale
I fear if Love Actually ever made it to Broadcast Tv in the US it would wind up on this list. They’d probably excise the entire storyline about the naked couple.
[here endeth the hijack]
I saw it scheduled on one of my satellite channels, and realized i will definitely always watch it. Amazingly, I haven’t seen it in two pages, but I would not be surprised that it has achieved some kind of emeritus status on most people’s lists, i.e., such an obvious choice it need not be mentioned:
Like the rest of the world, Shawshank Redemption has to be a favorite. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen it, I can’t seem to turn it off. Pretty Woman is another movie where I say, “I’ll watch until the dress buying scene and turn it off.” and end up watching the whole thing.
Other movies include Groundhog Day
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
The Quiet Man
Overboard
Die Hard
Lethal Weapon
Sargeant York
Pride of the Yankees
GiGi
The Long Gray Line
I’m sure there are others, but that’s all I can think of off the top of my head.
