Watch More Movies

Lately, I’ve been on a kick of watching more movies—not just more than TV, but more overall. I get into these swings occasionally—though seemingly more often over the past year—and they just put me in such a better mood. I feel more fulfilled, more complete, more satisfied. There’s something special about watching a story that has an ending.

We’ve hit peak TV and are now on the downward descent. To where and how fast, I have no idea. But we’re all feeling a little fatigued. Just like superheroes and AI, it feels like TV has lost its mojo, for a slew of reasons.

While I’ve been engrossed by some amazing television shows over the past 15 years—Mad Men, Game of Thrones, Fargo, The Wire, South Park, The Bear—movies have always felt to me like the true embodiment of the visual narrative form, with brevity as their key feature.

Movies may have taken a back seat to the medium of TV and are often questioned for their relevance and place in our constantly evolving world—one that has created upheaval even within the long thread of film history. They are constantly embattled, from both a business and cultural influence standpoint. But from the perspective of creative engagement, movies have never been more relevant.

There are so many different types of movies that are currently great—even some of the superhero ones. But it’s not just the newest films popping up at a theater near you. It’s the entire catalogue of films, spanning decades, that we now have instant access to—whether through streaming or digital purchase.

That’s where I’ve been lately: remembering a movie randomly, for one reason or another, and turning it on a night or two later when I’m looking for something to watch. Instead of choosing which long journey I want to begin—one that could take weeks or months—I get to wrap up a great story in just a few nights.

The key thing I’ve realized about being able to watch more movies is the need to be less precious about the viewing experience. I now treat my movies like books—watching them chapter by chapter. I break them up over multiple nights. Some interruptions are okay. Limiting competing screens is still a good habit, but it’s okay to check on something briefly.

I understand this may seem obvious or pedantic to some, but I struggle to watch any movie for stretches of time. As a working parent of two young boys, making time for family while using my small window of free time to write, it’s a challenge. But it’s important—it rejuvenates the soul (even if it’s a cheesy action flick)—and it’s worth carving out time for.