25 classic movies we watch whenever they are on TV

Iconic, legendary, and massively celebrated, The Sound of Music is a cinematic institution. With Julie Andrews in the starring role, the movie has been passed down and enjoyed from generation to generation. Now, the film is not on cable or regular network television all that often, usually limited to holiday seasons — notably Easter. However, it will be shown around Christmas, too. Regardless when it airs, The Sound of Music remains appointment viewing for so many.

One thing we know: basic-cable television loves its marathon programming. For those who still have not cut the cord, there's a good chance a run of the first two Godfather films will air at least once a month. So, it's pretty easy to dial up two of the greatest films of all time. These two Francis Ford Coppola classics are great to take in when the weather outside is ugly or we just feel like having a lazy Saturday or Sunday.

Is this among the scariest movies of all time? Perhaps, but it's certainly one of the best, and a dependable cable classic as well. It's not exactly an uplifting beach movie, though, maybe because a mayor like Amity's Larry Vaughn failed to heed the advice of knowledgeable officials (sound like someone Americans might know?) and keep people off the beach because of a shark in the water. One would think some of those same people would learn that it's not always safe to go in the water. For record, we're actually big fans of Jaws 2.

The first days of a college fall semester mean it's time for students to rush fraternities and sororities. In the realm of fictional educational institutions, there is no more popular fraternity than the Delta Tau Chi fraternity house at Faber College. The house has boasted quite the cast of characters over the years, like Bluto (John Belushi), Otter (Tim Matheson), and Flounder (Stephen Furst). There's also the rival, strait-laced (and evil) Omegas, to deal with. The University of Oregon is the setting for the fictional Faber campus, and the fall tradition of a homecoming parade provides the raucous finale to this endlessly-quotable comedy classic.

Starting at a new school can be tough, but Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) has already found a decent group of friends, and much to her surprise, summer fling Danny Zuko (John Travolta) at good old Rydell High. Rehashing summer adventures — or in this case, "Summer Nights" — on the first day of school is a rite of passage. It is also more fun when singing and dancing are involved. There is just something about the cultural aspect of Grease, which continues to span generations of bedroom, sleepover singers.

One of two beloved efforts (Rudy being the other) from lauded screenwriter Angelo Pizzo, who was raised in Bloomington, Indiana. Inspired by and loosely based on the 1954 Indiana state basketball champions from tiny Milan High School, Hoosiers is often regarded as the greatest basketball movie ever. The David-vs-Goliath tale is Hollywood at its best and truly encapsulates what prep sports can mean to a small town. Now, who's ready to go out back and run the picket fence?

One of the few Rob Reiner pictures that were not a box office hit. Still, it remains one of his most beloved comedies. Like many other movies on this list, The Princess Bride, where the handsome swashbuckler Westley (Cary Elwes) attempts to rescue true love Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright), took on a life of its own through the home video scene. In the case of this particular gem, it remains one of the great quotable movies of all time. Let us not forget Andre the Giant as the wonderful Fezzik.

We were first introduced to NYPD Detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) in this iconic action film, when he saved hostages, including his then-wife, from the deliciously evil Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). Whether watching on basic cable or various premium channels, Die Hard is the gift that keeps on giving, and spawned a popular movie franchise. It remains Willis' defining role as McClane, one of the coolest, bådass action-film characters of all time.

John Carpenter has directed some true big-screen classics: Halloween, The Thing, and Christine, just to name a few. Most have various levels of cult appreciation, but it can be argued that They Live tops that list. Roddy Piper, the late legendary pro wrestler in his finest lead role, plays a drifter who happens upon some dark sunglasses that are a window to a world run by aliens. Meanwhile, Carpenter delivers shots at Reagan-era greed, government control, and consumerism. Piper doesn’t say much, but his five-and-a-half-minute fight scene with Keith David, complete with an assortment of WWE-style wrestling moves, is one of the best in film history. Sadly, this movie is not often shown outside of streaming services.

The king of feel-good movies. Who says sports fantasy can't be inspiring? This classic Kevin Costner baseball vehicle is one of the most beloved movies ever, allowing viewers to remember that second chances are possible. And that it's important to make the most of our time with our loved ones — though they might not appreciate blowing your savings on building a baseball field in the backyard. The lasting effects of the movie are still being felt through "MLB at Field of Dreams," and of course it can be found on a cable channel just about every weekend.

A guilty pleasure for some is a crime-action classic for others. Either way, Point Break is a must on this list, even if surfing is relegated to a backdrop — albeit a suitable one. It starred two of Hollywood's biggest draws at the time in Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves. Johnny Utah (Reeves), the football player-turned-FBI agent, infiltrates a group of surfers, led by the late Swayze's Bodhi, who are believed to be criminals. It's what one would expect from an early 1990s film, but still a lot of fun to watch in the present day. Not to mention it has one of the great endings (which involves surfing) of the time.

A Few Good Men is readily accessible on basic cable, and provides great background noise while working from home. Tom Cruise is brilliant in the lead role of this Aaron Sorkin/Rob Reiner classic. Despite what the egocentric, gung-ho Col. Nathan Jessup (Jack Nicholson) might think, Cruise's Navy JAG Corps Lt. Daniel Kaffee certainly can "handle the truth." Even though the young, brash Navy lawyer had a history of taking the easy way out of cases via the plea bargain, Kaffee went toe-to-toe with one of the most intimidating Marines in film history — and came out on top by proving he's a better attorney than he probably gave himself credit. 

Dazed and Confused should be considered the quintessential stoner film of our time. Not bad for director Richard Linklater's breakthrough picture, which needed some time to gain traction. The film is quite relatable to those who attended high school parties or drove around aimlessly with friends, regardless of the decade or generation. This coming-of-age-flick also features plenty of before-they-were-stars like Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey. There's also a stellar ‘70s-laden soundtrack. A cable-television staple, the movie’s themes of friendship and fitting in still resonate with today's audiences.

Perhaps the most family friendly film on this list. Again, summer means baseball, especially for children. For those of a certain age, playing baseball in an open field or vacant lot was a staple of summer fun. The Sandlot no doubt depicts that well but also showcases friendship, belonging and forging relationships that have the potential to last a lifetime. Another movie readily available for those still watching on cable.

Another classic that literally can be found anywhere on cable just about every day of the year. We're not kidding. But that's OK, because no matter how busy the day might be, or how much work might be piling up, it's easy to get caught up in this amazing drama. Andy Dufresne might be the most intelligent, cunning, and championed character Tim Robbins has ever played. Wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and the man she's having an affair with, the prominent banker is sentenced to consecutive life sentences. Andy's stay at Shawshank is made harder by an arrogant and authoritative warden, power-hungry guards, and some unfriendly inmates. All that only fuels Andy to devise one of the most ingenious plans for revenge — and the freedom lost — in movie history. Co-star Morgan Freeman was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his unforgettable turn as Red, Andy's best friend at Shawshank.

Another feel-good Rob Reiner rom-com that is time well spent after a long day or tough week. There might not be a more competent, likable, and confident fictional president than Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas), who's aggressive when needed but witty enough to ingratiate himself to just about anybody. Shepherd's vulnerability, especially when it comes to relationships and balancing life inside and out of the West Wing, makes him the most appealing.

End-of-the-world/disaster films are shown in heavy rotation on basic cable. Everyone seems to have their particular favorite. For us, Deep Impact is among the hokiest, but most addictive, of the bunch. An extinction-level meteor is headed toward earth and MSNBC is there to cover it all. Meanwhile, President Tom Beck (Morgan Freeman) was probably a great president in the everyday sense of the job. However, he is not very good in terms of trying to save the world.

It's probably safe to say that anybody who has worked in some sort of an office environment can relate to this Mike Judge favorite. A then-unknown Ron Livingston stars as a whiny, burnt-out computer programmer who hates his job and decides to do something about it: Do nothing at all for a living. Office Space was considered a failure at the box office, but home video and its consistent presence on cable television ignited the film's popularity, which has not waned, no matter if uncut or seriously edited. 

The laughs never seem to stop with Christopher Guest's Best in Show. The movie rides along with five dogs and their owners competing at the famed Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. Once again, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, John Michael Higgins, Jennifer Coolidge, and Fred Willard are especially strong in their roles within a picture that just might be the gold standard among mockumentaries. Like other movies on this list, Best in Show, like many other Guest mockumentaries don't show up often on non-streaming services.

One does not need to be a fan of ballet to enjoy this underrated hit from the turn of the century. While Peter Gallagher lends a veteran name to the cast, Zoë Saldana, who trained as a dancer, stole many a scene in her big-screen debut. Meanwhile, professional ballet dancer Amanda Schull is solid in the lead role about students at the famed American Ballet Academy trying to fulfill their dreams. While the movie received average reviews at best, it gained a more consistent following as a basic and premium cable staple. A dance class featuring the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is undoubtedly a highlight.

While football is the obvious focal point of this classic, the true inspiration is coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) and his ability to integrate a team and turn those players into winners. Will Patton also shines as assistant coach Bill Yoast, who swallows his pride and shuns his prejudice for the greater good of the team, school, and community — much like most players — to come together for a common purpose. This real-life story is right up there with the greatest sports movies ever released, and features early efforts from Kate Bosworth and Ryan Gosling.

Simply put, Drumline is always on television. And, it's highly addictive. There is no doubt Devon Miles (Nick Cannon) is a talented snare drummer and poised to be a freshman star on the drumline of the famed Atlanta A&T University Marching Band. However, Devon is cocky and knows he can play, but he doesn't seem too interested in the discipline and pride that comes with being a collegiate musician and student of the craft. He realizes what's important when it comes to succeeding in the band.

Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) has been home-schooled for most of her 16 years, but now she is about to start at posh North Shore High School in suburban Chicago. Talk about being thrown to the wolves. There are cliques aplenty, and Cady infiltrates a popular trio known as "The Plastics." Written by Tina Fey, Mean Girls is a relatable high school film that continues to stand the test of time, and has branched out to an even larger audience via Mean Girls The Musical.

Talk about a cast of characters. KVWN Channel 4 is San Diego's No. 1-rated evening news broadcast, AND undeniably led by nattily-clad and self-absorbed Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) — the most famous and beloved news anchorman in the city. However, his supporting cast of sex-starved sports anchor Champ (David Koechner), dim-witted weatherman Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), and investigative reporter/self-believed ladies' man Brian Fontana (Paul Rudd) can't be forgotten. Things were really shaken up when energetic, career-focused, and hard-hitting female reporter-turned anchorwoman Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) came on board.

Not Will Smith's most popular film, but when it comes to a popcorn rom-com that's nothing more than a guilty pleasure, Hitch fits that purpose perfectly. The story of mysterious "date doctor" Alex Hitchens (Smith), with funny man Kevin James and the sultry Eva Mendes alongside, seems to have a regular spot on TNT, TBS or USA. And, for some reason, despite being highly predictable, it's harmless fun that kills time without requiring too much thinking.