Top Five: One Day Movies

Yeah so I guess the top 5 feature isn't going to be a weekly thing like I sort of said earlier, just whenever I feel like doing it. Now here I am with another theme! Movies that take place in one day (or about one day- sometimes there's bleed over into the next morning). I love the whole concept of life-altering events (falling in love, losing something suddenly, having an adventure, etc) happening in so short a time because it seems pretty unreal to me. I have never had one single day in which enough interesting things happened that it could make a movie. Most of these seem to be teen-oriented comedies. Weird. I feel like I'm forgetting a major one so let me know what your favourites are!

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
So much about the simultaneous strains and joys of high school are encapsulated in one righteous dude's day off. It's just a really enjoyable film with one of the most likable characters I've ever seen on screen, and some rad musical sequences.


Mallrats (1995)
On the same morning two friends are dumped by their girlfriends, so they spend the rest of the day at the mall trying to win them back while dealing with a lot of wacky characters. A simple premise that is very well-suited to Kevin Smith's brand of smut- and pop culture-driven dialogue and soft spot for New Jersey (we love our malls here, man). Clerks I and II are rad one day movies of his, as well.


Can't Hardly Wait (1998)
I feel like this one is often overlooked, despite being a very funny and engaging movie as well as a spot-the-90's-teen-actor-themed drinking game waiting to happen. Weaving together multiple stories of horny graduates attending a major party, it mixes together all sorts of character types and silly scenarios, sight gags and missed connections, along with good music and tons of quotable dialogue.


Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
It's the last day of summer camp, and a multitude of kooky characters are running around trying to get shit done (hook-ups, marriages, outings, talent shows, training montages, etc). Featuring many members of The State as well as Elizabeth Banks, David Hyde Pierce, Paul Rudd, Molly Shannon, and (always a reason to watch anything) Janeane Garofalo. Hilarious and star-studded!


Superbad (2007)
Just watched this recently so it's on my mind and therefore on the list. With three weeks to graduation, BFFL's Seth and Evan are intent on getting laid before college. They're on a mission to get alcohol for a party that night, which they believe will ultimately decide their "summer girlfriend" fates. It's stupid but pretty funny.

Honorable Mentions
12 Angry Men (1957)
Dazed and Confused (1993)
Empire Records (1995) ...the more I think about this one the more I wonder if it should be in the top 5. So many things wrong with it, yet I'll probably love it forever.
10 Items or Less (2006)
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008)