Memorial Day is a chance to spend time with family, friends and, hopefully, the great outdoors. But if the weather has you staying in this year, or you’re just a TV junkie, here are some great movies and marathons to help you remember the reason we celebrate today:
Saving Private Ryan marathon: Steven Spielberg’s epic war drama — which narrated the search and rescue mission for Private James Ryan (Matt Damon), whose three brothers were killed in combat — won the director and it’s star Tom Hanks plenty of Academy Awards. The reason: it’s one of the most honest and heart-wrenching looks at the courage and sacrifice made by those who serve our nation. (AMC, 2 p.m.- 10 p.m.)
Criminal Minds marathon: Agent Hotchner and his squad of FBI profilers are working to analyze some the most dangerous criminal minds in the country today and they’re doing it with a five-hour marathon on A&E. (A&E 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
Falling Skies marathon: When aliens invade the Earth, who will rise up to save humankind and reclaim our planet? Noah Wyle (a.k.a. Dr. John Carter from ER) that’s who. This post-apocalyptic sci-fi show does feature plenty of extra-terrestrials, but the core of the series is the love, loyalty and courage of the Mason family. (TNT 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
M*A*S*H marathon: By now, you’ve probably binged every episode of this series, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be fun to take a look back on the crazy hijinks and mishaps of Hawkeye, Trapper John, Hot Lips and the rest of the 4077th. (TV Land 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
ABC Family movie marathon: A handful of kid-friendly fare is airing on ABC’s sister-network. Nicholas Cage investigates American history in his National Treasure films while Josh Hutcherson journeys to the center of the earth and a team of comic book superheroes assemble. (ABC Family, 11 a.m. — 8:30 p.m.)
The Waltons marathon: The family is reunited for two weddings and a Thanksgiving day feast when Hallmark airs their half-day marathon. (Hallmark, 2p.m. — 7p.m)
TCM war movie marathon: Turner Classic Movies is getting nostalgic with a few great war films you’ve probably forgotten about. From The Sand Pebbles and The Dirty Dozen to Clint Eastwood in Kelly’s Heroes and Best Picture Winner Patton, there’s something for everyone. (TCM, 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.)
The Last Ship marathon: When a virus tries to wipe out humanity, Capt. Tom Chandler of the USS Nathan James decides to save the world by creating a cure at sea. (TNT, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
Hot in Cleveland marathon: The show about three women who find love and purpose by picking up their West Coast lives and moving to Cleveland is like a modern-day Golden Girls, which makes sense since Betty White stars in this one too. You’re guaranteed a laugh if you tune in. (TV Land, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
Touched by an Angel marathon: Before Roma Downey was producing her wildly successful Bible series on NBC, she was inspiring people to turn to God as our favorite TV angel, Monica. (UPtv, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.)
