Ali Plumb's Movie Marathon – Here's how our film critic watched 37 films in 5 days

Ali Plumb has watched an epic 37 films in one week, as chosen by you!

Ali Plumb’s been telling the Radio 1 listeners what films to watch for years. And in a special week on Radio 1, the tables turned – we got to tell him what to watch.

On Mon 15th Feb, Greg James tasked Ali with watching one film for every letter of the alphabet. When he'd finished that, Greg told him to watch nine more films, from numbers 1-9.

5 days and 37 films later, Ali was half-man half-sofa, having watched an incredible amount of movies.

He watched some hits (Hot Fuzz, Trainspotting), he watched some stinkers, and he survived to tell the tale. Somehow he still loved movies at the end of it. Scroll down to find out how the challenge unfolded.

Catch up with the #R1MovieMarathon hashtag to see how it all unfolded.

As chosen by: Greg James
Released: 2004
Running time: 94 mins
Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate

Ali's challenge got off to a kind start, thanks to Greg's pick of this "stone-cold classic."

"It's a legendary piece of comedy, it doesn’t require too much brainpower," says Greg. "It is dumb, it’s brilliant!"

Don't have time to watch it yourself? You can still check out Steve Carrell chatting to Ali about the terrifying bear stunts involved in making both Anchorman films.

Ali's three-word review: Quotable gifable insanity

As chosen by: Greg James
Released: 1995
Running time: 92 minutes
Starring: James Cromwell, Magda Szubanski

This was Ali's "first ever VHS", he revealed. So he was over the moon to continue the Movie Marathon with this pick, in which an adorable talking pig becomes an unconventional sheep herder. If you haven't seen it, you need to watch it now! "It's a stunner," said Ali.

Ali's three-word review: Surprisingly emotional cuteness

As chosen by: Clara Amfo
Released: 2019
Running time: 110 minutes
Starring: James Corden, Judi Dench, Taylor Swift

"You had to suggest Cats, didn't you?" Mile 3 of Ali's Movie Marathon took a turn for the sinister, as Radio 1 listeners selected this love-to-hate-it, widely derided movie remake of the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.

Catching up with Ali, Scott Mills remembers the time he watched Cats. “I don’t think I’ve ever wanted a movie to end so much.” So imagine having to watch it twice.

How did Ali fare catching up with this famous opinion-splitter? “I honestly may not sleep tonight. This actually makes you feel a bit nauseous, so you can't have a good time.”

Ali's three-word review: Feline nightmare fuel

As chosen by: Scott Mills and Chris Stark
Released: 2006
Running time: 93 minutes
Starring: Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick

Is it a curse to watch Christmas films 10 months too soon? Ali is about to find out.

"It's so weird, I can't tell you how strange it is to watch Danny DeVito naked in a sleeping bag with Matthew Broderick. It's surreal but nice."

Let’s hope for Ali’s sake this is the only Christmas film he’s subjected to.

Ali's three-word review: Crass Christmassy chaos

As chosen by: Scott Mills and Chris Stark
Released: 2020
Running time: 123 minutes
Starring: Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams

Radio 1 listeners texted in their suggestions – we almost had Edward Scissorhands, Elf (not another Christmas film!) and The Emoji Movie. But in the end, Scott and Chris had to go with the Eurovision movie. They simply had to.

Ali's response: “Why didn’t I see this coming?!”

He really enjoyed this cheesy poptastic feast first time round, and he's still a fan. "I maintain it’s a bit too long. But I still had a great time! It still works for me - I’m a child I guess."

Ali's three-word review: Premium Euro trash

As chosen by: Nick Grimshaw
Released: 2015
Running time: 128 minutes
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan

“If you wanna talk cinema, this is cinema,” said Grimmy when picking this film. “You don’t have to say thank you. You are welcome!”

There’s nothing quite like sitting down on a late Monday afternoon and indulging in some Fifty Shades. “I’m not going to say I’m a fan, but I get it. I do get what these films are for,” Ali said, post-viewing. “Enjoyed is a strong word [though].”

Ali's three-word review: Spanks, no spanks

As chosen by: Rickie, Melvin & Charlie
Released: 2011
Running time: 114 minutes
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively

When Rickie, Melvin & Charlie first floated the idea of picking this superhero-movie-gone-wrong, Ali quickly responded: “It’s bobbins. Words I can’t say on the radio.”

And this being the Movie Marathon, with Radio 1 DJs in control of Ali's fate, that only made RMC want to pick Green Lantern more.

Ali loves superhero films and comic books, but not this one. It's so bad, even lead actor Ryan Reynolds loves to slate it.

Ali's three-word review: Superhero CGI sludge

As chosen by: Jack Saunders
Released: 2007
Running time: 121 minutes
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost

Jack Saunders is a kind man. The Future Artists DJ felt sympathy with Ali, who by 11pm on Monday night was feeling bleary-eyed and a little woozy. So he let our trusty critic pick his final film of the day.

He needed something with “a bit more zip” than Harry Potter and High Fidelity, but not quite as much zip as The Human Centipede. What better than this Edgar Wright-directed classic to sign off day one?

Ali's three-word review: Warm, fuzzy hug

As chosen by: Arielle Free
Released: 2008
Running time: 126 minutes
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow

Ali was afforded some rest after a midnight viewing of Hot Fuzz, but he was up at the crack of dawn, with Early Breakfast host Arielle Free picking his first movie of day two.

Fortunately for Ali, Tuesday began with a Marvel classic. One of his favourites from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, in fact.

Ali’s three-word review: The Marvel-ous original

As chosen by: Greg James
Released: 2018
Running time: 128 minutes
Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard

You can’t go wrong with dinosaurs on the big screen, but let’s face it, Jurassic World: Falling Kingdom is not the finest of the franchise.

Still, Ali was happy to watch anything starring scene-stealer Jeff Goldblum (“a living legend - love the guy”), although this 2018 epic only saw the eccentric hero making a quick cameo. Jurassic World: Dominion – the final part of the trilogy – is due out in 2022. Ali has one request: More Goldblum, please.

Also, how is Ali coping with watching non-stop films for over 24 hours? This morning he had popcorn for breakfast – make of that what you will. He’ll probably be half man, half popcorn by Friday.

Ali’s three-word review: Not enough Goldblum

As chosen by: Clara Amfo
Released: 2005
Running time: 187 minutes
Starring: Naomi Watts, Jack Black

At a whopping three hours and seven minutes long Peter Jackson's remake of this classic monster movie is the longest film that Ali's been subjected to so far. But it certainly hasn't put our man on the sofa off. Far from it.

"I love this film. It's *a lot* but there's so much excellence in there, and damn is the inevitable ending a punch in the gut," says Ali.

In fact, Ali's got history with King Kong's director Jackson, interviewing him for his Movies That Made Me series. Jackson agreed with Ali when he suggested that Andy Serkis's death in the film - when he's eaten by an angry CGI worm - was one of Jackson's finest on-screen deaths. "That was fun," chuckled the director.

Ali's three-word review: Bloated but brilliant

As chosen by: Scott Mills
Released: 1999/2007
Running time: 82 minutes/88 minutes
Starring: Bill Pullman, Bridget Fonda/John Schneider, Sarah Lafleur

In perhaps the most brutal move of the whole marathon, Scott Mills subjected Ali to not one, but two Lake Placid movies.

A double whammy of the 1999 horror film and its made-for-television follow-up, Ali's mid-screening voice note said it all: "I had totally forgotten how amazingly brilliant and terrible this movie is! This film gets better and worse and better and worse."

Ali's three-word review: Shlocky, croccy nonsense

As chosen by: Nick Grimshaw
Released: 2001
Running time: 92 minutes
Starring: Billy Crystal, John Goodman

Ali closed day two with a couple of absolute feel-good classics (and if you're looking for more of those, head this way). First up, the frighteningly-cute Monsters, Inc., a beloved Pixar classic that never tires, even if you've already watched 13 prior films in a row.

After hitting a bit of a wall, Ali really needed this one. “After watching not one – but two – Lake Placid movies, I’d like to say thank you to everyone who suggested Monsters Inc. It changed my day.”

Ali's three-word review: Scarily perfect Pixar

As chosen by: Rickie, Melvin & Charlie
Released: 1999
Running time: 124 minutes
Starring: Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant

On paper, this was a perfect pick – as chosen by RMC listener Jess – to close out day two. But there was one snag: “I love that movie," said Ali. "But guess what? I watched it on Sunday. On Valentine’s Day.”

Still, despite knowing the script pretty much off by heart, Ali couldn't complain. "Watching Notting Hill twice in one week? Can do, will do, did do. Still great."

Ali's three-word review: Surreal but nice

As chosen by: Greg James
Released: 1968
Running time: 153 minutes
Starring: Ron Moody, Oliver Reed

It's day three of watching non-stop films, from the sublime (Hot Fuzz, Anchorman) to the frightful (Ali probably isn’t going to revisit Lake Placid 2 anytime soon).

To keep our trusty film critic full of his vital everyday nutrients, Greg James decided to send Ali a film-bingeing care package, consisting of popcorn, fizzy drinks, some cheeses (not the fancy ones), and crucially, some porridge oats and salt. Why? Because Ali was about to spend two and a half hours watching Oliver!. And you can’t watch Oliver! without mixing oats, hot water and salt to make yourself some gruel.

After feasting on cheese, gruel and musical numbers, Ali was full of beans. “I really had a lovely time."

Ali's three-word review: Heel-clicking, tear-jerking treat

As chosen by: Clara Amfo
Released: 2014 & 2017
Running time: 199 minutes combined
Starring: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins

Now to the letter P. Pokémon? Peppa Pig? It was not to be. Ali had watched a fair few duds, now it was time for a treat.

In the words of Clara Amfo, Ali is a charmer. He's charmed some of Hollywood's biggest names – take a look at

“I am constantly charmed by Ali Plumb, so I’ve gone for a nice film,” said Clara Amfo.

Not just a nice film – Clara picked two of Ali’s all-time favourite classics: Paddington 1 & 2. “I am beside myself. I immediately want to get the marmalade from the cupboard. This is great news!”

Ali’s three-word review: Beary, beary good

As chosen by: Scott Mills and Chris Stark
Released: 2018
Running time: 90 minutes
Starring: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski

A Quiet Place is Radio 1 listener Amy’s suggestion for the 17th movie in the Marathon. Ali is “over the moon”, thanking Amy. Lucky him.

That's five positive reviews of films in a row, is Ali due a stinker next? Better keep listening to Radio 1 to find out.

Ali’s three-word review: Silent but Deadly

As chosen by: Nick Grimshaw
Released: 1992
Running time: 99 minutes
Starring: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth

Reservoir Dogs is the next pick, this time from Nick Grimshaw. Not bad! Ali was hoping for something with a good bit of dialogue after The Quiet Place and he seems to have got his wish. "Yes, absolutely yes!"

Ali has therefore kitted himself out for this one, very much “dress up for the zoom party” vibes. No stinkers yet..

Ali’s three-word review: Venerated verbose violence

As chosen by: Jack Saunders
Released: 1998
Running time: 99 minutes
Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, John Hannah

Talk about an unconventional one-two: From Reservoir Dogs to rom-com number Sliding Doors. Well, there are worse ways to spend a Wednesday night. Ali did seem thrown by Jack Saunders' pick. "You are an enigma, Jack. Oh wow, we’re really doing this – a rom-com after Reservoir Dogs!"

The '90s hit has perhaps aged slightly, lacking its former charm upon repeat viewing. Catching up post-watch with Rickle Melvin and Charlie, Ali said: “I didn’t hate it. I’m just not upset that it’s over.”

Ali's nearing the final straight of his A-Z. “I’m in a good spot right now, I can see the end in sight.”

Ali's three-word review: Achingly '90s nostalgia

As chosen by: Rickie Melvin and Charlie
Released: 1996
Running time: 93 minutes
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Ewan Bremner, Robert Carlyle

Closing out day three with a stone-cold classic, Ali was happy to revisit Trainspotting. “I’m all about it. I can see the movie playing in my mind right now,” he said, as Rickie Melvin and Charlie revealed their pick.

Stuck for something to do on a Wednesday night? Choose life. Choose Trainspotting. Or at the very least, watch star Ewan McGregor tell Ali about the time he stole a lightsaber from the Star Wars set.

Ali's three-word review: All time high

As chosen by: Rickie Melvin and Charlie
Released: 2019
Runningtime: 116 minutes
Starring: Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke

Haven’t seen Us? Put it on your must-watch list. This nightmare-inducing follow-up to writer and director Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking horror film Get Out is just as gripping, as a family is sent into a world of terror by their evil doppelgangers.

"It's a trip," said Ali, catching up with Jess Iszatt just before midnight on Wednesday. And if you don't understand his three-word review, you'll just have to watch it ASAP.

Ali's three-word review: Messed upside down

As chosen by: Jess Iszatt
Released: 1958
Running time: 128 minutes
Starring: James Stewart, Kim Novak

To avoid any Us-inspired nightmares, Ali needed to watch one more film before the end of day three. He was on a roll.

Jess Iszatt’s pick? One of the most critically-beloved films of all time. An Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece to steer him ever closer to the fabled letter Z.

Ali has now watched 24 films in a week – that’s three times as many as footballer Michael Owen claims to have seen in his lifetime.

Ali's three-word review: Towering Hitchcock classic

As chosen by: Arielle Free
Released: 1999
Running time: 106 minutes
Starring: Will Smith, Salma Hayek

Day four, desperate for a cuppa, but Ali is in good spirits. “I’m alive. I’m about to watch a movie. There ain’t nothing wrong with that.”

“I’ve kind of stopped remembering how the alphabet works… This hasn’t been a chore, but it’s nice to see a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Now for the letter W. Not a classic, but Wild Wild West does star Will Smith, and it has an excellent theme tune - as pointed out by listener Fiona.

When you're done binge-viewing Fresh Prince, give this a watch.

Ali's three-word review: Wonky bonkers western

As chosen by: Greg James
Released: 2014
Running time: 131 minutes
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender

You may have noticed that Ali is happily whizzing to the finish line. Greg James spotted it too: “Problem is, I thought you would take longer to do the 26 films – to be quite honest with you,” he said to Ali on Thursday morning.

“I’m enjoying it, the listeners are enjoying it, you’re not enjoying it - which makes all of us like it more. I would propose that we extend this slightly.”

So there’s a twist. After completing the alphabet, Greg wants Ali to take on numbers. Numbers 1-9, to be precise. Think sequels, films with numbers in them (The Sixth Sense, Four Weddings and a Funeral).

Greg has essentially added another 9 miles to a marathon.

But first, Ali needs to complete letters. Starting with a trusty X-Men number.

He’s very familiar with Days of Future Past. In fact, he’s spoken to the majority of the big-name cast. You can watch his chats with JLaw, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jackman on iPlayer now.

Ali's three-word review: All-star X-Men excellence

As chosen by: Clara Amfo
Released: 2008
Running time: 104 minutes
Starring: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper

How did we get 24 films in without any Jim Carrey? As well as this being an endurance test, Ali has been deprived of Carrey-inspired belly laughs.

Yes Man is here to save the day, and Ali is very much on board.

“I’ve been that guy [this week], saying yes to everything. Jim Carrey is me. Kind of. Maybe.”

Ali's three-word review: Just like me

As chosen by: Scott Mills
Released: 2001
Running time: 89 minutes
Starring: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Christine Taylor

"I am gonna be practising my 'blue steel'," said Ali when he was told what Z he'd be watching. "Look out for selfies that will blow your mind..."

He added on Twitter: "Zoolander: full of cool stories and not just about being really, really ridiculously good looking (something I really relate to, obvs). Worth it for the David Bowie walk-off scene alone, not forgetting Derek's (ahem) massage."

In any normal A-Z, that would be the end of the challenge, but a bonus set of numbers have been tagged onto the end. So that's nine more movies, Ali...

Ali's three-word review: Hot right now

As chosen by: Scott Mills
Released: 2013
Running time: 92 minutes
Starring: Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson

With a surprise load of new films thrown at Ali, cracks are starting to show. But this marathon is only getting more intense. "I may be on the verge of wanting a break," Ali said to Grimmy. "I don't want to say that watching films is hard, but I may need a break..."

But before he can do that, it's onto the numbers, the first being the 1D doc. "The five of them are obviously having the best time at this point," says Ali cheerfully. But his favourite bit? Martin Scorsese's cameo, of course.

Ali's three-word review: Really quite sweet

As chosen by: Nick Grimshaw
Released: 2004
Running time: 92 minutes
Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz

Shrek, Donkey and Fiona return for the first Shrek sequel and Ali is a big, big fan.

"It's just the most amazingly fun film," he told Grimmy. "So many in-jokes and references – and Puss in Boots!"

Ali's three-word review: Still utterly Shrek-cellent

As chosen by: Nick Grimshaw
Released: 2008
Running time: 111 minutes
Starring: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens

Delirium is setting in, Ali can't remember which day he watched Notting Hill – or indeed anything – but he's happier having spent two hours in the company of Zac Efron.

“In this film, he is so ready to become a superstar. He is acting everyone off the screen," Ali said to Jack Saunders, post-viewing. Yes, some aspects of HSM3 haven't aged brilliantly, but that shouldn't take away from the sheer acting chops of Zac and Vanessa Hudgens.

Even if you think you're not a fan of Zac's work, check out his Movies That Made Me interview with Ali – it's full of surprises, and seriously good anecdotes.

Ali’s three-word review: Old-school Wildcats throwback

As chosen by: Jack Saunders
Released: 2010
Running time: 97 minutes
Starring: Riz Ahmed, Kayvan Novak

Stepping away from the alphabet and into numbers territory has given us some seriously fun picks so far. Four Lions, the sensational dark comedy starring a soon-to-be-superstar Riz Ahmed, is a proper masterpiece. Haven’t seen it? Make sure you do this weekend.

This is the 31st film Ali’s watched since 8am on Monday, including Cats, two Lake Placid movies and a few gnarly horrors. How’s our trusty film critic feeling? “I am having the time of my life!”

Ali's three-word review: Powerful, funny, incredible

As chosen by: Rickie Melvin and Charlie
Released: 2013
Running time: 97 minutes
Starring: Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney

At first, it seemed like Rickie Melvin and Charlie were giving Ali rich pickings. But as he went through the options for #5 – The Fifth Element, You Only Live Twice (the 5th Bond film, before you think we’re getting our numbers mixed up) – it soon transpired that he was getting a booby prize.

A Good Day to Die Hard, then. The Russia-based fifth instalment in the series, and way less Christmassy than the original. Way less fun too, according to most critics when it came out 8 years ago. "Not one of the best," Ali agreed. "The fact that the word 'Good' is in the title is just... awful. It came out on Valentine's Day and probably ruined quite a few dates."

Ali's three-word review: NO-NO-NO

As chosen by: Nels Hylton
Released: 1999
Running time: 107 minutes
Starring: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment

Nels Hylton, in for Jack Saunders on last night’s Indie Show, decided to give Ali arguably the best possible pick for #6. “Brilliant horror. M Night Shyamalan at his finest,” said Ali when being handed The Sixth Sense to close out his Thursday night.

With just three films to go, Ali was in a state of mild delirium. “I have square eyes. My TV is a big blur right now. But I’m powering through.”

Ali's three-word review: I see movies

As chosen by: Greg James
Released: 2010
Running time: 146 minutes
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint

We’ve reached the final day of Ali’s challenge – unless Greg James tasks him with watching films with symbols in, but we’re sensing this really is the end. Three films to go, and Ali was reaching a state of mild delirium. “I started dreaming I was in a movie last night, and Harry Potter was in it,” he told Greg. “I was having a job interview and it didn’t go well. You were in it, Greg. Steven Spielberg was in it.”

To blur the lines between what’s real and not real, Greg decided to give Ali the 7th film in the Harry Potter series: Deathly Hallows Part 1. He’s already watched these half a dozen times, but you can’t go wrong with a bit of Potter.

Ali's three-word review: Harry On Camping

As chosen by: Greg James and Jordan North
Released: 2011
Running time: 130 minutes
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint

There was only one candidate for #8. Imagine making Ali revisit Deathly Hallows Part 1, only to be left on tenterhooks for the rest of the week. Yes, the Movie Marathon isn’t supposed to be a breeze, but that’s just cruel. “You would have been the worst teases ever if I’d just had to watch #7,” he said to Greg and Jordan North.

Ali's three-word review: Utterly, epically magic

As chosen by: Ali Plumb
Released: 2014
Running time: 136 minutes
Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson

And that's a wrap!

For the final film, Jordan North was going to do the honours, but he had a change of heart: "You know what, I'm gonna let you pick it," he told Ali. "You've watched how many films in a week? 30 plus?"

So instead of being subjected to Police Academy 9, Ali was allowed to pick one of his favourites – and the ninth instalment – from Marvel Cinematic Universe.

There aren't many better final laps for a Movie Marathon than this epic, action-filled feast. If you don't quite have 136 minutes to spare, put 15 minutes aside to watch Ali's Becoming... chat with Chris Evans, in which he talks taking on the role of Captain America.

Despite the delirium of being sat at home staring at a screen for five days, Ali felt "amazing" after completing the challenge. The high point? Being full of joy watching Monsters, Inc.. The low point? Being subjected to the “special effects” in Lake Placid 2.

And now it's over to you: What would be in your very own Movie Marathon? Pick the films, get the telly on, and treat yourself.

Ali's three-word review: The MCU's best