Top 5 - Movies that Take Place Over the Course of a Single Day

Yeah, it’s a big title and a weird subject, but there are several very cool movies that take place within a mere 24 hour timeframe. I think that can give a movie a faster and tighter feel, but it can be difficult to get good character and story development without seeing the story and characters unfold in different circumstances. These are my Top 5:

5. Waiting - 2005 A comedy about a single shift at a diner, not unlike Denny’s. Follows the hijinks of multiple members of the crew. Ryan Reynolds and Justin Long star.

4. Empire Records - 1995 Ten years before waiting there was the hijinks of a Delaware record store employees. Gave us Rex Manning day! Starred Liv Tyler and Renee Zellweger.

3. 12 Angry Men - 1957 12 angry white men on a jury discuss the fate of a 18-year suspected killer. Tight, sweaty and, well, angry. Ultimately, they probably do the right thing. Jack Klugman and Henry Fonda star.

2. Dazed & Confused - 1993 Alright, alright! Even though it takes place slightly out of my generational time zone (about twelve years too soon), it still resonates with those hot summer nights, school’s out, freshmen hazing, high school keggers, hot rods, and chasing girls. Mathew McConaughey, Ben Affleck and Jason London star.

1. Die Hard - 1988 Whether or not it’s a Christmas movie is besides the point of this post. John McClane kicks ass over the course of one Christmas Eve and this becomes his most recognized role.