Maybe you’re looking to save a few bucks or the current theater choices just aren’t cutting it. Whatever the case may be, sometimes it’s just as nice to sit at home and watch a good flick. Take a look at this week’s picks for some At-Home Alternatives to the weekly cinema options.

Instead of Life of Pi: Cast Away

This is the story of a zookeepers son who is relocating with his family (and animals) to Canada. When the ship carrying them sinks, he is left stranded in the middle of the ocean with several animals, including a tiger. For a slightly less exciting film, check out Cast Away. This movie puts Tom Hanks on an uninhabited island where he is forced to survive and dream of being rescued.

Instead of Red Dawn (2012): Red Dawn (1984)

This films shows the invasion of the US by North Korea. When they take over the country, a group of youngsters decides to rebel. They move out into the woods where they band together and begin organizing guerrilla attacks to try to save their town, their families, and their country. I know it’s a cop-out to pick the original when a remake is released but seriously, the original Red Dawn is a great film. The premise is essentially the same, except we are invaded by communists (Cuban and Russian). The original has become a cult classic and if you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor and check it out.

Instead of Silver Linings Playbook: 40 Year Old Virgin

This is a quirky romantic comedy about a man who has lost everything, his job, his home, and his wife. He is slightly mentally unstable and living with his parents when he meets a woman with a situation not unlike his own. The two start an anything-but-normal relationship and set out in search of their silver linings. Ok, so 40 Year Old Virgin is a bit of a stretch but at its core, it’s a similar movie but maybe without so many feelings. There is a man with limited social skills and a not so bright future being forced out of his shell by unfavorable circumstances. He comes upon a woman who accepts him for who he is.

Instead of Rise of the Guardians: How to Train Your Dragon

This animated film features a young Jack Frost, a boy who lives a carefree life bringing winter with him wherever he travels. He is at odds with the nightmare king who is hellbent on engulfing the world in darkness. His fellow guardians include Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny. Can these guardians protect the children of the world? While not exactly the same, How to Train Your Dragon shares some key elements. Visually, it’s a similar film with a strong young male lead who finds himself the unlikely savior to his realm. Rather than Santa and the Sandman, the central character here has dragons as his ally, but also his foe.

Paranorman (2012)

This is a charming little animated film about a young boy named Norman. Norman can see ghosts and is ridiculed for it by everyone from his classmates to his family. When a disturbing secret about his town is revealed, he is put into a position where he is forced to use his gift to protect those he loves. The film has great visuals and a simple but compelling plot. This is a rewatchable movie that can be appreciated by adults and kids alike.

Varsity Blues (1999)

With football season well under way, why not check out a football classic. Varsity Blues centers around the backup QB who is more interested in academia than athletics. When the starting QB goes down, he is forced to step up to the plate. This forces him to choose between his future at an Ivy League school and playing to his absolute best. The decision also impacts his teammates and girlfriend, all of whom are beginning to turn on the towns local hero, the coach of the team. This film is an absolute classic with great character interactions, a compelling plot, and a healthy dose of nudity. Oh and James Van Der Beek.

Varsity Blues Netflix Synopsis: When the Coyotes’ star quarterback suffers a knee injury, second-stringer Jonathan Moxon gets thrust into the spotlight. Moxon, however, is more interested in academic pursuits than in becoming a football hero, which doesn’t sit well with his coach.

What do you plan on watching this week, at home or otherwise? What do you think of my choices?