Get Your Popcorn: 'The Godfather,' 'Elf' and other James Caan movies to stream

Your guide to a binge-worthy weekend
James Caan
James Caan Photo credit © Admedia, Inc
By , NewsRadio 1080 KRLD and Audacy

Hollywood recently lost a true heavyweight with the passing of James Caan at the ripe old age of 82.

As such, what better time to take a look back at some of Caan's best work and select a top five to rewatch this coming weekend?

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The Godfather, 1972

Where else to begin but arguably one of the best movies ever made?

This now 50-year-old classic from director Francis Ford Coppola featured a remarkable cast headlined by Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, and Robert Duvall.

A movie that follows a high-powered New York crime family where power over their empire is being transferred from a father to his less than enthusiastic son, The Godfather remains a must-watch for just about everyone at some point in their lives.

Following the Corleone family is an often tense and gruesome endeavor, but unquestionably worth it.

The Godfather can be watched via subscription on Paramount+.

A Bridge Too Far, 1977

Another star-studded blockbuster from the 70s, A Bridge Too Far is a very different take on life in the '40s from The Godfather.

Directed by Richard Attenborough and featuring the likes of Sean Connery, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Caine, and Robert Redford, this World War II-based movie is based on the true story of Operation Market Garden -- an Allied offensive deep within Nazi territory in the Netherlands in September of 1944.

However, at just shy of three hours in length, The Guardian had a salient piece of advice for those considering watching this classic: "'A Bridge Too Far' is a fantastic historical and cinematic achievement, but if you're not a die-hard war obsessive, prepare to snooze."

A Bridge Too Far can be streamed via subscription on HBO Max.

Misery, 1990

A thrilling example of movie making within limited spaces, Rob Reiner's Misery is an exciting and tense watch.

Based on a novel of the same name by Stephen King, Misery sees author Paul Sheldon (played by Caan) rescued from a rural snowy car crash, only to be rescued by his self-proclaimed "number one fan."

This initially caring fan, played by Kathy Bates, eventually turns captor and torturer in this twisted tale of obsession.

Misery can be streamed via subscription on Amazon Prime Video.

Elf, 2003

Taking a swift left turn from thriller to family comedy, Elf is a charming, modern holiday classic you can't help but love.

Buddy The Elf, hilariously portrayed by Will Ferrell, is a little bigger than his peers -- in fact a lot bigger -- growing up twice the size of those around him at the North Pole. Not only is Buddy bigger, but he doesn't have the abilities in the workshop his fellow elves do. Once grown up(ish), Buddy is told that he is actually human and ventures to New York City to find his biological dad -- a stuffy businessman played by Caan.

A movie all about ensuring you don't lose the child within, regardless of age, Elf is a suitable and enjoyable watch for all ages, and a must around the holidays.

Elf can be streamed via subscription on HBO Max.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs, 2009

A budding inventor, Flint Lockwood, with a habit of bad decisions stumbles upon a potential breakthrough when he discovers a way to make it rain, well, pretty much anything edible.

Another sharp turn away from our previous suggestion, this family-friendly animated movie spawned a sequel in 2013 for which Caan returned as Flint's heavily-mustachioed father Tim.

Featuring Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Neil Patrick Harris, and Andy Samberg, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs can be streamed via subscription on Netflix.

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