Unquestionably the coziest season, winter is the prime time to stay inside by the fire and have a movie marathon. There’s a large array of movies that can be considered “winter movies,” and this list aims to compile the best and most beloved ones from three genres. So, brew up some hot chocolate, grab a blanket, and flick on the TV to watch one of these winter classics.
Christmas movies are probably the most popular movies during the winter season, and most people have a favorite one for the occasion. The first three movies that come to mind when I think of this sub-genre are Elf, Home Alone, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. All three feature incredibly talented casts who know how to hit their comedic marks while also pulling at the heartstrings of audiences and showcasing the real feelings of seasonal sadness during the holiday season. “Nostalgic” is a great word to describe these movies, as many people can recall watching them with their families during the month of December. If you want to laugh, cry, and reminisce about past Christmases, these three classics are a perfect place to start a cozy winter afternoon.
Horror movies aren’t the type of genre you would typically expect to watch during winter, but a snowy setting helps create a suspenseful atmosphere— an essential ingredient for any horror film. Excellent examples of this would be The Shining, Misery, and The Thing, all of which take place in some type of snowy, isolated location that creates uncertainty as the films progress. Gory elements such as icy, frozen bodies are highly prevalent in these films, and many others in this sub-genre use psychological horror to amplify the feelings of remoteness and seclusion. These films can be creepy, unnerving, and leave you feeling unsettled in your own home, so it’s best to watch them with a group. You don’t want to end up living your own movie, feeling sequestered and paranoid, just like the characters in these films.
Due to Hallmark’s mass production of winter romantic comedies, these types of movies have become a lot more popular during this time of year. Some great options that are far more worthy of a “best” list than any of Hallmark’s options are When Harry Met Sally…, The Holiday, and Bridget Jones’s Diary. Both When Harry Met Sally… and Bridget Jones’s Diary span multiple seasons of the year, with key moments, however, happening during the winter months. For example (spoiler alert), it is during a New Year’s Eve party that Harry and Sally first share their feelings for each other. The actors and actresses in these movies help create the ideal rom-com, as they can perform in both a lighthearted, funny way and also a romantic, charming way. The romance in these films is also very sweet and heartwarming to see, as different love stories are able to thaw out and lead to a warm, glittering ending. Winter rom-coms are the ultimate pick-me-ups during a frosty, wintry day.
With so many different genres to choose from, moviegoers are guaranteed to find a winter film that appeals to them. Stay warm by the fire and enjoy the film that speaks to you on a snowy day!
