The days of snowy and cold nights have arrived, and it is time for you to explore some of the best winter-based movies of all time that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home.
Winter has arrived, and it is that time of year when you would like to curl up on your couch with some hot cocoa in your hand. It is also that time of the year when you do not want to go out or cannot go out due to the chilling weather, and it makes it the perfect time to enjoy some of the most entertaining movies. Just because you are inside does not mean you have to opt out of the frosty essence of the winter weather. There are a handful of movies that embrace winter and snow in a way that you can feel the low temperature as well as the warmth inside you. If you are looking for such movies, here is a list of more than 20 movies that can make your winter nights better and cozier.
- Knives Out (2019)
This is a thriller movie trilogy, and the first part is perfect for initiation. The story is based on the mysterious killing of novelist Harlan Thrombey, and thus, the murder mystery begins with a lot of twists and turns. Daniel Craig has done an amazing job as Detective Benoit Blanc, who gets involved in solving the mystery. What makes this film even more thrilling and chilling is the winter weather, in which all the cast could be seen in their winter attire as well. Chris Evans stood out in the first part due to his beautiful cable-knit sweater.
- Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig is one of the finest directors of all time, and she lets her movies speak for her. This director is capable of capturing warm emotions that can melt you even in the coldest days, and ‘Little Women’ is the best example of that. This movie involves a star cast at their young age, including Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, and Timothée Chalamet. This movie is an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, and it can offer you a comforting watch on a winter night.
- The Last Holiday (2006)
Everyone deserves a fine holiday, and Queen Latifah has proven that with her beautiful presence in the movie ‘The Last Holiday’. This movie shows how life is meaningless without the happiness of being content with yourself. The protagonist gets diagnosed with a rare brain condition, and doctors tell her that there is not much time. Just like a queen, Latifah decides to embark on her big-budget European holiday in the Czech Republic, and Georgia steals the hearts of many. She also tries snowboarding for the first time, and the results are hilarious. Watch the movie to check it out!
- Hanna (2011)
The snowscape and winter ambiance in Hanna are quite strong. Saoirse Ronan has done a great job in depicting the intense eyes of the protagonist. The story develops in a frozen wilderness where Hanna is raised by her father, and soon she follows in her father’s legacy by becoming a trained silent killer. Hanna was sent on a mission across Europe and soon gets stalked by an assassin, a former partner of his father. The chase of the cat and mouse is pretty intense, and Hanna’s winter origin makes it perfect for watching this movie on a chilly night, along with something warm to eat.
- Winter’s Bone (2010)
There are a lot of people who would judge Jennifer Lawrence for her goofy self, but this woman is an amazing actress as well, and you cannot understand that by just watching Hunger Games. Winter’s Bone offers one of the finest performances by Lawrence, for which she received an Oscar nomination. In this movie, she plays the character of a poor girl who has to take care of her sick mother and young siblings all by herself, and it is overwhelming. The protagonist, Ree Dolly, embarks on an epic journey of finding her father to avoid eviction of her family, and this film comes with a heavy backdrop of winter.
- The Holiday (2006)
If there is a category for feel-good women-oriented movies, then ‘The Holiday’ would stay at the top of it. This movie is a perfect treat during the winter holidays, where the story revolves around two women, namely Iris and Amanda, and the characters are played by Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, respectively. The two women decided to swap their houses for a holiday after facing disastrous love lives, and it turned out to be an epic holiday experience like never before. Amanda finds herself in the snowy English countryside while Iris finds her place in sunny California. It is a must-watch for everyone!
- Groundhog Day (1993)
When the romantic stories blend with a sci-fi concept, it often turns out to be good, and something similar happens in the case of Groundhog Day. It is an incredible movie where Bill Murray plays the character of a dissatisfied weatherman who was sent to cover Groundhog Day, which is particularly celebrated to identify the extension of winter. However, Murray finds himself stuck in a time loop with Andie MacDowell, and both of the stars offer a sweet and funny chemistry that is quite delightful to watch. It is a rom-com set against the backdrop of winter.
- The Shining (1980)
This is one of the most chilling and terrifying classics that you can enjoy on a cold winter night. Stanley Kubrick’s magic helped to bring Stephen King’s novel to life, and this movie set a benchmark in Hollywood, especially with Jack Nicholson. He played the character of Jack Torrance, an alcoholic writer who is having writer’s block. Jack was assigned as caretaker in a Hotel in the Colorado Rockies, and a winter storm surrounds the hotel. The storm lets hell break loose, and that is when all the supernatural activities start happening. Don’t get scared while watching this movie unless there is a winter storm forming outside.
- The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
Even angels can fall in love, and that is what Denzel Washington proves in this movie with his remarkable acting skills. He played the character of an angel who was sent to help the inner-city pastor who was greatly disheartened with his job and marriage. While helping the pastor, the angel falls in love with his wife, and frankly, no one can blame Denzel as the wife was none but gorgeous Whitney Houston. The on-screen chemistry of this duo is too good to bore you, and you will find yourself hooked on this romantic drama, which also provides a fair portion of winter flavors.
- Coming to America (1988)
If you are willing to watch a classic comedy that can keep you hooked and entertained as well, then Coming to America is the perfect movie for you. In this movie, you will find Eddie Murphy as Akeem Joffer, who is also the Prince of a fictional country called Zamunda. Joffer comes to America in search of a woman whom he can marry to make his wife. While the prince had high expectations, he soon found out that there was a lot more to life than his royal status. This movie can offer you a feel-good experience that stays with you for a long time.
- Mirror Mirror (2012)
This is a modern rendition of Snow White’s story, and it perfectly justifies the whimsical fairytale. Snow White is an orphaned princess in this story who struggles to get control of her kingdom. The kingdom is currently ruled by her wicked stepmother, and the character is well-played by Julia Roberts. Snow White gets her combat training from the dwarf kingdom after escaping from her stepmother’s assassination attempt. This story is a fun watch on a winter night, and you will find yourself rooting for Snow White’s triumph over her mother.
- The Grey (2011)
Any movie that features Liam Neeson instantly turns badass for some reason, and The Grey is the perfect example of that. In this movie, a winter storm takes over a plane and causes it to crash, and only eight men survive the devastating crash. They find themselves stranded in snowy wilderness as they embark on a journey to find civilization. The group’s survival becomes weaker and weaker as they journey through frosty landscapes where danger is lurking around, and soon they find themselves at the mercy of a pack of wolves. What happens at the end should not be disclosed, and you are recommended to watch it on a cold night to match the atmosphere of the story.
- Black Christmas (2019)
Just like its name suggests, this movie showcases the dark side of a Christmas break where a group of sorority sisters are hunted by a mysterious killer. It is a woman-led story and remake of a classic story, which is quite thrilling and spits reality through its actions. This movie also deals with the epidemic of rape culture on college campuses across the nation, and that is quite devastating. This thriller can be a perfect Christmas watch on a chilly night.
- Winter’s Tale (2014)
Colin Farrell is great at what he does, and what he does is some great acting that does not feel like acting at all. This is a winter-based magical story; there are two star-crossed lovers in New York in the early 20th century. Colin played the character of a thief named Peter who falls in love with a woman named Beverly. However, she’s dying of consumption, and Peter is on the run from his nemesis. Will he find a way to save her from misery? You need to find out by watching this amazing movie.
- Cool Runnings (1993)
Just like the Olympics, there is also the Winter Olympics that people often forget about, and this movie can remind you of that. Based on the game Bobsled from the Winter Olympics, this movie is a watch on a cold winter night. The protagonist here is an athlete or a track runner, but when he finds out that he can no longer participate in track, he decides to change the game by participating in the 1988 Winter Olympics for bobsled. However, you need a team to handle the sled, and thus, the bobsleigh team is formed with some rookies. It is a highly inspiring movie with a comedic touch that everyone should watch at least once.
- Love Actually (2003)
‘Love Actually’ is a certified Christmas movie that showcases different shades and colors of love. Richard Curtis’s ensemble rom-com is perfect for the entire winter season. Although there are certain problems in the movie, it is still an entertaining watch for all. My personal favorite is the guest appearance of Rowan Atkinson, who is best known as Mr. Bean. It is the perfect Holiday movie for everyone.
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)
Well, a lot of us imagined that there might be a portal through our wardrobes, and Narnia is one of the biggest reasons for that. Chronicles of Narnia took over the world when it first came out, and it is still equally entertaining for everyone. The snow-capped backdrop of this movie, with frozen lakes and the kingdom, is a perfect watch for a cold winter holiday. It is based on the classic C.S. Lewis book, and it has perfectly created a different dimension of a fairy tale where magic realism can captivate you.
- Fargo (1996)
This is one of the cult classic thrillers that captivated generations of movie lovers. The movie is directed by the Coen Brothers which features William H. Macy and Steve Buscemi as the lead characters. Frances McDormand shines as a pregnant police chief in Minnesota who’s tasked with investigating a triple homicide. The story is quite dark and twisted, and the winter backdrop makes it perfect to watch on a snowy evening.
- The Revenant (2015)
Leonardo DiCaprio finally won his first Oscar for this movie, and it is absolutely justified after fighting with a CGI bear in the woods. He played the character of Frontiersman and fur trapper Hugh Glass, and he was left for dead in the winter. However, Glass does not die but survives the winter and also his death, as his will to seek revenge was far greater than the death itself. It is one of the best movies by Nolan that can put a shiver down your spine.
- Serendipity (2001)
Let’s end this list of winter movies with the classic rom-com ‘Serendipity’ that captivated a lot of audiences. The protagonists of the movie, Sara and Jonathan, decide to leave their romance to fate after their glove shopping incident. While Jonathan writes his number on a five-dollar bill, Sara writes her details in her copy of ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’, which she sells. After a long time of this meeting, they long to meet each other again. But does it happen finally? You need to watch this beautiful movie to find out.
