Looking for some new movies to watch this winter? Not yet in the Christmas mood? Then look no further than this list of recommendations for the new season. The following five films are perfect for cosy nights inside with hot chocolate and blankets and (hopefully!) snow outside the window.
Some people believe that November and the cold that comes with it also correlates with the start of Christmas, whilst others, once they hear the festive songs on the shop radios, think that it is too early to celebrate. The majority of winter movies available to watch are themed around Christmas, which can be discouraging if you are in the latter category and are looking for something to watch before this holiday approaches.
Therefore, here are 5 winter watches that do not include, or include some references to Christmas, that should be put at the top of your list this season. They range from cosy and nostalgic, to thought-provoking and thrilling:
Snowpiercer (2013)
- Key Actors: Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, John Hurt
- Director: Bong Joon Ho
- Run time: 2h 6m
- Where to watch: Prime Video
- IMDB rating: 7.1/10
Snowpiercer is a thought-provoking winter watch, rather than a conventional cosy Christmas film. Starring top actors, such as Chris Evans (who plays Curtis), this dystopian movie focuses on a future where everyone is forced to live on a train that never stops. This new society however is based on hierarchy and power, with the lower classes in bad conditions at the end of the train and the wealthy at the front.
Curtis, the protagonist, is in the lower classes and fights against the system by physically travelling through the train to the front, whilst being under attack by the train’s elitist government.
This movie is a must-watch as it is engaging and intriguing, presenting issues with hierarchy and class in a snowy setting.
“This train is a closed ecosystem” – Wilford
Narnia (2005)
- Key Actors: Tilda Swinton, Georgie Henley, William Moseley
- Director: Andrew Adamson
- Run time: 2h 23m
- Where to watch: Disney
- IMDB rating: 6.9/10
Narnia is a winter classic based on the books by C.S. Lewis, and a must-watch this season. The everlasting snow created by the White Witch (played by Tilda Swinton) adds to the cosy atmosphere and the adventure the siblings go on with Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson) creates excitement and intrigue.
This film follows the lives of three siblings, who have been evacuated to the countryside during the World War Two London blitz and discover a wardrobe which leads them to another world. Despite the beautiful setting, there is trouble in Narnia caused by the aforesaid witch, and these children are pushed into action to try and rescue this land and all of its inhabitants.
Narnia is a must-watch cosy and nostalgic film to watch this season and has two sequels for you to enjoy afterwards, which continue to tell the story of these siblings and this new world.
“For Narnia and for Aslan!” – Peter
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
- Key Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint
- Director: Chris Columbus
- Run time: 2h 32m
- Where to watch: Netflix
- IMDB rating: 7.6/10
Harry Potter is a famous series across the world, and especially in my opinion the first nostalgic instalment, The Philosopher’s Stone, is the most wintery. The snowy location of Hogwarts school and the character’s woolly jumpers add to the cosy aesthetic.
In case you are unaware, the film follows orphan Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe) who is transported into the magical world of wizards on his 11th birthday and attends Hogwarts school. He becomes friends with Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (played by Emma Watson), battles a troll and learns more about the man who killed his parents, Voldemort.
This movie, and this series of films in general, is a great watch this winter, with an emphasis on friendships and adventure mostly set in a snowy Scottish school.
“You’re a wizard, Harry!” – Hagrid
The Revenant (2015)
- Key Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter
- Director: Alejandro G. Inarritu
- Run time: 2h 36m
- Where to watch: Disney or Prime Video
- IMDB rating: 8.0/10
Revenant is a disturbing thriller set in the snowy wilderness, making it a perfect season watch. The 1820s winter setting, instead of coming across as cosy like the other four movies on this list, is ominous and dangerous.
The movie follows frontiersman, Hugh Glass, who nearly gets mauled by a bear and is abandoned by his hunting team. Using his survival skills and motivation for vengeance against the people who betrayed him, the film follows Hugh’s gruesome but entertaining journey.
Revenant, therefore, is a perfect winter watch for horror and thriller lovers who don’t mind a bit of gore.
“Revenge is in God’s hands” – Hugh Glass
About A Boy (2002)
- Key Actors: Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette
- Director: Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz
- Run time: 1h 41m
- Where to watch: Prime Video
- IMDB rating: 7.1/10
About a boy, whilst having some Christmas scenes, is a cheerful, light-hearted and humourous winter film that you should watch before the 25th of December. The film touches on themes of love, friendship and kindness to others.
This cosy film follows the life of Will, a directionless man who has never worked a day in his life, who in an attempt to date a single mum gets caught up in a lie. However, his life changes as a boy Marcus infiltrates his life, looking for a parental figure in Will.
This film is cosy and warm-hearted, following a character redemption arc and is perfect to get you in a happy mood this winter.
“Once you open your door to one person anyone can come in”
– Will
