53 Winter Movies to Keep You Cozy All Season Long
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As we anticipate snowy days and months’ worth of cold weather, winter movies are starting to sound even more appealing than usual. Fortunately for us, platforms like Netflix and Hulu are offering a plethora of great options, from holiday-themed romances to frosty medieval tales that transport us to a winter wonderland. Here are 53 of the best winter movies to get you in the holiday spirit. (Bonus points for sipping hot cocoa while you watch.)
77 Best Family Christmas Movies to Watch with Your Kids This Holiday Season
1. Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
Who’s in it? Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Sam Claflin
Rating: PG-13
The popular fairy tale takes a dark turn in this retelling, where Snow White (Stewart) grows up as her evil stepmother’s prisoner. When she finally escapes, a Huntsman (Hemsworth) is hired to capture her after being told that his dead wife will be resurrected as a reward. Stunning medieval landscapes and blizzardy weather make this an ideal choice for your next snow day.
2. The Huntsman: Winter’s War (2016)
Who’s in it? Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, Nick Frost, Jessica Chastain
Rating: PG-13
In this follow-up to Snow White and the Huntsman, Eric (Hemsworth) and a brave warrior named Sara (Chastain) struggle to maintain their forbidden romance in a world where falling in love is considered a sin.
3. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)
Who’s in it? William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley
Rating: PG
During the World War II bombings in London, four children discover a wardrobe that takes them to the magical world of Narnia, where (sadly) Christmas doesn’t exist. Can they defeat the evil White Witch and reverse the curse?
4. Home Alone (1990)
Who’s in it? Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard
Rating: PG
Home Alone is, without a doubt, the gold standard for holiday movies. Revisit Kevin’s (Culkin) clever schemes and adventures as he outsmarts two bumbling con men on Christmas Eve.
5. Frozen (2013)
Who’s in it? Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad
Rating: PG
When Snow Queen Elsa (Menzel) inadvertently puts her kingdom under an icy spell, her younger sister, Anna (Bell), and her pals trek through the snow to find Elsa and break the curse. Watch with the kids and sing along to “Let it Go” for the 63rd time. (No judgment.)
6. Snow Day (2000)
Who’s in it? Chris Elliott, Mark Webber, Jean Smart, Chevy Chase, Zena Grey
Rating: PG
When an unexpected snowstorm hits New York, 10-year-old Natalie (Grey) is thrilled to skip a day of school—but she’s not ready to end the fun just yet. With the help of a few elementary school kids, she hatches a clever plan to stay out of the classroom. Naturally, chaos ensues.
7. Everest (2015)
Who’s in it? Jason Clarke, Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Keira Knightley
Rating: PG-13
Looking for a survival drama that’ll take you through a rollercoaster of emotion? Try Everest, an intense historical drama that follows two expedition groups as they journey towards the highest point on Earth during a major blizzard.
8. Winter's Bone (2010)
Who’s in it? Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Kevin Breznahan, Dale Dickey
Rating: R
The poignant coming-of-age film led to Lawrence’s breakthrough—and for good reason. She delivers a memorable performance as Ree Dolly, a poor teenage girl who must find her missing father to save her family from getting evicted. (Fair warning, you’ll want to keep the tissues nearby.)
9. The Revenant (2015)
Who’s in it? Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson
Rating: R
DiCaprio is at his best in this absorbing adventure drama. Based on Michael Punke's novel of the same name, the movie tells the fascinating story of an American frontiersman and trader, who survives a bear attack after being left for dead by his hunting crew.
10. Last Holiday (2006)
Who’s in it? Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, Timothy Hutton, Gérard Depardieu
Rating: PG-13
Is there anything more entertaining than seeing Latifah live her best life while being swooned by the charming LL Cool J during the holiday season? Nope. Absolutely not.
11. Snowpiercer (2013)
Who’s in it? Chris Evans, Song Kang-ho, Tilda Swinton, Jamie Bell
Rating: R
Here’s your reminder that snow can be just as scary as it is peaceful on a Christmas morning. In the film, Earth's second ice age is in full effect, and all the surviving passengers are living aboard a speeding train. But when tensions rise between the segregated passengers, the climate inside starts to get just as icy.
12. The Shining (1980)
Who’s in it? Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Scatman Crothers
Rating: R
Based on Stephen King’s best-selling book, it follows an aspiring writer whose sanity unravels when he and his family get snowed in at a hotel filled with evil forces. It might make you think twice about booking that remote winter getaway...
13. Little Women (2019)
Who’s in it? Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Meryl Streep
Rating: PG
Celebrate the holidays with the March sisters in this modernized, feminist retelling of Louisa May Alcott's classic. Fall and winter scenes are aplenty, and watching these siblings navigate life together is the equivalent of wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket.
14. Anastasia (1997)
Who’s in it? Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Hank Azaria, Christopher Lloyd, Bernadette Peters, Kirsten Dunst
Rating: PG
Who can forget the iconic scene where Anastasia (Ryan) sings "Journey to the Past'' while trekking through the snow towards St. Petersburg? Knowing very little about her childhood, she embarks on a mission to reunite with her family. (Fun fact, the movie earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.)
15. The Mountain Between Us (2017)
Who’s in it? Idris Elba, Kate Winslet
Rating: PG-13
A surgeon and a journalist are left stranded in the High Uintas Wilderness after surviving a plane crash. Is it far-fetched? Absolutely. But we're not about to pass up an opportunity to see Elba’s charm in action.
16. The Family Stone (2005)
Who’s in it? Diane Keaton, Craig T. Nelson, Dermot Mulroney, Sarah Jessica Parker
Rating: PG-13
Anyone who's been fortunate enough to survive awkward family dinners and unpleasant meetings with the in-laws will appreciate this film. Meredith Morton (Parker), an uptight executive, finds it difficult to blend in with her boyfriend’s carefree family while visiting them for a Christmas celebration.
17. Coming to America (1988)
Who’s in it? Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Shari Headley
Rating: R
Need a laugh? Look no further than Coming to America. Join Prince Akeem (Murphy) as he and his BFF, Semi (Hall), take an impromptu trip to Queens, New York, in the middle of winter.
18. Togo (2019)
Who’s in it? Willem Dafoe, Julianne Nicholson, Christopher Heyerdahl, Michael Gaston
Rating: PG
Inspired by the true story of Leonhard Seppala and his sled dog, the Disney drama depicts the 1925 serum run to Nome, where he and his dog are tasked with transporting the cure for a deadly epidemic through harsh conditions.
19. Eight Below (2006)
Who’s in it? Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood, Moon Bloodgood, Jason Biggs
Rating: PG
After being forced to leave his sled dogs behind due to harsh weather conditions, Jerry Shepard (Walker) spearheads new efforts to get his beloved pups back before it’s too late. The ending will melt the coldest of hearts.
20. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
Who’s in it? Keira Knightley, Mackenzie Foy, Eugenio Derbez, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman
Rating: PG
After receiving a gift that requires a special key, Clara (Foy) sets out to find it and stumbles upon a parallel world that’s, quite literally, a Winter Wonderland. But it’s not as perfect as it seems. Can she enter all four realms and restore balance in the land?
21. Johnny Tsunami (1999)
Who’s in it? Brandon Baker, Lee Thompson Young, Kirsten Storms, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
Rating: PG
Johnny Kapahala (Baker), a young Hawaiian surfer, isn’t too thrilled about his family’s move to Vermont. That is, until his new pal Sam (Young) teaches him how to snowboard.
22. The Grey (2011)
Who’s in it? Liam Neeson, Frank Grillo, Dermot Mulroney, Dallas Roberts
Rating: R
While traveling home for a vacation, a group of oil refinery workers get caught in a brutal snowstorm, causing their plane to crash in the wilderness. As the survivors try to get to safety, they must deal with serious injuries and, worst of all, packs of Canadian grey wolves.
23. The Last Winter (2006)
Who’s in it? Ron Perlman, Pato Hoffmann, James LeGros, Connie Britton
Rating: NR
This terrifying horror flick follows a group of oil workers, who start mysteriously dying off while building an ice road.
24. Hold the Dark (2018)
Who’s in it? Jeffrey Wright, Alexander Skarsgård, James Badge Dale, Riley Keough, Tantoo Cardinal
Rating: TV-MA
OK, we know there are quite a few thriller options, but there’s no denying that winter weather makes for the perfect backdrop in any scary flick. A retired wolf expert, Russell (Wright), agrees to help a desperate mother track down the wolves that killed her children. Soon after, Russell finds himself entangled in a huge mystery.
25. Elf (2003)
Who’s in it? Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart
Rating: PG
Ferrell shines as Buddy, a man who, after being raised in the North Pole, discovers that he’s not a real elf. So, he ventures to New York to meet his biological father. Naturally, hilarity ensues.
26. Serendipity (2001)
Who’s in it? John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale, Molly Shannon, Jeremy Piven
Rating: PG-13
When Jonathan (Cusack) meets Sara (Beckinsale) for the first time, there’s an instant spark—but one magical meeting isn’t enough to convince Sara that they’re meant to be. Will fate eventually bring them back together?
27. 101 Dalmatians (1996)
Who’s in it? Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, Joely Richardson, Joan Plowright
Rating: G
Easily one of our favorite childhood flicks, 101 Dalmatians follows two brave dogs as they embark on a long journey across England in the dead of winter, determined to get their puppies back from the evil Cruella de Vil.
28. Cool Runnings (1993)
Who’s in it? Leon Robinson, Doug E. Doug, Rawle D. Lewis, Malik Yoba
Rating: PG
Based on the incredible true story of Jamaica’s national bobsleigh team, this feel-good comedy follows a group of athletes as they train for the Winter Olympics.
29. Let It Snow (2019)
Who’s in it? Isabela Merced, Shameik Moore, Kiernan Shipka, Odeya Rush
Rating: PG-13
Based on the namesake YA novel, it follows a group of high school kids who are brought together by a massive snowstorm on Christmas Eve. Bring on the holiday cheer and cheesy meet-cutes.
30. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Who’s in it? Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, John Cleese
Rating: PG
Harry Potter (Radcliffe) gets his first taste of the magical wizarding world when he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It’s an ideal movie for a cozy night in with the family. Accio, hot cocoa!
31. Snow Dogs (2002)
Who’s in it? Cuba Gooding Jr., James Coburn, Sisqó, Nichelle Nichols
Rating: PG
Dentist Ted Brooks (Gooding Jr.) is excited to hear that he’s been named in a will, but after heading to Alaska to claim his inheritance, he’s shocked to find that he was given an unruly team of sled dogs. What could go wrong?
32. Winter's Tale (2014)
Who’s in it? Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt
Rating: PG-13
After breaking into a rich woman’s home, a skilled thief (Farrell) meets and falls for the owner. The only problem? She’s gravely ill, and he’s marked for death. Does their romance stand a chance?
33. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Who’s in it? Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård
Rating: R
A journalist launches an investigation to find out what really happened to a young girl, who vanished four decades ago. It’s rather intense—and probably not the best choice for a family movie night—but the gripping storyline and complex characters will keep you guessing until the very end.
34. Love Actually (2003)
Who’s in it? Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman
Rating: R
Let's face it, seeing Andrew Lincoln hold up those giant cue cards never gets old. Expect plenty of laughs as multiple couples try to navigate their relationships during the holidays in this star-studded affair.
35. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Who’s in it? Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby
Rating: R
By far one of the most iconic rom-coms ever made, When Harry Met Sally explores the age-old question of whether men and women can just be friends. From Ryan’s unforgettable fake orgasm to that iconic Christmas tree scene, this classic is worth a revisit.
36. Red Riding Hood (2011)
Who’s in it? Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Billy Burke, Shiloh Fernandez
Rating: PG-13
It’s sure to give you all the Twilight vibes, but with snowy forests and plenty more scares. Seyfried stars as the infamous Red Riding Hood, who’s smitten with her childhood friend, Peter (Fernandez). But when her sister is killed by a mysterious werewolf, she soon realizes her special connection to the beast.
37. Edge of Winter (2016)
Who’s in it? Joel Kinnaman, Percy Hynes White, Rossif Sutherland, Shiloh Fernandez, Tom Holland
Rating: R
This twisty psychological thriller follows a protective father whose sanity begins to unravel as he tries to protect his sons in a remote cabin during winter.
38. Whiteout (2009)
Who’s in it? Kate Beckinsale, Gabriel Macht, Columbus Short, Tom Skerritt
Rating: R
Sure, it was panned by critics, but who can pass up an opportunity to channel their inner detective? Beckinsale plays a U.S. Marshal, who’s assigned to Antarctica. When she discovers a dead body on the ice, she launches an investigation that eventually puts her own life at risk.
39. Anna Karenina (2012)
Who’s in it? Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Johnson, Kelly Macdonald=
Rating: R
It follows Anna’s (Knightley) steamy affair with the charming Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky (Law), which leads to chaos and scandal. The real showstoppers are Knightley’s luxurious winter coats.
40. Last Christmas (2019)
Who’s in it? Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh
Rating: PG-13
Inspired by the catchy tune, Last Christmas follows a holiday shop worker, who’s down on her luck. Fortunately, things start to look up when she meets and falls for a mysterious stranger.
41. Ice Princess (2005)
Who’s in it? Joan Cusack, Kim Cattrall, Michelle Trachtenberg, Hayden Panettiere
Rating: G
College-bound math genius Casey Carlyle (Trachtenberg) is determined to pursue her dream of becoming a professional figure skater, even if she must turn down a Harvard education. Yes, it's a tad predictable and cliché, but Trachtenberg’s charming performance and stellar moves on the ice are sure to win you over.
42. Groundhog Day (1993)
Who’s in it? Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott
Rating: PG
Murray is phenomenal as smug weatherman Phil Connors, who finds himself trapped in a time loop, where he’s forced to relive February 2nd (AKA one of the coldest days of the year) over and over again.
43. Mr. Popper's Penguins (2011)
Who’s in it? Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury=
Rating: PG
Meet Mr. Popper (Carrey), a big-shot real estate agent. He’s well on his way to a promotion, and he’s living his best life in a cozy, upscale apartment. But everything changes when he receives a rather odd gift from his late father: six penguins.
44. Happy Feet (2006)
Who’s in it? Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman
Rating: PG
Well, who can resist a sea of cute penguins dancing and harmonizing to catchy tunes? Filled with humor and heart, this family-friendly option tackles fitting in and acceptance.
45. Jingle Jangle (2020)
Who’s in it? Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh Bonneville, Anika Noni Rose, Phylicia Rashad
Rating: PG
The musical follows a talented toymaker (Whitaker), who rediscovers his passion for Christmas, all thanks to his bubbly and curious granddaughter. Prepare for a holiday-themed sing-along session.
46. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Who’s in it? Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo
Rating: R
If you could erase every memory with your ex, would you do it? This sci-fi romance explores that very topic, telling the story of a former couple who undergo medical procedures to have their troubled relationship erased from their memories.
47. Ice Age (2002)
Who’s in it? Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary
Rating: PG
Set over 20,000 years ago, when the Earth was entering an ice age, a group of animals encounter an Eskimo human child as they migrate south. Determined to save the baby from vicious saber-tooth tigers, they set out to return the human back to his tribe.
48. The Holiday (2006)
Who’s in it? Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black
Rating: PG-13
If you’re on the lookout for a genuinely funny rom-com that also gives you fairy tale vibes, this is your match. The film follows two women from opposite sides of the world who agree to swap homes for the holidays, and they get a whole lot more than they bargained for.
49. Winter’s Sleep (2014)
Who’s in it? Haluk Bilginer, Demet Akbag, Melisa Sözen
Rating: PG-13
The Turkish drama follows former actor and landlord Aydin (Bilginer), whose hotel turns into his own personal hell when a snowstorm forces him to stay indoors and deal with family drama.
50. The Perfect Holiday (2007)
Who’s in it? Morris Chestnut, Gabrielle Union, Faizon Love, Terrence Howard, Queen Latifah
Rating: PG-13
A young girl tries to help her lonely, single mom by asking a department store Santa Claus to grant her a new dad. But can Santa win her mother’s heart?
51. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Who’s in it? Henry Lawfull, Toby Jones, Sally Hawkins, Maggie Smith
Rating: PG-13
Inspired by Matt Haig's book of the same title, this festive fantasy flick follows a young boy named Nikolas, who embarks on a snowy journey to find his dad. Joining him for the adventure are his trusty pet mouse and a reindeer named Blitzen. But little does he know that he's about to learn his true destiny...
52. A Winter Getaway (2021)
Who’s in it? Nazneen Contractor, Brooks Darnell, Erik Athavale
Rating: NR
In this feel-good rom-com, an ordinary guy gets a rare opportunity to enjoy a luxury trip. But things get a bit complicated when he's suddenly mistaken for a millionaire. Under this new identity, he falls for a concierge—but will their newfound romance last when she learns who he really is?
53. Falling for Christmas (2022)
Who’s in it? Lindsay Lohan, Chord Overstreet, George Young
Rating: PG
The Lohan-aissance has arrived, friends. In this festive rom-com, a hotel heiress loses her memory in a skiing accident. As fate (er, Christmas magic) would have it, a widowed lodge owner nurses her back to health and teaches her what really matters most in life in one fell swoop.
