In classic southern fashion, school is closed today and the snow hasn’t even started! Whether it snows or not, I’m always happy for an excuse to stay inside. All that awaits outside is shoveling and scraping and sliding around and to that, I say: “No, thank you.” I’m a southerner, after all. I would much rather stay cozy in my sweats and settle in for a movie marathon of winter classics. It doesn’t matter the genre, let the film’s characters get cold, me and my heated blanket are good.
There’s something to warm up everyone on our list of the best movies to watch when you’re snowed in this winter:
Frozen (2013)
I mean come on, you knew this icy Disney classic would make the list. This animated adventure featuring Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel as the orphaned princesses of Arendelle is all about family and embracing what makes you unique. It’s also bound to trigger a memorable “Let It Go” sing along.
The Cutting Edge (1992)
He’s a hockey pro wannabe who dreams of getting back on the ice. She’s a spoiled figure skater in need of a new partner who can keep up with her. The only thing they have in common is their desire to win (and some killer spandex ensembles). It’s a sports film/romantic comedy that somehow works.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)
Once the first snow falls, we’re in a winter wonderland. A month later, we’re all itching for spring. Imagine if you lived in a place where spring never came but neither did Christmas? In this fantasy based on the 1950 novel, the four Pevensie children must bring down the White Witch to free Narnia from endless winter.
Snow Day (2000)
Nothing used to beat waking up on a snowy day to learn school had been canceled. In this teen comedy, there are plenty of adolescent crushes, high school hijinks, and even a villainous snowplow driver. There are also some major stars in this one, including Chevy Chase, Jean Smart and … Iggy Pop(?).
Miracle (2004)
Let’s go back to the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, when the home team faced off against the Soviets in an epic hockey battle. Kurt Russell plays Herb Brooks, the coach who led the U.S. men’s ice hockey team to their surprise gold in this drama based on a true story.
Fargo (1996)
Frances McDormand delivers an iconic performance (and Minnesota accent) as a pregnant police chief investigating some recent murders in this oddball black comedy. It’s my go-to Coen brothers’ flick and once you finish the movie, there are four seasons of the TV series to binge-watch.
Cool Runnings (1993)
If you haven’t seen this sports comedy, you’ve probably heard of it. And by heard of it, I mean someone used it as an example to suggest something or someone was unlikely to succeed. Set during the 1988 winter games, this Olympic underdog tale about the Jamaica national bobsleigh team is a family favorite.
Happy Feet (2006)
Elijah Wood is the voice of Mumble, an adorable, tap-dancing penguin who just wants to belong and find his true mate. It’s seriously adorable. The film also touches on topics like overfishing and human interference with wildlife. And if you need more penguin cuteness, there is a sequel, released in 2018.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Considered by many to be the crown jewel of all the Star Wars films (don’t shoot the messenger), Episode V is set on an ice planet called Hoth. The Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance go head to head, with some of the franchise’s most iconic moments, including the revelation Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker’s father.
Ice Age (2002)
Another one for the entire family is this animated comedy about a prehistoric gang fleeing the ice age, although things don’t exactly go smoothly. The cast is led by Ray Romano as a woolly mammoth called Manny, Denis Leary as a Smilodon named Diego, and John Leguizamo as Sid, a Megalonyx. There are also four Ice Age sequels to enjoy.
Which movies are on your must-watch list for snowy days? Let us know below.
