Winter is filled with traditions galore, and there are endless ways to spend a chilly day. Design a decadent hot-cocoa charcuterie board (best enjoyed by a roaring fireplace), plan an ice-skating date with friends on a snow day, or just stay snuggled in bed with heaps of blankets and a movie to match the winter snow storm outside.
If you're a fan of stepping outside to a freshly blanketed world of glistening white and hearing that satisfying crunch of snow under your boots, you're going to love what we have in store for you. Whether snow is currently falling or not, these 15 movies will make you feel like you're in your own snow globe from the comfort of your couch.
A well-rounded collection of animated comedies, fantasy worlds, and even a few darker movies lie ahead. So bundle up and settle in for a movie marathon. Who doesn't love a good movie about snow on a snow day?
Who knows snow better than Snow White herself? The classic tale gains a wicked spin in "Mirror, Mirror." Starring Julia Roberts and Lily Collins, this movie was filmed in Montreal and features some enchanting winter scenery throughout the mischievous story.
It's Christmas in the windy city, and for the Lampoons, that means lots of snow and an equal amount of family drama. This feel-good holiday classic has to be added to your queue this winter.
Mumble, the adorable animated emperor penguin, cannot sing. This is an issue for him, as all of the other penguins find true love through the songs they sing to each other. But Mumble does have a hidden talent — tap dancing. "Happy Feet" is a family-friendly movie that's perfect for a lighthearted watch party.
"The Huntsman: Winter's War" is both the sequel and prequel to "Snow White and the Huntsman." This movie is laden with affairs, fantasy, adventure, and of course, lots of snow.
"Just Friends" is a can't-miss holiday movie about a successful record producer who will do anything to win over the hometown crush that friend-zoned him a decade ago. It has plenty of snow-filled scenes that will trigger major belly laughs. Come for early 2000s humor, and stay for the iconic cast.
"Eight Below" is based on a true story of a scientific expedition in Antarctica in which researchers were forced to leave behind their sled dogs. This movie will pull at the heartstrings of dog lovers everywhere, but adventure and loyalty are what really lie at the heart of this 2006 film.
Sled dogs in Alaska entrusted to a dentist from Miami? If there are two things Disney does right, it's unlikely pairings and feel-good humor. Be sure to add this comedy to your winter watchlist this year.
Is there a movie with more magical winter scenery than "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"? Climb into the wardrobe, and get lost in the fantastical world of Narnia, first created by author C.S. Lewis, for a film that will enchant and excite.
Looking for a darker wintry film? "Fargo" is a great place to start. This 1999 film is set in the middle of a frigid and gloomy Minnesota winter and tells the story of a desperate car salesman who will do anything to dig himself out of his enormous debt — even if it means putting his wife in harm's way.
Even though "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" takes place primarily in Willy Wonka's whimsical chocolate factory, this movie is a great way to welcome the wintry season. With snow-dusted scenery and abundant sweets, this is a movie to rewatch year after year.
"The Polar Express" is a children's Christmas movie about a magical train that appears for kids who are just about to lose their belief in Santa Claus. Once aboard, the train crosses snow and ice to make it to the North Pole in time for Santa's appearance.
Quirky and quick-witted, "The Grand Budapest Hotel" tells the story of an unassuming lobby boy and a well-respected concierge employee who team up in an attempt to gain access to a massive fortune. This Wes Anderson film is set in an imaginary Eastern European country where it seems to always be winter.
An unlikely team of prehistoric creatures team up after they discover a human baby. Sid the sloth, Manny the wooly mammoth, and Diego the saber-toothed tiger trek through unforgiving terrain to reunite the baby with his father in this feel-good animated movie.
This unique adventure documentary follows free soloist rock climber Marc-André Leclerc as he tackles intense solo climbs in remote locations. Leclerc braves extreme conditions throughout the documentary and isn't in it for the glory. In fact, the film crew has to stay back for most of his climbs and tell his story from a distance.
Christopher McCandless decides to trade all modern comforts in exchange for a chance to live in the wild. He fights his way to Alaska with next to no material possessions and settles in for a long winter in the unforgiving wilderness. "Into the Wild" is not for the faint of heart, so be sure to settle in for an emotional watch.