Disclaimer: some of the movies below are rated R for strong violence, language, and disturbing imagery. Due to the graphic and intense nature of some of the movies, they may not be suitable for children.
As the weather gets cooler, the call to settle down with a warm blanket just gets louder, and what better activity to pair that with than watching a movie? Whether a fan of comedy, horror, or holiday tales, here are some recommendations to get you through the cold nights.
For fans of fun, feel free to take a peak at Blades of Glory! A lighthearted comedy published in 2002 starring Will Ferrell and Jon Heder– widely known for his leading role in Napoleon Dynamite– as two enemy figure skaters banned from the sport. Together, they’re able to find a loophole which allows them to compete once again, and the movie follows their struggle to work together. However, if that doesn’t feel like quite the right style of comedy, Jenny Merritt (‘26) recommends a slightly deeper film. How to Get Ahead in Advertising is a British film from 1989, which uses fantastical elements to show the life of an unstable advertiser (played by Richard E. Grant) deals with an identity crisis. Although a comedy, the film is certainly deeper than just a quick laugh, and is highly recommended. It allows the viewer to reflect on their own drive and purpose while not inspiring that common depressing feeling. This movie also features elements of body horror, so if you turn out to be a fan of that, these next movies could be for you.
A Quiet Place (2018) is the first horror movie on the list. With palpable tension throughout the whole movie, this thriller has such a miasma of fear that it’s sure to make you hold your breath right along with the main characters. Of course, there are other types of movie thrills one can experience; after all, everyone tolerates violence differently, and some people prefer a little realism. We’re All Going to the World’s Fair released in 2021 to the Sundance Film Festival, and was written and directed by Jane Schoenbrun– a director you may recognize for I Saw the TV Glow. We’re All Going to the World’s Fair follows a teenage girl named Casey participating in an online trend, and slowly spirals into a psychological horror as she begins to seemingly lose her mind, all the while talking to an adult man online who appears to be attempting to groom her.
Now that winter is coming, some people are beginning to embrace the holiday season. For example, Thanksgiving is nearby, and even if you don’t celebrate, there are some good movies anyone can watch. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is a staple of the season, even if it’s over 50 years old. This Peanuts classic is guaranteed to inspire a warm feeling of friendship to anyone who watches it! Two other popular holidays are Christmas and Hanukkah, which are approaching speedily. A Christmas Story has been giving families joy since 1966 (originally a book) before being transformed for the silver screen in 1983. Watch a young boy navigate the struggles of convincing his parents to get him the perfect gift– we triple dog dare you! Last but not least is Eight Crazy Nights, an animated Adam Sandler film. Chaotic as the name suggests, this tale follows a man with unfortunate luck finding peace through the nights of Hannukah, and is a heartwarming story of grief, forgiveness, and love.
Go watch some movies, Warriors!