Bristol's Top 5 Winter Movies

by Bristol Cox, Staff Writer

As the historic snowfall last month blanketed the area, excitement filled the air, and for a fleeting moment, the world outside transformed into a winter wonderland. Many of us scrambled to experience the magic of snow, even though most of us weren’t exactly prepared for it. Unfortunately, for those of us from Southwest Georgia, the cold quickly became unbearable, and our lack of winter clothing like using socks for gloves was no longer efficient. With my outdoor adventure cut short due to not being able to feel my hands, I retreated back inside my home. Feeling a little defeated that I couldn’t run around in the snow all day I became determined to make the best out of warming up inside. But how could I enjoy winter while staying cozy inside? The answer was simple: winter movies.

When I think of winter movies, the first thing that comes to mind is of course the traditional Christmas classics. Everybody loves a good holiday movie, but personally I was burned out of watching another Christmas movie and it felt wrong to be watching them in mid-January. With this in mind I wanted to find a movie that captured the essence of winter; whether through their atmosphere, landscape, or just the vibe they give off, but without the inherent holiday tropes. So, I set out to craft my top 5 list of movies that perfectly capture that wintry vibe. Some of them are undeniably iconic, while others might surprise you with how random they are.

5) MIRACLE

The heartwarming story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team’s improbable victory over the Soviet Union might not be the first film that comes to mind when you think of winter, but I believe it’s a perfect fit. While hockey isn’t a sport you often associate with South Georgia, there’s something about the cold, gritty atmosphere of an ice rink that captures the essence of winter. I am normally not a big sports movie person, but this movie will have you feeling like you are about to also play in the Olympics. Overall, the atmosphere of the movie screams winter and it is perfect to watch on a snowy afternoon.

4) HELP! THE BEATLES MOVIE

This is another random pick since it’s not a typical winter movie, but the 1965 Beatles classic offers a fun and unexpected choice for this list. Amidst the film’s quirky plot, you’ll find scenes of the band traveling through snowy landscapes in the Alps. Maybe it is just funny to watch the Beatles skiing while in top hats which happens to turn into a montage with Ticket to Ride playing. It adds a weird and lighthearted element to any winter movie marathon.

3) THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK

You might not immediately think of Star Wars when it comes to winter movies, but The Empire Strikes Back earns its spot on this list thanks to the ice planet, Hoth. The opening scenes are packed with icy landscapes, snowstorms, and an overall feeling of cold isolation that sets the perfect wintry mood. There’s just something about watching the Rebels battle in the snow that feels perfect to watch on a cold wintry day. Nothing says “winter vibes” quite like Luke Skywalker getting stuffed into a tauntaun for warmth.

2) THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

When I think of winter movies, The Grand Budapest Hotel by Wes Anderson immediately comes to mind. The snowy landscapes, pastel skies, and the cozy, old-world charm of the hotel itself just feel like winter in every sense. It is very aesthetically pleasing and really is the perfect winter movie without all of the holiday tropes. The snowy mountains of Zubrowka, the quirky characters, and the offbeat humor all come together to create this perfect, whimsical vibe.

1) THE SHINING

Nothing screams winter isolation quite like The Shining. This might be a weird pick to some, but The Shining is always the first film that comes to mind when I think of being completely snowed in. There’s just something about the overwhelming isolation of the Overlook Hotel, surrounded by endless snow-covered mountains, that makes it the ultimate winter watch. Sure, it’s creepy but that’s part of the fun. Watching Jack slowly lose it while a blizzard traps everyone inside feels weirdly relatable when you’re stuck indoors on a freezing day. It’s the perfect movie for when you want to lean into the cold, unsettling stillness of winter without, you know, actually going insane.