Six great films to watch over the holidays

The days between Christmas and New Year are best spent eating, drinking and being horizontal – but you also need enough films to get you through.

These films don’t necessarily have to be Christmassy, ​​but they do have to be cozy and/or funny. Luckily for you, I’ve put together a list of six of the best movies to help you unwind this holiday season. Enjoy.

“The Holdovers” (2023)

Set in 1970, The Holdovers tells the story of a grumpy teacher who reluctantly spends Christmas at the boarding school where he teaches to keep an eye on the students who have nowhere else to go. Equal parts funny and touching, the film is without a doubt one of the coziest and most relaxing films ever made.

“The Iron Giant” (1999)

In Cold War-era Maine, a 9-year-old boy discovers and befriends a 50-foot-tall alien robot in the woods. Together with a snarky beatnik artist who makes sculptures out of scrap metal, the boy works to prevent the giant from being discovered by the US military.

If you’ve never seen The Iron Giant, you’re in luck: you’re about to watch one of the greatest animated films of all time.

“Anora” (2024)

Powered by a career-defining performance from Mikey Madison, “Anora” is the story of a young Brooklyn sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch. It’s lively, funny and undoubtedly one of the standout films of the year.

“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001)

Don’t ask me why, but there’s something unmistakably festive and cozy about the first LOTR film. The best way to enjoy it is to project it on the wall in front of your bed.

“All of Us Strangers” (2023)

Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal lead this beautiful, poignant exploration of love and loss that is unlike anything I’ve seen before. Warning: you will cry.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)

If you’ve ever seen this Frank Capra classic, you know why it’s on the list. If not, read my article about why it’s the best Christmas movie of all time.

(Image credit: SearchlightPictures)