December 18

Winter Break Watchlist

By Nawal Abdul

1. “Let It Snow”: If you find yourself surrounded by friends with nothing to watch this break, give “Let It Snow” a try. A new Netflix release, the film focuses on several different love stories spread throughout the same town, touching on difficult challenges that face people from all walks of life. It’s cute, heartfelt and makes for the perfect background movie in your own Christmas story!
2. “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas”: As the holy grail of throwbacks, it’s the perfect film to watch now that Disney Plus is open to the public. It’s a movie that will remind your of the more important things in life, like getting to spend the holidays with your family.
3. “Last Christmas”: Emilia Clarke and Henry Goulding get together in the newest Christmas release, and while I don’t want to spoil it, let’s just say there’s a pretty insane plot twist in this one. Plus, two award-winning actors sharing the screen? It’s definitely worth the time.
4. “Love Actually”: A timeless classic! Not only is this story adorably heartfelt, but it also takes place in London; while we may be celebrating the holiday season in SoCal’s toasty 80-degree weather, this movie will definitely make you feel like snow is falling.
5. “The Polar Express”: Throw on your pajamas, make some hot cocoa and take it back to elementary school with some great songs and an even better story about ~the power of friendship~
6. “Frozen 2”: This one’s pretty standard. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s the perfect film to get you into the holiday spirit. This sequel follows Elsa and Anna as they embark on a journey to figure out where Elsa’s power actually come from.
7. “Knives Out”: Not exactly the holiday vibe, but it is Chris Evans’s first role since “Avengers: Endgame,” and it’s a comedic mystery. This one’s got it all.
8. “The Home Alone Series”: The classics keep coming. We all grew up on this series, and it’ll never not be funny to watch a 10-year-old boy outsmart a pair of burglars. If you find yourself in need of a good laugh, this series is definitely the one for you.
9. “Eloise at Christmastime”: As the name suggests, this film follows a young girl named Eloise throughout her mission to reunite the perfect couple at the hotel she stays at. Bonus: Julie Andrews is in it, and we all need Julie Andrews. At all times.
10. “Bombshell”: Again, not the holiday vibe, but this movie was released on Dec. 13 and it offers a meaningful message. Centered around the sexual harassment case that began the #MeToo movement, the film has a star-studded cast, including Charlize Theron and Margo Robbie. It’s a deeper commentary on the society we’ve lived in for decades and a look into the one we want to build for the future.