Welcome back to White Rose of Avalon, my Darlings. For today’s post, I will be sharing some suggestions of films to watch in Winter to soothe yourself, or as the title states, to warm yourself during the cold of Winter! This list will be a mix of some of my favorite comfort watches and seasonal favorites, and even a couple that many people would not find soothing, but to me, they bring comfort. I will not be ranking these, just sharing some favorite things to watch in the cold months. Without further ado, let’s look at thirteen films I watch to soothe myself in the cold of Winter!
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
~Of course, I had to begin with this childhood favorite that I watch at least twice a year, in both October and December! The story of the Pumpkin King Jack Skellington and his bid to take over Christmas is always a nostalgic delight.
Practical Magic (1998)
~I had to include this one! Most of my regular readers will know that I often call this my favorite film of all time, and it really is an ultimate comfort film for me. So, yes, I watch this film much more than just during the cold months of Winter, but it does truly soothe my soul in the Dark Half of the Year! What can I say, the story of the Owens women is one that I cannot get enough of. Oh, and yes, I am excited for next year’s sequel; in fact, I am doing a Practical Magic Book Club in anticipation of the new film over on Patreon beginning in March!
Bell Book and Candle (1958)
~This is one of those films that I have to watch every December, and I also often watch it at other times of the year. The story of the witchy protagonist Gillian Holroyd enchanting her neighbor Shep is actually set around the Winter Holidays, literally beginning on Christmas Eve! It is a really sweet witchy romance movie that makes me feel like I am cuddled up in a cozy blanket.
I Married a Witch (1942)
~Another film that is a classic witchy romance, with the title setting the stage well. This is a cute screwball comedy starring Veronica Lake and Fredric March.
La Belle et La Bete (Beauty and the Beast) (1946)
~I have always adored this classic French film by Jean Cocteau. It is truly a visually stunning and beautifully acted version of the classic fairytale! It is my favorite film version of the tale without question.
The Princess Bride (1987)
~Ah, this list could never be complete without this film. It is actually the film my husband and I watch every year on New Year’s Eve! It has become a tradition to spend the lead-up to the New Year watching the adventures of Westley, Buttercup, Inigo, and Fezzik.
Stardust (2007)
~I really adore this often overlooked film based on the novel by Neil Gaiman. The story of Tristan going on an adventure into a Faeryland in the desire to get a fallen star for the girl he loves, only to learn so much about himself and his true heart’s desire, is a joy to experience!
Snow White: A Tale of Terror (1997)
~This is one of those films that I do not know if others will see as comforting, but it is for me. The film is a darker and more horrific take on Snow White retellings, but it is also a very fun film with some great Winter imagery (especially at the beginning). Plus, I find Sigourney Weaver’s performance to be amazing!
Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)
~Ah, yes, another fairytale retelling, are we seeing a theme? I have always loved this enchanting and more grounded version of the classic Cinderella tale!
Labyrinth (1986)
~I love this film so much! The classic story of Sarah having to go into the Labyrinth in order to save her baby brother from the Goblin King is iconic. It is truly a coming-of-age tale with plenty of faerylore to dig into and analyze, but it is also an enchanting watch full of comfort! Oh, and David Bowie is unforgettable as the Goblin King, not to mention Jennifer Connelly also gives a great performance as Sarah.
Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning (2004)
~I adore all of the Ginger Snaps films, and while I usually say that the original is my favorite werewolf film of all time, I have to say I do truly love this third film equally to the first. So, I guess we could say it depends on my mood, which one is my absolute favorite! I adore that for the third film, they chose to create an origin story set in the 19th Century. It is also set in Winter, making it the ideal Wintery comfort watch. At least this is true for me!
The Company of Wolves (1984)
~Another werewolf film, another fairytale retelling, and another Wintery horror. Okay, so yes, there are recurring themes in this list! I really love watching this coming-of-age tale that interweaves several fairytale retellings by Angela Carter into a truly beautiful werewolf story. As a bonus, Angela Carter adapted her own work for the screenplay, and we get Angela Lansbury as the Grandmother!
Nosferatu (2024)
~For the last suggestion, I have my favorite film of last year! I absolutely adore this film, and it has quickly become my favorite Vampire film of all time, and that is saying something given how much I love Vampires. I have watched this film several times already, and it is definitely one that I watch all year long, but it is set around the Christmas season, making it a great Winter watch. Yet again, I know that many will not think this comforting, but the atmosphere is so gorgeous that I do find comfort in it!
~I hope you have enjoyed my list. What are your favorite films to watch for comfort in the cold of Winter? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Note on Image: The image at the top of the post is a production still from The Company of Wolves. I found the picture on https://letterboxd.com/film/the-company-of-wolves/.
LINK TO AVALONIAN ROSE FAERY MYSTERIES PATREON: patreon.com/AvalonianRoseFaeryMysteries