As someone originally from, and still calls home no matter where I am, Michigan, the changing of the seasons tend to be subtle. It’s right around late October when the chill in the air is noticeable, the woolen socks and sweaters have come out and I am blowing the dust off my turtlenecks, that I reach for the same movies over and over again. I’m not sure why these films remind me of the holiday season since most of them are not placed during the winter months but I do reason that since their release date was in the fall and winter is probably why I associate them with the seasons. I have watched these films dozens of times and I am always finding something new about them.
So, if you’re looking for a good comfy clothes and popcorn movies to watch, look no more. (I own all of these movies but I’m including links to the services where you can stream them.)
- Harry Potter series I know. The link is tenuous but J.K. Rowling has said on multiple occasions Jane Austen is her favorite author of all time so there is some influence of Austen’s work in the series but more in a blink and you’ll miss it kind of way. Nevertheless, I inhale this series every holiday season and you should, too. The series is only available on streaming to rent or to buy on Amazon and the price is fairly inexpensive. To be sure, I don’t know that many people who don’t own the whole series to watch at their leisure but if you’re one of the rare ones who do not, there is an option to watch it immediately.
- Bridge Jones’ Diary Availble to rent on Amazon or to stream if you have HBO, I watch this movie several times of year, in fact I just watched it last weekend, but I always make sure to watch it once the snow hits the ground. Since the story starts and ends on New Years Day, it’s no surprise it has become a top favorite movie to watch every holiday season.
- Becomes Jane Have I ever mentioned James McAvoy is a future ex-husband? No? Well, now you know. I’m more or less, most often more, watch anything with him in it and coupled with Anne Hathaway whom I adore, Becoming Jane is my catnip. Reminagining the alleged relationship of Tom LeFoy and Jane Austen, it follows their relationship from start to finish. This movie also sets Austen fanatics to clutch their pearl necklaces which I do not understand but there you are. Yes, information about Jane’s romantic life is minute but what is wrong with wondering whether or not something happened? No one is taking this movie as absolute truth so why all the gawps and huffing? Who knows! Becoming Jane is available cheaply to buy on Amazon in SD ($2.99) and HD ($4.99).
- Love, Actually Since the movie takes place during the month of December, every year it is the same deluge of think pieces why Love, Acutally is trash and a pox on humanity. I feel fairly confident to say it would take 3x as long as to read all of those articles than to watch the actual movie. If I stopped enjoying everything that is deemed trash, I would stare at a blank wall in a white room every day. I love this movie and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Don’t @ me. Love, Actually is streaming on Netflix or you can rent or buy it on Amazon.
- Pride & Prejudice (2005) Yep, you knew this was coming. I will continue to defend this movie to my dying day. It also has a special place in my heart since I visited Basildon Park (Netherfield Park) in 2008 while on holiday and there was an exhibit set up from the movie shoot to celebrate the production. Also, if you haven’t had a chance to listen to the soundtrack, it is divine. Even my husband likes it and he’s picky as heck. I also love just about everything Joe Wright has directed? (If you haven’t seen it, Atonement, also starring Keira Knightly as well as James McAvoy and a younSaoirsese Ronan, is heart wrenching.) If you don’t take my word for it, Natasha Shubrick over at Pride & Predjudice (2005) blog writes eloquently on her defense why P&P is sublime. It’s available to buy in HD from Amazon for $13.99.
And there you have it! My go-to movies for every holiday season. What are yours?