By Anna Berkowitz
As the season and the weather turns, so do our film picks. Nothing is more indicative of the holiday season than watching wholesome films with family or friends. For some welcome relaxation during the break, here are some fun, family-friendly, and occasionally festive suggestions for the upcoming holiday season.
The Princess Bride
This film is maybe one of three that my family would collectively agree to watching over and over again. In an action packed hour and a half, it tells the tale of Princess Buttercup and her true love Wesley as they navigate fire swamps, the screaming eels, and fight the evil Prince Humperdink. What’s not to like? With a romantic story, quotable lines, and adventure, there is something for everyone.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving/A Charlie Brown Christmas
I know Charlie Brown is a particularly American tradition, but the overarching themes are universal. Both specials are short, yet heartwarming, as they explore the true meaning of what it means to celebrate these holidays. Perhaps more well-known than the plot of both episodes, the music provided by the Vince Guaraldi trio is certain to get anyone in the holiday spirit. I don’t even celebrate Christmas and my family listens to the albums every year.
Little Women (2019)
Not only is this movie a perfect accompaniment to a winter’s evening, but it explores the complications of familial love in a meaningful and genuine way. The movie follows the four March sisters as they grow up, fall in love, and experience the ups and downs of life in New England during the era of the American Civil War. The superb cast, an excellent score, and an updated, modern take on a classic story makes for a really good watch, or even rewatch.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Like it or not, the Harry Potter films have made their way into the holiday canon. Maybe it’s their magical element, or their bingeable quality during school breaks. Either way, watching Harry discover he’s a wizard and navigating his first year at Hogwarts together with Ron and Hermione ought to at least spur some welcome nostalgia for everyone watching.
Knives Out
This film is genuinely funny, fast paced, and includes some brilliant sweaters (thank you Chris Evans). In this original and creative story, we witness the breakdown of the Thrombey family as a detective is summoned to solve the murder of their patriarch, a famed mystery writer. Lighthearted, with some truly suspenseful and surprising twists, it is murder mystery that can actually be fun for the whole family.
Hi, I’m Anna Berkowitz. I’m from Berkeley, California, and I’m a General Course student, in my third year, studying International Relations and Literature. In the limited time that I have outside of the wonderful world of academia, I enjoy running, reading, playing flute, and spending all my money on cinema tickets and books. I love writing about new films, and tv, especially anything in the science fiction or fantasy genre. If you’d like to get in touch about anything at all, my email is a.e.berkowitz@lse.ac.uk, and my Instagram is @anna.berkowitz
