Family Movies | Winter Edition

When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing better than snuggling up with the family for a cozy movie night. For me, a cozy movie needs at least one of these elements: a period setting or British accents—both of which feature heavily in many of the films on this list. I tend to prefer kids’ movies with slower-paced stories and a slightly darker tone. While movies like Trolls and Sing can be entertaining, they’re not my first choice. Instead, here’s a list of my favorite cozy films to enjoy with the kids on a chilly winter day. These picks combine heartwarming stories, magical adventures, and just the right touch of whimsy and mystery for the perfect indoor escape.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

I love movies where kids are on a quest and stories where siblings have to work together, making Narnia a favorite in our home. If your kids haven’t watched this movie yet, I highly recommend reading the book first. We enjoyed it as a family read-aloud and used a literature guide from Hearth and Magic to make the experience even more memorable. The guide included fun activities like creating a Narnia map, keeping a journal, and hosting a tea party with themed recipes. Once we finished the book, watching the movie felt like the perfect way to bring the story to life.

The Willoughbys

The Willoughbys is a tale about siblings determined to create the family they’ve always dreamed of. I love this film for its originality, quirky charm, dark humor, and offbeat characters. Jane’s beautiful song adds a touch of sweetness and emotion, perfectly balancing the film's tone.

Coraline

Coraline is a wonderfully dark and slightly creepy tale, perfect for kids who enjoy a touch of mystery. I love its characters, imaginative world, and the way it balances a spooky yet whimsical tone. The story follows a curious young girl who discovers a secret door in her new home, leading to an alternate world that seems perfect at first.

The Wiz

Growing up, I don’t know why I was more of a Wizard of Oz fan than The Wiz, but my kids love The Wiz—and now it’s grown on me too. The music and dance scenes are hands down more vibrant and exciting than those in The Wizard of Oz. The film's unique style and soulful reimagining of the classic story make it a true family favorite in our home.

The Little Prince

The Little Prince is a heartwarming and imaginative adaptation of the classic tale by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The story follows a young girl navigating a rigid, structured life planned by her mother. Her world changes when she meets an eccentric elderly neighbor, who introduces her to the story of the Little Prince—a boy who explores the universe and discovers the importance of love, friendship, and imagination. Through this journey, the girl learns to embrace wonder and reconnect with the joy of childhood.

Cinderella (1997)

I still remember the night Cinderella with Whitney Houston and Brandy premiered—it was such a big deal in my house. My mom was a big fan of Whitney, and I was a huge fan of Brandy. The movie did not disappoint! I absolutely loved the costumes, the music, and how magical the whole film felt.

The Secret Garden (1993)

I love The Secret Garden—it was one of my favorite movies as a kid, and it still holds a special place in my heart. It ticks all my boxes: a beautifully made period piece with a slightly dark tone, complete with British accents. Even now, I dream of having my own secret garden someday.

Howl’s Moving Castle

There are a number of Studio Ghibli movies I could have put on this list, but Howl's Moving Castle is hands down my favorite. The film follows Sophie, a young woman who is transformed into an old lady by a witch's curse, and her journey to break the curse while finding refuge in the magical moving castle of a mysterious wizard named Howl. I love the stunning animation and the beautiful musical score, which bring this magical world to life. I watch this movie at least three times a year.

Abominable

As I’ve said before, I love a movie where kids go off on an adventure, and Abominable is no exception. The animation in this film is beautiful and adds so much to the magical journey. The story follows Yi, a determined teenager in Shanghai, who discovers a young yeti on her rooftop. Together with her friends, she embarks on an incredible adventure to reunite the yeti, whom she names Everest, with his family in the Himalayas.

Jumanji

We love all of the Jumanji movies, but my son, who is a big Kevin Hart fan, prefers the latest two—Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji: The Next Level—and I have to agree. They are really funny and entertaining. The mix of adventure, comedy, and great cast chemistry makes them a favorite for family movie nights.