In the time in between spending time with my family and sleeping in, I find myself drawn to movies over winter break. There is something about snuggling up with my cat and a mug of hot tea to watch a film that makes it something I’ll never get tired of. Maybe it’s a stress relief, or a way to dive into another world to save myself from being stir-crazy, but watching new movies are a staple of my holidays. I felt it necessary to spread my love of cinema in the only way I knew how, creating a genre-fluid list of some of my favorite movies. I hope I am able to help you discover something that you can enjoy as well, or at least something that can challenge your thinking.

1. Grand Budapest Hotel (Amazon Prime)

• As one of my all-time favorite movies The Grand Budapest Hotel takes you on an aesthetically pleasing and comedy filled adventure surrounding Zero (Tony Revolori, Spider-man: Homecoming), as he is swept up in the life of his eccentric boss Monsieur Gustave (Ralph Fiennes, Schindler’s List) and a stolen piece of art that is worth the entire Gustave family’s fortune. This film sets itself apart from the rest because of its stunning visuals and unique characters.
• If you’re looking for… a movie to inspire you to travel.

2. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Netflix)

• Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is an atypical movie at its core, which I think is why it is so endearing. You follow Scott Pilgrim (Micheal Cera, Arrested Development) a socially-awkward bass guitar player in a garage band who discovers his new girlfriend Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Gemini Man) has an army of ex-boyfriends out for his blood. With an A-list cast sprinkled throughout you can’t help but enjoy the wacky and somewhat confusing experience.
• If you’re looking for… a not-so-serious action movie.

3.The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (Netflix)

• “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” is not so much a movie as it is several short films put together. Centered around the tales of a gunslinger, bank robber, an actor, a prospector, and a pair of bounty hunters. This film is an exaggerated story of which anyone can appreciate. Although it is more violent than most movies on this list, it is still full of lots of compassion that makes it a good movie for any occasion.
• If you’re looking for… a movie that takes you back to the gun slinging, horse-riding days of the Wild West.

4. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Netflix)

• The 1969 classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a staple on my movie lists. Since I was a kid, my mom has had different scenes on her iPod that she would play on long car rides. I begged for her to replay the stories of King Arthur and his quest to find the Holy Grail. I highly recommend this to anyone who has an odd sense of humor or who wants a movie that does not force them to think too hard.
• If you’re looking for… an oddball comedy filled with medieval battles and very little historical accuracy.

5. Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark (Netflix)

• Harrison Ford (Star Wars), delivers a spectacular performance in the first installment of the critically acclaimed “Indiana Jones” series. It follows Indiana Jones and his attempt to find an ancient relic while trying to beat a band of Nazi’s. This movie is full of fun action and adventure scenes that leave the viewer with a strong desire to purchase a leather fedora and become an archeologist by the end.
• If you’re looking for… a Spielberg classic with lots of heart.

6. Men in Black (Netflix)

• If you haven’t seen “Men in Black” at this point or it’s been a few years, I highly recommend revisiting the Sci-fi adventure. The story of Jay(Will Smith, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) discovering the world of aliens is a family-friendly and fun movie. It’s something you can have on while doing other snow day activities like catching up on homework or finally doing your laundry and still appreciate.
• If you’re looking for… a Sci-Fi movie that doesn’t take place in space.

7. War Games (Amazon Prime)

• A lesser known ‘80s movie “War Games” follows teenager David Lightman (Matthew Broderick, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) as he accidentally hacks into a military supercomputer while looking for a new video game, unaware of his situation Lightman activates the entire nation’s nuclear arsenal. This movie is for computer nerds and people looking for a glimpse into the technology of the past.
• If you’re looking for… a movie to make you finally make that account on CodeAcademy.

8. Knock Down the House (Netflix)

• For anyone who knows me personally, it’s probably a surprise that it took this long in my list to incorporate a documentary, but I promise this selection is well worth the wait. “Knock Down the House” was a 2019 True/False headliner that tells the story of four women, most notably Saint Louis native Cori Bush and Senator Alexandria Ocasio- Cortez, of different backgrounds and their journey to be elected to their respective political seats. I enjoyed this documentary because it wasn’t afraid to show politicians, no matter their position, as hard workers dedicated to America.
• If you’re looking for… a movie to witness the political power of women.

9. The Look of Silence (Netflix)

• While “The Look of Silence” is a lesser known documentary, it still remains one of my favorite pieces of all time. It tells the heart wrenching story of the aftermath of the Indonesian mass killings of the 1960s through the eyes of those who handed down the death sentence to over 500,000 – 3,000,000 people.
• If you’re looking for… a reason to learn something new.

10. Charlie’s Angels (Netflix)

• “Charlie’s Angels” is a movie I would consider my guilty pleasure. The plot is somewhat shallow and the acting is subpar as it tells the story of three “superwomen” as they attempt to save themselves from assassins , yet I keep coming back to it. The special effects and stunts are unbelievably realistic and the idea that we could all someday be as cool as Alex Munday (Lucy Liu, Kill Bill Vol 1.) puts this film as a must watch for anyone looking for something you hate to love.
• If you’re looking for… an all female action packed movie with a cliché romance.

11. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (Amazon Prime)

• This movie is a bit more serious than the others on the list, but a worthwhile watch if you’re looking for a film to make you appreciate the human experience a little more. With an academy award for best actress Mildred Hayes (Francis McDormand, Fargo) it follows her as she seeks justice for the wrongful death of her daughter in a town where the police force is corrupt. The film aims to shed light on the struggle to heal our polarized world, which is a powerful message to all its viewers.
• If you’re looking for… something to inspire you to make change.

12. Heathers (Netflix)

• Classic 1988 film turned musical, “Heathers” is a wild ride from start to finsih, filled with murder and teenage angst. This dark comedy is something that leaves you thinking long after the film is over. The story of one girl breaking out of the violent tendencies of her friends and the twisted situation that ensues, ending in an unorthodox teenage rom-com.
• If you’re looking for… a twisted tale of high school cliques.

13. Donnie Darko (Amazon Prime)

• If you need something that will test your understanding of what is real, “Donnie Darko” provides a cryptic yet compelling story about the world we live in. This one doesn’t always fair the best with people, but I challenge you to really work to understand the essence of the film in order to appreciate its beauty.
• If you’re looking for… a movie to challenge your thinking.

14. Arrival (Amazon Prime)

• Arrival may be one of the smartest films that has been released this decade. While it is filled with elements of Science-Fiction, the idea of language barriers has real world parallels. With spectacular performances by the entire cast, there is a reason it was nominated for the Academy Awards Best Picture in 2017. It tells the story of alien life coming to earth with a message and the struggle to decode said message before it’s too late.
• If you’re looking for… a movie that makes you believe in aliens.

15. Shazam (Amazon Prime)

• For this I tried to stay away from superhero movies because they would have taken up my whole list if I hadn’t, but I left room for “Shazam” because, honestly, I don’t consider it the same caliber to its Marvel counterparts. But, that doesn’t mean I didn’t thoroughly enjoy this movie. It made the list because it is such a feel good movie that you can watch again and again and still appreciate. It’s humor is well-delivered and it can be enjoyed at any age.
• If you’re looking for… a light-hearted superhero story.

16. Peanut Butter Falcon (Amazon Prime)

• To find a movie that shows an authentic and relevant story of the experience of disabled Americans, “Peanut Butter Falcon” is for you. It’s a heartwarming story of two friends is taken with a new setting and dynamic to give it a fresh look. Better yet, with the compelling story comes a soundtrack that adds a sense of fun.  It follows Zak (Zachary Gottsagen in his debut role) as he finds friendship with Tyler (Shia LaBeouf, Transformers) on the way to follow his dreams of becoming a pro wrestler.
• If you’re looking for… a story of friendship and redemption.

17. Knives Out (At your local theater)

• If you have any chance to make it into a theater over your break I highly recommend spending the day watching Knives Out (more than once if you want to, and trust me you’ll want to). This movie, despite its dramatic plot line, becomes a playground for A-list actors that makes you have fun with them in every second in the movie. It’s a compelling mystery that almost led me to believe I had seen the movie backwards, even when you think you have worked it out, a new surprise finds itself a scene later.
• If you’re looking for… Chris Evans in sweater or just a funny movie.

18. Parasite (At your local theater)

• This is another movie that would require a trip to a movie theater, yet it would be well worth your time. This chilling portrayal of class conflicts as a poor family works its way into becoming the keepers of a wealthy family’s house leaves you in awe long after you’ve seen it. The most impactful part of this movie is the way the characters are portrayed, even the characters that appear the villain are arguably justified in their motives.
• If you’re looking for… a dramatic foreign film that challenges expectations.

19. Jojo Rabbit (At your local theater)

• Again a feature that is still located in theaters, “JoJo Rabbit” is an emotional rollercoaster filled with humor and love. The cast excels in their roles and the story is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Told through the perspective of a child, you give into your imagination and sense of adventure. It follows young German boy Jojo Betzler as he navigates growing up in World War II as a Nazi, only to find his mother had been  hiding a Jewish girl within their walls.
• If you’re looking for… a satirical World War II film.

20. 12 Angry Men (Amazon Prime)

• While I may have seen this movie in my Civics class freshman year, I added it to the list because I really enjoyed the simplicity of the film. Following a jury in a murder trial, you are transported into the courtroom and begin to feel yourself learning things about the jury trial full of controversy along with the characters.
• If you’re looking for… something to surprise you.

21. Lady Bird (Amazon Prime)

•  Coming of age movie “Lady bird” was one of my favorites of 2017. Lady Bird (Saorise Ronan, Little Women) has grown up in a Catholic high school, and wants nothing more than to break out of the strict rules of her teachers.  It really captured the essence of growing up and the struggles that come with learning about who you are. I highly recommend it for anyone who feels stuck in their situation, as I found it very freeing to see someone else struggling to live their life.
• If you’re looking for… a movie full of wit and strong opinions that will get you in the feels.

22. Yesterday (Amazon Prime)

• I will expose myself to say that I am not fluent in anything Beatles related, yet I was still able to enjoy the story of the day the world forgot about the Beatles as if I had heard them my whole life. Full of humor and love, this film is a perfect example of a feel good movie. With unexpected plot twists, the movie proves the importance of music and of community.
• If you’re looking for… a reason to sing-along.

23. The Long Dumb Road (Amazon Prime)

• This is a movie that isn’t likely to be seen on most lists because its relatively unknown. The story follows a new college student making his way to California by hitchhiking with an unkempt traveler with a troubled past. Even though it follows the common coming-of-age trope, its wit and adventurous spirit make it an enjoyable watch.
• If you’re looking for… odd but lovable characters.

24. Spirited Away (Amazon Prime)

• Hayao Miyazaki’s highest grossing film takes you on a colorful and unexpected adventure through an amusement park that is anything but ordinary, filled with monsters and magic hidden away from the rest of the world. An animated movie unlike most, Spirited Away can be enjoyed at any age for its beautiful art and captivating story.
• If you’re looking for something… outside of your comfort zone.

25. Little Women (At your local theater)

• A last trip to the theater will allow you to see the newest film by Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) based off the classic book “Little Women”. With a dynamic cast and beautiful setting, “Little Women” is the perfect holiday movie to get you in the mood for doing something creative. This movie should be for literature buffs and British accent enthusiasts alike.
• If you’re looking for something… with big dresses and feminism.