Now that the Thanksgiving leftovers have either been eaten or stuffed in the freezer, the winter season can officially begin as people wait for the first flurry of snow, the beginning of the Christmas season, and the much-awaited arrival of the new year. And what better way to stay cozy in a winter wonderland than by plopping on the sofa with a good movie, especially from the wonderful world of Disney.
If the weather outside is frightful, it's time to watch some flicks delightful. And Disney+ has more than enough cozy, cuddly, warm, and fuzzy movies to stave off that winter chill.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
Kicking things off with an underrated Christmas classic, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas is a simple little anthology movie that will warm the heart and lift the spirit as viewers settle in for the most wonderful time of the year.
It might not have a big budget, a life-changing story, or even that much of a run time, but there's always something satisfying about sharing the holidays with friends. Even if they are a little more animated than most.
Frozen
Frozen is the perfect winter movie, and fans love to watch it as the snow falls outside.
While some might consider it overrated, the film in question is still as intoxicating and delightful as a frothy cup of hot chocolate. If the pair of Disney royals leading the film isn't one's thing, at least come for everyone's favorite singing snowman since Frosty.
Miracle
Based on the true story of the U.S. Olympic hockey team, Miracle is truly an underrated gem that any fan of the underdog narrative will certainly get behind. Disney regular, Kurt Russell, leads the team as Herb Brooks, a coach with some unconventional strategies and techniques.
Through his training, tough love, and ambition, the Americans can take on the infamous Soviet team and perform the famous Miracle on Ice.
Cool Runnings
Honestly, it's always fascinating to watch worlds collide in a Disney flick. Loosely based on the story of the Jamaican bobsled team during the 1988 Winter Olympics, Cool Runnings' comedic approach to the Olympic underdog story is what wins it a spot on the list.
A beach in sunny Jamaica might not be the first image that appears when one thinks of a winter flick, but seeing John Candy's team of islanders prepare themselves for the harsh reality of winter is both funny and satisfying.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
This is one film that should definitely be at the top of any fantasy fan with a Disney+ account this holiday season. Not only is The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe an overlooked Christmas classic, but it is stuffed to the gills with wintry imagery.
How can one possibly forget the image of Lucy stepping into Narnia for the first time, venturing through the Wardrobe into a snowy wonderland full of fauns, witches, and Aslan himself? It practically begs to be watched.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Disney+ currently has three versions of Charles Dickens's immortal classic, but the one that seems to be the most popular among hardcore fans has to be the Muppet version. For a movie starring mainly a cast of fur and felt, Jim Henson's version certainly follows the book rather closely.
Pair the familiar narrative with some outlandish performance by the Muppets and Michael Caine as Scrooge and it's a recipe for absolute delight every Christmas.
Beauty and the Beast
It's a tale as old as time, a song as old as rhyme, and one of the most beloved Disney flicks ever. Why wouldn't Beauty and the Beast get a spot on this list?
Considered by many to be one of the most perfect movies in Disney's Library, as well as the most romantic films ever made, putting this on while snuggling up with your significant other is certainly a perfect way to spend a snowy evening.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Is it colder than freshly frozen carbonite outside? Then what better time to gut open a Tauntaun and bundle up against the glow of The Empire Strikes Back?
Considered one of the best entries in the series and one of the best movie sequels of all time, this trip across the galaxy sees everyone's favorite team of Rebels fighting against the evil Empire on Hoth, and eventually amongst the snowy white clouds of bespin. It's great for when flurries turn to blizzards.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
How bout a spooky side of Halloween with your holly jolly Christmas? Watching Jack Skellington's fiendish flight with his skeletal deer is as traditional as watching Ebeneezer Scrooge receive his own haunted holiday.
The Nightmare Before Christmas is perhaps the most-watched holiday movie on the streaming service, so it should be absolutely ideal to watch when Christmas comes with a cold front. Just be sure to check those stockings by the fire before going to sleep.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Pooh's original outing is as warm and cozy as they come and watching him and the rest of the Hundred Acre crew should make all viewers sink into a sweet, sticky soak of nostalgia as Pooh would with a fresh pot of honey. What it lacks in conflict and suspense, it makes up for in emotion and atmosphere.
The Pooh flicks were never meant to be action-packed adventures, but rather enchanting excursions to that wonderful world of make-believe.