Winter Break has Arrived: Here Are the Top Ten Movies to See This Holiday Season
By Madyson Fitzgerald
Final exams are done, grades are in Blackboard and winter break is officially in session. It is finally the time to blow off some steam by grabbing a group of friends and seeing some of the top movies of the year! This holiday season, there are a lot of movies taking the theaters by storm. Here are the top ten movies that you need to see this winter break:
10. Jumanji: The Next Level
At the top of the box office with over $60 million, Jumanji: The Next Level continues when Spencer (Alex Wolff) decides to jump back into the game, prompting his friends to come and save him. Once they enter the game, they encounter a problem: the game is broken and glitches have taken over. The four friends navigate the world of Jumanji as the game falls apart around them. This action-packed sequel is perfect for people looking for adventure, all while having a good laugh. The successful debut movie for the series, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, raked in a worldwide total of $962.1 million, and the new installment is expected to do just as well.
9. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
As the conclusion to the sequel trilogy, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. Starting in 1977, the “Skywalker Saga” began with the original trilogy, including Episode IV, Episode V, and Episode VI. In 1999, a prequel trilogy was created, starting with Episode I, Episode II and finally, Episode III in 2005. This installment will be the end of the sequel trilogy that began back in 2015 with Episode VII. The saga is set to end in a final battle as the rest of the Resistance prepares to face off against the First Order one last time. Fans of the series are on the edge of their seats for the end of a legendary journey.
8. Black Christmas
Based on the 2006 film, Black Christmas is a remake of this quirky, yet creepy holiday-themed horror story. At Hawthorne College, the Christmas parties are all the rage, but things go south when a black-masked murderer begins killing the sorority sisters of Mu Kappa Epsilon. What starts as holiday fun quickly turns into a survival-of-the-fittest. Fans of the original film will love this modern twist, and it’s sure to strike terror into the holiday season.
7. Cats
Ever since the release of the first trailer, Cats has been one of the most anticipated films of the year. Based on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, director T.S. Eliot brings the show to life. The star-studded cast, including James Corden, Jennifer Hudson, Judi Dench, Idris Elba and more, is also introduced to innovative new technology, transforming them into their cat look-a-likes. This spectacular musical event will be fun for the entire family and offers an entertaining twist to a timeless classic.
6. Bombshell
This fantastic drama covers one of the most controversial media outlets of all time. Bombshell tells the true story of three women, played by Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie, who challenge Fox News and the man who shaped its empire, Roger Ailes (played by John Lithgow). After being called out for sexual harassment, the three women work together to take down the powerful executive. Highlighting the power of feminism in the newsroom, Bombshell is a thrilling drama that is set to top the box office.
5. Frozen 2
Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel) continue the family fun in Frozen 2, a journey that will leave the audience breathless. Starting in 2013, Frozen began with Elsa suppressing her magical winter powers until the day she finally lets it all go. After learning to control them through the power of love, the two sisters are faced with a new adventure. As Elsa begins to question the origin of her powers and how they will affect the kingdom, she begins to feel the pull of powers much bigger than hers. With help from Kristoff (Jonathan Goff), Olaf (Josh Gad) and Sven, the pack goes on a magical adventure that tests their friendship and their willingness for self-discovery. Earning $19.3 million in the box office right now, Frozen 2 proves to be a thrilling sequel to the successful princess story.
4. Uncut Gems
Coming out on Christmas Day, Uncut Gems is the thriller of the holiday season. Adam Sandler plays Howard Ratner, a jeweler from New York City who is always looking for his next big win. After investing in some very risky business ventures, he is forced to do all that is possible to receive the high reward. Sandler stuns in his role as Howard, balancing family with treacherous business. This gripping film will have everyone holding their breath to find out what happens to the riveting Howard Ratner.
3. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Inspired by Mr. Rogers, one of America’s most beloved TV personalities, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood will bring a smile to anyone’s face this holiday season. A leery investigative journalist named Lloyd Vogel (played by Matthew Rhys) is set on profiling Mr. Rogers (played by Tom Hanks). As their friendship progresses, Vogel begins to understand that optimism and understanding are important life values that end up helping him in his personal life as well. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood commemorates one of the most influential public figures America has had the pleasure to watch.
2. Knives Out
After the mysterious death of an acclaimed novelist, played by Christopher Plummer, a detective has to delve into the drama of his family and staff to discover the true reason behind his murder. Detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, has to pour over all the details of every member of the household to find out the shocking truth that will leave the theater gasping. Earning $9.3 million in the box office so far, Knives Out is a great murder-mystery, filled with both humor and suspense, to create a memorable feature for the holiday season.
1. Queen & Slim
Jodie-Turner Smith and Daniel Kaluuya play as Queen & Slim, in which their first date takes a turn for the worst when on a traffic stop, an altercation occurs, leading Slim to take the officer’s gun and shoot him in self-defense. With no choice but to run for their lives, the two head on a journey through the country. While on the run, their story goes viral, roping in the terror and pain of the entire nation. The African American couple turns into a symbol of horror for some, but one of hope to others. The audience will fall in love with the characters, creating a gripping story that will be talked about for years to come.
