Stephen: Top 5 Movies to Watch in a Snow Storm

It’s January. The Christmas decorations have probably come down or are about to. Now it’s just winter and, in those moments when the snow is falling and it’s not fit to leave the couch, I say lean in to it. Turn the blizzard into your own personal ambience with the top 5 movies to watch during a snow storm. As you can see, most of these aren’t for the whole family because, let’s face it, parents need a couple hours to themselves after being cooped up in the house all day with the kids. If you have any more to add, reach out to me @stephenleth on socials or by calling or texting the OZ Line – 709-576-6936.

5. The Hateful Eight (2015) – stream on Starz/Prime Video

Quentin Tarantino’s claustrophobic Western features an all-star cast, including Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Samuel L. Jackson, and takes place predominantly in a cabin during a blizzard, filled with all sorts of interesting characters. The howling wind and blowing snow outside will really enhance the paranoia-filled mood of this flick, along with the Academy Award winning score by legendary composer Ennio Morricone and, as a bonus, it’s monster run time of 182 minutes will offer maximum shoveling procrastination.

4. Snow Day (2000) – rent on AppleTV

Perhaps, like many radio DJs, you don’t get the luxury of snow days anymore. Well, relive the excitement and magic of a weather-related school closure with this playful comedy that will make you long for the days of essays and math tests. Watching this movie as an adult will also be fun as you get to see future stars like Josh Peck and Emmanuelle Chriqui, as well as performances from comedy icons like Jean Smart and Chris Elliott. And don’t forget a fun role from punk icon Iggy Pop as a tired disc jockey! Can’t relate.

3. The Thing (1982) – stream on Crave

Few horror movies made their mark like John Carpenter’s take on the horror classic the Thing (From Another World). Our second entry on the list that features action movie heavyweight Kurt Russell sees a small team at an Antarctic outpost terrorized by a shape-shifting alien organism that could be any one of them. This one isn’t for the faint of heart, with its still-impressive special effects that will have you wincing, but it goes perfectly with a late night snowstorm. Just hold your dog close and maybe leave the lights on… just in case!

2. Fargo (1996) – stream on Starz/Prime Video

A movie that is made to be watched during winter. Set in the snowy climes of Minnesota and North Dakota, this black comedy from the Coen Brothers will have you laughing, gasping, and looking away from the screen in a span of mere minutes. The headline here is a masterful performance from Frances McDormand, the first of two to earn her an Oscar, as policewoman Marge Gunderson in the midst of solving one of the most bizarre murder cases ever put to celluloid. This is one of my favourite movies but it’s especially effective during the colder months.

1. The Shining (1980) – stream on Crave

What else could it be? There’s just something inherently creepy about a persistent snow storm and, when the cabin fever starts to set in, I say remind yourself of how much worse off you could be. For example, you could be poor Shelley Duval, stuck at the Overlook Hotel with her husband, played by a delightfully deranged Jack Nicholson, and her son, who may be possessed and is talking to his finger?! It doesn’t get much weirder or more blizzard-appropriate than one of the most iconic horror movies ever, filled with iconic moments that have you saying “wtf” even after multiple viewings.