With winter upon us, the drop in temperature ushers us indoors to the warmth of our living room, giving us the opportunity to get under a blanket, sip on some hot chocolate and watch a movie … helping make this one of the most wonderful times of the year.

Films can be so much more than mindless entertainment, especially when you find the right movie. Now, it becomes an experience that awes and inspires us, leading to great conversations with friends and family long after the film’s been viewed.

Here’s a list of movies you can conveniently find at the Believe.com’s Movie Store enjoy with a variety of groups in just about any situation. Hopefully this will help your Christmas be filled with moments that you and your loved ones will cherish forever.

Family Films

The Princess Bride

Let’s start with a classic. Based on William Goldman’s novel of the same title, this fairy tale movie features swashbuckling, romance, wit and some of the most quoted lines in the history of cinema.

Rated PG with a runtime of 98 minutes, this 1987 masterpiece features an ensemble cast full of unforgettable characters like The Man in Black’s (Cary Elwes), Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), Vizzini (Wallace Shawn and, of course, the Princess Bride (Robin Wright). Audiences of all ages will find something to love about this film, and it’s a movie that can be viewed over and over without getting old.

Big

When you were younger, did you ever make a wish to be bigger and older to ride that ride you were too short for, impress the girl (or guy) you liked or just to be able to do what the older kids were able to do? In the movie Big, 13-year-old Josh makes this wish to a scary-looking fortune telling machine and his wish is granted overnight!

This classic movie is full of fun, iconic scenes like the sequence of “big” Josh (Tom Hanks) dancing on a giant keyboard with his boss, MacMillan (Robert Loggia), to the tune of “Chopsticks.”  Big is rated PG with a runtime of 104 minutes, most of which will be fond memories you can share with the entire family.

Children’s Movies

Ice Age

A story about a band of misfits (consisting of a depressed wooly mammoth named Manny (Ray Romano), an eccentric sloth named Sid (John Leguizamo) and a surly saber-toothed tiger named Diego (Dennis Leary)on a journey to reunite a lost human infant with its mother, Ice Age presents slapstick comedy and some heartwarming moments in beautiful CGI animation. Rated PG with a runtime of 81 minutes, Ice Age provides fun for the whole family to enjoy together or entertainment for the kids while the grown-ups can take some free time for themselves.

Horton Hears a Who!

A 3D-animated film based on Dr. Seuss’ short book, Horton Hears a Who! is a wonderfully drawn story about an elephant  named Horton (Jim Carrey) who, unbeknownst to the citizens of the city, vigilantly tries to protect a microscopic city the size of a speck of dust that resides on a flower. This film captures the spirit of Dr. Seuss and the beloved artwork of the book through memorable performances by an ensemble cast starring Carrey and Steve Carrel as the Mayor of Whoville.

The cast of Horton also features Carol Burnett, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, Isla Fisher, Jonah Hill and Amy Poehler to name a few. The film runs 86 minutes and is rated G.

Romantic Movies

One Fine Day

This is a story of two divorcees, Melanie Parker (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Jack Taylor (George Clooney), who each unexpectedly are thrown into the responsibility of taking care of their children after Jack fails to get the kids to their school’s field trip. Clooney and Pfeiffer have quite the on-screen chemistry with not only each other but with the children they share the screen with.

One Fine Day displays the relatable dilemmas that single parents run into and the fortitude it takes to be without a lot of help. The touching scenes of teamwork are sure to warm up your holiday season. One Fine Day is rated PG and runs 108 minutes.

We Bought a Zoo

Acclaimed filmmaker Cameron Crowe (Jerry MaguireAlmost Famous) directs an amazing and true story about a single dad named Ben (Matt Damon) who moves his family to a zoo in search of a fresh start.

We Bought a Zoo is a smart, uplifting movie that speaks directly to the heart and also stars Scarlett Johansson as the no-nonsense zookeeper, Kelly. Ben and Kelly work together to make their situation the best it can possibly be. With an eclectic musical score featuring some original pieces by the band Sigur Rós, Crowe delivers a film from the heart for the heart.  Zoo is rated PG and runs 124 minutes long.

Inspirational Films

127 Hours

Nominated for six Oscars including a Best Actor nod for James Franco, 127 Hours is a gut-wrenching, inspirational story about survival in the direst of circumstances.  Franco plays Aron Ralston, a thrill seeker who finds himself alone with his arm trapped in between boulders after a fall while hiking a canyon.

For 127 hours, Franco is unable to escape and no one knows that he even went hiking, let alone where he is. With memories playing over and over in his mind, he must do the unthinkable to survive. This unbelievable true story recommended for a mature audience is rated R for disturbing, violent content / bloody images and runs 94 minutes.

October Baby

October Baby is the story of a college freshman, Hannah (Rachel Hendrix), who learns through medical exams that she is a botched abortion survivor and adoptee after she collapses on stage during her first theatrical production. Rocked by the news, Hannah sets off on a journey with her friend, Jason (Jason Burkey), to find her birth mother.

This faith-based, message-driven film delighted the Christian audience and is sure to uplift converted viewers while potentially provoking dialogue with a non-believing audience. October Baby is rated PG-13 and runs 107 minutes long.

Christmas

Miracle on 34th Street

This classic Christmas film tells the story of a man claiming to be the real Santa Claus and how he rekindles the Christmas spirit within the people he meets. Miracle on 34th Street features Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle, Maureen O’Hara as the skeptical Doris Walker, John Payne as Kringle’s lawyer, Fred Gailey, Gene Lockhart as Judge Henry X. Harper, Porter Hall as the neurotic Granville Sawyer and Natalie Wood as Doris’ discouraged daughter, Susan Walker.

Miracle is universally considered a Christmas holiday family tradition and could be something your family enjoys year after year.

Marley & Me

A sure-fire tear-jerker, Marley & Me tells the story of married couple, John and Jenny Grogan (Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston) and how John’s gift of a puppy named Marley turns into a life-changing adventure. Based on the bestselling autobiography by John Grogan, Marley & Me features funny and heartstring tugging moments and is perfectly suited for the whole family. The movie is rated PG and runs 115 minutes long.

So, whether you’d love to experience one of the films on this list with a loved one or you’re looking for a Christmas gift for the movie buff on your list,  look for these featured movies found in this list, as well as popular titles such as, Saving Sarah CainLast Sin EaterOne Night with the KingHome AloneJingle All the WayNight in the MuseumThe Cutting Edge and Nim’s Island at Believe.com’s  Home Video Store.

As you piece together your calendar to spend meaningful time with loved ones and make new cherished memories that will last a lifetime, scheduling in a heartwarming and cheerful film into the mix always makes for an unforgettable shared experience!  

Wishing you a very merry Christmas and holiday season full of conversation and memorable moments!

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