It’s that time of the year again. Some enjoy it, others prefer to stick in their houses with some hot cocoa under their noses. One thing is certain though, it’s cold. Maybe you’re trying to prepare yourself for the wintery trek outside, and if that’s the case then these movies will surely prepare you. Mentally of course, you still need lots of clothes in order not to freeze.
10.Alaska (The Grey)
This movie is based on a short story by Ian Mackenzie called Ghost Walker. The plot isn’t complicated at all and, in most cases, that’s the best option. A plane crash leaves four oil men stranded in Alaska and are soon tailed by a pack of wolves. Liam Neeson shines as always as the lead and the overall feeling of being hunted warrants this a must watch. And of course the snowy wilderness is beautifully portrayed as both savage and serene.
9.Earth (Snowpiercer)
A more apocalyptic aproach here. This isn’t a specific wintery place on Earth. It’s the whole planet. After a failed attempt to solve the global warming crisis, we instead got an everlasting ice age. Thankfully a massive train called the Snowpiercer was there to save the last humans left on Earth. Plus the train is powered by an infinite energy engine. A very interesting take on social division is being shown here not to mention the striking surroundings.
8.The Andes (Alive)
This wintery movie is actually based on real life events. Plane crashes seem to be an ongoing theme also for this list as that is how our heroes are left stranded in the Andes. An Uruguayan rugby team has to confront the perils of cold and hunger. The film stars Ethan Hawke and John Malkovich lends his voice for the narration.
7.Øksfjord (Dead Snow)
Norway is known for its blinding white scenery but who knew that if you added undead Nazis in the mix, you would get a fun splatter film? Yes the premise is as wacky as it sounds. Nazi zombies attack seven students in the mountains of Norway. You can imagine what happens next. This is a fun watch for anybody who loves the zombie genre.
6.Antarctica (The Thing)
John Carpenter showed his teeth in The Thing. An alien is unearthed in Antarctica but this specimen is not like E.T . He can shape shift. Imagine that the base where the action unfolds is a spaceship and the whole of Antarctica is space. Paranoia and dread are the main themes in this horror flick. It’s like Alien on ice.
5.Arendelle (Frozen)
This wintery tale was not so wintery at first but thanks to Elsa, one of our heroes, she unintentionally makes her kingdom a winter wonderland. Sounds like a cool dreamy place at first but you forget that eternal cold is a double sided blade. It’s up to her sister, Anna to set things right but not until we see how beautifully the snow is rendered in CG. This animated flick is also recommended to watch with your kids.
4.Overlook Hotel (The Shining)
You won’t get a more frightening take at a snowed in hotel than in Stanley Kubrik’s The Shining. This Stephen King adaptation is a guaranteed must watch for those who want to see someone have an icy death. No seriously, you could almost feel the chiliness. Jack Nicholson gives a strong performance as Jack Torrance, the man who accepts the job of winter- caretaker for the Overlook Hotel.
3.Barrow, Alaska- again (30 Days of Night)
I know, Alaska is twice on this list but this one is twenty times more wintery than the last one for the simple fact that the whole action takes place at night. Not one night, but 30 days of night (good title). Set in a town that enjoys long periods of darkness can be a nuissance for its locals but when blood thirsty vampires take this to their advantage, things may not be looking to bright. Mainly because it’s night.
2.Hoth (Star Wars: Empire Strike Back)
Sure, Ice Age Earth is something but a planet that has enjoyed winter for as long as it existed is in an entirely other category. Being the sixth planet from the sun ensures Hoth an eternal icy fate but also a great hiding place for the good guys.
1.Minnesota (Fargo)
The Coen Brothers have essentially reinvented the wintery setting with their 1993 release of Fargo. Minnesota looks absolutely chilling thanks to the effective cinematography and soundtrack. This bleak take of good versus evil in the small town of Fargo, Minnessota is a must watch for those who want some snowy action goodness. Not to mention that the contrast of red and white is managed beautifully here.
