As the semester winds down and the holidays approach, we know many of you are looking forward to a well-deserved break. Whether you plan to spend time with family, catch up on sleep, or simply enjoy a quiet moment away from finals, a good movie can make the season even brighter.
To help you kick off your winter break watchlist, members of the Law Library team have shared some of their favorite films for this time of year. These aren’t limited to traditional holiday movies — they’re the movies we return to every winter because they make us smile, laugh, or feel a little closer to our friends and loved ones.
We hope our selections give you a few new ideas for what to watch once exams are behind you. Wishing you a restful and joyful winter break, and happy watching!
Dean Skalbeck, Associate Dean for Library and Information Services and Professor of Law: Grumpy Old Men (1993)
I grew up in Minnesota with lots of snow shoveling, ice fishing and grumpy men who like to wear flannel. The movie is a heartwarming tale of two neighbors and life-long friends at odds with each other. The sequels are also good, but start with the original.
For a cringe-worthy winter tale of suspense and people making bad decisions, check out A Simple Plan (1998) on Netflix, or the post-apocalyptic thriller Snowpiercer (2013). And at my house, no holiday season is complete without at least one viewing of Elf AND Daddy’s Home 2.
Andrew Frank, Access Services Librarian: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
It always makes me laugh. No matter how many times I’ve seen it.
Janette Morgan, Acquisitions and Serials Manager: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Yes, it’s really old, but so am I!
Jenika Simmons, Administrative Coordinator: Elf (2003)
This movie never gets old! I love Will Ferrell and I find myself quoting different lines from the movie with friends and family and laughing.
Sylvia Yanes, Director of Public & Instructional Services: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
I typically go with Nightmare Before Christmas because it’s awesome. Really though, I guilt my entire family into rewatching the extended versions of Lord of the Rings during the holidays. Partly because I love the movies, but mostly because I live for the creative excuses they try to use and the looks of resignation I get when the intro song plays.
Mads Ball, Research & Student Services Librarian: Die Hard (1988)
I was basically raised on action movies from the 80s and 90s, so of course my family always watched Die Hard around Christmas. In fact, we even owned the film on LaserDisc back when that was a ‘thing.’ While maybe not the most standard holiday film, it does take place on Christmas Eve!
