It's one thing to have a relaxing Snow Day but another when a blizzard paralyzes an entire city and there's nothing anyone can do but stay indoors or brave the cold outside and risk hypothermia. Of course, being stuck indoors can be a bummer. Instead of moping around and risking your health to the ungodly blizzard, why not enjoy a few movies that will send chills down your spine instead?
A nice marathon of horror films would be nice but many of these films are set on spring and summer break in which the characters tend to lose their inhibitions and, more often than not, end up in horrific situations of their own making. What we've listed down are all set in winter - or at least have snowy backdrops - so you can let the characters suffer the cold of snow for you while you watch comfortably at home.
Here are some of the films you can watch:
1. The Shining (1980)
Inspired by Stephen King's novel of the same title, "The Shining" is a classic horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, a writer whose family stays in Overlook Hotel as caretakers, and who gets influenced by a ghostly presence in the hotel until it drives him mad, leading him to attempt murder. If you have ever wondered what the deal is with those film stills showing twins in a corridor and Jack Nicholson's face squeezed in a hole on a door, then it's time to watch "The Shining" to understand these references.
2. The Thing (1982/2011)
"The Thing" has two film versions based on John W. Campbell's novella, "Who Goes There?" Both deal with a parasitic alien that infiltrates an American research station base in the Antarctic. Since the "thing" can take the appearance of its victims, the group of survivors must deal with paranoia and trust issues within the group as well as staying alert to avoid falling victim to the alien parasite. The 1982 version directed by John Carpenter relays the events of what happens to the group seeking for answers and what happened to the crew based in the station while the 2011 version directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. takes the path of the prequel.
3. 30 Days Of Night (2007)
"30 Days of Night" is set in Barrow, Alaska where the town is preparing for a month-long polar night only for vampires to come into their quiet little town and spread terror. With no sun for the next 30 days, how will the townspeople survive?
The film is adapted by David Slade from a comic book series of the same name and stars Melissa George, Josh Hartnett and Danny Huston.
4. Let The Right One In (2008) / Let Me In (2010)
These two are basically the same film, except the 2008 "Let the Right One In" is the original Swedish film while "Let Me In" is the 2010 Hollywood version. It tells the story of a bullied 12-year old boy who befriends a pale, weak-looking girl who lives in his apartment complex and only comes out at night. Yes, she's a vampire and they develop a bond but the story of these two kids (or at least the boy's) far outweigh that of a certain sparkly iteration of such regal, supernatural creatures of the night. Watch both of them for comparison but if you only have time for one, we recommend the original Swedish version if you prefer a more linear storytelling.
5. Frozen (2010)
A group of friends decide to have some fun at a ski resort but the ski resort decides to close up shop early because a storm is brewing. A worker decides to shut down the lift without checking if there's anyone still in the lift, leaving a group of friends stranded. There's no songs about letting baggage go but a pack of hungry wolves are involved.
Bonus
It's not a film per se, but the "Doctor Who" Christmas special titled "The Snowmen" is another thrilling watch.
