What to Watch for Holidays Besides 'Irony of Fate'

You already know 'Irony of Fate' by heart and can quote all the dialogues from 'Home Alone'? We've put together a selection of less obvious but equally atmospheric films for New Year's holidays. Here you'll find movies for every taste: from Soviet classics to modern foreign comedies.

Main points of the article:

• All movies are available on legal streaming platforms;
• The selection includes proven classics and modern films;
• There are options for family viewing and adult audiences;
• Collected films of various genres: from comedies to melodramas.

Russian cinema often forgotten

'The Magicians' (1982) — a fantasy musical comedy with Alexander Abdulov and Alexandra Yakovleva. The story of love, magic, and New Year's enchantment still captivates viewers. The film will especially appeal to those who love 'The Good Night' and other fairy tales by Mark Zakharov.

Photo: ptoday.ru

'New Year Tariff' (2008)

'New Year Tariff' (2008) — a modern romantic story with an unusual plot. The main characters communicate via phone through time: he — on New Year's Eve 2009, she — in 2008. Starring Valeria Lanskaya and Maxim Matveyev.

'Snow Angel' (2007)

'Snow Angel' (2007) — a heartfelt story with Victoria Tolstoganova and Alexander Baluev about how a spontaneous decision under the New Year can change one's life. The film received several awards at film festivals.

Photo: domkino.tv

European films for festive mood

'Real Love' (2003)

'Real Love' (2003) — a British romantic comedy where several love stories intertwine in pre-Christmas London. Star-studded cast: Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Alan Rickman.

'Four Christmases' (2008)

'Four Christmases' (2008) — a family comedy with Vin Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon about a couple trying to visit both partners' parents in one day. Perfect for those who recognize themselves in the pre-holiday chaos.

Photo: pinterest.ru

'Christmas for Two' (2019)

'Christmas for Two' (2019) — a romantic comedy with Emily Clarke about a girl working as an elf in a Christmas store. The film has unexpected plot twists and deep meaning.

Photo: emilia-clarke.com

For those who don't like sweet stories

'Krampus' (2015)

'Krampus' (2015) — an unusual combination of holiday story and horror. The film tells about an ancient Christmas demon who punishes those who have lost faith in the holiday. Suitable for fans of unconventional cinema.

Photo: kinopoisk.ru

'Bad Santa' (2003)

'Bad Santa' (2003) — a black comedy with Billy Bob Thornton. The story of a professional thief who every year pretends to work as Santa in shopping centers. For adult audiences only.

Photo: airtraction.ru

Family films without sentimentality

'The Polar Express' (2004)

'The Polar Express' (2004) — an animated film with Tom Hanks about a magical train that takes children to the North Pole. Thrilling adventures and excellent animation.

'Christmas Trees' (2010)

'Christmas Trees' (2010) — the first film in a popular Russian franchise. Several stories happening in different Russian cities come together into one festive mosaic. Starring Ivan Urgant and Sergey Svetlakov.

'While You Were Sleeping' (1995)

'While You Were Sleeping' (1995) — a romantic comedy with Sandra Bullock about a girl who accidentally becomes central to a family story. A warm film with a Christmas atmosphere.

Photo: kinopoisk.ru

How to watch all these movies

Most of the films are available on popular streaming services. Soviet films are often shown on TV during holidays and can be easily found online. Foreign films are available in online cinemas with professional dubbing.

To create the right festive mood, it's best to compile a list of movies in advance and distribute them over the holiday days. For example, family comedies are best watched with loved ones, while romantic stories are perfect for a cozy evening alone.

Cover: style.rbc.ru