As winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like watching films that mirror the chilly, atmospheric season outside. We’re avoiding the Christmas fare here, instead looking at some brilliantly snowy films that capture the spirit of winter in all its icy, dramatic, and sometimes unsettling glory. Here are ten recommendations for frosty nights, not all available to stream for free.

1. Fargo (1996)

If there’s a film that embodies the cold, it’s Fargo. Set in the frozen, desolate landscapes of Minnesota, this Coen brothers’ classic wraps a brutal crime story in a deceptively quaint package. The dark humour, coupled with the quirks of Midwestern politeness, makes for an unforgettable experience. Frances McDormand’s Marge Gunderson is a refreshing protagonist — as sharp as the winter air and as grounded as a small-town cop can be. Expect laughs, shivers, and some unexpected turns in the snow.

2. The Revenant (2015) (Disney+ / Amazon Prime Video)

A film that’s as much about survival as it is about vengeance, The Revenant sees Leonardo DiCaprio’s Hugh Glass face off against both man and nature. Alejandro González Iñárritu’s direction plunges you deep into the wilderness, where you feel every frostbitten gust of wind and hear every crunch of snow underfoot. With visceral cinematography and haunting performances, this film doesn’t just show you winter — it immerses you in its brutal and unforgiving embrace.

3. The Shining (1980)

Everyone thinks of Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel as a Hallowe’en film. But really, it’s a winter film. Set in the remote Overlook Hotel, cut off from the world by snow, The Shining builds claustrophobic tension and fear. Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of Jack Torrance’s slow descent into madness is chilling, and the ominous isolation only heightens the horror. One for those of you who like your winter evenings with a bit of a spine-tingling thrill.

4. Dr Zhivago (1965)

David Lean’s epic adaptation of Boris Pasternak’s novel takes you through Russia’s wintry landscapes and its turbulent revolutionary era. With stunning visuals and a sweeping love story, Dr Zhivago is both visually and emotionally breathtaking. The way Lean captures the Russian winter, with its expanses of snow and icy beauty, adds an unforgettable layer to this historical romance. Great hats too.

5. The Thing (1982)

Horror and ‘body horror’ had a huge 2024 with some brilliant films released. Arguably the king of the genre though is John Carpenter’s classic, The Thing which is perfect for winter viewing, given that it’s set in an Antarctic research station. If you’re yet to see this Masterpiece, The Thing follows a team of scientists facing off against a shape-shifting alien and as the characters try to determine who’s human and who isn’t, the icy isolation of their surroundings adds a uniquely intense edge. A must-watch for those who enjoy horror with a biting, frosty atmosphere.

6. A Simple Plan (1998) (iPlayer)

Sometimes, the bleakness of winter can bring out the worst in people. A Simple Plan, directed by the legendary Sam Raimi (he of Evil Dead and Spider-Man fame), explores how a group of friends stumble upon a crashed plane containing a stash of cash, sparking greed, betrayal, and moral unravelling. Set in the snowy, desolate landscapes of rural America, this thriller is gripping, tense, and explores how quickly things can spiral out of control in the wrong hands.

7. Wind River (2017)

With the return of Yellowstone to TVs this month, what better time to once again recommend another film by showrunner Taylor Sheriden? This tense thriller delves into a murder mystery set on the icy terrain of the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. With gritty performances from Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen, Wind River combines social commentary with suspense, exploring themes of grief, justice, and resilience in harsh conditions. The unforgiving winter setting becomes a character of its own, adding to the film’s intensity and sombre mood.

8. Snowpiercer (2013) (ITVx / Amazon Prime Video)

Snowpiercer, directed by Bong Joon-ho, presents a dystopian future where the last remnants of humanity survive on a constantly moving train through a world now frozen solid. The class divisions within this microcosmic society lead to a rebellion, resulting in an action-packed, intense journey. If you’re in the mood for something thought-provoking, a bit different and with stellar performances from a host of very big names, then this ticks a lot of boxes.

9. Misery (1990)

Stephen King’s work makes another appearance with Misery, an intense psychological thriller about a writer, Paul Sheldon (James Caan), who is rescued from a car crash by a devoted fan, Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates). As the snow traps them both in her remote home, Sheldon discovers that Annie’s kindness may hide something far darker. Bates’ portrayal of Wilkes earned her an Oscar, and the film’s confined, snowy setting amplifies the suspense and tension to chilling effect.

10. Batman Returns (1992)

Tim Burton’s take on the superhero genre is one of the few comic book films that doesn’t feel out of place in winter. Batman Returns sees Michael Keaton’s Batman face off against Danny DeVito’s grotesque Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer’s sultry Catwoman, with Gotham City blanketed in snow. The film’s gothic aesthetic, moody visuals, and Burton’s trademark style make it a unique, atmospheric winter film — and one with just enough action to keep you glued to the screen.

Ian Moreno-Melgar is an educational consultant to the British Film Institute, a published author of film education textbooks, and has watched the trailer for the latest Mission: Impossible film more than is healthy.