Movies and TV shows to avoid the cold this winter

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Here at Syracuse University, it is nearly impossible to evade the cold. Sidewalks are covered in ice, streets are covered in slush, and the wind pierces through everyone as they walk around campus. With classes and extracurriculars taking up schedules, students want to avoid the cold, and sometimes the only way to do so is by getting comfortable in your dorm, apartment or wherever you may be and watching a movie. So, here are five movies and TV shows to help you escape the winter in Syracuse — these can all be found on Kanopy, which is free to all SU students with their NetID and password.

“Lady Bird” (2017)

From acclaimed director Greta Gerwig, “Lady Bird” is a coming-of-age film that follows a young girl trying to find her way in life, all while dealing with high school boys and her parents. Not only is the movie set in California, with warm colors and beautiful scenes to keep the cold out of mind, but main stars Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf put on Oscar-nominated performances. This movie will evoke big laughs, pique your curiosity, and it just might have you shedding some tears. This movie is a great watch to avoid the cold and will make you feel like you are under the California sun.

“The Little Hours” (2017)

One of the more underrated movies of 2017, “The Little Hours” is a dark comedy that follows the lives of the many unique people living in a convent during the Middle Ages. Featuring an all-star cast with actors such as Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Aubrey Plaza and John C. Reilly, this movie is also shot with wide landscapes and bright colors, perfect for a movie-watching experience during the cold. Along with the warmth of the movie, it will have you laughing the whole time, from the crazy interactions between the nuns to the absurdity of Nick Offerman’s royal character. This movie will keep you away from the cold and give you a good laugh while doing so.

“Memento” (2000)

A movie so thrilling, you won’t even realize it is cold outside because you’ll be so caught up in the mystery that is “Memento.” From director Christopher Nolan, who never fails to amaze audiences with his intricate plots and polarizing twists, the movie follows a man with short-term memory loss who tries to find out the truth about his wife’s murder. The catch is, the way he finds out the truth is through writing himself notes every day to try and truly understand what has happened. The movie is a mind-bending rollercoaster that will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. While watching, there is no way you will be thinking about the frigid winter outside.

“American Experience – Walt Disney” (2015)

From the show “American Experience” on PBS, this two-part series chronicles the highs and lows of the life of Walt Disney. A fascinating look at the life of a man who is behind the magic of many of our lives, the show uses archival footage and special interviews to show who Walt Disney truly was. A series that everyone can relate to, this show will have you thinking of Disney World, Disney princesses and Disney movies that will truly warm your heart.

“Beware the Slenderman” (2016)

A chilling documentary from HBO, “Beware the Slenderman” tells the story of two girls who became so caught up in a fictional website called the Slenderman that it led to attempted murder. The documentary is made by HBO, which creates some of the best crime documentaries today. You’ll see how scary the world we live in can be, while also staying interested in the story. You’ll become so immersed in it that the cold will be an afterthought. This documentary is a pioneer in the crime documentary world, and truly set a precedent for more to come, such as “The Cheshire Murders” and “Mommy Dead and Dearest.” This is a must-watch for staying warm and entertained.