As the days grow shorter and the nights stretch longer, there’s nothing quite like settling into your couch with a blanket and indulging in cosy movie nights. With hibernation mode officially upon us, the holiday season tends to bring a flood of clichéd films on streaming services—filled with stereotyped characters and overused tropes. If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.

If you’re craving films celebrating heartfelt stories and diverse cultures, we’ve rounded up the cosiest picks to spark joy and brighten your evenings.

1. Polite Society

A movie of contradictions including its name, this is a merry mash-up of fierce sisterhood, parental disappointment, and bold action. Polite Society follows martial artist-in-training Ria Khan, who believes she must save her older sister Lena from her impending marriage. In a perfect blend of action, family dynamics, and a strong-willed protagonist who isn’t afraid to challenge the norms, this film brings humour and heart while celebrating South Asian culture in a refreshing manner.

Available on Amazon Prime Video (UK)

2. Love Jones

A romantic drama that explores love, desire, and the complexities of relationships. Love Jones follows Nina and Darius, two creative souls who connect deeply when they meet, but still need to navigate the complications of their emotions and desires. It’s a beautifully crafted film that captures the complexities of modern love thoughtfully. With strong performances and a soulful soundtrack, it is ideal for anyone who wants a deeper, more reflective look at love. 

Available on: Amazon Prime Video (UK)

3. Wadjda

A simple yet powerful film about a young girl in Saudi Arabia trying to buy a bike against societal norms. Wadjda simply wishes to have her own bicycle so that she might race against her friend and neighbour Abeer. As Wadjda goes on a quest to find the money to purchase the bicycle she sees being delivered on the roof of a van, we get a glimpse into her society and its culture. Director Haifaa al-Mansour portrays her country with sensitivity, offering a nuanced perspective on the bittersweet reality of being female without heavy judgment. Quirky and witty, Wadjda shows that despite cultural differences, people everywhere share similar human experiences. A warm, realistic film, and a perfect holiday pick for anyone looking for a meaningful and culturally relevant story.

Available on: Netflix (UK)

4. The Namesake

Based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel, The Namesake is a timeless classic that explores the immigrant experience, focusing on the journey of Ashoke and his son Gogol as they navigate the tension between traditional Indian values and American ideals. With a stellar cast including Kal Penn, Irfan Khan and Tabu, the film sensitively delves into family, identity, and cultural clashes, offering a deeply relatable experience for anyone balancing the multiple worlds of cultural roots and identity. Irrfan Khan gives a standout performance as Ashoke, a loving father caught between two worlds, while Kal Penn portrays Gogol’s frustration and search for identity. Tabu shines as Ashima, capturing the emotional complexity of a mother’s sacrifice. Directed by Mira Nair.

Available on: Amazon Prime Video (UK)

5. Rye Lane

A charming and fresh romantic comedy with lots of heart, Rye Lane follows two characters, Yas and Dom, as they meet in the aftermath of their respective breakups and form a unique bond over their shared experiences. The witty dialogue, quirky characters, and vibrant setting create a fun atmosphere, while also exploring the complexities of relationships and personal growth.

Available on: Disney+ (UK)

6. Real Women Have Curves

A warm, empowering comedy-drama film that celebrates body positivity, family, and the pursuit of personal dreams. In East Los Angeles, 18-year-old Ana García, a high school student in Beverly Hills, struggles to balance her dream of going to college and her mother’s obsessive expectation to work at the family factory, amidst difficult economic conditions.

Starring America Ferrera in her feature film debut, Real Women Have Curves is a beautiful representation of the Latinx experience, especially for anyone who’s ever felt pressured by family expectations and is both relatable as well as inspiring. 

Available on: Amazon Prime Video (UK)

7. The Hundred-Foot Journey

A heartwarming tale of food, culture, and the pursuit of dreams, The Hundred-Foot Journey follows an Indian family seeking refuge in the countryside of France where they open a restaurant at a mere hundred-foot distance from a local one. It is a feel-good movie with beautiful scenery, a lovely soundtrack, and a story that hits all the right notes about family and belonging. The cultural clash between the delicious French and Indian cuisine offers an interesting backdrop, making it a great choice for cozy holiday viewing.

Available on Netflix (UK)

8. Chungking Express

A Hong Kong classic that’s a feast for the eyes and the soul, Chungking Express is a romantic comedy-drama film that weaves two intertwined love stories set in the bustling streets of Hong Kong. The first follows a heartbroken cop, played by Takeshi Kaneshiro, obsessed with his breakup and a mysterious encounter with a drug smuggler. The second story features Tony Leung as a policeman recovering from the loss of his girlfriend, who finds solace in the attentions of a snack bar worker. With its quirky characters and dreamy atmosphere, it’s a film that takes you on a visual and emotional journey, offering a mix of romance and existential musings. If you appreciate style and substance in a movie, then this one is for you.

Available on: BFI Player (UK)

9. The Last Holiday

A warm, uplifting story about embracing life and living fully. Queen Latifah shines in this feel-good movie, as a woman who, after receiving a terminal diagnosis, decides to live out her dreams and embrace every moment. With its infectious optimism and uplifting message, the film is the perfect holiday watch for anyone looking for a dose of inspiration. 

Available on: Amazon Prime Video (UK)

10. Blinded By The Light

Inspired by the life of journalist Sarfraz Manzoor and his love of the works of Bruce Springsteen, Blinded by the Light is a fun comedy-drama film based on Manzoor’s 2007 memoir Greetings from Bury Park: Race, Religion and Rock N’ Roll. Set in the town of Luton in 1987 Britain, the film tells the coming-of-age story of Javed, a British-Pakistani teenager whose life is changed after he discovers the music of Springsteen. An upbeat, accessible watch for those who might not be familiar with the nuanced diaspora experience but still want a heartwarming story about following your dreams. Plus, it’s a fun journey through Bruce Springsteen’s music.

Available on: Sky Cinema (UK)

11. Something New

What would a cosy movie list be without a charming, romantic comedy? Something New follows Kenya (Sanaa Lathan), a successful woman who begins a relationship with Brian (Simon Baker), a white landscaper, offering a nuanced portrayal of love and family dynamics. As the couple navigate an interracial relationship, the film thoughtfully explores love across cultural boundaries and the expectations that come with it. It’s sweet, heartfelt, and relatable, making it a lovely choice for cosying up this season. 

Available on: Amazon Prime Video (UK)

12. Mogul Mowgli

Co-written by award-winning documentary filmmaker Bassam Tariq and Riz Ahmed, this is the story of a British Pakistani rapper (Riz Ahmed) who, on the cusp of his first world tour, is struck down by an illness that forces him to put a pause on his about to take off career, face his past, his family, and the uncertainty of his legacy. The film expresses the tension between identity, culture, and self-expression beautifully, showing that this struggle is neither linear nor on either side of extremes. Riz Ahmed’s performance is stunning as he explores his dual heritage. It’s an evocative and introspective film about the complexities of being part of the diaspora, especially for those who feel torn between two worlds.

Available on: BBC iPlayer (UK)

As you sip on a comforting cup of coffee or hot chocolate, we hope these films can bring a touch of joy and magic to your winter evenings. Whether you watch them with the girlies or save them for a solo night of relaxation, these movies guarantee cosiness and stories that feel like home.