Must See: Top Ten New Holiday Movies

As the weather turns colder and family members start arriving in town, there is always one comforting place to take retrieve: the local movie theater. Whether you have a huge clan full of tiny tots or just you and that special someone, there are loads of incredible movies coming out this season for everyone to enjoy. From family-pleasers such as Arthur Christmas to Adam Sandler’s uproarious dual performance in Jack and Jill, we have compiled a list of the very best seasonal cinema.

Not in the spirit yet? Don’t worry; there are plenty of non-holiday movies included in our list as well.

For The Grown Ups

A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas: Nov. 4

They’re baaack! Kal Penn, John Cho and Neil Patrick Harris are reunited just in time for the holiday season in this side-splitting sequel. It seems that as time passed, Harold and Kumar grew further apart: making new friends and forgetting about old ones. All that changes when a mysterious package shows up on Kumar’s doorstep on Christmas Eve, kicking off all kinds of crazy occurrences.

New Years Eve: Dec. 9

The all-star cast of this touching romantic comedy includes Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Robert De Niro, Abigail Breslin and Josh Duhamel. Multiple intertwining stories are told throughout the film, centering around the values of love, hope, second chances and forgiveness. Taking place in New York City, viewers will get a chance to relate to characters as they experience life and love.

Jack and Jill: Nov. 11

This Thanksgiving treat stars Adam Sandler as a prosperous family man who dreads one event each and every year: the Thanksgiving visit by his identical twin sister. Making this movie even funnier is the fact that Sandler plays both the successful man and the needy sister. This film also stars Katie Holmes, Al Pacino and Elodie Tougne.

Another Happy Day: Nov. 18

The star-studded cast of this movie, including Demi Moore and Kate Bosworth, along with the fact that it won Best Screenwriter Award at the Sundance Film Festival puts this high on the film priority list. The plot follows a delicate woman named Lynn on an emotional rollercoaster known as a family weekend in this dark and weighty comedy dealing with family dynamics.

The Descendants: Nov. 23

This dramatic comedy, written and directed by Oscar-winner Alexander Payne, follows the story of an uninterested husband and father who faces serious decisions after his wife is involved in a boating accident in Waikiki. George Clooney plays the lead, supported by July Greer and Beau Bridges. This heartfelt film deals with issues of past and future.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo: Dec. 21

This much-anticipated film will be the first in a trilogy by Colombia Pictures, based on the novel which sold over 50 million copies worldwide. This suspenseful drama will star Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara and Christopher Plummer. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo was written Steven Zaillian and directed by David Fincher. (pictured main)

Family Friendly Features

Arthur Christmas: Nov. 23

This heart-warming family comedy answers the question on every child’s mind; how in the world can Santa possibly deliver all those presents in one single night? It turns out Santa’s magic is possible only with the help of an ultra-advanced operation hidden right beneath the North Pole. This 3D film takes a close look at the operation and at one special, if a bit dysfunctional, family.

Happy Feet 2: Nov. 18

This adorable family movie, written and directed by George Miller, is sure to get the whole clan in the holiday spirit. Taking place in Antarctica, this animated feature follows the story of a small penguin, Erik, who is having trouble following in his dancing father’s footsteps. This sequel will be showing in 3D, so the snow-filled landscapes are sure to amaze people of all ages.

The Muppets: Nov. 23

In this fun and humorous feature, the Muppets must be re-united in order to save the Muppet Theatre from bad-guy Tex Richman, an oil tycoon set on tearing the whole thing down. Together with three friends, voiced by Amy Adams and Jason Segel, the Muppets biggest fan saves the day by gathering everyone to help put on The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked: Dec. 16

In this amusing animated trilogy, Alvin and the chipmunks find themselves on what appears to be a shipwrecked island. However, further investigation shows that the island isn’t so deserted after all. Celebrity voices include Jason Lee, David Cross, Justin Long, Jesse McCartney and Jenny Slate. This fun-filled film is sure to be a hit with the little ones.

Insider Tip: Upgrade your movie theater experience by visiting the new Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas in Del Mar, featuring in-theater waiters, beer and wine service, sweet desserts and more. Get details here.

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