Family gatherings, cold weather, cozy blankets, and warm coffee—the holiday season is here! Regardless of where you are in the world, the end of the year is somehow bittersweet yet joyful. Families and friends gather around to spend the end of another year together, filled with food, love, and laughter, and, of course, the regular movie nights.

There are, of course, numerous Christmas classics: The Grinch for the kids, The Holiday for the couples, and obviously, the entire Home Alone series for, well, everyone. Christmas time, or the end-of-the-year holidays for that matter, just isn't complete without cozy movie nights.

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Apart from the customary Christmas-themed movies that have come before, as well as those that are churned out every year (which I'm guessing you would have read or seen articles recommending already), there are many other family-centric movies that would be perfect for family/friend movie nights too. A comfortable and homely vibe, the right amount of humor, and a banger array of songs used as the playback/background music—the 2000s were, to me personally, one of the best times for cinema.

As someone who spent most of their teenage years watching said movies (courtesy of the TV channel RomedyNow), I happen to possess an arsenal of the best rom-com movies, if I do say so myself. So, here are 5 movies you can watch, curled up on the couch with your family!

Father of the Bride

If I had to describe this movie in one word—adorable. This wholesome 2-part series has been one of my top favorites ever since I first watched it. and has been played on my TV numerous times. As the title suggests, our protagonist George Banks, a successful businessman, a family man, and a father of two, is shocked when his adored 22-year-old daughter comes home after finishing her studies in Europe with a fiancé—whom he immediately dislikes.

We follow George on his journey of denial of letting his daughter go and eventual acceptance of her marriage, which he also had numerous qualms about. The film explores themes of a father's emotions and perspective on watching their little girls grow up and eventually move on with their respective partners.

The second film somewhat follows the same themes, except George must now deal with the fact that his little girl is now going to be a mom! And that's it; the catch is, not only is he becoming a grandpa, but also the father of a third child! In this film, we see him navigating life and pregnancy with two of the most important women in his life.

“I realised (..) I was no longer the man in my little girl's life. I was like an old shoe. The kind we manufacture and get all exited about and then, after few years, discontinue. That was me now: Mr. Discontinued.”

Lindsay Lohan, 2019

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The Parent Trap

When my 13-year-old self first watched this film, I knew I would be obsessed with it for years to come—and I was not wrong! One of the very first movies I ever watched on RomedyNow is perfect for a cozy and wholesome night with the family. Starring one of the Big 3 of the 2000s, 12-year-old Lindsay Lohan plays two totally different characters: Annie and Hallie, a pair of estranged identical twins and the children of divorce.

The twins meet in a summer camp and immediately dislike each other. Annie, who grew up with her mom in London among dress designers and wedding gowns, along with Hallie, who was raised by her dad in the vineyards of Napa, CA, initially clash but realize their shared familial bond in the most wholesome way possible.

The plot follows the two as they decide to switch places to experience each other's life, as well as meet their other parent. They form a pact to get their parents back together and depart the camp to live completely different lives, dealing with the hurdles that come along with it.

“You and I are like….Like sisters!” “Sisters? Hallie, we're twins!”

Adam Sandler, 2009

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Blended

A 2000s rom-com list wouldn't be complete without one that stars Adam Sandler. In his third film with Drew Barrymore, both actors play the role of parents who initially meet and go on a date that ends unfruitfully. However, after a turn of events, both the protagonists with their respective kids end up having a “blended familymoon."

The divorced Lauren (Barrymore), along with her two sons—who are in desperate need of a father figure in their lives—go on a trip to Africa in her friend's stead and meet Larry (Sandler) and his three daughters—who are coping with the loss of their mother—who have also come instead of his employer.

To their surprise, the two now have to share a honeymoon suite that was booked by the now-discovered couple that they have come in place of. The plot follows the two bonding with the other's kids, with Larry helping the boys with sports and Lauren helping the girls deal with the loss of their mom and helping Hillary break out of her shell.

“You know, I'm curious. With so many possible reasons, which one's the one your wife left you for?” “Cancer” “[awkward pause] I'm sorry. I naturally just assumed you were divorced.”“It's okay. I naturally assumed your husband shot himself, so we're even.”

Freaky Friday

Yes, another Lindsay Lohan movie indeed (the girl owned the 2000s-2010s rom-coms), but now as a band guitarist in high school.

Anna (Lohan), who is a struggling musician, often clashes with her widowed mother Tess over not only her career choices but also the choice of the man her mother is soon going to marry. After a particular disagreement in Pei-Pei's Chinese restaurant and the reading of a cryptic fortune cookie given to them by the old lady there, the two find themselves in each other's body the next morning.

The plot follows the two protagonists as one navigates teen crushes, a bitter teacher, and high school rivalry, while the other deals with the stresses of being an adult and the hustle of planning out a wedding. The movie is a quick, lighthearted choice for random weekend nights with friends or family.

“You're not my mother, get away from me you clone freak!” “Don't use that tone with me!”

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Mamma Mia

With one of the greatest actresses in its cast, the crème de la crème of coming-of-age films, and with a soundtrack so iconic, their songs are known by almost 2 different generations word-for-word (Thank you, ABBA)—I know, I've categorized other films as ‘one of my favorites,’ but what truly takes the crown off my list is Mamma Mia.

Placed on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi, Sophie, a soon-to-be bride, invites three of her mother, Donna's, lovers. Hoping to be walked down the aisle by her biological father, whom she plans on finding out about during their stay there, all the while Donna and her two friends figure out ways to deal with them.

The movie still moves me to tears, not because it has an ending, but because the portrayal of love, family, and self-discovery is so universally relatable and touching that it continues to resonate with the young generations of today's time. This movie truly needs no specific season nor reason to watch and deserves to be viewed at least once—there's a reason why watching Mamma Mia's theatrical screening in Greece is on almost everyone's bucket list.

“I'm beginning to think my soulmate might actually be carbs.”; “Screw ‘em if they can’t take a joke!”

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There is no better feeling than sitting at home wrapped up in a blanket in the chill weather with good food and a perfect movie to match. Adding the warmth of our loved ones to the mix can make it even more euphoric. As the year comes to an end, there's no better way to end it than with love, connection, and self-discovery. So, to the dear readers, I wish you very happy holidays!