When it comes to the holiday season, moviegoers are always gifted with the best movie debuts, and this year is no exception. From dramas to biopics, everybody is buzzing about this year’s film releases. So, if you’ve been looking for a fun activity to do with your friends and family this winter, look no further because the movie theaters have several films for you to enjoy with friends and family. To highlight some of those films, here are five of the most anticipated movies to add to your holiday watch list:
1. “Priscilla”
Last year, moviegoers saw a biopic about the beloved rock n’ roll star Elvis Presley with the film “Elvis.” But this year, it is Priscilla Presley’s time to shine as her version of the story has been adapted into a movie. Based on Priscilla’s memoir “Elvis and Me,” this film revolves around 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu (Cailee Spaeny) meeting the already established rock-and-roll superstar Elvis Presley (Jacob Elordi). Through Priscilla’s eyes, the film showcases their marriage and the events that led up to their divorce. Just by the trailer alone, “Priscilla” looks to be a gripping and emotional story about the famous couple that fans have yet to see. As a result, this film is well worth watching.
“Priscilla” is available to watch in theaters now.
2. “The Marvels”
It’s no secret that most Marvel Comic fans are tired of new Marvel movies and TV shows being made as viewers are beginning to feel overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of releases. However, many fans are interested in “The Marvels” as it is one of the few comic films with an all-women lead cast and a woman director, Nia DaCosta. “The Marvels” is the second installment of “Captain Marvel,” where Brie Larson’s character teams up with Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) as they discover they’re connected by an anomaly that forces them to switch places whenever one of them uses their powers. Seeing Captain Marvel, Monica and Kamala come together in an action-packed film has many fans putting this movie on their holiday watch list.
“The Marvels” is available to watch in theaters now.
3. “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes”
One of the best sci-fi dystopian films, “The Hunger Games” is once again returning to the big screen. This time, the movie adaptation will be of the prequel novel “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” This film is set 64 years before the first installment, which follows 18-year-old Coriolanus “Coryo” Snow (Tom Blyth) before he becomes the tyrannical president of Panem. Remaining the last hope of his fading lineage, the young Snow is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler) for the 10th annual Hunger Games to restore his family’s wealth. Many fans are eager to see more of “The Hunger Games” franchise as they get to see how the grim President Snow came to be in power.
“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” will be released in theaters on Nov. 17.
4. “The Iron Claw”
Zac Efron hasn’t been in many movies or TV shows recently, so when A24 Studios released its official trailer for “The Iron Claw,” many were excited to see him appear in a new role. This film is based on the true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. The movie will focus on the tragic story behind the Von Erich wrestling family and the unfortunate “Von Erich” curse that haunted them outside the ring. With the film produced by A24 Studios and including an incredible ensemble, viewers know this movie will not disappoint.
“The Iron Claw” will be available to watch in theaters on Dec. 22.
5. “All of Us Strangers”
When Searchlight Pictures announced that “Normal People” star Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott from “Fleabag,” were going to lead in “All of Us Strangers,” many viewers were ecstatic to see their dream collaboration come true. The film centers around screenwriter Adam (Andrew Scott) who runs into his mysterious neighbor Harry (Paul Mescal) in their near-empty London apartment. As the two develop a romantic relationship, Adam finds himself drawn back to his childhood home, where his parents appear to be living just as they were on the day they died 30 years ago. With an intriguing storyline and a stellar duo, this film will be a gripping watch, leaving the audience on an emotional rollercoaster.
“All of Us Strangers” will be released in theaters on Dec. 22.