6 Must-See Movies for Christmas 2015

The act of going to the movie theater on Christmas Day is not as outlandish as it may sound. It’s a common tradition for families that don’t celebrate Christmas (since the majority of business establishments are closed) and for families that balance their day of staying in for presents, food, and conversation with going out to enjoy a cinematic experience together in the evening.

With those factors in mind, it’s no wonder that theaters see some of their biggest ticket sales on the 25th and why the movie studios capitalize on the Christmas Day release date year after year. Judging from this week’s new film releases, the 2015 season plans on delivering a sack of top-notch pictures. Here are six movies up for your considerate viewing on December 25th.

Joy

Directed by David O. Russell and starring Russell regulars Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, and Bradley Cooper, Joy is a biopic on the story of Joy Mangano (portrayed by Lawrence), the entrepreneur best known as the inventor of the Miracle Mop. The film follows Joy across four generations, from her early childhood through to her journey as a matriarch at home (as a single mother to three children) and a matriarch of her own business enterprise. Joy has recently received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture in the Comedy or Musical category, along with another Best Actress nod for Lawrence for what’s sure to be yet another tour de force performance from the young talent.

Daddy’s Home

Directed by Sean Anders and starring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, and Linda Cardellini, Daddy’s Home is focused on a kind and responsible radio executive, Brad (Ferrell), who wants to be the best stepdad to the two children of his wife (Cardellini). When their freewheeling father, Dusty (Wahlberg) rolls back into town and into their lives, a rivalry is ignited between the two men and a competition ensues for the approval of the kids. If comedies with crazy hijinks, physical humor, and ‘Who’s your daddy?’ jokes are your jam, this is the pick for you!

Point Break

Directed by Ericson Core, and starring Édgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey, and Ray Winstone, Point Break is a remake of the 1991 action-adventure film of the same name. In this version, a FBI agent, Johnny Utah (Bracey) goes undercover to infiltrate a gang of adrenaline-seeking athletes, led by Bodhi (Ramirez), as the group is suspected of orchestrating a string of crimes. The film is comprised of several cameo appearances from real extreme athletes (from the worlds of surfing, motorbiking, and more), who are given much screentime to perform their daring feats of athleticism. Shot in multiple locations worldwide, including Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, Mexico, Venezuela, and India, Point Break is a truly visually thrilling movie experience.

Concussion

Directed by Peter Landesman and starring Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Concussion is biographical sports-medicine drama based on the true story of Dr. Bennet Omalu (Smith), the forensic neuropathologist who discovered CTE, a football-related brain trauma, and the potentially fatal consequences of repeated brain damage to its sufferers–professional football players. Omalu’s crusade to have the truth be known to the public places him at odds with one of the most powerful institutions in the world–the NFL. This is a must-watch for sports fans and for film fans who don’t want to miss Smith’s acclaimed acting performance.

The Hateful Eight

Directed by Quentin Tarantino and starring a mega cast boasting names like Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Demián Bichir, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, and Bruce Bern (a.k.a. The Hateful Eight), this wacky western follows a motley crew of bounty hunters, fugitives, renegades, and other outlaws in post-Civil War Wyoming as they cross paths in the midst of a blizzard. If you’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas, this may be your best bet, but seeing as this is a Tarantino film, be prepared for one bloody white Christmas (and one bloody good time!)

The Revenant

Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and starring Inception co-stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy, The Revenant follows the true story of American explorer Hugh Glass (DiCaprio) who during an expedition, was brutally mauled by a bear and left for dead by his hunting team. In a relentless quest to survive, Glass endures great suffering and grief, and must rely on his survival skills to find his way back home. Will Glass successfully navigate a vicious winter in his pursuit to live and find redemption? But the bigger question is, will Leo finally win the Oscar?

Will you be seeing a movie at the theater on Christmas Day? Let us know in the comments.

Featured image by 20th Century Fox.