The days straddling Christmas and the New Year are best spent eating, drinking and being horizontal — but you also need plenty of movies to see you through.

These films don't have to be explicitly Christmassy, but they do have to be cozy and/or fun. Luckily for you, I've compiled a list of six of the best flicks to curl up with this holiday period. Enjoy.

'The Holdovers' (2023)

Set in 1970, "The Holdovers" tells the story of a curmudgeonly teacher who reluctantly spends Christmas at the boarding school he teaches at to keep an eye on the pupils who have nowhere else to go. It's equal parts funny and touching, and is without a doubt one of the coziest, most wholesome movies ever made.

'The Iron Giant' (1999)

In Cold War-era Maine, a 9-year-old boy discovers a 50-foot alien robot in the forest and befriends him. Along with a snarky beatnik artist who makes sculptures out of junk, the boy works to keep the Giant from being discovered by the US military.

If you've somehow never seen "The Iron Giant," lucky you: you're about to watch one of the greatest animated films of all time.

'Anora' (2024)

Driven by a career-defining performance from Mikey Madison, "Anora" is the story of a young Brooklyn sex worker who weds the son of a Russian oligarch. It's lively, witty and undoubtedly one of the standout films of the year.

'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' (2001)

Don't ask me why, but there's something unmistakably festive and cozy about the first "LOTR" movie. Best enjoyed projected onto the wall in front of your bed.

'All of Us Strangers' (2023)

Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal lead in this gorgeous, poignant exploration of love and loss that's unlike anything I've seen before. Warning: you will cry.

'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946)

If you've seen this Frank Capra classic before, you'll know why it's on the list. If you haven't, read my piece on why it's the best Christmas film of all time.

[Image credit: SearchlightPictures]