By Zahra Arshad

Winter is just around the corner which means only one thing – it’s the best time of year for films. Whether you find yourself  planning a trip to the cinema and meeting up with some friends or you’re planning a cosy night in, there’s plenty to choose from. Here’s a list of films out this winter to help you fully immerse yourself into the festive season.

A Bad Moms Christmas
Directors: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore
Released: 3 November

This upcoming Christmas comedy and sequel to Bad Moms, follows three underappreciated and overburdened women as they rebel against the challenges and expectations of the Super Bowl for Moms: Christmas. The plot follows Amy, Carla and Kiki as they deal with their mother’s visits over the holidays. These ladies redefine how to make the holidays special for all and discover a closer relationship with their own Mothers.

Murder on the Orient Express
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Released: 3 November

This mystery film, directed by Kenneth Branagh, is based on the 1934 novel by Agatha Christie and stars Hercule Poirot, Penélope Cruz, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Derek Jacobi and Michelle Pfeiffer. The narrative follows a trip through Europe which quickly turns into a race against time to solve a murder. Everyone’s a suspect when Detective Hercule Poirot arrives to interrogate all the passengers and search for clues before the killer strikes again.

Justice League
Director: Zack Synder
Released: 17 November

The latest superhero film features an ensemble cast of stars including Ben Affleck, Amy Adams, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Diane Lane, with J. K. Simmons. Months after the events of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and inspired by Superman’s apparent sacrifice for humanity follow Batman and Wonder Woman as they assemble a team consisting of themselves, Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg to save the planet from the catastrophic threat of Steppenwolf and his army of Parademons.

Daddy’s Home 2
Director: Sean Anders
Released: 24 November

A comedy directed by Sean Anders, starring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini, John Cena, John Lithgow and Mel Gibson. A sequel to the 2015 film Daddy’s Home. The plot follows Father and stepfather Dusty and Brad who join forces to make Christmas the perfect time for children. But this newfound partnership soon gets put to the test when Dusty’s old-school, macho dad and Brad’s gentle father arrive to turn the holiday upside down.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Director: Rian Johnson
Released: 14 November

The long-awaited film of the year. This upcoming film was written and directed by Rian Johnson, and is the second film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. The film stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Andy Serkis, Anthony Daniels, in returning roles. Following from Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Rey joins Luke Skywalker in an adventure with Leia, Finn, and Poe that unlocks mysteries of the Force and secrets of the past.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Director: Jake Kasdan
Released: 22 November

A 3D action adventure film directed by Jake Kasdan and stars Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Nick Jonas and Bobby Cannavale. Filmed twenty years after the events of the first film, four high school kids discover an old video game console and are drawn into the game. To return to the real world, they’ll have to go on a dangerous adventure and discover what Alan Parrish left 20 years ago or they’ll be stuck in the game forever.

Pitch Perfect 3
Director: Trish Sie
Released: 22 November

The sequel to Pitch Perfect 2 (2015) and the third and final installment in the Pitch Perfect trilogy. the film will star Anna Kendrick, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Hailee Steinfeld, Alexis Knapp, the now separated Bellas who are struggling with their own lives and jobs until who reunite for one last chance to perform on tour in Europe. However, the girls must face the obstacle that their apparent competition comes with actual musical instruments.