With the days getting darker and colder and the inevitable return home for the Christmas break pending, what better to pass the time than to head to the cinema and lose yourself in the magic of the big screen? Here are 5 films you can catch in cinemas to pass the time before the end of the year and get a break from the stressful family environments!

1: Jumanji: The Next Level – 11th Dec

The first Jumanji was surprisingly enjoyable for many who just expected another cash grabbing re- boot. However, the fresh interpretation kept audiences engaged with great action sequences and hilarious chemistry between the cast. I mean, you can’t go wrong with frenemies Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Kevin Hart – chuck in Jack Black, Karen Gillan and Nick Jonas and you’re onto a winner.

Now, for the sequel, add to the mix legends Danny DeVito and Danny Glover and that should be all the reasons you need to catch Jumanji: The Next Level on the big screen which promises to be everything the first film was, and more.

2: Little Women – 26th December

Little Women stars Emma Watson, Saorise Ronan, Timothee Chalamet and Meryl Streep and has received fantastic reviews from critics and early audiences. The film is a period drama set in 1860s New England following the American Civil War and explores the lives of a group of sisters as they transition into adulthood. The film is written and directed by Greta Gerwig who also directed the 2018 hit, Lady Bird, so expect a similar kind of vibe for this one.

3: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – 19th December

Almost guaranteed to be the biggest film of December 2019, the ninth instalment of the Star Wars franchise will be the concluding chapter of the latest trilogy and the final chapter of the ’Skywalker Saga’. The film is set a year after the events of The Last Jedi and audiences can expect to see an explosive conclusion to the centuries long battle between the Sith and the Jedi (that began in 1977).

4: Cats – 20th December

Theatre-loving audiences will be familiar with this classic based on the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical of the same name. But for those who aren’t familiar, if you enjoyed Mamma Mia, Les Miserable or The Greatest Showman, this one might be for you. This film features an all-star line up of James Corden, Taylor Swift, Jason Derulo, Jennifer Hudson, Idris Elba, Judi Dench and Rebel Wilson. Be sure to catch this for the feel good factor and the borderline traumatising costume design.

5: Spies in Disguise – 26th December

One for the whole family to enjoy in that period of limbo between Xmas and New Year when no one knows what day it is. Watch as a young scientist (Tom Holland) turns a world famous super-spy (Will Smith) into a pigeon who has to save the world while being stuck in the body of London’s most iconic animal. Also featuring DJ Khaled. I don’t think much more needs to be said about this.