Image: HBOWhen the weather outside is frightful, sometimes you crave a show that transports you to a warm, sunny destination—but other times, you want to embrace the chill. If you're the kind of person who enjoys snuggling with a cup of hot cocoa and watching a show set in snowy, icy landscapes, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of the best wintery series to enjoy right now.
True Detective: North Country
Michele K. Short/HBOYou don’t need to watch all the previous seasons—just dive into Season 4 of this gripping detective series. Jodie Foster and Kali Reis investigate a chilling, unsolved murder from the past, as well as a disturbing new group killing that unfolds during the pitch-black winter nights of northern Alaska. This season feels like a mix of Silence of the Lambs, the X-Files, and a bit of Twin Peaks for good measure.
Where to watch: Max
A Murder at the End of the World
FXA remote and stunningly beautiful Icelandic getaway becomes the backdrop for a murder mystery—and an amateur sleuth (portrayed by The Crown's Emma Corrin) is on the case.
Where to watch: Hulu
Northern Exposure
CBS Photo Archive/Getty ImagesLooking for a lighter perspective on life in the far north? This early '90s show about a New York doctor relocating to a small Alaskan town is now available for binge-watching—and it’s full of moose encounters, too.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Society of the Snow
NetflixThis gripping, true-story film tells the tale of the Uruguayan rugby team stranded in the Andes after a crash—leaving 45 survivors to endure over two months in freezing temperatures. (Bonus: It’s nominated for this year's Best International Film Oscar.)
Where to watch: Netflix
Yellowjackets
Kailey Schwerman/ShowtimeFor more survival drama with crash survivors in the wild, check out the series Yellowjackets. It swaps out a rugby team for a teenage girls' soccer team and stretches their ordeal in the wilderness to over 19 months—before jumping forward to show them as adults dealing with the aftermath of their harrowing experience.
Where to watch: Paramount Plus
Lilyhammer
NetflixIn this fish-out-of-water story, a New York mafioso (played by Sopranos' Steven Van Zandt) enters the witness protection program and ends up in Norway. The show will make you almost wish you were there too—if only to enjoy the cozy sweaters!
Where to watch: Netflix
Fargo
Archive Photos / Getty ImagesThere are two ways to enjoy a little chilling crime in Fargo. You can watch the iconic Oscar-winning film featuring Frances McDormand's incredible performance as a very pregnant sheriff investigating a string of murders tied to a botched kidnapping. Or you can dive into the anthology series inspired by the film’s darkly comic take on murder—including this season, which has multiple connections to the original movie.
Where to watch: Max (movie), Hulu (series)
The Great
Christopher Raphael/HuluThis darkly humorous series follows young Catherine as she marries Russia’s Peter III and navigates the power struggles she faces on her path to becoming the empress of Russia. Expect plenty of eye candy, with lots of snow and some stunning fur outfits to enjoy along the way.
Where to watch: Hulu
Doctor Zhivago
Warner Bros.This beloved, epic tale of forbidden love unfolds against the harsh, icy landscapes of Russia during the Russian Revolution and World War I.
Where to watch: Tubi
Game of Thrones
Photo Credit: Helen Sloan/HBOThe series that gave us the endlessly meme-able "Winter is coming" and the aptly named Jon Snow features numerous icy scenes in the northern realms—whether at the Stark family’s Winterfell castle or beside the towering 700-foot ice wall on the Northern frontier. And the terrifying White Walkers will certainly give you chills, no matter the season.
Where to watch: Max
30 Days of Night
Columbia PicturesThe long, dark winters of Alaska lure a horde of vampires to a remote town in this chilling, wintery horror experience.
Where to watch: Netflix
Life Below Zero
National GeographicFor a truly authentic winter experience, check out this documentary series by National Geographic. It follows individuals living on the remote edges of Alaska, showcasing their lives over more than 20 seasons.
Where to watch: Disney+
Frozen & Frozen 2
A scene from 'Frozen'.
Copyright 2013, Walt Disney Feature AnimationInvite the whole family for a winter movie marathon with a Frozen sing-along! Join the beloved ice princess and her hilarious snowman companion for a heartwarming adventure—don’t forget the marshmallows for your hot cocoa!
Where to watch: Disney+
The Shining
Warner Bros. PicturesIf you're stuck inside during a storm, at least be thankful you're not trapped in a haunted hotel with a dangerously insane husband, all while a snowstorm rages outside. Stephen King's way of portraying cabin fever turns it into pure horror.
Where to watch: Available for rent on Apple TV
Empire Strikes Back
Corbis via Getty Images / Getty ImagesThe second (and perhaps the finest) Star Wars film kicks off on the icy planet of Hoth, where the Rebel forces face the chilling dangers of frostbite and monstrous Wampas, as they try to escape the Empire's clutches. While the story moves to warmer regions, cold plays a crucial role in the gripping finale.
Where to watch: Disney+
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Focus FeaturesImagine being given the chance to erase a heart-wrenching breakup from your mind. This unconventional romance follows two individuals, Joel and Clementine, as they undergo a cutting-edge procedure to delete their painful memories, leading to some surprising and unforgettable outcomes.
Where to watch: The Criterion Channel
Pretty Much Every Single Hallmark Movie
HallmarkWhile Hallmark is best known for its heartwarming Christmas films, they also offer a delightful collection of cozy seasonal movies throughout the year. (Consider titles like A Winter Wedding or Valentine in the Vineyard.)
Where to watch: Hulu and Peacock TV
