Family Movies That Celebrate the Chill

Description: This feel-good comedy is based on the true story of the first Jamaican bobsled team to compete in the Winter Olympics. It's a tale of determination, teamwork, and the spirit of competition in the cold, snowy environment of Calgary.

Fact: The film was shot in Calgary, Canada, where the actual 1988 Winter Olympics took place.

Description: Join Manny the mammoth, Sid the sloth, and Diego the saber-toothed tiger on their journey to return a human baby to its family during the Ice Age. This film is filled with humor, heart, and the icy landscapes of prehistoric times.

Fact: The character of Scrat, the acorn-obsessed squirrel, was originally created for a student film by one of the animators.

Description: While not strictly a family film, this disaster movie features a father's journey to save his son during a sudden and catastrophic ice age. It's a thrilling adventure with stunning visuals of a frozen New York City.

Fact: The film was criticized for its scientific inaccuracies but praised for its special effects and the depiction of climate change's potential impact.

Description: A young boy embarks on a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, learning about the spirit of Christmas and the power of belief amidst the cold, snowy landscapes.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use performance capture technology extensively, allowing for realistic facial expressions on the animated characters.

Description: Four siblings enter the magical land of Narnia through a wardrobe, where they encounter talking animals, mythical creatures, and an eternal winter caused by the White Witch. It's a story of courage, friendship, and the battle between good and evil in a frozen world.

Fact: The film's production was so large that it required the construction of a 30,000 square foot soundstage, one of the largest in the world at the time.

Description: In this animated adventure, Mumble, an emperor penguin, is born without the ability to sing but can tap dance. His unique talent leads him on a journey through the icy Antarctic to find his true calling and save his community from starvation.

Fact: The film's soundtrack features songs by Prince, Queen, and Stevie Wonder, among others, showcasing a variety of musical styles.

Description: This documentary captures the annual journey of emperor penguins in Antarctica, showcasing their struggle against the cold to mate, lay eggs, and raise their young. It's a testament to the resilience of life in extreme conditions.

Fact: The film was narrated by Morgan Freeman in the English version, adding a profound and emotional touch to the narration.

Description: This Disney animated classic tells the story of Anna, who sets out to find her estranged sister Elsa, whose magical powers have accidentally trapped their kingdom in an eternal winter. It's a tale of love, sacrifice, and the power of family, all set against a backdrop of ice and snow.

Fact: "Frozen" was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale "The Snow Queen." It became the highest-grossing animated film of all time upon its release.

Description: Set in Antarctica, this film tells the story of a guide who must leave behind his sled dogs during a storm. It's an emotional journey of survival, loyalty, and the harsh beauty of the icy continent.

Fact: The film is inspired by the true story of the 1958 Japanese expedition to Antarctica.

Description: Based on Raymond Briggs' book, this charming animation follows a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life at night. Together, they embark on a magical journey, celebrating the wonder and beauty of winter.

Fact: The film has no dialogue, relying instead on its beautiful animation and Howard Blake's evocative score.