'Mary Poppins,' 'Aquaman' and more: Your guide to 2018's must-see holiday movies
![Portrait of Hannah Yasharoff](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2022/01/11/USAT/f92ae507-36f7-45e0-9c63-b3852c5dfbb2-yasharoff_hannah3.jpg?crop=230,230,x0,y23&width=48&height=48&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
The holiday season is a time to spend with family and friends – and your favorite stars.
If you and yours are having trouble figuring out the best flick to fit your style, let us help you. Here are the top movies to check out this Christmas:
If you want an all-star cast: ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’
This movie's credits offer a smorgasbord of recognizable names: Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Lily Tomlin, Zoe Kravitz, John Mulaney, Nicolas Cage, Liev Schreiber and Post Malone, just to name a few. Younger kids may lose their patience with the two-hour run time and nonstop flashback origins, but older kids and those who consider themselves kids at heart will enjoy the action, humor and tongue-in-cheek superhero genre commentary. Read our ★★★½ review.
If you've missed Clint Eastwood: ‘The Mule’
In his first major role in six years, Eastwood is back, playing a World War II vet who gets caught up working for a Mexican drug cartel. Though he's had fewer credits in recent years, Eastwood tell USA TODAY he has no plans to retire: "Maybe I just don't want a certain volume of work, but, no, (my interest) hasn't lessened. I love what I do."
If you’re a holiday cynic: ‘Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch’
Sure, it's been out since Thanksgiving, but now it's go time. If you didn't think the first two "Grinch" adaptations (the 1966 TV special or the 2000 live-action movie starring Jim Carrey) were enough, Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to another animated installment.
If you want to be inspired: ‘On the Basis of Sex’
Girl power is king (er, queen) in this Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic, which is out Christmas Day. Felicity Jones ditches her British accent in favor of a Brooklyn one as a young RBG making a name for herself in the world of equal rights, aided by her husband Martin (Armie Hammer).
If you’re looking for some good, clean superhero fun: ‘Aquaman’
It may be derivative, but that doesn't mean "Aquaman" isn't enjoyable. Jason Momoa stars as the macho title hero in a story reminiscent of early Marvel movies. Bonus: It also features Nicole Kidman, and Julie Andrews (!) lends her voice to a sea creature. Read our ★★½ review.
If you’re a fan of serious actor Steve Carell: ‘Welcome to Marwen’
Robert Zemeckis, director of "Forrest Gump," brings a heartfelt and creative tale about a man looking for beauty while on the road to recovery from a brutal attack. Though Carell is known as a funnyman, he's proving again that he's got serious acting chops. Leslie Mann and Janelle Monae also star.
If one Hailee Steinfeld movie isn’t enough for you this holiday season: ‘Bumblebee’
A prequel in the "Transformers" universe, this action flick is your second chance to catch Steinfeld this Christmas (she also lends her voice to "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"). It's perfect for anyone still obsessed with '80s culture, but the humor skews young, so you can drag your kids along, too.
If you loved 'Moonlight': ‘If Beale Street Could Talk'
Director Barry Jenkins returns off his 2016 masterpiece "Moonlight" with a '70s-era Harlem love story about hope in the face of injustice. A quality cast featuring Regina King, Stephan James and newcomer KiKi Layne paired with a filmmaker known for simple yet lyrical stories is a recipe for success. Read our ★★★ review.
If you’re looking to have a 'jolly holiday' with the whole family: ‘Mary Poppins Returns’
It's been 54 years since we last saw her, but Mary Poppins is back. The sequel finds grown-up Jane and Michael Banks (now played by Emily Mortimer and Ben Whishaw) struggling through Depression-era London – until a familiar face pops in to remind them what really matters. Emily Blunt makes for a "practically perfect" Julie Andrews replacement, and Lin-Manuel Miranda as newcomer Jack the lamplighter is endlessly charming. Read our ★★★ review.
If you can’t take a day off from politics: ‘Vice’
This R-rated political dramedy (out Christmas Day) is considerably less holly jolly than the others on this list, but that shouldn't stop you: Christian Bale is astounding in a transformative role as Dick Cheney. The film may not be the most historically accurate in rehashing the life of the very secretive former VP, but it's a fascinating story nonetheless. Read our ★★★½ review.
If you’re debating whether or not to brave the cold weather and go to a theater: ‘Roma’
Alfonso Cuaron's semi-autobiographical film is showing in select theaters now, but if it isn't in your city (or if you just don't feel like leaving the house) you can also access it from the comfort of your own Netflix account. The black and white, Spanish-language story – which has been generating awards-season buzz – is a personal and intriguing study in human relationships. Read our ★★★ review.
Contributing: Brian Truitt