Five nostalgic Netflix picks made for watching during cold weather

With a yellow weather warning for snow and ice in place across the country, its time to get the duvet out and turn to Netflix for a look at some nostalgic favourites. They don’t make films like they used to. The Richard Curtis/John Hughes/Rob Reiner movies that existed within their own unique universes – they were original; often formulaic (and not without problems at times) but that was a massive part of their appeal.

Related: Four engrossing books to read during cold winter weather

They were comforting; you knew what you were getting – and it wasn’t a remake. This writer has found that watching these type of movies can tend to negate some of the warm, cosy feelings one should have while freezing weather rages outside, so the below five will give you all of this. You may have seen them all before, but they were made for re-watching.

Kramer vs Kramer

Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman may have hated each other on set, but on screen, they dealt with the tough subject of separation just the right way. Streep, who plays Joanna, suddenly leaves her marriage to Ted, played by Hoffman, and her young son. Forced to raise Billy alone, Ted is thrust into single parenthood and it’s touching, intelligent and so heartfelt. Worth the watch alone for the scene in which father and son prepare to make a last breakfast together before being parted – you won’t be able to hold back tears.

Four Weddings and A Funeral

It’s only after you watch this one repeatedly that you discover you see nothing else besides weddings (and a funeral), and yet, the premise completely works. Hugh Grant in his breakout role and a charming Andie Macdowell shine but it’s the supporting cast that helps carry the movie – Kristin Scott Thomas, James Fleet, Simon Callow, John Hannah, Rowan Atkinson are utterly brilliant in their supporting roles. It’s still one of the sweetest British films ever made.

One Day

Anne Hathaway never gets enough credit for her acting capabilities but One Day remains under-rated. It’s an old-school romantic gem; on July 15, 1988 — the day of their college graduation — two opposites begin a lifelong friendship. Emma (Hathaway), wants to make the world a better place and Dexter (played by Jim Sturgess) is a playboy, who thinks the world is his oyster. For the next 20 years, the two friends reunite on the 15th of each July until things start to change. Hataway’s depiction of a modern woman who suddenly realises she’s in a life that feels completely wrong is faultless and the ending – there are no words.

My Best Friend’s Wedding

A scheming Julia Roberts with an irritatingly perfect Cameron Diaz is enough of a reason to watch this one repeatedly. Roberts plays (to perfection) a food critic who panics when her best friend announces he’s getting married in just four days – and she’ll go to all lengths to break them up. It’s hilarious, romantic and Rupert Everett steals every scene he’s in.

Back to the Future

Christopher Lloyd and Micheal J. Fox are possibly one of the best on-screen pairings ever and the Back to the Future trilogy remains possibly their greatest achievement. What would it be like if you could go back in time and meet your parents? This was what the film’s creators asked themselves before the idea took shape which saw Marty McFly accidentally wind up in the 1950s and befriending his mum and dad because he accidentally altered the course of history – and his own existence. The comic timing, the soundtrack, that peach/pinky dress and the fact that every scene exists within the film solely to drive the plot along (so you’ll need to pay close attention to the finer details) makes the first film of its trilogy, in particular, unforgettable.