When winter just seems to be dragging on (and on), why not use the early nights and sub-zero temperatures as an excuse for a family movie night? Read on for our picks for great movies to watch – and some delicious, healthy, thematically appropriate snacks to go with your home theatre experience. (No broccoli pizza required.)

Scare up a snack

Movie: Goosebumps

Synopsis: Jack Black plays Goosebumps author R.L. Stine, whose monsters are accidentally released upon a town in Wisconsin by some meddling kids. Stine then has to reluctantly (naturally) write them into submission. Stine fans will love seeing the ghouls of The Revenge of the Lawn Gnomes, Night of the Living Dummy and The Ghost Next Door come to life for a series of (family-friendly) spooks.

Snack: Though Goosebumps feels like a Halloween movie – and thus like it should go perfectly with molasses kisses or tiny chocolate bars – it’s really a movie about the craft of writing. So instead of candy, feed the kids’ creative side with brain snacks like kale chips, guacamole or dried-berry trail mix.

French connection

Movie: Ratatouille

Synopsis: Ratatouille is a delightful romp about a rat who dreams of being a chef, featuring the voices of Patton Oswalt, Janeane Garofalo, Brad Garrett and Brian Dennehy.

Snack: This screening could be turned into a night-long activity—Disney’s recipe for the titular French stew is available, and it’s packed full of vegetables, including red and yellow peppers, eggplant, zucchini, squash, and onion. Make the dish, serve it up 45 minutes later, then hit “play.” Bon appétit!

24-Carrot Gold

Movie: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Synopsis: Based on Judith Viorst’s book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, the sweet film adaptation sees kind-hearted Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) careening through the worst day of his life, though he is responsible for very few of the calamities that follow him like a cloud, including Very Bad Days for his brother and sister. (His parents are played by Jennifer Garner and Steve Carell.)

Snack: In the film, it’s the day before Alexander’s birthday, so offer up a healthy version of cake such as carrot cake or zucchini loaf.

A giant hit

Movie: The BFG

Synopsis: Steven Spielberg’s version of the Roald Dahl book The BFG has enraptured audiences all over the world . With a plucky heroine at its centre—you’d have to be plucky to keep your cool in the middle of this many giants—and a set piece featuring tooting corgis, The BFG has a delight for everyone.

Snack: The giants’ favourite food is a mutated cucumber-like vegetable called a “snozzcumber” – sliced cucumbers with a side of hummus would be a good substitute.

What’s your favourite movie-snack combo? Share your pairing in the comment section below.

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