Top holiday movies 2013
Release date: Nov. 22
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the districts of Panem. Also starring Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
"Delivery Man"
Release date: Nov. 22
An underachiever (Vince Vaughn) discovers he's fathered 533 children through anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years ago, and must decide whether or not to come forward when 142 of them file a lawsuit to reveal his identity. Also starring Chris Pratt and Colbie Smulders.
"Philomena"
Release date: Nov. 27
A journalist (Steve Coogan) picks up the story of Philomena Lee (Judi Dench), a woman searching for the son she gave birth to out of wedlock 50 years ago and was forced to put up for adoption.
"Frozen"
Release date: Nov. 27
This 3D tale centers on a courageous princess (voiced by Kristen Bell) who embarks on a journey to find her older sister, The Snow Queen (Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom in eternal winter.
"Oldboy"
Release date: Nov. 27
Spike Lee's remake of a 2003 South Korean film of the same name stars Josh Brolin as a man who sets out to find out why he was kidnapped and held prisoner in solitary confinement for 20 years. Also starring Sharlto Copley, Elizabeth Olson and Samuel L. Jackson.
"Black Nativity"
Release date: Nov. 27
This contemporary take on Langston Hughes' celebrated play centers on a Baltimore teenager raised by a single mother who travels to New York City to spend Christmas with his estranged relatives. Starring Jennifer Hudson, Angela Bassett and Forest Whitaker.
"Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom"
Release date: Nov. 29
Idris Elba stars as Nelson Mandela in a film based on the former South African leader's autobiography, tracing his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming president of South Africa.
"Inside Llewyn Davis"
Release date: Dec. 6
A week in the life of a young singer (Oscar Isaac) as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, the film also stars Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund and Adam Driver.
"Out of the Furnace"
Release date: Dec. 6
A plant worker (Christian Bale), newly released from prison, goes on the hunt for his brother (Casey Affleck), who has mysteriously disappeared after being lured into a ruthless crime ring.
"American Hustle"
Release date: Dec. 13 limited release, wide release Dec. 18
Based on true events, David O. Russell directs Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Christian Bale and Jennifer Lawrence in this film about a 1970s con artist forced to work with an FBI agent.
"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug"
Release date: Dec. 13
Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" trilogy continues with this second film, as Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and the dwarves continue their journey to get their gold back from the dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch).
"Saving Mr. Banks"
Release date: Dec. 13
Tom Hanks stars as Walt Disney as he tries to persuade P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson), the uncompromising author of "Mary Poppins," to let him adapt the book into a movie. Also starring Paul Giamatti, Jason Schwartzman, Colin Farrell and B.J. Novack.
"Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas"
Release date: Dec. 13
Madea (Tyler Perry) gets coaxed into visiting her daughter Lacey for the Christmas holiday, where she shakes up the rural country town. Also starring Tika Sumpter, Larry the Cable Guy, Chad Michael Murray and Kathy Najimy.
"Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues."
Release date: Dec. 18
With the 1970s behind them, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) and the rest of the news team (Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell and David Koechner) reunite to join a 24-hour news channel. Also starring Christina Applegate, Vince Vaughn, Kristen Wiig and James Marsden.
"Her"
Release date: Dec. 18
A lonely writer (Joaquin Phoenix) develops an unlikely relationship with his newly-purchased operating system that's designed to meet his every need (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). Directed by Spike Jonze.
"August: Osage County"
Release date: Dec. 25
This adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, directed by John Wells, boasts a star-studded cast (Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, Benedict Cumberbatch, Abigail Breslin, Margo Martindale and more) playing members of a dysfunctional family.
"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"
Release date: Dec. 25
Ben Stiller directs and stars as an office worker who lives inside fantasy worlds where he gets to live an adventurous life while romancing his co-worker (Kristen Wiig), and sets off a global journey to fix things when both of their jobs are threatened. With Adam Scott, Sean Penn, Kathryn Hahn, Shirley MacLaine and Patton Oswalt.
"The Wolf of Wall Street"
Release date: Dec. 25
Leonardo DiCaprio reteams with Martin Scorsese for this film, playing real-life former stock broker Jordan Belfort, who was earning almost $50 million a year in the 1990s before serving 20 months in prison for refusing to cooperate in a massive securities fraud case. Also starring Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey, Jean Dujardin and Kyle Chandler.
"Labor Day"
Release date: Dec. 25 (limited)
A depressed single mother (Kate Winslet) and her son offer a ride to a fearsome, wounded man (Josh Brolin) who turns out to be an escaped convict from a local prison. Directed by Jason Reitman.
"47 Ronin"
Release date: Dec. 25
Keanu Reeves stars as a member of a band of samurai who set out to avenge the death and dishonor of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun.
"The Invisible Woman"
Release date: Dec. 25
Ralph Fiennes directs and stars as Charles Dickens in this period drama about the author and the younger woman who becomes his secret mistress (Felicity Jones).
"Grudge Match"
Release date: Dec. 25
Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone star as two aging boxers coaxed out of retirement for one final fight -- 30 years after their last match. Also starring Kim Basinger, Alan Arkin and Kevin Hart.
"Lone Survivor"
Release date: Dec. 25
This Peter Berg-directed film, based on the real-life failed mission Operation Redwing, follows four members of SEAL Team 10 (one played by Mark Wahlberg) tasked with capturing or killing notorious Taliban leader Ahmad Shahd.