This holiday season, like every holiday season, the movies that have come out can be roughly grouped into three categories: feel-good family movies, giant blockbusters, and Oscar wannabes. Here are the top three movies from each category in case you missed them this break.

Family Movies and who to see them with:

“The Muppets”

Jason Segal reunites the muppets and proves that their feel-good, free love brand of entertainment is still relevant in today’s world

See it with: Your extended family

See it because: This movie is cute, campy fun that everyone can go along with.  If you have trouble coming up with activities for all the varying age groups and interests in your family, “The Muppets” are a solid backup plan.

“We Bought A Zoo”

Single father Matt Damon seeks a fresh start by moving his kids to a zoo with wild animals and cute, quirky employees

See it with: Your parents

See it because: So it’s a little corny. A sentimental family bonding movie is just the way to warm your parents hearts and create a little holiday cheer, not to mention the perfect olive branch for the day after a big fight.

“Arthur Christmas”

Christmas: rebooted. The North Pole is a high-tech toy distributing operation and one unlikely hero must prove himself to his father and save Christmas (probably)

See it with: Your little siblings and cousins

See it because: Arthur Christmas has been universally praised as witty and funny. Trust me, you would rather see this than “Happy Feet 2.”

Blockbusters:

“Adventures of Tintin”

A young reporter travels the world, encountering high-spirited adventure wherever he goes. Also, pirates!

See it because: Like the comic books they’re based after, this movie promises to thrill you with its fast pace, light tone, and exotic locales.

“Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”

Murder. Detectives. Sweden. You’ve seen the trailers.

See it because: With all the heartwarming movies out right now, you might be forgetting to appease your inner sadist. Self-marketed as the “feel-bad movie of the year”, “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is the cure for an overdose on holiday sweetness.

“Sherlock Holmes 2”

Sherlock Holmes meets his intellectual match in Professor Moriarty, who is Holmes’ equal in every way, but evil.

See it because: If you liked “Sherlock Holmes 1,” “Sherlock Holmes 2” has more Robert Downey Jr., more explosions, and more scantily clad Victorian ladies. See? Studios do listen!

Oscar Wannabes:

“Young Adult”

A 30-something woman who can’t leave her teenaged years behind sets out to destroy her high-school sweetheart’s family and win him back

See it because: “Young Adult”‘s brilliance comes from its brutal portrayal of immature and emotionally disturbed Mavis (Charlize Theron). Watching this movie as a teenager is particularly horrifying because of how familiar the character is.

Awards to watch for: Best Original Screenplay (Diablo Cody), Best Actress (Charlize Theron), Best Supporting Actor (Patton Oswald)

“My Week With Marilyn”

Random British guy spends a week bonding with Marilyn on the set of her new movie and gets a rare glimpse into the woman behind the persona

See it because: “My Week” takes an intimate approach to exploring Marilyn Monroe’s legacy that creates a warm, romantic atmosphere. Like the actress it is based upon, “My Week With Marilyn” is charming with hidden depth.

Awards to watch for: Best Actress (Michelle Williams), Best Supporting Actor (Kenneth Branagh), Best Costume Design, Best Makeup

“War Horse”

The epic journey of a horse across World War I era Europe, with an emphasis on the human connections he makes along the way

See it because: This looks to be a sweeping epic similar to “Titanic” or “Gone with the Wind.” In other words, lengthy, broadly themed, and an award season darling.  Because “War Horse” will not skimp on budget, scale, or melodrama it is sure to be a spectacle.

Awards to watch for: Best Picture, Best Director (Steven Spielberg), Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Sound Design, Best Score

Also: “A Dangerous Method,” “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy,” “Martha Marcy May Marlene,” “Harold and Kumar Christmas,” “J Edgar,” “Melancholia,” “Hugo,” “Shame” (in theaters but it’s illegal for you to see it if you’re under 17, how scandalous!)