'Royal Tenenbaums,' Bridget Jones, 'The Thing' to keep Ragtag viewers cozy in December

Hygge is a Scandinavian word that has gained popularity in the U.S. of late. When you hear it pronounced — say it like "hoo-gah" — then explained, and you'll understand why.

"In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people," the tourism board of Denmark notes.

A roaring fire, a good book, a warming beverage — all this and more can fit the definition of hygge. Can you experience the feeling inside your local arthouse theater? Ragtag Cinema believes so, framing its new Ways to Stay Warm series as an expression of hygge.

Beginning Dec. 9 and running through the end of the month, series films "hit a variety of notes between genres, decades, and languages — with a little Christmas, a lotta cozy, and all of 'em have great coats," according to Ragtag.

Here's a brief look at the seven films in the series.

Dec. 9: "The Royal Tenenbaums"

Wes Anderson's 2001 ensemble picture craves the warmth of family, especially when the titular family has proved little more than dysfunctional. Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller and Luke Wilson lead a series cast of players. Rated R.

Dec. 12: "Bridget Jones's Diary"

Performing double-duty as part of Ragtag's Extra Credit series, the 2001 rom-com is "warm like an ugly Christmas sweater," according to the theater; Renee Zellweger brings novelist Helen Fielding's lovelorn literary hero to the big screen. Rated R.

Dec. 14: "Hustlers"

This 2019 film follows exotic dancers (the cast includes Constance Wu and Jennifer Lopez) chasing the coziness of security while putting a quasi-Robin Hood scheme into action — they hustle Wall Street louts in order to create their own American dream. Rated R.

Dec. 15: "The Thing"

"Man is the warmest place to hide," Ragtag asserts in describing this 1982 John Carpenter classic about a creature stalking and taking the shape of scientists in Antarctica. Kurt Russell stars. Rated R.

Dec. 16: "Girl Picture"

Winner of the audience award (world cinema dramatic) at this year's Sundance Film Festival, Finnish director Alli Haapasalo's latest revolves around three girls navigating their burgeoning womanhood and chasing "adulthood down the frigid streets of Helsinki," according to Ragtag's description. Unrated.

Dec. 20: "Tokyo Godfathers"

The late Satoshi Kon directed this 2003 animated offering that renders a sort of nativity scene on Christmas Eve, among social outcasts in the heart of Tokyo. Rated PG-13.

Dec. 29: "When Harry Met Sally"

Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal and an autumnal New York will make you fall in love with one of the canonical romantic comedies. "I'll stay warm with whatever she's having," Ragtag's description of the 1989 film quips. Rated R.

Find more details about Ways to Stay Warm online at https://ragtagcinema.org/film-series/ways-to-stay-warm/.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Hygge at the movies: Ragtag offers Ways to Stay Warm series