As December nears and the cold air comes in, friends and family gather around the fireplace to spend time together, watching holiday movies. Since there is a large variation of holiday movies, here is a list of the top 10 films to watch this Christmas:
1. “Home Alone”
This classic Christmas movie, made in 1990, follows 8-year-old Kevin McCallister as he wakes up to an empty house on Christmas night. The night before, Kevin and his older brother Buzz got into a big fight, leading Kevin to be sent to his room on the third floor. Needing to catch an early morning flight, the rest of Kevin’s family rushes to the airport, leaving Kevin home alone. Having ultimate freedom, Kevin has lots of fun doing things like jumping on his parents’ bed and eating an entire pizza. However, all his fun soon vanishes as he finds out about two robbers, Harry and Marv, who are trying to break into the house. In order to prevent them, Kevin creates booby traps all over the house. No matter how many times you rewatch the movie, the nostalgia and humor of it give the audience comfort each time.
2. “Elf”
Made in 2003, “Elf” is about Buddy, who accidentally gets teleported to the North Pole as a toddler. He feels like he doesn’t belong among Santa’s elves and wants to move elsewhere: New York. Traveling in his elf uniform, Buddy searches for his father in the big city. The film is sweet and charming, making it an iconic Christmas movie. As the story progresses, it touches your heart and gets you lost in the themes like finding yourself and valuing others.
3. “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
This quintessential movie, created by Tim Burton, was released in 1993. The movie revolves around Halloweentown’s pumpkin king, Jack Skellington, who has become bored with his regular routine of frightening people in the real world. He stumbles upon a Christmastown where vibrant spirits roam around. Jack plots to kidnap Santa Claus, the leader of the town, in order to corrupt it. Although the movie mixes the two holidays, Christmas and Halloween, it makes you rethink the ideas and beliefs behind the holiday spirit.
4. “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
A true Christmas classic, made in 1965, this movie revolves around the main character, Charlie Brown. Charlie is disappointed with the excessive materialism of his classmates. After he decides to be the director of the Christmas pageant, Charlie attempts to restore the true Christmas spirit in his school. The movie details what Christmas is really about. The message of the movie speaks to you, providing a nostalgic feel for those who have a special connection with the “Peanuts.”
5. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
This live-action movie made in 2000, adapted from one of Dr. Seuss’s books, is about a sly green character named the Grinch. He lives on the mountain north of Whoville, a place surrounded by joy. The Grinch plans to ruin Christmas for all of its inhabitants as he dislikes the holiday spirit. Throughout the journey, the Grinch is accompanied by his cheerful dog, Max, as he attempts to steal all holiday-related items in the town, thinking Christmas won’t happen without these things. The movie gives you a sense of Christmas and what the belief behind Christmas really is.
6. “The Polar Express”
“The Polar Express” was made in 2004 and follows Hero Boy, who has grown skeptical of the existence of Santa Claus. However, when he spots a train outside his window on Christmas Eve whose destination is the North Pole, curious to find out where it is headed, he climbs on. On his journey, Hero Boy makes several friends and learns a significant lesson about Christmas. This heartwarming film can help you understand the true meaning of Christmas.
7. “The Christmas Chronicles”
Released in 2018, this movie follows two siblings living in Massachusetts, Kate and Teddy, as they try to capture Santa Claus. After they catch a glimpse of Santa, they decide to get onto his sleigh. However, soon after they enter, the sleigh crashes, leaving Rudolph the reindeer and all of the presents nowhere to be found. Kate and Teddy must help Santa find the missing presents and Rudolph in order to deliver them to all of the children who are in need of their Christmas presents. The acting in this movie is phenomenal, as Santa Claus is played by Kurt Russell, who is able to perfectly portray Santa’s feelings and inner thoughts. It is a perfect holiday movie to watch with family around.
8. “Rise of the Guardians”
Made in 2012, this movie follows immortal beings like Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny, who must protect children from feelings of negativity. But, when a boogeyman named Pitch Black schemes to steal the Guardians’ roles, a winter elf named Jack Frost must stop him and save the children from Pitch Black’s evil plans. The movie is an adventurous and heartwarming film that you must watch with your family this Christmas. It focuses on keeping the best part of childhood— our imagination.
9. “A Christmas Carol”
This classic by Charles Dickens, adapted in 1984, follows a stingy businessman, Ebenezer Scrooge, who does not believe in the magic of Christmas. As he awakens on Christmas Eve, spirits reveal themselves to him, telling him of his miserable existence: the opportunities he wasted, his current heartlessness acts and his destiny that does not look very promising. Scrooge must turn around his ways and search for redemption for his cruel acts. The actor playing Scrooge, Jim Carrey, projects Scrooge’s real emotions. The costumes and music, as well as the scenery, all add to the joy of the film.
10. “The Princess Switch”
This holiday movie was created in 2018. It revolves around Stacy, an organized woman who is obsessed with schedules. She takes a spontaneous trip to the land of Belgravia, where she attends the Royal Christmas Baking Contest. While preparing for the competition, she meets Duchess Margaret Delacourt, who looks just like her. All the duchess desires is a chance at a normal life, without the worries of being a royal before marrying the Crown Prince of Belgravia. In order to fulfill her wish, Stacy and Margaret swap places. This feel-good movie leaves you feeling happy and ready to bake some Christmas cookies!
Although this list will change in the future, these are the top 10 holiday movies that can give you a sense of the joy of Christmas. These movies vary from being scary to nostalgic to heartwarming, but they all have one thing in common: they produce the perfect holiday atmosphere.
