The holidays are for everyone. Everyone’s beliefs, traditions, religious affiliations, or lack thereof are equally valid. When it comes to holiday movie opinions, however, all cards are off the table. Let’s clear some things up- “Die Hard” is absolutely a Christmas movie and “The Polar Express” should be classified as a horror film. Now that we’re all in agreement, I’ve come to supply you with an advent calendar of must see Christmas movies.
10. The Nightmare Before Christmas
This film is the perfect transition into the holiday season. The spooky atmosphere pays tribute to fall, before delving into the magic of winter holidays. Tim Burton balances creative character design with a heartwarming story and earworm songs sure to inject you with the holiday spirit. The autumn vibes and the iconic Jack Skellington make this film unmissable.
9. Home Alone
Home Alone is the quintessential holiday movie for many. As we grow older, it’s important to retain the sense of nostalgia. Home Alone does just that, providing 90 minutes of childish joy and excitement. Join Kevin as he navigates burglars, the grocery store, and horrifying basements. This movie is just pure fun.
8. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
This one is my personal favorite and a classic for the holidays. The film centers around the Griswold family and their struggle to create the “perfect family christmas.” This movie never fails to produce almost painful laughter and covers all the classic holiday tropes. Aside from the holiday hijinks and the occasional electrocuted cat, the movie contains a sweet message about family togetherness.
7. The Holiday
Alright, here’s one for the Rom-Com lovers. This movie oozes charm, portraying two women who swap houses in the UK and United States. The romances are sweet and simple, and Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, and Jude Law are at their very best. If cozying up in an wintry English cottage for the holidays sounds appealing, this is the movie for you.
6. Die Hard
The Holiday too sweet for you? Seeking something a little more exciting? Shake off the romance and coziness with one of the best Christmas movies ever made. Die Hard is two hours of non-stop action, as Jack McClane single handedly battles a horde of terrorists. The film contains exciting fight scenes and dozens of iconic lines, a break from traditional holiday media. Before you argue, it’s definitely a Christmas movie. One dead terrorist even wears a Santa hat!
5. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
In my childhood, this movie was always accompanied by a fuzzy blanket and hot chocolate. So it’s no surprise that this short film feels like a warm, roaring fire. There’s been a lack of stop motion animation recently and this movie reminds us of its magic. Rudolph and the rest of his animal friends are adorable in this underdog story for the ages.
4. The Polar Express
I know I said it was a horror movie. I maintain that assertion. The puppet scene still appears in my nightmares. However, it’s a classic Christmas movie for a reason. The realistic animation, groundbreaking at its time, and fun-filled soundtrack create an atmosphere of wonderment. The film leaves you with heartwarming messages, prioritizing the value of friendship and belief. That said, if that train came to get me, I’d be running far, far away.
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Who among us has not felt a little annoyance at the onset of the holidays? The cloying music, holiday traffic, and blinding Christmas lights get on everyone’s nerves. If you agree with the above statements, congratulations, you’ve fallen for my trap and are a Grinch. However, the cure to your affliction is this movie. Jim Carrey is perfect as this grumpy, but redeemable character. The absurdist landscape and wry humor emulate the book to a tee. The Grinch is the perfect way to revive your holiday spirit. It shows us all that no one should be alone during the holidays.
2. A Christmas Story
You might remember this movie as your parent’s favorite. However, it’s definitely worth the rewatch this holiday season. Ralphie, the main character, navigates through bullies, school, and the desperate search for a Red Ryder BB gun. This movie brings the audience to a different time, and allows us to enjoy a simple, comedic story. Ralphie’s older self reflects on his childhood in the narration, which reminds us to enjoy our holidays while we’re young.
Elf
There’s no room for discussion, Elf is the best Christmas movie of all time. Will Ferrell is perfect as an overgrown, optimistic elf, and provides non-stop hilarity. Aside from the laughter, the film packs an emotional punch, exploring a complex father-son relationship. This combination of emotion and silliness creates the perfect Christmas recipe. For the ultimate holiday experience, make a bowl of syrup spaghetti, grab your family, and watch this flawless film.
Holiday movies give us hope, letting us relive our childhood memories and nostalgia. In a time rife with division, they bring us together, reminding us that there is so much good in the world. Even among the holiday chaos, take an hour and relax next to the fire. These magical wintry worlds have been waiting for you.
