There are so many things to love about the holidays but there is nothing better than a good and classic movie. The romances, the shenanigans, the food, the families, the morals all come together in one storyline (or a few) and make holiday movies one of the best genres!
Therefore all of Her Campus Ithaca’s contributing writers decided to come together and tell you our favorite holiday movies:
The Holiday– Carly Schneer
I hardly consider The Holiday a “Christmas movie” other than the fact that it takes place during Christmastime. This movie is why I love a great Nancy Meyers film, which of course has an all-star cast that includes Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black. For those who have never seen this movie, it is about two single women who switch homes for the holidays and well…fall in love with people in their temporary town. I very much relate to many of the characters in this film, especially the two women. I honor and respect Kate Winslet’s character because we all know what it’s like to have unrequited love and feel lonely, especially during the holidays. But perhaps the real reason why I love this movie is because I want to be Cameron Diaz’s character, Amanda. Now why? Well because, she makes movie trailers for a living, goes on a quiet trip to snowy England, and then falls in love with a sexy British man played by Jude Law! So basically she is living my ideal life. If you are ever looking for a sweet, funny, romantic, and heartwarming Christmas movie with a bit of a twist, I highly suggest watching The Holiday!
Home Alone 2: Lost In New York -Nicole Panucci
We’re all familiar with this famous line: “My family’s in Florida and I’m in New York,” spoken by Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York! This movie has been one of my holiday favorites since I was a kid, and one that I look forward to watching every Christmas season! What’s not to love about a clever ten-year-old who defeats burglars in New York City? In addition to this movie being absolutely hilarious, it transcends a beautiful and powerful message about the true meaning of Christmas. As Kevin befriends a homeless “pigeon lady”, we learn about the importance of friendship and that even the smallest act of kindness can have the biggest impact on one’s life.
Elf and It’s A Wonderful Life– Samantha Gibble
My favorite holiday movie is a toss-up between, Elf and It’s A Wonderful Life. Obviously both of these movies are very different but both represent the true essence of Christmas. Elf is always funny to watch and there are way too many quotes to remember. What I really enjoy about Elf is that Buddy never gives up on spreading Christmas cheer and the only thing that matters is being around your friends and family during the holidays. It’s A Wonderful Life is certainly a classic! My parents introduced this movie to me and every year we watch it my mother cries. This movie shows the importance of how people can make an impact in other people’s lives. We also learn that, “every time a bell rings, an angel earns its wings!”
Love Actually– Jess Shikami
As a lover of all things British and especially British accents, Love Actually is a favorite holiday movie of mine. There are many separate stories going on at once that all come together in the end. These stories all center on the theme of love. It’s a very cute movie with Hugh Grant dancing around in his underwear, so that’s a plus.
Dr. Suess’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas– Lauren Mazzo
I love the Grinch’s modern take on a classic Dr. Seuss story. The cast is fabulous and they each do an amazing job of drawing you into the story. They make it easy to forget that Whoville isn’t even a real place that’s all inside a snowflake! Add some catchy songs and a beautiful moral, and you have the perfect Christmas movie.
Well there you have it, a lot of movies to download for this Christmas and many others to come. Her Campus Ithaca wishes all of our readers, writers, and Her Campus national staff members a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!