The year is almost gone, meaning that we are around the corner for the holidays, and there is no better way to celebrate it than with a warm blanket, a cup of hot chocolate, and a movie night. No matter if you prefer comedies, romances, or dramas, there is a Christmas movie for everyone.
The following list doesn’t have an order of preference.
Love Actually (2003)
We start strong the list with my favorite rom-com for these holidays. The film follows the lives of 8 different couples dealing with their ups and downs set a month before Christmas in London.
The sparkle of Christmas in the movie is not about the lights, presents, or food. It is just a season when you are with the people you love. Family, friends, or your partner, the film glorifies the feeling of being around special people no matter life’s challenges; as one of my favorite quotes from the movie says, “If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.”
With one of my favorite love confessions of all time, each couple will uniquely steal your heart. Not to mention the amazing cast with many renowned English actors such as Keira Knightley, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, and more. It’s a movie for all of those in love with life.
Klaus (2019)
Moving in a different direction, in a unique animation style Netflix came up with this film obtaining a nomination for the Oscars and bringing back the old glory of 2-D animation.
The film follows the story of Jesper, Smeerenburg’s new postman, becoming friends with toymaker Klaus and how the village will never be the same after their friendship. Made with hand-drawn animation and beautiful to watch, the movie presents a new and fresh Santa tale mixed up with a few of the cliches we already know.
Home alone (1990)
An unforgettable movie that has become a classic, the film follows the story of Kevin when he is accidentally left home alone by his family during the Christmas break. Living in a large family, Kevin only wishes to wake up with his family gone, but now that it has become true, he will learn the lonely reality.
In his journey, Kevin needs to protect his home from burglars who will not hesitate to take advantage of the situation. It’s been more than 30 years since its release, and Kevin’s ingenuity still amazes me and makes me laugh every time. The hilarious sequel set in New York is not left behind at the level of its predecessor. They are great comedies with lovely messages you can’t miss.
The polar express (2004)
Nostalgia is the word I would use to describe this movie. We must admit that no matter how much we try, Christmas is not the same as when we were kids. The excitement of the holidays is gone, but if there is something that takes me back to those days, it is this movie’s soundtrack. As the first notes start to sound, I don’t know how but suddenly, I’m a child again on Christmas Eve waiting for Santa the next day.
The film follows the story of a young boy on his adventure to the North Pole. During his ride, he learns about friendship and the magic of Christmas. The great message of the movie is to believe, believe in the beautiful and delightful Christmas as when we were kids
how the grinch stole the christmas (2000)
A fantastic comedy based on Dr. Seuss’s tales, the movie follows the revenge of the Grinch and his plans to ruin Christmas for all the people from Whoville. We cannot forget our little heroine Cindy Lou and Jim Carrey as our dear Grinch.
This movie is why I am so obsessed with Christmas lights. When I was a kid, my only dream was to live in Whoville. Sadly, being raised in Mexico, it wasn’t pretty common to find many decorated places other than the mall or in a wealthy neighborhood. Yet, if there is someone to blame, it is my mom and her tradition to put this movie on four or five times each year. I find it ironic how what I love most about the film is the obsession with the lights and decorations when in the end, the movie’s message is not about the presents or lights. The real Christmas spirit is a joyful feeling of being surrounded by the people you love.
Honorable mention – Dash and lily (2020)
First, this is not a movie, but one of my favorite Netflix TV shows for these holidays. A romance between two opposites who trade a notebook to write their dreams or desires and make dares to each other. In their journey, Dash and Lily will learn about each other and themselves in this special season. It is another excellent option for all who are in love with rom-com.