It’s officially December, which means it’s time for Christmas movies! Here are, in no particular order, my top 5 favorite movies to watch during the most wonderful time of the year.
1. Charlie Brown Christmas
This is actually the only Charlie Brown holiday movie I actually watch regularly. Calling this a movie is probably inaccurate since it’s only 30 minutes, but I’m still counting it for this list. This is the only movie on this list I consistently watch every year, and for good reasons. Chaos ensues as Charlie Brown tries to get his friends, sister, and dog to take him seriously as the director of the Christmas show. Meanwhile, he is also competing against Snoopy in a neighborhood Lights and Display contest and trying to find the perfect Christmas tree. The message is clear and heartfelt, and Snoopy’s antics never get old.
2. Home Alone
It’s hard to think of a better modern classic Christmas movie than Home Alone, so I won’t. When Kevin gets left at home when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, the world is his oyster. However, a pair of thieves have been taking advantage of all the empty houses in Kevin’s Chicago neighborhood. This feels like a movie everyone’s seen at least once in their lives, and for a good reason too. The performances are great, the quotes are iconic, and it’s all in all a great movie for the holidays.
3. The Holiday
Before there was Airbnb, there were house exchanges, in which two people would swap houses for a period of time. This movie is quintessential Nancy Myers—beautiful houses, adorable kitchens, and movies that pass by quickly. The movie follows Amanda, an LA movie executive, and Iris, a London-based reporter, as they swap houses and find love where they least expected to. The actors have great chemistry with each other, the soundtrack is great, and the movie, in general, feels like a warm hug. It’s perfect for watching with your friends or having it on in the background while you do other things.
4. Love Actually
Another Christmas classic, Love Actually follows the storylines of a dozen different characters who are all trying to find love, or remain in love, with others. Some include the exciting feeling of new, young love; others are about the painful feeling of losing someone who is falling out of love with you. Pretty much every prominent British actor from the 21st century makes an appearance in this movie full of memorable jokes and heartfelt declarations of love. It’s funny, sweet, and hits all the right notes during the holiday season.
5. Die Hard
Look, I get it. Some people don’t believe that this classic action movie is a Christmas movie. But considering the events of the movie wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the annual Christmas party held at Nakatomi Plaza, the plot for the movie wouldn’t exist. So, for that reason, it earns a spot on this list.
Die Hard follows John McClain, a police officer who must save the guests of his ex-wife’s company Christmas party from a group of German terrorists. There are many other Die Hard movies, but the first one is the best and the only one that is considered a Christmas movie.
Hopefully, this list gave you some inspiration for your next holiday movie watch. Have a safe and happy holiday!