As we scramble with finals and the end-of-semester stress, it’s nice to remind ourselves that Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than with Christmas movies? Whether you’ve seen these movies once or a thousand times, they’re all worth a watch this holiday season!
- “Home Alone” (1990) and “Home Alone 2: Lost In New York” (1992)
Both movies follow a young boy, Kevin, on his mission to defend himself against two burglars during Christmas. The sequel has even more Christmas spirit than the first as it takes place in New York City, arguably one of the best cities to visit during the holidays.
Fun Fact: Writer John Hughes wrote the role of Kevin McCallister specifically for Macaulay Culkin after working with him in his 1989 movie “Uncle Buck.”
- “Elf” (2003)
Another Christmas classic set in The Big Apple, “Elf” tells the story of Buddy – a human raised by elves in the North Pole – as he searches for his father. From the funny moments to the heartwarming messages, “Elf” is the perfect movie to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Fun Fact: Jim Carrey was the first choice to play Buddy the Elf.
- “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
This 1946 classic is packed with valuable life lessons and Christmas spirit. Based on the short story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern, the film follows the life of a depressed father named, George Bailey who gets a chance to see what the world would be like if he had never been born.
Fun Fact: Director Frank Capra and the two lead actors, James Stewart and Donna Reed, have all called “It’s a Wonderful Life” their favorite movie.
- “The Polar Express” (2004)
In my opinion, no Christmas movie beats “The Polar Express.” From its stunning visuals to childhood nostalgia, it’s a must-watch every December. Based on the 1985 book by Chris Van Allsburg, the movie tells the story of a boy who embarks on a journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
Fun Fact: Tom Hanks voiced six characters in the movie: the narrator/Hero Boy grown-up, Hero Boy’s father, the conductor, the hobo, the Scrooge puppet and Santa Claus.
Honorable Mentions: “Shrek the Halls” (2007), “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965), “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001)
References
La Jeunesse, M. (2022, December 7). The Movie ‘Elf’: Cool and Interesting Things You Never Knew. Insider. Retrieved December 1, 2023, from https://www.insider.com/elf-fun-facts-2018-12#jim-carrey-reportedly-almost-played-buddy-2
Vargas, C. (2022, December 15). The Polar Express: All 7 of Tom Hanks’s Characters. POPSUGAR. Retrieved December 1, 2023, from https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/polar-express-movie-tom-hanks-characters-48065073
Wood, J. M. (2020, December 18). 25 Wonderful Facts About ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. Mental Floss. Retrieved December 1, 2023, from https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/60792/25-wonderful-facts-about-its-wonderful-life Wood, J. M. (2023, March 9).
25 Surprising Facts About ‘Home Alone’. Mental Floss. Retrieved December 1, 2023, from https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/60262/25-things-you-might-not-know-about-home-alone