The minute the clock struck 12 on December 1st, all I wanted to do was listen to Christmas music and watch some cheesy, Hallmark movies. So I compiled a list of some iconic, fan favorite holiday movies. With finals creeping up on us, there has never been a better time to take an hour or two to sit back, relax, and get in your Christmas feels.
1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
A classic Christmas film and the origin of some pretty popular memes recently, this one will remind you that sometimes being alone isn’t exactly the best. Available to stream on Netflix, be sure to throw this on at that Ugly Sweater party you’re bound to be invited to.
2. The Polar Express
I know this one isn’t necessarily everyone’s favorite, but with all the bops in the soundtrack, you have got to give this one a shot. The Polar Express will never fail to remind you that Christmas only loses it’s magic if you don’t believe
3. It’s a Wonderful Life
My dad cries every time we put this one on. Actually, my dad cries every time we put a feel-good movie on, so that might not be saying much. As outdated as one might think this one is, it will always teach you to count your blessings and be happy with what you have.
4. A Christmas Prince
Okay so this one is probably the cheesiest movie I’ve seen so far, but I couldn’t leave it off the list. This Netflix original follows the most basic plot to exist; a reporter gets her big break writing about a prince who is about to ascend to the throne. Except she accidentally gets mistaken for the princess’s tutor, which gives her the best access to finding the scoop– and who the prince really is. There’s also a new sequel that just came out, but it’s nowhere near as good as the original.
5. Elf
This was one of those movies that every teacher you had in high school would play for the two days before Christmas break started. Starring Will Ferrell, this one is about a human raised by elves in the North Pole who ventures to New York City to find his biological father.
6. A Year Without a Santa Claus
I grew up with all the Rankin/Bass stop motion Christmas movies, so all of them bring back feelings of nostalgia. In this film, Santa Claus considers skipping Christmas Eve, while Mrs. Claus and the elves try to change his mind. This one in particular is a fan favorite, with the iconic “Heat Miser/Snow Miser” song being my favorite scene.
7. The Princess Switch
The newest Netflix Original Christmas film starring Vanessa Hudgens (and Vanessa Hudgens). Almost like an adult version of the Parent Trap, this one follows Stacy, a baker from Chicago as she prepares for an international baking competition in Bulgravia. While there, she meets the Duchess Margaret, who just so happens to look identical to her. They decide to switch places for a few days, and laughter and romance ensues. A wonderfully predictable story, I 100% recommend giving it a try.
Happy Holidays, collegiettes!