Christmas is around the corner, and if you’re anything like me then you’re dying to snuggle up with a hot chocolate, all your Christmas decorations right in their place, and a good holiday movie to seal the deal and top off your night. Therefore, I’m giving you a well-thought-out list of my favourite Christmas movies to begin the holly jolly holiday!
Elf (2003)
I know, we’re starting off strong, but that’s the only way to really get into the holiday feeling. For those who have never seen this masterpiece of a movie, Elf is about an orphan named Buddy who was raised in the North Pole with the one and only Santa Claus and his elves. However, he finds himself itching to find his biological father in New York—who, unlike Buddy, is cold, cynical, and hates Christmas. Elf is filled with comedy moments and iconic scenes, but also has some surprisingly sweet moments that will warm your heart.
The nightmare before Christmas (1993)
While this could technically be considered a Halloween movie, it’s the perfect in-between segue from spooky fall vibes to the nostalgia and excitement of the Christmas season. Tim Burton’s expertise will have you singing along to iconic songs while simultaneously enjoying the beautiful stop-motion animation and atmosphere.
A Christmas Carol (2009)
This choice is controversial, as many people think the 1951 adaptation of this Charles Dickens tale is better. However, I watched this version when I was young and it’s stayed with me ever since. For those not familiar with Dickens’ tale, it tells the story of Scrooge, a bitter old man, as the three ghosts of Christmas visit him: the past, present, and future. It may make you shed a tear, but it’s also quite heart-warming and has that quintessential Christmas feel to it. I recommend it for when you’re having some holiday blues and need that Christmas magic.
Home Alone (1990)
Home Alone tells the story of Kevin Mcallister, one of eleven kids in his chaotic family, who are planning a trip to Paris for the holidays. However, Kevin is forgotten by his parents and forced to battle and outsmart two thieves who try to rob his house. This film is packed with witty lines, funny moments, and has a very good plot.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
It may be cheating to put a sequel on this list, but this one is a GREAT follow-up to Home Alone. It’s perfect for a Christmas movie marathon with friends, a board game night, or a binge-watching session all by yourself! Home Alone 2 again follows Kevin Mcallister; however, this time he’s left alone in New York after getting lost in the airport and onto the wrong flight. Here, he tries to stop the two returning bandits from robbing an elderly man’s store with his witty lines, crazy antics, and master plans that had us always wishing we were that crafty and smart.
National Lampoon’s Christmas vacation (1989)
This movie is a feel-good film with numerous moments that will make you chuckle and realize you’ve been smiling without even noticing. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation follows Clark Griswold and his family through the holidays and his wish to have a ‘perfect Christmas’. To succeed in this, Clark pesters his wife and kids to make sure everything goes according to plan. However, things change when his extended family shows up and rattles his perfect ideas. This film is a perfect family comedy to watch with loved ones over some warm drinks in a cozy atmosphere.
A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
This may be a controversial pick for a traditional movie list. However, sometimes you need a bad holiday movie where the only Christmas aspect is the time frame. This movie is perfect to watch with your friends for a good laugh over a glass—or glasses—of wine. It’s your typical comedy with the geniuses that are Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, and Mila Kunis. Additionally, you can enjoy a heartwarming moment over motherhood and the expectations behind it while you think about your mom during these holidays.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
You may have been waiting for this movie to make it onto the list. I absolutely love How the Grinch Stole Christmas; it’s perfect for the upbeat days in the holiday season when you’ve finished prepping for a celebration, you’re pumped up from buying gifts or prepping a meal, or you’ve been gossiping with your family about the holidays. This movie brings nostalgia and laughter by adding such a comedic spin to the classic Dr. Seus tale, and for many it’s a comfort movie with familiar jokes that still manage to earn a laugh. Therefore, it’s perfect for the chill moments during the holidays and doesn’t dampen the mood, but rather amplifies the joy that’s already been happening.
I personally enjoy all of these films; while there may be better, more well-known, or more traditional Christmas movies, these are the ones that come to mind when I think of the Christmas season. Enjoy the list, the movies, the magic, and most importantly the holidays.
