It’s that time of year again! The time of year when everyone breaks out their ugly holiday sweaters and hot chocolate: it’s Christmas time! The best way to get in the holiday spirit is by watching your favorite holiday movies. Here is a list of the best Christmas movies to get you pumped for December 25th!
1. Four Christmases:
In 2008, the world was blessed with quite possibly the funniest Christmas movie of all time. Featuring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn, this movie touches on all the awkward family situations and conversations that occur between family members during the holiday season. This movie is guaranteed to make you laugh until your side hurts.
2. Elf:
In 2003, our favorite holiday elf released his own movie in theatres all around the world. Starring Will Ferrell, the movie Elf is one that all 90’s and 2000’s kids will remember from their childhood. This movie tells a sweet story of an elf from the North Pole that travels to New York City in search of his biological dad. This movie is great for all ages and is sure to get the whole family ready for the holiday season!
3. Love Actually:
In 2003, Richard Curtis wrote and directed the best “rom-com” Christmas movie of all time. Not only is Love Actually an adorable movie that shares the stories of ten different individuals’ lives through the holiday season, but also it stars the dreamy actors Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, and Andrew Lincoln. My favorite part of the movie is when the audience gets to experience the eye-candy that is Hugh Grant dancing to the song “Jump (For My Love),” written by the Pointer Sisters. This movie will always hold a special place in my heart, as it is one that my mom and I love to watch every year around Christmas time. <3
4. The Polar Express:
In 2004, the world jumped onto the train that we all know and love: The Polar Express. This animated film (based on a book from 1985) stars Tom Hanks and completely demonstrates his talent, as he is the voice actor for SIX different roles within the movie. This movie is one of my favorites because of its amazing animation and how it embodies all the things I love about Christmas. So, put on your best Christmas nightgown and warm up with some hot, hot, hot chocolate.
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966):
1966 is the year that started it all. It was the year that the mysterious character, the Grinch, made his claim to fame. This original cartoon is literally about how the Grinch stole Christmas. We follow this deceivingly fuzzy, green creature and his pet dog, Max, through the cartoon as he tries to ruin/steal all the good things about Christmas from the citizens of Whoville. Be sure to check out the newest animated version of this film in theatres this holiday season!
6. A Christmas Story:
In 1983, my family’s favorite Christmas movie debuted in theatres. In this film, we follow the tale of a young boy named Ralphie as he tries to convince his parents to buy him a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The movie is narrated from Ralphie’s point of view, which provides the audience with a particularly comedic viewing experience. Don’t forget to tune into this movie on Christmas day if you want to watch it on repeat for the next 24 hours. This is what my family watches as we open gifts on Christmas morning. This movie is sure to excite both the parents and the kids on Christmas day!
7. Frosty the Snowman:
In 1969, the world was gifted with the most adorable and innocent snowman of all time. Frosty the Snowman is an animated cartoon that shares the story of a group of kids discovering a magic black hat that belongs to the loveable snowman: Frosty. This magical Christmas cartoon is fun for all ages and is popular amongst the parents as well!
8. The Santa Clause Series:
1994 is when this three-part movie series all started. This movie series stars Tim Allen as the main character. Throughout all three movies, we watch Allen discover his new career as Santa Clause. We watch as he learns what it takes to be Santa, along with how his family adheres to their new lifestyle of being related to St. Nick.
9. The Holiday:
In 2006, our favorite substitute music teacher starred in this heartwarming holiday film. Jack Black, Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet all star in a film that tells a story about two women who swap not only houses, but also their lives in order to get away from their recent heartbreaks. This movie is sure to give you a laugh, a smile and maybe even a tear this Christmas.
10. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:
You didn’t think I’d forget about this Christmas classic, did you? In 1964, VideoCraft International introduced the world to the beauty and adorable qualities of stop-motion animation. In this 47-minute film, we follow the tale of a cute and highly underestimated reindeer by the name of Rudolph. Because of the film’s dainty and endearing characters, it earns a soft spot in my heart every holiday season.
So there it is, folks! Here are the best Christmas movies to watch to prepare for the holiday season! I hope these movies can fill you with some good ol’ holiday cheer! Stay safe and have an amazing holiday break!