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Top 10 Holiday Movies to Binge Watch After Exam Season

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at York U chapter.

With exam season under way and the holidays just around the corner, why not get in the festive spirit by watching some of the best Christmas movies? Not sure where to start? Well, snuggle up with some hot chocolate and get into your comfiest clothes because this list takes care of the rest. Here are the 10 best holiday movies to watch after exam season is over (or when you want to procrastinate instead of study).

 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

 

Photo from MBS Radio

 

What’s not to love about a green angry man that lives in a mountain and steals everyone’s Christmas presents? Okay, normally we would hate that, but the fact that Jim Carrey plays the Grinch makes everything so much better.

 

A Christmas Story (1983)

 

Photo from A Christmas Story

 

I will fight anyone who doesn’t’t like this movie. It has everything – a pink bunny onesie, a kid getting his tongue stuck to a pole, a BB gun, a leg lamp, and a million dogs. It is seriously hilarious and is a must watch during the holidays.

 

The Polar Express (2004)

 

 Photo from The Polar Express

 

Polar Express is every child’s Christmas fantasy come to life. It takes you on a magical journey that no other movie comes close to. It is a must watch and will rekindle the excitement of Christmas you had when you were young.

 

Home Alone (1990)

 Photo from Forbes

 

If this happened to me as a child I would’ve been scarred for life, but Kevin McCallister takes full advantage of his family being away. Eating junk food and exploring the city, all while outsmarting two con men trying to rob his family’s home.

 

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

 

 Photo from Disney

 

This movie is a Tim Burton classic with love, fear and Christmas cheer. Jack, the Pumpkin King, grows tired of scaring people in the real world and ventures into Christmastown, bringing turmoil along with him.

 

Elf (2003)

 

 Photo from Elf

 

Since 2003, Elf has quickly become a Christmas classic. Will Ferrell plays Buddy the elf as he takes you on a hilarious ride of discovering where he came from and who his real father is.

 

The Santa Clause (1994)

 

Photo from hellogiggles

 

Tim Allen plays Scott Calvin in this Christmas trilogy about relearning the power of magic. With the help of his son Charlie, Scott starts to become a believer again and he slowly starts turning into Santa Claus.

 

A Christmas Carol (1951)

 

Photo from Irish Times

 

If you love old black and white films then this one is for you. Ebenezer Scrooge is a grumpy greedy man who is taken on a journey through Christmas past, present and future in the hopes of enlightening him to change.

 

The Holiday

 

 Photo from WordPress

 

This movie’s story is every girl’s dream. Escaping to a far-off country and falling in love? Yes, please. Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz swap houses for the holidays and both end up finding love and inner strength.  

 

Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

 

Photo from Basement Rejects

 

When watching this you truly realize how far Claymation/animated movies have come. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a heavy dose of nostalgia tied into an adorable story about Rudolph’s journey.

 

I know exam season is a tough one to get through, causing loads of stress. That’s why a holiday movie is the perfect remedy to unwind and get ready for the holidays.

A perpetually lost writer who is just trying to make sense of it all. Never ask me for directions. 
Wilfrid Laurier University Alumna - BA Honours History & Minor in Sociology and Religion and Culture. York University B.Ed. Her Campus York U Campus Correspondent/ HSA Advisor/ Chapter Advisor.  When I'm not leading the team, advising, or writing you'll find me watching any and every reality T.V show or re-runs of Friends and Gilmore Girls. Semi-classy wine lady who thinks pineapple on pizza is a crime.