According to Santa Claus himself, the holiday season is one of the happiest times on earth and I couldn’t agree more. Aside from the catchy Christmas songs, delicious Noche Buena meals, and heartwarming gift-giving; what I look forward to most are the movies. There’s nothing better than ending a whole day of Christmas shopping with hot chocolate and your favorite holiday movie. In this article, I will be gifting you 10 of my all-time favorite holiday movies (spoiler-free!), and why you should give them a try!
1. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Description: This stop-motion musical centers around Jack Skellington, a being from Halloween Town, who stumbles upon the existence of Christmas Town and is instantly enchanted. The situation becomes riveting when his obsession with Christmas leads him to abduct Santa Claus and steal his identity.
When to watch: The Nightmare Before Christmas is a staple movie in my household around November! You need to keep in mind that this movie is half-Halloween and half-Christmas, which makes it a perfect transition movie from spooky season to snowman season.
Why you should watch: What makes me love this film so much is the claymation. I’ve always been in awe over animated movies using stop-motion, like Chicken Run and Wallace & Gromit. Tim Burton really knows how to make an eerie and spooky movie heartwarming and meaningful, and that is what’s so magical about it.
2. Elf (2003)
Description: Buddy, a human, is raised amongst elves at the North Pole. When he discovers that he is not an elf, he travels to New York to search for his biological father.
When to watch: December, preferably at night 一 popcorn and movie snacks are a must!
Why you should watch: Elf is a Christmas comedy classic! It takes the cake for laughs in my opinion. Elf is one of those movies that you can watch over and over again and still laugh at the jokes. A big shout-out to Will Ferrell for his timeless holiday comedy. There are so many reasons why this 2003 comedy is still talked about every single Christmas. You just have to watch it to understand!
3. Klaus (2019)
Description: After proving himself to be the worst student at the academy for postmen, a self-centered, spoilt postman is sent to a frozen town split in half by a bitter feud where he discovers a reclusive toymaker named Klaus.
When to watch: Late November/Early December. I recommend watching during the daytime or afternoon.
Why you should watch: Klaus was one of those films I didn’t really plan on watching at first. Just by the looks of it I thought it would be childish and boring, but I was certainly surprised! Klaus tells the story of Santa Claus’ origin from a whole new perspective. The animation is crisp yet delicate and the story is wholesome and lighthearted. Although this film is marketed towards kids, I recommend everyone of all ages to come and watch it!
4. Jingle All The Way (1996)
Description: Howard, a haggard salesman, promises his son a Turbo Man toy for Christmas. After forgetting about it, he is forced to fight every other parent and travel all over town to get it.
When to watch: December, preferably after all of the tiring Christmas shopping.
Why you should watch: This movie has everything from comedy, action, and heart! There is something I find funny about action stars being in lighthearted family films, and Arnold Schwarzenegger is no exception! What I love the most about this movie is how fun it is: I’m always kept on my toes with slapstick comedy and crazy antics with this movie, which makes me come back to it every year.
5. Gremlins (1984)
Description: Billy's father gets him a pet from China with three very specific instructions. However, when Billy does not follow them, it unleashes a horde of monsters.
When to watch: Anytime after Halloween! Preferably at night with family or friends close by.
Why you should watch: Just like The Nightmare Before Christmas, this movie is one of those holiday transition movies that shifts you from Halloween to Christmas. This light horror is filled with more laughs and scares and can be a good break in between all of the Christmas-y movies. To be honest, the only thing that makes Gremlins a Christmas film is that it’s set on Christmas Eve; but nevertheless, I still highly recommend this movie if you are looking for some holiday fun!
6. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Description: The Kranks scandalize everyone when they declare that they won't be celebrating Christmas. But, when their daughter decides to visit home, they get off on a mad rush to organize a grand-spanking holiday.
When to watch: Early December. Preferably daytime and not with children.
Why you should watch: Christmas with the Kranks is definitely an underrated Christmas comedy that I wish people remembered more. Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis do such a great job playing the usual suburban couple, and with Allen’s Christmas movie experience and Curtis’ comedy background, it makes a great holiday mix! This movie is full of funny one-liners and shocking comedic scenes for a good Christmas comedy experience!
7. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2003)
Description: The Grinch lives in solitude just outside Whoville. He hates the townsfolk and despises Christmas. Cindy Lou, a six-year-old girl who believes in the spirit of the holiday, sets out to reform him.
When to watch: Around the week of Christmas Eve. Preferably night time.
Why you should watch: The Grinch is maybe the most iconic Christmas figure, next to Santa Claus, and for all the right reasons. Jim Carrey’s take on the Grinch made the green furry character more funny than annoying (honestly, the Whoville people’s noses look creepier). The Grinch is a classic bad-guy-turns-good-guy story but with a Christmas twist!
8. The Santa Clause (1994)
Description: By helping Santa Claus with a Christmas crisis, Scott unknowingly agrees to become the next Santa. Now, he has to deal with a suspicious former wife while trying to keep his secret safe.
When to watch: Early December, any time of the day!
Why you should watch: Allen does a great job playing man-turns-Santa and really knows how to make a Christmas movie funny, impactful, and fun; especially seeing that he’s starred on this list three times. Not only is this reality-meets-fantasy movie iconic, but it is also a timeless classic that I feel will live on as one of the greatest Holiday movies ever made. What I love most about this movie is the set design: their portrayal of the North Pole and Santa’s workshop is what I’ve grown up to know and remember. Also, The Santa Clause has two other equally fantastic movies that you should totally check out, with Santa Clause 2 being my personal favorite.
9. Home Alone (1990)
Description: Eight-year-old Kevin is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for France. At first, he is happy to be in charge, but when thieves try to break into his home, he puts up a fight.
When to watch: I prefer to watch Home Alone when Christmas comes, but this film can work at any time of the month!
Why you should watch: The whole world has seen Home Alone, which is reason alone to put it on your watch list and why I need to write about it. What makes Home Alone such a classic is its creativity in storytelling. It’s such a simple plot but the way the movie flows makes it worthwhile. Home Alone is the best Christmas movie of our time and you have to watch it to know why! I recommend watching Home Alone 2 as well since I find it even better than the first.
10. Shrek The Halls (2007)
Description: After promising Fiona and the children a Christmas they will remember, Shrek is forced to take a crash course to enjoy the festive season.
When to watch: December, playing in the background while wrapping gifts or cooking food.
Why you should watch: I’ll admit it, I made this whole article just for a chance to hype up Shrek the Halls (just kidding). This short film is one of my favorites because of how sweet and simple it is! I never knew Shrek would be such a family-oriented guy and it was a really cool thing to see. Shrek and Christmas just fit together so well together and Shrek the Halls is a fun way to spend 30 minutes of holiday preparation!
Of course, these 10 movies aren’t the only ones out there. There’s hundreds of Holiday movies I’ve never seen, but I hope my favorites can help in finding yours! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate!
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