If you’re stumped on what movies to binge this holiday season, this holiday movie guide has you covered. This breaks down 10 of the best holiday movies, old and new. All you have to do is bake some cookies, get a cup of hot chocolate, sit on your couch for hours, and soak in the holiday spirit.
Starting with the classics:
1. Elf
As a toddler, Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally taken to the North Pole where he was then raised. Buddy always felt like an outcast in Santa’s Workshop, so when he reached adulthood, he traveled to New York to find his real father. Buddy has no idea how to fit into the real world, all he knows is that his dad is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), and he needs to find him. After finding his real father, Buddy attempts to form a relationship with his dad and his family, but not without a little bit of chaos.
2. A Christmas Story
All Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun. Ralphie navigates through life while trying to convince anyone and everyone that he needs this gift for Christmas. Ralphie faces obstacles from his bully (Zack Ward), mom (Melinda Dillon), dad (Darren McGavin), and even Santa. Ralphie has to figure out how to make it to Christmas with his dreams, and glasses, intact.
3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
The Griswold family, specifically Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase), is determined to have the perfect Christmas. Clark and his family attempt to find the perfect tree, put up the perfect lights, cook the perfect dinner, and have the best Christmas. When the family is faced with challenges like clashing between grandparents, an uninvited visit from a cousin, cranky neighbors, and a SWAT team, Clark’s Christmas dream is put to the test.
4. Home Alone
When eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind by his family while in a rush to get to the airport, he thinks it’s the best thing to ever happen to him. The night before, Kevin told his family that he wished they would disappear, and initially, he thought it was a dream come true that they did. After a couple of days of indulging in endless ice cream, TV, and snooping, Kevin discovers that two burglars are planning to break into and rob his house. Kevin takes it into his own hands to protect himself and his house, and in the process, he learns the true meaning of family.
5. Miracle on 34th Street
When Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) is given a job as Santa Claus at Macy’s in Manhattan, he not only accepts the job, but also claims that he is the real Santa Claus. His claim leads to a court case to decide if this is the truth, if his mental health is stable, and if he is authentic.
Best animated movies:
1. A Charlie Brown Christmas
When Charlie Brown is feeling down about how commercial Christmas has become, he journeys to find the true meaning of Christmas. Charlie becomes the director of the school play, and in the midst is faced with struggles and judgement. When Charlie’s plan to restore the Christmas spirit with a little fir Christmas tree backfires, he needs Linus’ help to restore the true meaning of Christmas.
2. The Polar Express
When a young boy begins to doubt Santa Claus, a train stops in front of his house on Christmas Eve that is designated to the North Pole. The train is called the Polar Express and it’s filled with young kids having the same doubts. During the journey they embark on various adventures that show them the true meaning of Christmas.
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
In Whoville, Christmas is a cherished holiday for all. Except for one: the Grinch. The Grinch despises Christmas and decides to steal everyone’s gifts, decorations, and food. In the process, the people of Whoville still find joy in Christmas and teach the Grinch a valuable lesson about what really matters during Christmas time.
4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rudolph, one of the reindeer in the north pole has one thing different from his peers: a glowing red nose. Instead of being accepted, Rudolph is excluded from the group and told he can’t play in any Reindeer games. When a severe snowstorm threatens Christmas, Rudolph might be the answer to save Christmas.
5. Frosty the Snowman
When an old magic hat brings a snowman, Frosty, to life, the kids that built him are overjoyed. Frosty enjoys every minute of his life, but when the weather starts to warm up, Frosty begins to melt and reality sets in. At the same time, professor Hinkle wants his magic hat back, which would turn Frosty back into a snowman. The kids need to figure out how to get Frosty away from the warm weather and Hinkle, so they embark on a journey to the North Pole to save him.