The holiday season is one of those times where families love to get together to watch some famous, classic movies that get everyone into the holiday spirit. There are the all time favorites like A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Carol, or It’s a Wonderful Life, but there are a few others that are pretty much guaranteed to warm our hearts and spirits while also encouraging a good laugh in the process.
A Christmas Story (1983)
A classic movie that has a place on almost everyone’s list of must watch holiday movies. The film takes place in the 1940s and tells the story of Ralphie who will do almost anything and everything to convince his parents, his teacher, and Santa Claus that a BB gun is the perfect gift for Christmas. It’s relatable to anyone that has ever wanted a gift that they couldn’t ever get or to anyone that is aware of all the chaotic moments that tend to occur around the holiday season, but always find a way to make the best of. And who could forget about the famous leg lamp?
Elf (2003)
One of the newer Christmas favorites, Elf is one of the movies that can make the entire family laugh for 97 minutes straight. The comedic story of a grown man discovering that, while he was raised as an elf, he’s actually a human and embarking on an adventure in New York City to find his real father is one that is not only hilarious, but also touching in the sense that it reminds us of the importance of family and self discovery. It’s a magical blend of laughs and the warmth of the holidays that is sure to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.
The Grinch/How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966, 2000, 2018)
It’s a famous story about the bitter, hateful, Grinch who can’t stand any and everything concerning Christmas. There’s the classic version that was made for TV released in 1966 and the two modernized versions released in 2000 and 2018. Each one is a little different, but all three are sure to bring on a laugh. Or two. Or three while reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas: “Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”
Home Alone (1990)
While the story of an 8-year-old getting left behind for a family trip to Paris and fighting off two grown men trying to burglarize his home is slightly outlandish, Home Alone is a holiday favorite that never gets old. Whether it’s the extremely elaborate set of booby traps Kevin sets up for the robbers, the classic scene where he attempts to shave for the first time, or any of the other moments in the film that are brought up time and time again, Home Alone is one of those movies that will have the entire family saying “Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!”
Miracle of 34th Street (1947)
Another Christmas staple that is pretty much guaranteed to stand the test of time, Miracle on 34th street is one of those movies that is authentically sentimental without being too cheesy. It’s a simple story about a man named Kris Kringle who steps in to play Santa at Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade and causes a stir when he claims to be the real Santa Claus. This movie really gas it all, romance, drama, a little bit of humor, and a hopeful holiday message that shines through the commercialism that can sometimes cloud the holiday season. It was also originally released in May, so it’s a holiday film that can be enjoyed during any season.
There are too many wonderful movies to watch during the holiday season to help bring about the Christmas spirit. A good film about love, family, happiness, hope, and the spirit of selflessness and compassion is something that’s even more important during a time when people might feel a bit lonely and hopeless. Whether you enjoy these movies alone, with family, friends, or even remotely with the people you hold closest to you they are sure to bring enough cheer to last through the holidays and well into the new year.