The month of December can be trying. College students are working hard to finish the semester, shopping for friends and family can be stressful, and not to mention that cold temperatures and early evenings are upon us. Amidst all the commotion of the holiday season, take some time to shamelessly indulge in your own personal seasonal movie marathon. Or, if necessary, Christmas movies are a great way to relieve yourself of awkward conversation with extended family during holiday gatherings. Either way, here are the top ten Christmas movies you should definitely not miss this year.
10. Love Actually
Although the title sounds cheesy, don’t be turned away from this overall great flick. While obviously set in the holiday season, this film demonstrates, through nine complex stories, that love ultimately connects us all. I get warm and fuzzy just thinking about the idea. But with an absolutely stacked cast of actors including Hugh Grant, Collin Firth, Keira Knightly, and Liam Neeson, Love Actually is a must-see. Especially since it is conveniently available on Netflix!
9. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Nothing takes you back to simpler times than re-watching Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. This classic, animated Christmas film is suitable for all ages and has the ability to bring out the inner child in all of us.
8. White Christmas
Because White Christmas was released in 1954, it is often categorized with other “old films” and is quickly disregarded as an option for your Christmas movie marathon. Take the time and actually watch White Christmas this year and you’ll quickly find yourself entranced by the charming love story.
7. Gremlins
There aren’t too many movies that can be considered as both Christmas and Halloween related. Regardless of the season, Gremlins is a fantastic movie. The story stems from Rand purchasing an endearing, unique creature from a Chinese salesman to give to his nephew for Christmas. The salesman gives Rand specific instructions about the care of this creature. When these guidelines are broken, terror reigns the town as the tiny creature transforms into an army of evil Gremlins. This unorthodox Christmas flick is ideal for anyone feeling crushed by the overwhelming sense of holiday cheer.
6. Christmas with the Kranks
Christmas with the Kranks always delivers a good chuckle to viewers. I would actually consider this film to be vastly underrated. Any satirical approach to the tension surrounding adults during the holidays is relatable to almost any viewer. Christmas with the Kranks does not disappoint.
5. The Holiday
Two words: watch it. The Holiday is such a simple, yet heartwarming film. The plot is also not overly emphasized around Christmas, but is still Christmas enough to make this list. This is another movie with a fully loaded cast, including Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, John Krasinski, an even Jack Black playing a serious role. You really just can’t go wrong with The Holiday.
4. Home Alone
I know you’ve seen Home Alone. But hey, it’s still a part of American culture, so make sure you at least watch it with your little cousins or siblings. I'm sure you'll all be equally entertained.
3. A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story plays for 24 hours straight on TNT every Christmas for a reason. It simply doesn’t get old. If you don’t end up saying “you’ll shoot your eye out” at least once every holiday season, you’re doing something wrong. It’s a movie people of all ages can appreciate. If A Christmas Story doesn’t get you in the spirit of Christmas, I really don’t know what will.
2. Elf
You forget how great Elf is until you watch it again and are proud of yourself for being able to quote, “Buddy the elf, what’s your favorite color?” or “You did it! Congratulations! World’s best cup of coffee. Great job everybody!” What better way is there to get in the spirit of Christmas than to watch Will Ferrell, in all his glory, gallivant around New York City in an elf costume? The idea in itself is pure gold.
1. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Jim Carrey surely never disappoints, but I think we can agree that he exceeds all expectations in his performance as the Grinch. The Grinch is family friendly, it’s humorous, and hands down the best Christmas movie out there.
Happy watching!
