Christmas is almost here and it is incomplete without family, food, and of course films. There’s nothing like snuggling up in our blankets with some hot chocolate and a Christmas film. Also, movies will be even more comforting than usual for those of us whose Christmas plans have been ruined by the pandemic. So, we bring to you these Christmas films to watch during this season.
Christmas films to watch
Home Alone marathon
How can Home Alone possibly not be there on this list? The fact that the Home Alone franchise lasted three films too long is widely popular. After a brief indulgence in every child’s ill-conceived fantasy – “I made my family disappear,” Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, declares after his family goes on vacation without him – The plot of Home Alone then abruptly shifts gears, introducing two filthy robbers into the equation. Watch any of the Home Alone movies this Christmas or maybe do a Home Alone movies’ marathon.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
It’s true that during around 120 minutes of this film’s 130 minutes, life isn’t all that wonderful. This heartbreaking story of a down-on-his-luck bank clerk (James Stewart) who is on the verge of committing suicide when a trainee angel shows him what the world would have been like without him (spoiler: much worse) is emotionally draining. But it’s also a well-deserved classic that’s warm, hilarious, ageless, and life-affirming.
Gremlins (1984)
To keep a gremlin from creating havoc, follow three easy rules. Don’t expose it to light, don’t get it wet, and never feed it after midnight. Naturally, all three of those criteria are disregarded throughout this Christmas comedic horror. The resulting mayhem is hilarious to see.
The Holiday (2006)
Over the holidays, film trailer editor Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and wedding columnist Iris (Kate Winslet) swap houses in an attempt to get away from their bad relationships. This Nancy Meyers classic is as predictable as its false movie trailers. Yet it’s charming and amusing, with a bizarre but beautiful storyline featuring a nonagenarian Oscar winner.
Happiest Season (2020)
A glossy, mainstream Christmas rom-com with a queer couple at its center had been long overdue. Writer-director Clea DuVall did not disappoint with Happiest Season. The film, starring Kristen Stewart as Abby, a good-hearted Christmas skeptic who must pretend to be straight when her closeted girlfriend (Mackenzie Davis) brings her home for the holidays. It broke streaming records when it premiered on Hulu – the silver lining of its Coronavirus-affected theatrical release. The film has its detractors – for some, the hilarious farce veers too close to true emotional agony. But it’s a fantastic place to start in the long, patient effort to make the holidays a little gayer.
Die Hard (1988)
Whatever side you take in the eternal discussion over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie (Bruce Willis disagrees), it’s impossible to argue that it’s a fantastic action film. The fact that the movie takes place on Christmas Eve and includes lines like “Now I have a machine gun, ho-ho-ho,” makes it great holiday watching as well – especially if you’re weary of the usual holiday fare.
Elf (2003)
This out-of-place comedy, in which one of Santa’s elves (Will Ferrell) finds that he’s a human and sets out to find his father in New York, could have been irritating if Ferrell hadn’t given his all to his ridiculous part. Elf manages to be both self-aware and fiercely uncynical. Thanks to outstanding performances from James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, and Zooey Deschanel.
