Hey everyone! Thanks for coming back for another round of film picks. This time, I’ll be listing what I think are the best Holiday/Winter films to watch to help you get into the spirit of the season. So, hunker down, grab a cozy blanket, and enjoy.
- Love Actually (2003). Love Actually is an anthology-style film that takes place over a couple of weeks leading up to Christmas. It’s an English film with a primarily British cast, many of whom you’ll recognize (Keira Knightley, Emma Thompson, Andrew Lincoln, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman). It’s a charming film about love in its many forms, with a cheeky British edge. There’s a story for everyone in this funny, yet heartwarming film. A stepfather is trying to bond with his stepson after tragedy, there are siblings dealing with change, unrequited love, and even the love between best friends. The setting, being primarily England, makes it even more festive with the city of London looking so cozy and wonderful for Christmas. This is a film I saw in the theater when it came out, and I go back to it every year.
- Elf (2003). Elf is what I would call a modern classic. Starring Will Ferrell in one of his most iconic roles, it’s hard not to be charmed by his childlike nature in this family-friendly film. Ferrell plays Buddy the Elf, a human who was raised by elves and is going to New York City to find his human dad (played to perfection by James Caan). Of course, there’s high jinks, zaniness, and miscommunications aplenty, but what makes this film so great is its heart. This film lets you revisit the childlike wonder of Christmas time and enjoy classic things like snowball fights, building Legos, and living life to the fullest. The backdrop of New York City at Christmas is perfect as wel,l and gets you right in the spirit.
- Home Alone (1990) Okay, so if I’m being honest, I did not like this movie as a kid. Joe Pesci’s creepy burglar character freaked me out. As time went on and I grew up, I’ve come to love this movie year after year. It’s just so zany. The physical comedy is top-notch and makes me laugh until my stomach hurts (except for the part where Merv steps on that nail with bare feet, ouch). Macaulay Culkin is hilarious as Kevin McCallister, a boy from a large family mistakenly left home alone during Christmas vacation, who must combat burglars who want to rob his home. Kevin constructs hilarious booby traps, has great one-liners, and even learns to appreciate his family more, even in their absence. While this film is laugh-out-loud funny, it’s also heartwarming and a fun rewatch year after year.
- A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992). This is one of my all-time favorites. I have made it a yearly tradition with my husband to watch this every Christmas Eve while we’re wrapping presents. What’s not to like about this film? It’s the classic tale of A Christmas Carol, but with the zany characters of The Muppets and with fun songs. This one will make you laugh with Rizzo the Rat and Gonzo as the narrators. It will also remind you of appreciating what you have and remembering to have a spirit of generosity and love, year-round. Kermit the Frog is a standout as Bob Cratchit, but the real star of the show is Michael Caine, who plays the role of Scrooge as earnestly as you possibly could around a bunch of puppets. Make this film a yearly watch with your family as well, if you want something to make you feel good.
- Die Hard (1988). I know, I know, I’m going to get some discourse about this pick, but hear me out, Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Not only does the story take place over Christmas, but John McClane (played to perfection by Bruce Willis) learns to appreciate some things more, and isn’t that what every Christmas movie teaches us? He does some excellent spy moves, fighting, and risks his life for the people of Los Angeles. Also, this film has one of the best movie villains of all time, Hans Gruber (played by the late, great Alan Rickman). This film has inspired many spoofs, rip-offs, sequels, and memes. The original holds up, though, and it will keep you hooked from the beginning. So, before you go ahead and pre-judge Die Hard being a Christmas movie, try it out this holiday season.
- Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) Okay, there have been many versions of the Grinch now, but I think the original is still the best. While the live-action Jim Carrey one is fine, it’s just a little too much for me. The original Grinch film has a charm, a simplicity, and a nostalgia that reminds me of Christmases growing up. The art and animation are classic and fun, not too complicated, and the message is heartwarming. Can’t go wrong with this true classic of someone learning the spirit of giving.
