Sit back, relax and enjoy a night at home this holiday season by watching your favourite festive movies or explore others you’ve yet to watch. With so much hustle and bustle leading up to Christmas, kicking up your feet in front of the TV is a great way to tune out of the chaos and tune into a classic. Here’s a list to get you started. Don’t forget the popcorn!
Classics
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
A man named Kris Kringle is the best Santa in town, but he’s put on trial after revealing he’s the real Santa Claus. The trial explores the good he’s done and whether people believe in him and Christmas.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
It’s a Christmas classic you can sing along to with Judy Garland as she navigates life and love and the prospect of a family move — meaning she may have to leave it all behind.
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
This enduring classic is all the proof you need to never lie on a job application. Things hit the fan, but it’s a resounding riot that has stood the test of time.
White Christmas (1954)
This feel-good classic is an all-American hit about finding fame and love and saving the day for an old friend who is down on their luck — all of which happens with slick songs and dance moves.
Comedies
Bad Santa (2003)
Not suitable for children. This movie is for those who like dark, non-traditional Christmas humour. It involves a salacious thief playing Santa, a Santa-obsessed girlfriend, plenty of stealing and an evil sidekick elf.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Whether it’s the exploding cat, torpedo sled or Christmas light mishap that makes you wheeze, this movie guarantees the most laughs of any Christmas movie around.
Home Alone (1990)
He’s a smart-aleck kid with a knack for getting left behind and an endless supply of traps that never get old — and yes, that film in the background was made just for this movie.
Underrated
Mixed Nuts (1994)
It’s the cult classic you’ve never heard of. If you’ve seen a Steve Martin comedy, you know to expect shenanigans, but that still doesn’t prepare you for the ridiculous scenes this film delivers.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey is a comedic genius in his portrayal of the self-loathing Grinch who, despite routine self-serving crankiness, can’t escape Cindy Lou Who’s Christmas joy.
The Polar Express (2004)
This movie’s animation style received mixed reviews, but its gripping story of a mystical train, its cross-continent voyage and a boy who learned to believe ranks among the most unique takes on Christmas.
Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)
Ernest P. Worrell is a legend post-millennial audiences need to be introduced to. He tries to save Santa from getting arrested for saying he’s the real deal. It’s campy and great, so do yourself a favour and give it a go.
Young at heart
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
This is the single-most important Christmas program people should watch. From its life-pondering cast of kids, to its beautifully simple musical score and famed twig-like tree, this defines the holidays.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rudolph is self-conscious about his red nose and his father struggles with his son’s difference. There are life lessons hidden within this movie and characters who’ll make you laugh, no matter your age.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The Muppets hold a special place in people’s hearts, whether during their TV heyday or more recently on YouTube. Regardless, this sweet movie is among their best and should be on your holiday must-see list.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
It’s considered a masterpiece and among the best animated films ever made. The film’s artwork may look macabre, however the story is anything but.
Romance
The Best Man Holiday (2013)
These friends are as interwoven as they come. They’ve overcome the romantic wire crossings and grown as people and, despite still hashing out past dalliances, they prove friendship and love always overcome.
The Holiday (2006)
Two women looking for change switch homes and friends and find what they’re looking for in the other’s world. It’s light, easy and an all-around good movie, whether you’re into cheesy or not.
Love Actually (2003)
This compilation movie stands out amongst contemporaries like Valentine’s Day. Its sweet, quirky characters navigate relatable and overblown storylines — a combination that makes it a classic romantic comedy for the holidays. Not suitable for children.
Elf (2003)
Most people think of this as a comedy, but the awkward and innocent romance between characters Buddy and Jovie will melt your heart and make you cringe simultaneously.
Take the classic Christmas movie quiz below:
This content originally appeared in YULETIDE PREPARATIONS, a SaltWire custom publishing title.
