With the approaching holiday season, now is a great time to start checking movies off your holiday watchlist. There’s classics we return to every year, Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacations, to A Christmas Story. Here are a few Christmas films to add to your yearly holiday radar.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
We all know the classic story of grumpy old Scrooge and the journey he’s led on by three ghosts, changing his life forever. Muppet Christmas Carol presents a tender, moving, and also hilarious adaptation to the tale. Michael Caine plays the main role of Ebenezer Scrooge, acting amongst an ensemble of Muppet characters.
Something about this adaptation just really captivates me as a viewer. From the original songs, to the humor that is scarcely found in any traditional Christmas carol adaption, to the tender and sweet moral of it all. There truly is something for everyone in here, unless you hate the Muppets.
The Holiday (2006)
Likely the best Holiday romantic comedy of all time. The Holiday, with its two respected love stories, is able to perfectly harness the spirit of the holiday season. The two leading ladies, played by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, switch places after both experiencing heartbreak. They then consequently find romance and solitude where they least expect it. Jude Law and Jack Black each give a killer supporting performance in the film, even though their characters are naturally quite different. It’s funny, it’s cozy, it’s heartwarming and its score will be stuck in your head for the rest of your holiday season.
Little Women (2019)
While not specifically advertised as such, there is no denying that Little Women is a Christmas film. Little Women tells the story of four sisters living in Concord, Massachusetts, amidst the American Civil War. The March sisters rely on one another, navigating each other through the obstacles of life.
There is something about this particular cast (Saorise Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson) that is really resonating with younger audiences more than any other Little Women adaptation. It’s important that through this movie, young people are becoming interested in classic literature.
This story is comforting but also at times incredibly emotional. The film is a love letter to life in New England that becomes especially relevant around the holidays.
The Holdovers (2023)
The Holdovers takes place around Christmas time at a boarding school. A notoriously grouchy teacher, portrayed by Paul Giamatti, is tasked with staying at the school over holiday break to accompany the students who cannot go home. He starts to inquire about the lives of these students and particularly about a troubled boy named Angus Tulley. Tulley is played by breakout star Dominic Sessa, where in his very first film role, he delivers a powerfully emotional performance.
Though it’s a newer Christmas movie, It has already made an impact on viewers. Especially considering its critical acclaim upon the movie’s release. Everyone in the cast delivers an unforgettable performance, especially that of Da’vine Joy Randolph who won an Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in The Holdovers. By no means is it a lighthearted film, but the compelling story and homey New England setting will certainly keep you coming back for more.
Love Actually (2003)
An early 2000’s anthology film that has captured the hearts of many viewers alike. The film follows multiple different story lines and many different characters that come together to connect in the end. With the opening scene in the airport, Love Actually is already tugging at the heartstrings of viewers. Through comedy the film captures the true meaning of Christmas, love and appreciation for the people around us. The film is often recognized entirely as a romantic comedy, however I appreciate it more for its sentimental value. Emma Thompson’s iconic Joni Mitchell homage is beautifully heartbreaking. In addition, the stellar ensemble cast, from Hugh Grant to Colin Firth, creates a comforting and familiar atmosphere for all viewers.
All in all, these are the films that I find myself returning to each holiday season. All of these films capture the heartfelt elements of the holiday season while not holding back from addressing the hurt and pain that so many experience during this time of year. All of these films can currently be streamed across a variety of platforms or rented through Prime Video.
