The Christmas season is upon us. The cold wind and snow forcing us inside presents the perfect opportunity to make hot chocolate, curl into bed and enjoy a holiday film. To take advantage of this opportunity, the Opinions team has compiled a perfect list of movies for you to enjoy this season.
“Scrooge (1970),” written by Sammy Wynn.
When we think of Christmas, the classic tale of Scrooge often comes to mind. The story follows protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge’s hatred for all things Christmas. However, with the aid of ghost’s past, present and future, Scrooge overcomes his hatred and changes his ways. This classic tale is replayed in some form every year, with many adaptations ranging from Charles Dickens’ original “A Christmas Carol” to several Disney spin-offs.
This musical adaptation, directed by Ronald Neame which stars Albert Finney, stands out for its gorgeous setting and captivating musical numbers that can convince anyone to sing along. Unlike other adaptations, the musical takes a new approach to the story. Shown through the graphic hell scene that was withheld from cable television or the deep dive into Scrooge’s childhood trauma that led to his coldhearted behavior. This adaptation is unlike the rest, adding a new layer of humanity to a classic tale.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000),” written by Sylvia Freire
This movie is a live-action adaptation of a Dr. Suess classic. The Grinch, played by Jim Carrey, decides to create a mischievous plan to ruin Christmas for the unsuspecting town called Whoville. The Grinch then goes down to Whoville and attempts to steal anything that brings the Christmas spirit to town. However, when he meets a little girl named Cindy Lou, his plans get stumped along the way.
Not only is this movie fun, but with the knee surgery meme bringing back all hype towards the movie, it is a must-watch on anyone’s Christmas movie list. Jim Carrey truly adds to the appeal with how he captures the Grinch’s character perfectly. The message behind the movie depicts the meaning of Christmas as much more than just a holiday, but a moment for a community to support one another. This movie has proven time and time again to be a Christmas classic.
“Elf (2003),” written by Kylie Allegrezza
As a baby, Buddy was transported to the North Pole by accident. He was raised by elves and never felt like he fit in at the North Pole. He decided to go to New York City in search of his real father, Walter Hobbs, while dressed as an elf. After a DNA test proves Hobbs is Buddy’s father, he reluctantly tries to have a relationship with Buddy.
There are several examples of comedy from the movie. Some of these are the quirks Buddy takes from the North Pole to the real world including eating spaghetti with maple syrup. He also continues to dress like an elf in New York. Buddy is phenomenal at making and throwing snowballs, something he learned from living at the North Pole.
This movie is a must-watch every Christmas season. Will Ferrell does an excellent job of playing Buddy with his child-like behavior and humorous activities. There is a level of comedy in this movie that I have not found anywhere else.
“Home Alone (1990),” written by Courtney Mysliwiec
This 1990 film starring Macaulay Culkin, follows a large family getting ready to head to Paris for Christmas. When 8-year-old Kevin acts out, his mother makes him sleep in the attic for the night.
When the family realizes they are late for their flight the next morning, they rush to the car, leaving Kevin behind. While alone in a big house, he must keep himself and his home safe from burglars.
This classic Christmas film brings the chaos that Christmas can sometimes entail. It is a good reminder to relax during the holiday season and not to take the stress out on your family members. This movie brings many laughs and is a family favorite in my home.
“Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas! (2011),” written by Hannah Piedad
Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas! follows the story of the Duncan family from the hit Disney show, “Good Luck Charlie,” as the family travels from Colorado to Palm Springs to spend the holiday with the kids’ grandparents.
After part of the family gets separated, each group has to face their own adventures with twists and turns around every corner. From having to compete in a paintball tournament to Christmas caroling in Las Vegas, the family races against time to be able to spend the holiday together.
Each storyline in “Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas!” is both entertaining and heartfelt, captivating audiences’ attention every step of the way. This movie is an underrated gem that’s perfect for the holiday season.
“The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974),” written by Melanie Schouppe
When Santa Claus catches a bad cold and feels like the Christmas spirit is lost, he decides to take a step back and not deliver presents around the world this year. Mrs. Claus won’t have any of that and sends out two elves and a reindeer to prove there still is Christmas spirit in the world. Mother Nature, Snow Miser and Heat Miser help along the way.
You can’t have Christmas without one of the classic stop-motion style movies like this. This movie features one of the most catchy songs written for a Christmas movie with the “Snow Miser Song” and a heartfelt message about how the Christmas spirit will always be there, “The Year Without a Santa Claus” is a must-watch this holiday season.
