Holiday Movies Worth the Watch

The holiday season is a great time of year to revisit Christmas classics, but many viewers often don’t know where to start. Luckily this is a small (and by no means definite) list of enjoyable Christmas movies that will appeal to a wide range of viewers. It is noticeable that the majority of these films do not feature diverse characters, as is the case unfortunately with most Christmas movies, but hopefully they are still able to resonate in some way with all audiences.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)

Black and white movies may feel outdated, but “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a timeless Christmas classic that people of all ages can enjoy. George Bailey is a frustrated businessman who is on the verge of throwing himself off a bridge, but instead he rescues his guardian angel. The angel, noticing George’s anger and disillusionment, shows George what his town would have been like if not for all of his good deeds over the years. This movie is perfect for those for whom this time of year can bring up mixed emotions, as it quite literally takes the theme of “Bah, humbug!” and makes viewers reflect on the beauty of both life and the holiday season. 

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966)

As it is one of the best-known classics of our time, there is not much to say about “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” except that if you haven’t seen it, then you definitely should. While viewers have enjoyed both the Jim Carrey version and the animated version, the latter is, in my opinion, less scary and stays truer to the original illustrations found in Dr. Seuss’s signature book. As a result, the themes of jealousy, gratitude, giving, and the Christmas spirit are more likely to resonate with younger children and provide older audiences with an opportunity to revisit a childhood favorite. 

“Elf” (2003)

What is special about “Elf” is that it takes one of the most simplistic storylines--that is, the story of Santa’s elves--and puts a creative spin on it with a lovable and hilarious character. As a baby, Buddy accidentally ended up in the North Pole and was raised along with Santa’s elves. As he grows up, he starts to feel like his human-like characteristics prevent him from fitting in, so he decides to go in search of his biological father. With plenty of laugh-out-loud scenes and strong themes of love and family, one can’t help but fall in love with this Christmas classic.

“Happiest Season” (2020)

If you are looking for a Christmas-themed LGBTQ+ romcom, look no further. Abby, played by Kristen Stewart, is a sweet and down to earth character who is planning to propose to her girlfriend, Harper (Mackenzie Davis). Over the holidays, the couple visits Harper’s family, but Abby quickly finds out that Harper has not come out to her parents. In addition to Abby, Dan Levy plays the lovable John, who is not only laugh-out-loud funny but also incredibly supportive and honest. Overall, “Happiest Season” manages to be real, endearing, and entertaining.

“The Holiday” (2006)

Amanda (Cameron Diaz), who designs movie trailers in Hollywood and has just gotten out of a breakup, decides to swap homes with Iris (Kate Winslet), a lovesick journalist living in a quaint cottage just outside of London. After corresponding via a travel website, the two agree to a plan and board their respective planes, unaware that they will soon meet their true loves. While the lead actresses are what initially make the film stand out, the male characters, Graham (Jude Law) and Miles (Jack Black), are easy to appreciate as they are both different from the typical male love interests shown in romcoms. Graham is a single dad and a widower, which you wouldn’t know upon first sight. Miles is a sensitive man who is similar to Iris in that he also suffers from relationship pitfalls because he puts his trust in the wrong people. With the perfect amount of predictability and tenderness, “The Holiday” is a film you’ll revisit for years to come.

Although these movies span several genres, they all touch on various aspects of the holiday season. They highlight the loving and lighthearted moments, as well as the more serious and uncomfortable ones, and form a well-rounded picture of what this time of year is all about.