- “The Nightmare before Christmas” (1993)
This classic follows the story of a skeleton from “Halloween Town” who opens a portal to “Christmas Town.” Although Halloween has grown monotonous for him, Jack Skellington has conflicted feelings about Christmas as well. Though the movie itself is an example of top-notch stop motion filmmaking, it doesn’t bring enough Christmas cheer.
- “Polar Express” (2004)
This animated film shows the journey of a young boy who hops aboard a train bound for the North Pole. As a young kid, I found the movie pretty boring, but as I matured, I learned to appreciate the few novelties of the film despite its peculiarities, which makes it a unique watch. The movie received three Oscar nominations in 2005 solidifying itself as a Christmas hit. Definitely worth a watch.
- “The Christmas Chronicles” (2018)
This film is a modern take on Christmas. Two siblings, Kate and Teddy Pierce, follow Santa Claus on Christmas Eve and accidentally crash his sleigh. The two are forced to gain composure and ensure that they can help the elves save the holiday. The movie is quite heartwarming as the two siblings, whose dad died as a firefighter and whose mother is busy working as a nurse, grow together emotionally. Not one of my top Christmas picks, but if you are looking for a feel-good modern Christmas film, this is a must watch.
- “Frosty the Snowman” (1969)
This one takes me back to the elementary school days of sipping hot cocoa, decorating cookies, and watching Christmas movies. The film follows the star, Frosty the Snowman, on his journey back to the North Pole. Although he enjoys playing with the children, he is conflicted as he risks melting. The film is yet another heartwarming movie that makes me reminisce about my childhood.
- “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)
This movie is another great memory of the elementary school days of watching the Peanuts films. The 1965 film is still enjoyed by many across the country today because of the nostalgia and Christmas cheer it brings beyond its time period. Charlie Brown is always a great series, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is unparalleled.
- “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000)
Based on the Dr. Seuss’ book by the same title, the film is a Christmas essential and an elementary school banger that everyone should watch if they haven’t already. The Grinch is fun to watch because of his conflicting personalities and impulses which lead him to do very funny acts. Overall, his personality is really contagious and makes you laugh when you watch!
- “Home Alone” (1990)
Macaulay Culkin plays an 8-year-old devil child named Kevin, who is left in the attic while his family leaves on a flight for vacation. When two robbers come to the residence, Kevin devises many intricate strategies to fend off the home invaders which keeps viewers on their toes until the end. It’s always one of the most classic movies, even out of the holidays genre, of all time.
- “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” (2009)
Kevin James plays a cop who is addicted to sugar and struggles with diabetes. The movie is a comedy filled with action packed encounters with criminals and everyday shoppers. Not exactly what you look for in a holiday movie as the plot is not centered around Christmas, but rather just happens to take place during the holiday time. Despite this, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” is one of the best holiday movies.
- “Elf” (2003)
Comedic genius Will Ferrel plays the part of Buddy, a toddler who was accidentally relocated to the North Pole and raised to adulthood by Santa’s elves, when he travels to New York in search of his father. Watching Buddy’s character development and his reaction to the normal world is very amusing. The movie is one of my favorites because of the memories it brings back of my previous Christmases. I urge you to watch it together with your family.
- “Home Alone 2” (1992)
In “Home Alone 2,” Kevin once again gets lost but this time at an airport. He boards on the wrong plane and heads to the Big Apple. The movie follows his journey through New York City where he attempts to stop a robbery on a toy store right before Christmas. “Home Alone 2” is a must watch due to its action-packed adventures and hilarious traps. It is never a true Christmas until you watch this movie.
