Home Alone (1990)
Home Alone, starring Macaulay Culkin, is about an 8-year-old boy, Kevin, who is accidentally left behind at home while his family goes on vacation. He learns that two con men are planning on robbing his house, and it is up to him to defend his family’s house alone. Since the original one came out, there have been five sequels made. However, only the second sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) has the same original cast and is the only truly comparable sequel. Nothing can beat the original Home Alone, but Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is a good second. The rest of the sequels, Home Alone 3 (1997), Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House (2002), Home Alone: The Holiday Heist (2012), and Home Sweet Home Alone (2021) are not even worth watching. The original will always be at the top of everyone’s must watch list for the holiday season!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966/2000/2018)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas originated from the Dr. Suess book with the same name. It is about a bitter, mean Grinch who hates everything about Christmas. So when he hears the town by his high-up mountain cave, Whoville, celebrating Christmas, he decides to steal it all away from them. Since the original one came in 1966, the film has been recreated two more times. The 2000 How the Grinch Stole Christmas, starring Jim Carey, was a live-action adaptation, while the 2018 The Grinch was a modern animation adaptation. While all three versions are great and fun to watch, the best one to watch is the original 1966 version. All three will fill your heart with Christmas cheer this holiday season!
Elf (2003)
Elf, starring Will Ferrell, is about Buddy who grew up as an elf when he was accidentally taken to the North Pole when he climbed into Santa’s sack as a toddler. As an adult, he feels he doesn’t fit in, so he goes to New York City once he finds out his biological parents are from there. When he thinks he finds biological dad, Walter Hobbs, he gets a DNA test to prove that Walter Hobbs is his father. After Hobbs gets the results, he reluctantly attempts to make a relationship with him. This movie follows Buddy through trying to adapt to the normal world and build a relationship with his new family. This is one of the most popular Christmas movies and is considered a classic to many. It isn’t Christmas season without Elf!
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
When Charlie Brown starts to complain about the overwhelming materialism he sees in people during the holiday season, Lucy tells him to become director of the school Christmas pageant. When an attempt to restore the proper holiday spirit with a little Christmas tree fails, he needs help to learn the meaning of Christmas. Charlie Brown compiles favorite classics for Halloween and Thanksgiving; A Charlie Brown Christmas is no exception. This 30-minute classic is too perfect not to watch this holiday season!
Polar Express (2004)
Polar Express originated from the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg with the same title. When a young boy who doubts in Christmas goes on a magical train ride to the North Pole, he begins a journey with self-discovery and learns that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. This animated classic will make any doubter believe and with Tom Hanks’ great directing, it is a great family watch!
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Frosty the Snowman is based on the 1950 song by Gene Autry with the same title. It is about a snowman, Frosty, who is brought to life by a throw away magic top hat. However, Frosty is in trouble as a magician, Professor Hinkle, wants his hat back, and the temperature starts to rise. Frosty will melt or no longer be alive if the kids cannot get him away from Hinkle and warm weather. So Karen, the little girl, goes with Frosty on a train to the North Pole in an attempt to save him. This movie is one of the original classics and is always a great watch to fill you with holiday spirit!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is based on the 1949 song by Gene Autry with the same title. It is about Rudolph who is born with a glowing red nose. Everyone bullies him except Zoey. After getting disqualified and banned from the Reindeer games, he runs away from home and meets Slyly and Leonard. However Stormella, the ice witch, has captured Zoey and made a powerful storm to put Santa out of business. Rudolph must use his glowing red nose to help guide Santa and save the day. Although this movie is the oldest on this list, it is one of the best. Rudolph has been a classic since it came out and continues to fill people with joy!
A Christmas Story (1983)
A Christmas Story originated from the Jean Shepherd book with the same title. The movie follows a young boy, Ralphie, who only wants one thing for christmas, a Red Ryder BB gun. When his mom tells him it won’t happen, he makes it his mission to convince everyone - including his dad, teacher, and Santa himself - to see things his way. As someone who has A Christmas Story on all Christmas day, thanks to TBS, this movie will always remind me of Christmas day. This movie is a great family watch to get you excited for Christmas day!
- McKenna Adams