Christmas may have passed, but there's still time to celebrate the holiday season with a festive movie. Whether watching with your family, friends, loved ones, or alone, a holiday movie is a great way to experience the season of joy before it's too late.
This list covers some "classic" Christmas movie favorites. From cartoons to newer renditions, this list has it all. So cozy up, grab some popcorn or hot chocolate and enjoy.
Here are five holiday movies to watch this year:
"A Charlie Brown Christmas"
Who better to spend the holidays with than the beloved Peanuts characters? Charlie Brown is caught up in the commercialization of Christmas and the cold weather weariness that comes with it, a feeling many of us can relate to this time of year. But with the help of Linus van Pelt, Charlie Brown finds the true meaning of Christmas.
The rest of the Peanuts characters join Charlie Brown to bring audiences the classic dancing scene and rendition of "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing."
This feel-good 25-minute special is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the season. The message of friendship and the meaning of Christmas holds even true today. This film will surely bring a smile to your face and is available to stream only on Apple TV+.
"Home Alone"
"Home Alone" is the perfect movie to make you laugh this season and has some of the most memorable scenes of any holiday film. Kevin McCallister is left home alone after his family forgets him on their way to Paris. In the days of his family's absence, Kevin engages in a stream of activities to occupy his time. Scaring away a pizza delivery driver, grocery shopping on his own and fending his home from two robbers in the neighborhood. Typical 8-year-old behavior, right?
This John Hughes film is a holiday favorite for a reason. From quotable lines and hilarious pranks, it'll have you ready to defeat any robbers like Harry Lime and Marv Murchins. "Home Alone" is a great watch, and "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" is a hilarious sequel to follow up the original. Both are available to stream on Disney+.
"The Santa Clause"
It wouldn't be a holiday movie list without this fan favorite. Tim Allen stars in the heartwarming story of a new Santa Claus that comes to town. The movie centers around the main character, Scott Calvin, and his journey to becoming Santa. After Santa falls off his roof, Calvin ventures out and puts on Santa's red suit, following instructions in the coat. The following events show Calvin turning into Santa Claus and his battle with keeping it a secret from his family. Tim Allen is incredible in this movie. It is not only witty but charming, too; it is an overall feel-good movie.
The longevity of this movie is impressive in terms of holiday films. Two sequels followed, "The Santa Clause 2" and "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause," and the Disney+ television show "The Santa Clauses" features members of the original cast. You can stream each of the movies on Disney+ this holiday season.
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
This is the tale of the mean old Grinch, the all-time hater of Christmas. This 1966 cartoon is a quintessential holiday film. The Grinch wrestles with his hatred for the season as he attempts to steal Christmas from Whoville.
In the end, the Grinch comes around to the reason for the season and replaces his loathing of Christmas with joy. The original cartoon can be streamed on Peacock and Amazon Prime Video.
Of course, another excellent addition to this story is Jim Carrey's portrayal of the Grinch in the 2000 live-action film. Carrey plays a nearly impossible role perfectly and adds a level of comedy you didn't know you needed. The live-action twist on the classic tale is both hilarious and uplifting and will have you in the mood for the holidays; maybe it'll even grow your heart three sizes. Available to watch on Hulu and Peacock.
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"
Clark Griswold wants to have the perfect Christmas with his family, something we can all relate to. What follows for the Griswold family is anything but perfect. This holiday film is packed with family Christmas malfunctions as the Griswold family handles in-laws, crazy cousins, malfunctioning lights and all things chaos. It's a story that never seems to slow down, with every scene bringing even more ridiculous problems and funny moments.
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is a great movie to turn on during Christmas time. It's lighthearted and filled with laughs that everyone can enjoy. But the heartwarming center of this movie is the love amongst the Griswold family. Even among a far-from-perfect Christmas, that message never falters. The Griswold's adventure can be streamed on Hulu and Max this holiday season.
