From timeless classics to family holiday hits, Christmas movies have a way of capturing the spirit of the season. Prepare to cozy up and revisit the magic with a list of the top 10 best Christmas movies to make your holidays merry and bright!
Home Alone:
In the popular 1990 Christmas comedy film, Home Alone an eight year old boy named Kevin is unintentionally left behind as his family takes a Christmas vacation. He must use traps to protect his house from intruders while also learning the importance of family. The senior class at James Caldwell High School completed a Google Form, and the results showed that Home Alone was the favorite holiday movie. JCHS student Sherlynn Aracena supports the results, saying she has “always loved the vibes of the movie” and it has a “homey feel”, bringing back memories of her early years. Home Alone is a perfect holiday movie for both adults and kids due to the mix of laugh-out-loud comedy and heartfelt storytelling. Kevin creates entertaining, suspenseful moments through his mischievous tactics while the themes of family and forgiveness add depth to the fun. The story has become a timeless holiday classic that feels both relatable and magical.
Elf:
The 2003 Christmas comedy Elf tells the story of Buddy, a human who was raised by elves at the North Pole and goes to New York to track down his birth father and learn who he really is. Buddy reminds everyone of the wonder of the festive season while spreading Christmas cheer. Because “the whole movie is super funny,” according to senior Haley Ruane, who adores Elf. To get into the spirit of Christmas, she enjoys watching the film again every December. It’s not just Ruane who likes this film. According to the survey that the senior students at JCHS completed, Elf received the second-most votes for the best holiday film. Will Ferrel’s performance as Buddy is hilarious and beloved as he created a character who spreads joy and optimism, even in unfortunate situations. Elf explores the importance of finding one’s place in the world whether it’s in a family, community or a sense of individuality. Despite feeling out of place in both the elf world and the human world, he was able to embrace and love who he is in the end. The theme of belonging and the importance of believing in the magic of Christmas make it an uplifting holiday film.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas:
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is as JCHS student Avery Molinaro put it best; “a funny film with a great deeper meaning.” The Grinch, a grumpy, green creature, decides to spoil Christmas for the happy residents of Whoville in the live adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ children’s book. He steals all of their holiday decorations and gifts just to learn that Christmas is more than just material possessions, and he learns the true meaning of the holiday from the kindness of the Whos. The fact that this movie received the third-highest number of survey votes indicates how much people value it. Additionally, Molinaro finds the animated version to be “very entertaining and cute.” In every version of the story, the Grinch’s transformation from a bitter, isolated figure to someone who embraces the joy of Christmas is heartwarming and the colorful, whimsical world of Whoville adds to the film’s charm. The catchy songs, memorable characters and meaningful theme of forgiveness make it an adored seasonal favorite.
The Polar Express:
A young kid sets out on a mysterious train journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve in the 2004 holiday film The Polar Express. He encounters other kids along the road and discovers the real meaning of Christmas, realizing that it is only when one believes in its magic that it becomes real. Maddie Fragulis, a JCHS student, likes the film because of its “plot, how magical it feels, and the nostalgia.” It brings back memories of seeing the movie during the Christmas celebrations at her primary school. The movie attracts viewers’ interest by taking them on a trip to the North Pole. For kids who still believe in magic, the train is a symbol of adventure and belief in addition to being a means of transportation. The movie also features a memorable soundtrack that elevates the magic of the film, adding depth to its emotional moments and contributing to the holiday atmosphere!
A Christmas Story:
Despite everyone telling him it’s too risky, Ralphie Parker, a boy, dreams of receiving a Red Ryder BB rifle for Christmas in the 1983 film A Christmas Story, which is set in the 1940s. Ralphie experiences the highs and lows of Christmas throughout the film, avoiding a bully and coping with his quirky relatives while hoping to find the ideal present. “I like this movie because it’s on every Christmas morning in my house,” says senior Kylie Rodrigues. The “cozy” vibe of the movie will always bring back memories of Roderigues’ early years. This film does a great job at capturing the essence of childhood, especially during the holiday season, with Ralphie’s obsession and desire over a certain gift. The humour comes from relatable situations that everyone who’s been a kid can recognize. The narration, delivered by an older Ralphie, ties the film together with a sense of warmth and reflection, making it feel deeply personal.
It’s a Wonderful Life:
1946’s It’s a Wonderful Life follows George Bailey, who is depressed following a string of financial and personal disappointments and considers suicide on Christmas Eve. Clarence, an angel, helps George see how many lives he has positively influenced and gives him a fresh perspective on his own life by showing him what life would have been like if he had never been born. Maddie McGovern, who attends JCHS, has “always found this movie to be powerful and moving.” She adds, “I think everyone should watch the movie because the message has always stood out to me.” The movie gives the idea that every life has value and just one person can have an immeasurable impact on others. The film takes place during the holiday season, symbolizing hope, and the power of believing in oneself and the good of others. George’s eventual realization of his worth and the support of his community highlights the themes of generosity and the joy of giving which are crucial to Christmas spirit.
Frosty the Snowman:
In the popular 1969 Christmas cartoon show Frosty the Snowman, a bunch of kids put a magical top hat on Frosty’s head, causing him to come to life. To spread holiday cheer, Frosty and the kids set off on a trek to the North Pole to protect him from a magician who wants to take his hat. An popular and endearing winter classic, the film’s festive vibe is enhanced by the catchy tune “Frosty the Snowman.” Erica Gustavsen, a JCHS student, describes the film as “very heartwarming.” “A new movie called Hot Frosty came out on Netflix, which brought her back to the original,” she adds. After watching it again, she remembered why she loved it so much when she was little. Frosty the Snowman truly creates a nostalgic feeling that captures the innocence of the Christmas season, reminding viewers of their own early experiences with snow and winter. It has a sense of comfort that brings back memories of watching it with family during Christmas time.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation:
In the comedy National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Clark Griswold is a father who is committed to giving his family the ideal Christmas. Clark’s plans fall apart as the holiday starts, setting up a string of heartwarming and humorous scenes that emphasize the value of family and enjoying the season despite setbacks. Leah Strumolo, a JCHS student, believes she “resonates with the humour of the film.” “The part where they sing the pledge of allegiance during grace at the dinner table is my favorite scene,” she says. This film is relatable and entertaining for people of all ages since it perfectly combines extreme humor with the common surprises and difficulties that accompany the holiday season. The iconic scenes like the Christmas light debacle and the disastrous family dinner, have made it a holiday classic that continues to resonate with audiences.
Christmas with the Kranks:
Christmas with the Kranks is a holiday comedy about Luther and Nora Krank, a couple who decided to skip Christmas and go on a cruise instead after their daughter leaves for the holiday. When their daughter unexpectedly reveals she’s coming home for Christmas, the Kranks rush to organize a last-minute celebration, even though their choice to skip the customary celebrations causes chaos in their joyful neighborhood. Senior Fiona Laddey enjoys the movie because it reveals the “reliable chaos of the holiday.” She further states, “I like the message on the importance of coming together to celebrate with loved ones.” The film has the ability to resonate with anyone who has felt overwhelmed by holiday pressures by ending up embracing them. It provides plenty of laughs but also gets the idea across that traditions and being in the presence of the people one loves can make Christmas so special.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a holiday story about a young reindeer named Rudolph who is made fun of by his peers for his glowing red nose. When a snowstorm threatens to ruin Christmas, Rudolph discovers his unique nose is just what Santa needed to guide his sleigh, saving Christmas. Nicolina Castellano loves Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer because “Rudolph finds his confidence in the end and it’s really uplifting.” The beautiful, timeless message that our differences can be our greatest strengths resonates with viewers of all ages. Anyone who has ever felt like an outsider might connect with the film as Rudolph’s journey from being ridiculed to becoming a hero is inspiring and encouraging when accepting oneself. The movie contains a cast of memorable characters like the lovable misfits on the Island of Misfit Toys who bring humor and heart to the story.
Despite their differences, these holiday films all convey timeless lessons about kindness, love, and the power in believing in something greater than ourselves. Enjoy these timeless movies and allow their meaningful stories to inspire and warm your holiday season!
