Just some holiday movies that make us feel all warm and fuzzy
With Halloween over, it’s officially acceptable to play Christmas music and movies, amirite?! Well, regardless of how you feel about it, it’s definitely that time of the year when our most beloved holiday movies take over TV (if they haven’t already). You’re bound to cross paths with movies like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and A Christmas Carol, but I’ve got a few more that are (in my humble opinion) the best, most feel-good holiday flicks that you should start watching like RIGHT now (OK fine, you can read this article first):
The Holiday (2006)
Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, and Jude Law? Yes please! The Holiday takes place on opposite ends of the world, with Diaz and Law in London and Winslet and Black in Los Angeles. It’s refreshing to experience the holidays on both ends of the spectrum; places that don’t get snow often are often ignored when it comes to Christmas movies. Heart-warming and unorthodox, The Holiday depicts a slightly different, unique holiday than most other movies.
Did You Know? Dustin Hoffman makes a cameo appearance in the film that was unscripted and unplanned. He just happened upon the blockbuster while filming was happening.
Home Alone (1990 & 1992)
Duh. I mean, Home Alone is a classic. Who doesn’t want to watch Macaulay Culkin kick some bad-guy ass? The paint cans in the face = priceless.
Did You Know? Joe Pesci (Harry) purposely steered clear of Macaulay Culkin on set because he wanted Macaulay to believe he was mean. Awww.
The Polar Express (2004)
Tom Hanks and a train ride to the North Pole is all I need to be on board. Constantly exploring the idea of children’s belief in the magic that is Santa Claus, this movie is one the entire family can enjoy. With an amazing soundtrack that includes the brilliant Josh Groban, this one’s a no-brainer.
Did You Know? The hero boy, the father, the conductor, the hobo, Scrooge, and Santa Claus are all voiced by Tom Hanks.
The Family Stone (2005)
I hadn’t watched The Family Stone until last year, and many of my friends and family still haven’t even heard of it. This Christmas movie is so underrated, despite its famous cast (Claire Danes, Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney, Craig T. Nelson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson, Tyrone Giordano, Brian White, and Elizabeth Reaser). The Family Stone paints a picture of a simultaneously idealistic and realistic family Christmas that will have you laughing, crying, and wanting your family functions to be just the same.
Did You Know? The photo of Sybil that Meredith gifts to the family is actually a picture of young Diane Keaton, photoshopped to make her look pregnant.
Love Actually (2003)
This movie is littered with exceptionally talented and well-loved stars (Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Kiera Knightley, Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman, to name a few). Can anyone else believe it’s been over a decade since Love Actually came out? Placing this Christmas movie outside of New York (which I’m finding increasingly rare), Love Actually examines love from every angle and emphasizes the importance of it not just during the holiday season, but all year round. Funny, heart-wrenching, and undeniably holiday-esque, Love Actually brings the Christmas spirit to life.
Did You Know? Olivia Olson (Sam’s crush, Joanna), did all of her own singing in “All I Want For Christmas Is You” at the school concert. Her voice was so strong and clear, the director actually had to edit her voice to make her sound more like a child.
