Top 10 holiday movies

BY HELENA KNUTSON / Multimedia Journalist

Christmas, the most magical time of the year, is approaching fast; There is nothing better to get you into the season than some classic Christmas movies. Here are ten Christmas movies to watch this season.

Love Actually

 
“Love Actually” is a classic Christmas romance movie for those who love a good romance story. 

This movie follows seven storylines: a single father helping his son negate his school crush, a man in love with his best friend’s fiancé, a woman trying to save her marriage after her husband cheats, a rockstar who realizes the importance of friendship and a British minister falling in love with his housekeeper.

These storylines all intertwine, showing how love comes in different ways: family, friendship and relationships. 

This is the perfect movie for anyone looking to watch a romantic holiday movie while cuddling up on the couch. 

Elf

Buddy (Will Ferrell) has spent his entire life believing he is an elf but soon discovers he is a human. After discovering his true identity, Buddy searches for his biological dad, who is on the naughty list.

Towards the end of the movie, Buddy shows all of New York what the spirit of Christmas truly is: hope.

This hilarious Christmas movie is great to watch when you need a pick-me-up and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Lydia White, a sophomore nursing major, thinks Elf is a perfect light-hearted and funny Christmas movie.

“I think ‘Elf’ is such a good movie to watch with your family and friends. I especially like the shower scene where Buddy is singing; it’s so funny,” White said.

Home Alone

“Home Alone” is about Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), a kid struggling with his family staying at his house before their holiday vacation. When the family leaves, they realize they have forgotten something important: Kevin. 

As the eight-year old enjoys this newfound freedom, he realizes that staying home won’t be as fun as he thought. Kevin has to protect his home from burglars.

This classic Christmas movie shows the importance of spending time with your family because it can be taken away anytime.

Die Hard

“Die Hard” is controversial as a Christmas movie but it’s great one nonetheless. John McClane (Bruce Willis) comes home for Christmas in hopes of winning back his wife but soon realizes his wife and her co-workers have been taken hostage. 

This movie has some of the best cinematic quotes and is a true Christmas action movie.

This movie is excellent for those who need a break from sappy holiday movies and want to watch something fast-paced.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” tells the story of the iconic Peanut comic strip character through the holidays. The story follows Charlie Brown as he searches for the meaning of Christmas. 

Charlie Brown struggles because he realizes everyone only idolizes materials during Christmas, but towards the end, he discovers the true meaning: friends and family.

With the holidays coming, we can become materialistic, but it is important to remember that Christmas is not just about presents.

Olivia Wolfskill, a freshman nursing major, thinks that “A Charlie Brown Christmas” represents what Christmas is truly about.

“‘Charlie Brown Christmas’ is a good Christmas movie because it elaborates on friendship and togetherness. Christmas is a holiday of being together and enjoying each other’s company. Charlie brown portrays this importance to all audiences,” Wolfskill said.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a live-action film based on the cartoon. It stars Jim Carrey as The Grinch, who hates Christmas.

The Grinch develops a plan to steal all the Christmas gifts from Whoville. After The Grinch steals all the presents, he meets Cindy Lou Who, a young girl who struggles to find joy in Christmas. 

Towards the movie’s end, Cindy Lou realizes what Christmas is really about, and The Grinch realizes that no one should be lonely on the holidays.

Grace Killian, a junior human resources manager major, loves the vibes that the Grinch movie brings.

“‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ is such a good movie because it has a sweet message about how the holidays aren’t just about gifts but about being with the people you love.” Killian said. “The Grinch is hilarious, especially in the live-action version with Jim Carrey, and his transformation is so satisfying to watch. Plus, the music and Whoville vibes make it feel super festive and fun.

It’s A Wonderful Life

“It’s A Wonderful Life” is a heartfelt story about George Bailey (James Stewart), a selfless and kind man who takes over his father’s business; after some years, he faces some financial hardship that would ruin his life. 

George Bailey considers ending his life when his guardian angel, Clarence, appears. Clarence shows George Bailey what his life would be like if he was never born and what his town and family would be like. 

This movie shows the importance of love, family and community. 

The Polar Express

A childhood classic, “The Polar Express” is a great film to watch with family or friends and remember what it’s like to be a kid on Christmas.

The movie is about a young boy who hears a loud train outside his window on the night of Christmas Eve. When he goes outside, he sees The Polar Express, a magical train that leads to the North Pole.

This movie shows the importance of believing in the spirit of Christmas.

Bryson Bullard, a freshman sports management major, said that The Polar Express reminds him of his childhood.

“[The] Polar Express is one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time. The first time I watched it was at a Christmas party in kindergarten. I associate [The] Polar Express with hot chocolate and sugar cookies, which always makes me happy,” Bullard said.

A Christmas Story

As children, we always wanted a gift dearly, and for Ralph ‘Ralphie’ Parker, it was a Red Ryder BB Gun. “A Christmas Story” is a movie about Ralphie Parker trying to navigate family, bullies and being a kid during the holidays. 

This is a heartwarming holiday classic to watch with your family during the holidays.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

The 1964 stop-motion movie tells the story of a classic Christmas tale. The film follows three characters: Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer, Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius. 

Rudolph left his home because of his red nose, which no other reindeer had. After leaving, he meets Hermey, an elf who dreams of becoming a dentist. On their way to chase their dreams, the duo meets Yukon, who is searching for silver and gold. 

The trio encounters several adventures and finds friendship amongst the craziness.

This movie shows the importance of friendship and uniqueness and surrounding yourself with the people you love.

Mia Castillo, a sophomore nursing major, says this movie reminds her of Christmas morning.

“Every Christmas morning me and my family would watch ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ before opening gifts. It was one of my favorite Christmas movies growing up,” Castillo said.
There are so many more Christmas movies to watch this season, but these are some of the best to help get you in the Christmas spirit.