There’s nothing more special than cozying up in a fuzzy blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and watching a holiday movie. The cheery music, snowy scenes, and overall joyous feel brighten the dark days of winter. The beauty of holiday movies is that there’s such a wide variety for everyone to enjoy, from holiday-focused movies to seasonal spectaculars. But with so many options, it can be hard to create a must-watch list. This article will highlight several holiday, and seasonal, movies for everyone to enjoy this winter.
The first movie on the list is “Elf”. This timeless classic is one many Christman-celebrators enjoy every year without fail. Starring Will Ferrell, the movie follows the protagonist Buddy the Elf as he journeys from the North Pole to NYC in search of his birth father. Along the way, he tries to make friends and spread Christmas cheer to everyone he meets. From the snowball fight scene to Buddy throwing a dance party in a mailroom, this hilarious comedy is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.
An infamous Disney hit, “Frozen” is a perfect movie for the winter season. The story follows Princess Anna (Kristen Bell) as she searches for her sister Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel), whose uncontrolled powers sent their kingdom of Arendelle into a perpetual winter. Traveling with the lovable talking snowman Olaf (Josh Gad) and mountaineer Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), Anna hopes to find Elsa so that her sister can break the icy spell she cast. This movie has a wide emotional range, and will keep viewers engrossed the whole time. With an incredible soundtrack, loveable sidekicks, and gorgeous visuals, “Frozen” is a movie enjoyable for all ages.
Another holiday classic is “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”. Similar to “Elf”, “National Lampoon’s” is a movie filled with laughable, second-hand embarrassment scenes that capture the struggle of the holidays. Clark Griswald (Chevy Chase) has always dreamed of having a big, family Christmas, but when his house is packed full of relatives, things quickly go awry. This slaps-stick comedy is a fantastic way to get into the Christmas spirit with its iconic lines and hilarious moments.
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” is perfect for the winter season. When 11-year-old Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) finds out he was accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he is swept into a world of magic and spells and uncovers a dark plot threatening the school. This movie is filled with the wonder and merriment that always comes with the holiday season, and is a wonderful watch for all ages. Featuring a spectacular soundtrack by John Williams, an outstanding cast, and many magical moments, “Harry Potter” will keep viewers hooked.
A more recent release, “Noelle” has become an instant Christmas classic. It features the trademark funny protagonist, a cutesy North Pole setting, and a journey into the ‘real world’. While this sounds like an Elf knock-off, Noelle puts a fun spin on the otherwise traditional Christmas movie plot. When Santa Claus passes away, his son Nick (Bill Hader) prepares to become the next Santa with the help of his sister, Noelle (Anna Kendrick). But when Nick becomes overwhelmed and disappears, Noelle journeys to Arizona to find him and restore order before Christmas Eve. “Noelle” is a great holiday movie because it highlights the joy of finding what you love and how it can positively impact those around you. This cozy and heart-warming comedy perfectly captures the merriment of the holiday season.
“Die Hard” is perfect for viewers who want an action-packed holiday movie. If you aren’t one for a movie that feels remotely like Christmas or even winter, this movie is a good pick. When NYPD cop John McClane goes to visit his wife Holly at her job in Nakitomi Plaza, things go awry when the building is taken hostage by terrorists and McClane discovers that he alone will have to save the hostages. This violent, fast-paced movie will keep viewers anticipating every scene. “Die Hard” delivers a well-planned plot and many iconic lines.
Last but not least is one of the best Christmas movies to date, “Home Alone”. It doesn’t get more classic than this movie, unless of course, you consider Bing Crosby’s White Christmas. Home Alone is a standout with its incredible soundtrack, hilarious hijinks, and creative plot. When 8-year-old Kevin McCallister wakes up to find his whole family left for their big Christmas trip without him, he is ecstatic to be rid of his meddlesome and tiring siblings. But Kevin’s enjoyment is quickly dashed when he learns of two men who are planning to rob his house, and that he alone will have to stop them. “Home Alone” is a great Christmas movie because it provides non-stop laughs and a heartwarming story.
