Christmas is almost here, and one of the time-honored traditions that families do during the holidays is to watch movies together. Whether it’s a classic like It’s A Wonderful Life or a more recent film like Elf, Christmas movies have become a staple in homes during Christmas as families wait before having meals and opening presents. Here are just some of the films that you can watch that are perfect for the holiday season:
Elf (2003)
Elf may be a recent release compared to other Christmas classics, but it has also become a favorite film to watch during the holiday season. In the film, Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, an orphan raised by Santa Claus, and the elves at the North Pole who travels to New York City to find his biological father. Ferrell’s memorable comedic performance and the film’s funny and sweet message are guaranteed to give you and your family the Christmas spirit in time for the holidays.
A Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
There are those who consider A Nightmare Before Christmas to be more of a Halloween movie than a Christmas movie. But this stop-motion animated film, which was directed by Henry Selick and produced and conceived by filmmaker Tim Burton, is a visual treat that will be appreciated by people of all ages and is a fitting companion for the family during the holidays.
Home Alone (1990)
This film catapulted child actor Macauley Culkin to stardom, and it’s easy to see why, even decades later. Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left by his family alone on a holiday trip and is forced to defend his house against two bumbling thieves played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. This work by director Chris Columbus and writer John Hughes proves laughs and warms the heart and is a perfect movie to watch during Christmas.
The Harry Potter Films (2001-2011)
It’s not the first film that comes to mind when we think of Christmas, but for fans of the Harry Potter films, the holiday season is a perfect time as any to take a trip to the magical world of Hogwarts. The films are about the adventures of the titular Harry Potter, who discovers that he is a wizard and begins his formal education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Aside from the magic and adventure that the characters get into, almost all the films also contain Christmas scenes, making them perfect to watch with the family during the holidays.
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
It’s been more than 70 years since its release, but the Frank Capra-directed It’s A Wonderful Life remains a Christmas classic. The film stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a man who is about to take his own life but is visited by an angel. The message about the importance of everyone’s lives is simply perfect for the holidays, which is why it has endured and become a Christmas staple even after many years.
Ang Tanging Ina (2002)
This list wouldn’t be complete without one of our own films, and while there are a lot of possible choices, from family dramas like Tanging Yaman or Four Sisters And A Wedding or horror classics like Shake, Rattle, and Roll, the 2002 comedy Ang Tanging Ina is also a great pick for a Christmas movie. The film, which stars Ai-Ai Delas Alas, Eugene Domingo, Marvin Agustin, Carlo Aguino, and more, sees the character of Ina raising her 12 children on her own after the death of her husband. The film will draw laughs and tears as the theme of a mother’s love for her children hits home and is only fitting to be seen during the holidays.
Honorable Mentions: A Christmas Story (1983), Miracle on 34th Street (1947), Die Hard (1988), Tanging Yaman (2000), Shake, Rattle, and Roll 9 – Christmas Tree Episode (2007)
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