Holiday Movies

Hi everyone! Hope you’re all doing well and staying warm especially if you’re experiencing the freezing, stormy, snowy weather that most of North America is experiencing! Although its probably more snow than we all wanted, it does add to the holiday spirit! To share the holiday spirit and help you count down the remaining 7 days to Christmas, I thought I’d share my Top 10 List of Christmas Movies with my personal rating (not in any particular order), that you, your family and friends can enjoy while staying cozy under blankets, with hot chocolate and popcorn!

• Eloise at Christmastime, 2003  (8/10)

This one, usually flies under most people’s radar. But there’s something magical about a little girl who becomes less of a brat, and more appreciative of people over the Christmas Season. And the imagery of the Plaza Hotel is just gorgeous.

• Dr Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated), 1966 (10/10)

For anyone who grew up reading Dr.Seuss books, this one is a classic. For those who haven’t watched this Christmas special, it’s an older animated film, that retells Dr.Seuss’ Grinch story. The Grinch’s facial expressions throughout the movie are priceless, and the story is well narrated. Which leads me to…

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 2000. (10/10)

The live action version of Dr Seuss’, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, takes the book and the animated movie, and turns it into a new spectacle. I realize audiences are split between liking and hating this film, but I personally enjoy Jim Carrey’s interpretation of the Grinch, the extra jokes added in, and the depiction of Whoville.

• Frosty the Snowman, 1969. (9/10)

As a kid, I think I watched the Frosty the Snowman special every year in school, and at home. This sing-song animated film, brings to life the magic of Frosty. As a kid, I loved watching the school children in the film, build Frosty and take him on his adventures around town.

• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, 1964.  (10/10)

Every year, I love hearing Burl Ives sing and tell the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This is probably the one of the oldest Christmas films out there that is enjoyed by the young and young-at-heart. The fabric puppets and the storyline are what make this film so special.

• The Holiday, 2006. (7/10)

The Holiday, contrasts the lives of two women, one Brit and one American, who spend their Christmas holidays living in the other woman’s home. Although this doesn’t necessarily scream “Christmas”, it does have holiday and wintery elements, humor, and heart-warming romance stories. Perfect for snuggling up with your significant other!

• Home Alone 1 & 2, 1990 and 1992.   (10/10)

While I think these movies must be on everyone’s Christmas movie watching list, but I couldn’t make my list without adding them. Now the real debate is, which Home Alone is better? 1 or 2…1 OR 2?!? I personally like the second Home Alone, because I enjoy the New York setting, and I like when he meets the bird lady and learns her story.

• Elf, 2003. (9/10)

Elf, is a light-hearted, Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel movie, that tells the tale of Buddy the elf, who leaves Santa’s workshop when he realizes, he’s not quite like the other elves. While he has trouble navigating the city, he eventually finds his place, makes new friends, and brings the magic of the holidays to those who need it. And to top it off, there’s a cute sing-a-long to Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.

• A Charlie Brown Christmas, 1965. (10/10)

A holiday isn’t a holiday without watching a Charlie Brown special (for me anyway). The quick animated Christmas special, shows the very loveable Peanuts characters putting on a Christmas play, despite Charlie Brown’s rather sad outlook on Christmas, while trying to find a deeper meaning. And of course, the best image from this special, is the Charlie Brown Christmas tree that just flops over with the single Christmas ornament.

• A Muppet Christmas Carol, 1992. (9/10)

In this movie, Jim Henson’s Muppets, help retell Charles Dickens Classic Novel, A Christmas Carol, in a sing-song comedy. As someone who has loved the Muppets since a young age, I love watching this movie each year. There’s something entertaining about watching puppets singing and telling a beloved Christmas story. And of course, Miss Piggy is the real shining star…(okay, I felt like I had to say that, because Miss Piggy would force me to anyway). 

And here are 5 bonus Christmas Movies that I love to watch.

• To Grandmother’s House We Go, 1992. (5/10)
• Just Friends, 2005. (7/10)
• Mickey’s Christmas Carol, 1983.  (8/10)
• Krampus, 2015. (7/10)
• Frosty Returns, 1992.  (6/10)

If you are looking for further inspiration for Christmas Movie Watching, check out CBC’s Holiday Guide, which has a schedule of movies that are playing on the CBC channel this entire month.

Let me know what your favourite Christmas or Holiday movie is below! Happy Watching!!

-Vanessa