Is it really the Christmas season if you don’t watch at least one Christmas movie? I know that every year I want to re-watch my favorite classics, but there’s never enough time to watch them all during this busy season.
That doesn’t mean I won’t try – and you should, too! The holidays are about many things, including taking a break from the hectic pace of life. So relax on the couch in your sweatpants with a mug of hot chocolate, a bowl of popcorn, and one of your favorite classic Christmas movies.
If that’s not your speed, host a movie marathon during a cold gray Saturday. Or you could watch one a week for the next three weeks. Whatever your style is, here are seven Christmas movies you should watch (or re-watch) that will take you down memory lane and help you get into the holiday spirit.
‘Home Alone’
This Christmas classic is definitely worth the re-watch every year. Rediscover what the spirit of Christmas is all about with 8-year-old Kevin McAllister as he fends off two burglars single-handedly and goes through the Christmas season without his family. Be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster, and know that you’ll be sent straight back to your childhood as you watch this one!
‘Love Actually’
If you haven’t seen this British Christmas classic, you’re in for a treat! Some people might think it’s corny, but if you can’t be a little bit cheesy at Christmas, then when can you be?
Follow an interconnected group of characters, played by a star-studded cast including Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, and Bill Nighy, just to begin with! They navigate heartbreak, extremely awkward situations, and find love in the Christmas season. See if you can guess how all their stories will come together!
‘White Christmas’
Here’s a true Christmas classic. When you’re in the mood to watch an older movie, load up White Christmas from 1954. Make sure you’re ready to be patient, though – the storytelling pace is much slower than what we’re used to now!
This classic follows two sisters and a pair of singers who were in the same company in World War II. Together, they decide to host a Christmas show at a Vermont inn, which happens to be owned by the singers’ old general.
The music is beautiful, the story is heartwarming, and the acting is phenomenal: Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney (George Clooney’s aunt!) make the story feel extremely real.
‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer’
Another Christmas classic you shouldn’t forget this year is the 1964 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Originally a TV special, a high-definition digitally remastered version aired in 2005.
This is the longest continuously running Christmas TV special and features a fantastic cast of characters, including Sam the Snowman, the Abominable Snow Monster, Hermey the misfit elf, and many more. This one will definitely take you for a long walk down memory lane!
‘Frosty the Snowman’
Speaking of animated Christmas movies, remember to watch Frosty the Snowman this year! Released in 1969 originally, this movie is only 25 minutes long and will make you feel like a kid again if you watched it in your childhood. If you didn’t, take the time now (I mean really, it’s less than half an hour!) to see what it’s all about.
The animation was magical for its time and it still creates a sense of wonder for many viewers. Plus, the music is fun and the message is so sweet! If there are little ones in your life, you’re probably already watching this movie with them – and if you aren’t, then add it to your rotation!
‘The Polar Express’
Want a little more adventure to your movie night? You can’t go wrong with Polar Express, which was released in 2004 and is categorized as a musical fantasy film.
Based on a children’s book of the same name from 1985, Polar Express features motion-captured characters as they visit Santa Claus while he prepares for Christmas. Set in Michigan in 1956, it’s an exciting story to watch either by yourself or with the little ones in your life! Tom Hanks voices multiple characters, so see if you can catch them all while you’re watching.
‘Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas’
No classic Christmas movie list would be complete without Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Jim Carrey’s fantastic acting makes this movie next-level entertaining. You probably know the classic story already – but when was the last time you watched the movie? Make time this year for this fun and hilarious story – and maybe eat some roast beast while you’re watching it?
This Christmas season may be busier for you than last year, but if you can, take the time to relax on the couch with a movie that will take you right down memory lane.
