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The Christmas season is celebrated in many ways. We feast on holiday-themed baked goods, listen to holiday hits, and decorate our homes from the floorboards to the ceiling with lights and garland. Plays are held in churches all around the nation, children begin writing letters to Santa, and stores fill with people looking for the perfect gifts to be opened by their loved ones on Christmas morning.
Christmas is my favorite holiday, and as much as I love all these traditions, one of my favorite holiday activities is watching Christmas movies with my friends and family. The Tyler family has a long watchlist every year. We even have specific movies reserved for when we decorate the tree. Our holiday season does not feel complete until we have worked our way through every film that fits this festive time of year.
I think it is only fitting that I, an amateur cinephile, share with you the top films you need to watch during the holiday season. Grab a seasonal snack, claim your spot on the couch before someone else steals it, and let’s get into it.
#1: “Home Alone” 1 & 2
If you know me, you know my favorite movie is “Home Alone.” In fact, I can quote the whole script of the first film, and I’ve seen both original “Home Alone” films more times than I should admit this year. These films follow Kevin McCallister, a quick-thinking kid who accidentally gets separated from his family and ends up fending off burglars with traps only a 90s child could invent. The first takes place in Chicago, the second in New York, and both are staples of holiday chaos. They are funny, brilliantly written, and the perfect comfort movies for a winter night in.
#2: “A Christmas Story”
The first movie we watch as a family while we decorate the Christmas tree is “A Christmas Story.” Set in the 1940s, the film follows young Ralphie Parker as he tries to convince every adult in his life that a Red Ryder BB gun is the perfect Christmas gift. It’s a nostalgic look at childhood, family, and the sometimes-ridiculous traditions of the season. I triple dog dare you to watch this movie.
#3: “Elf”
“Elf” is another movie that I can quote word for word, soundtrack included. Buddy the Elf, a human raised at the North Pole, heads to New York to find his real father and spreads chaotic holiday cheer everywhere he goes. The movie is bright, sweet, and delightfully unhinged in the best way. I live by Buddy’s rule: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” That is, until my RA knocks on my door with a slightly less cheerful holiday message.
#4: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
This film follows Clark Griswold’s determined mission to create the perfect family Christmas, which immediately spirals into one disaster after another. It is the ultimate holiday meltdown comedy and an absolute must-watch every year. Nothing makes me feel better about my own holiday stress than hearing Clark declare, “We’re gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas” moments before everything explodes — literally.
#5: “It’s a Wonderful Life”
Perhaps one of the greatest movies ever made, “It’s a Wonderful Life” follows George Bailey as he is shown what the world would look like if he had never been born. It is heartfelt, reflective, and still one of the most influential Christmas films of all time. Jimmy Stewart delivers an incredible performance, and it is impossible not to feel something when Clarence gently reminds him, “You see, George, you’ve really had a wonderful life.” It is the kind of movie that leaves you quietly grateful for the little things.
#6: “The Santa Clause” 1, 2 & 3
The trilogy begins with Scott Calvin accidentally becoming the new Santa after a Christmas Eve mishap, then explores the challenges of navigating the North Pole, magic, and family life. Each sequel expands on the world and the responsibilities of being Santa. Do not bore yourself with the newest series; it pales in comparison to the genius of the originals. Watching it is like asking for chocolate milk and having to say, “Plain milk’s fine.” Nothing beats Scott insisting he is not Santa while clearly transforming into him: “Does this look like a little weight to you?” The answer is no, Scott. No, it does not.
#7: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Adapted from the Dr. Seuss classic, the story follows the Grinch, a grumpy outcast determined to steal Christmas from Whoville. You can watch the animated film or Jim Carrey’s iconic live-action version. Honestly, make a night of it and watch both — unless, of course, your schedule is already full of wallowing in self-pity, staring into the abyss, solving world hunger (tell no one), or dinner with yourself. I would hate for you to cancel that again.
#8: “Ernest Saves Christmas”
Before you raise your eyebrow at this pick, let me assure you: this movie is absolutely slept on. I have not met many people my age who know who my good friend Ernest is, and that is a tragedy. This comedy follows Ernest P. Worrell as he tries to help Santa find his successor before time runs out. It is quirky, lighthearted, and very much in the spirit of 80s holiday movies. I constantly quote this film, and the writing is comedy gold. Ya know what I mean, Vern? If you do not know what I mean, watch it and you will.
#9: “Miracle on 34th Street”
No holiday season is complete without this classic. The film centers on a man claiming to be the real Kris Kringle and the court case that determines whether he’s telling the truth. It is hopeful and reminds us that sometimes, “Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.” And honestly, after surviving any holiday shopping crowd, that line feels deeply personal.
#10: “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
This animated special follows Charlie Brown as he searches for the true meaning of Christmas amid commercialism, stress, and a group of friends who aren’t exactly helpful (except Linus). It is simple, sincere, and beloved across generations. I am obsessed with Snoopy and all things Charlie Brown, so this is a non-negotiable yearly watch. Snoopy dancing to jazz while decorating his doghouse? That is cinema at its finest.
That concludes my list of must-watches but of course, “I could go on forever, baby”. Others you may enjoy are… “Die Hard”. I’m just joking. We all know that is not a Christmas movie. You may enjoy “While You Were Sleeping,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Jack Frost,” “Scrooged”, “Jingle All the Way,” “White Christmas,” or “Deck the Halls.” Honestly, the holiday season is basically an excuse to binge these films, snack excessively, and argue over which movie is the absolute best. So, grab your cocoa, put on your coziest socks, and start your own holiday movie marathon. Go ahead… why are you still reading. No, seriously go. “Nobody’s walking out on this fun old-fashioned family Christmas.”
