Top 10 Holiday Films

Posted by Jenni Barnett on Friday, December 11th, 2020 at 1:04pm.

How do you get in the holiday spirit? There are so many different traditions and things to see and do during the holiday season that sometimes it feels like every family has their very own traditions -- but there is one thing that seems to truly make its way into most American homes. What is that one thing? Holiday movies, of course! It’s hard to beat watching a favorite holiday movie, curled up on the couch with some hot cocoa, taking in the spirit of the season. To help you dive into holiday films this year, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorites - there’s a little mix of everything in this list!


Happiest Season (2020)

Hulu took the millennial holiday movie crowd by storm this year by releasing this classic “meet the parents” rom-com with an LGBTQ flair where the “roommate” that comes home for Christmas is actually the girlfriend. Get ready for a harrowing tale of both the most awkward and heartwarming family qualms and conversations you’ve seen on screen in a long time.


Elf (2003)

The world is hard-pressed to find a more lovable holiday-spirits-lifter than Buddy (Will Ferrel) in Elf! Raised by Santa and his elves, Buddy comes to New York to find his biological father and brings his North Pole ways with him. Gotta love how some of his holiday cheer (and mishappens) have become true household references during the holiday season! More syrup, anybody?!


A Christmas Story (1983)

Known for nostalgia … and the leg lamp, bunny suit, and BB gun - A Christmas Story is as iconic of a movie as it’s 24-hour Christmas Eve marathon now is on Turner. The film follows nine-year-old Ralphie and his surrounding world through a series of vignettes - most importantly focused on his dream Christmas present of a Red Ryder gun.


Love Actually (2003)

Love Actually may be a hotly contested “love it or hate it” type-film, but love it or not - the film has set the precedent for the many, many, popular multi-plot films that have come after it. Love Actually features nine intertwining stories about … you guessed it, love -  with a side of cheesy, heartwarming-holiday content, of course.


Little Women (2019)

While Little Women may not be your traditional holiday movie - the story encompasses a New England white Christmas filled with a feast anyone would write home about, and a family that makes you want to mimic their exact joy. For a modern cinematic pleasure in a historic time, Little Women may just be your new favorite holiday movie you didn’t know was one!


National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

For a third installment of a film series, and something that has been playing since ‘89, the fact that National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is still laugh-out-loud funny speaks volumes to its place on this list. In the film, Chevy Chase wants nothing but a perfect family Christmas only to be pummeled by countless far-from-perfect situations that somehow don’t get old. Can Chevy Chase be a part of everyone’s holiday celebrations for a little excitement?


Jingle Jangle (2020)

The new 2020 Netflix holiday hit - Jingle Jangle straddles the worlds of a traditional Christmas tale and modern storytelling with a diverse cast and not to mention, a musical flair. With so much to see and hear, kids can’t get enough of this genre-bending story of good triumphing bad. Possible new yearly movie for the littles in your life? We think, yes!


Home Alone (1990)

If the 90’s could pick a single movie to represent the decade - this just may be it. Known for being a true classic (and of course Kevin’s surprised face), Home Alone joins together a little action, a little comedy, a little taste of “bad guys” and a whole lot of family holiday love. Whether it's because the film has “something for everyone” or whether it’s the fanship that has really made it what it has become - Home Alone is a true staple.


A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

When there’s an entire genre of Christmas trees named after A Charlie Brown Christmas you know it's made a lasting impression as a cultural mainstay. As the only truly animated film on this list and one that has a soundtrack that will bring anyone back to their childhood - A Charlie Brown Christmas is one of those films that everyone truly must-see for their own little piece of Americana.


How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

A little fantastical, a little cheeky, and a little … evil? The sole premise and visualization of Whoville and some of the main characters that live within that magical town makes it worth the watch on its own. With such loveable characters, quirkiness, and a Christmas-miracle end, your heart will certainly “grow three sizes” right there alongside the Grinch himself! 

Leave a Comment
Format example: you@domain.com
Format example: yourwebsitename.com