The holidays can be stressful. This season, try to relax with a holiday movie and friends. Here’s a list of seven of the best holiday films.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
Frustrated businessman George Bailey (James Stewart) contemplates committing suicide, thinking the world will be better without him. Clarence (Henry Travers), an angel, is sent to show George what life would be like if he didn’t exist. George discovers how much of an impact he has on the lives of his loved ones and realizes what a wonderful life he lives.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a holiday classic because it serves as a reminder of the important things in life.
“Home Alone” (1990)
When eight-year-old Kevin McCallister’s (Macaulay Culkin) family goes on Christmas vacation and accidentally leaves him behind, he spends his days celebrating his new independence. However, his courage is put to the test when a pair of burglars try to break into his house.
“Home Alone,” though not necessarily a holiday film, still plays homage to the Christmas season. It’s a feel-good family film that is sure to bring more excitement to the season.
“The Santa Clause” (1994)
Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) struggles with the idea of revealing that Santa is not real to his young son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd). That is, until he takes the velvety red coat from a stranger fallen from his roof. Suddenly, Scott’s life is completely changed as he learns that trying on the coat makes him the new Santa.
“The Santa Clause” brings comedy, drama and holiday joy. It makes a great holiday film because of the clever plot and classic Tim Allen humor.
“Miracle on 34th Street” (1994)
Six-year-old Susan (Mara Wilson) struggles to believe that Santa really exists, even when her mom’s boyfriend Bryan (Dylan McDermott), attempts to convince her otherwise. But when the department store’s new Santa, Kris Kringle (Richard Attenborough), has everyone believing he’s the real deal, Susan starts to believe that maybe she can believe in something without evidence.
This film is one for the believers with a touching plotline and sentimental dialogue.
“Jack Frost” (1998)
Jack Frost (Michael Keaton) is a singer and a father who can’t keep promises. When he starts to feel guilty about missing his son Charlie’s (Joseph Cross) hockey game, he borrows a band member’s car to make it up to his family. However, on the way there, he hits an ice storm and dies instantly in a car crash. One year later, Jack Frost comes back as a snowman to correct his mistakes and be a good father for Charlie.
“Jack Frost” turns the Jack Frost story into a live-action modern film. With a bit a humor and enough drama, it makes a touching family holiday movie.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000)
The Whos in Whoville love Christmas and take great lengths to celebrate the holiday. When the Grinch (Jim Carrey) finally gets tired of watching the Whos celebrating, he devises a plan to steal Christmas. But when he thinks he has succeeded, little Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) changes his mind and teaches him the true meaning of Christmas.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” adds humor and color to this memorable Dr. Seuss story.
“Elf” (2003)
Buddy the elf (Will Ferrell) learns his elf father is not actually his father and that he is actually not an elf at all. He sets off to New York City to reunite with his birth father (James Caan). When he learns his father is on Santa’s naughty list, Buddy is determined to bring Christmas to his new family.
“Elf” is one of the most popular holiday comedies, and is quotable, laugh-out-loud funny and heart-warming.