Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer follows the story of one of Santa’s reindeer who has been rejected from the reindeer games and goes on a solo mission to find where he belongs. This movie is sure to put viewers in the Christmas spirit. With various scenes of lights, snow, and spirited music, everyone is placed into the world of Christmas. Not only does this movie revolve around a winter wonderland, but it also delivers a powerful message to its audience, especially the younger generation. Towards the end of the film, Rudolph embraces his iconic glowing red nose, portraying the message that being different is never a bad thing and to express yourself.
Elf: In 2003, the Christmas comedy Elf was released. Starring Will Ferrell as the main character Buddy, Buddy is a human raised by elves. Throughout the movie, colorful decorations are portrayed in and out of Santa’s Workshop. Viewers will feel like they are in a true holiday environment. The movie uses humor and adventure to cast the mood. Featuring a soundtrack with “Winter Wonderland” by Ray Charles and “Let it Snow” by Lena Horne, the music enhances the holiday movie.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, released in 1966, follows the mysterious grumpy creature, the Grinch as he navigates his hatred feelings of the Christmas season. Although he starts off without Christmas magic in his heart, viewers watch as he slowly gets involved in the spirit, ultimately taking viewers with him. The Grinch is a comedic character who is surrounded by those who aren’t, which makes the movie hilarious for all who watch. The village below him is full of holiday cheer, magical lights, and the spirit of Christmas. Viewers watch the Grinch as he finally indulges in the jolly season of love and life, making this film perfect for the time of Christmas.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: Chevy Chase leads Christmas Vacation as Clark Griswold. Clark has a large family who spends Christmas together. They put up lights, a tree, and decorations like other families, but throughout the film, the Griswold family experiences many disasters in the days leading to Christmas. All these holiday troubles play out as a great comedy to the upsets going on within the family. Bad luck in the holiday season is a common theme for the family, but they are always portrayed as hilarious events.
Polar Express: The 2004 classic, Polar Express, is perfect for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season. The characters play as young children enjoying their Christmas time on a train called “The Polar Express.’ The movie is based upon the book by Chris Van Allsburg. The film contains a holiday music soundtrack that is formed around the children’s holiday adventure. The trip takes place on Christmas Eve, taking them to the North Pole. The trip is not easy, but the kids have to learn how to get beyond their setbacks to arrive at Santa’s home.
The Legend of Frosty the Snowman: The classic, Legend of Frosty the Snowman is perfect for the winter months. The famous Christmas classic, “Frosty the Snowman” song is featured multiple times throughout the film. Frosty comes to life and helps the children of Evergreen (as well as the viewers who watch it) get into the holiday spirit. Frosty marches through scenes of snow, lights, and the classic Evergreen trees. Throughout his entire adventure, viewers are sure to be surrounded by holiday cheer and magic based around the iconic snowman Frosty.
Home Alone: Home Alone, released in 1990, follows Kevin McCallister throughout his adventures being left alone while his family go on vacation to Paris. This film focuses on Kevin’s comedic tactics to scare away robbers who break into his family’s home. The movie is centered in the snowy environment of Chicago. Christmas lights surround the neighborhood, and the houses are covered in snowflakes, allowing audiences to dive into a white paradise of snow. The movie is packed full of holiday imagery, music, and family unity.
A Christmas Story: The Christmas comedy by Bob Clark, A Christmas Story was released in 1983. The movie continued into Christmas Day, with the main character, nine-year-old Ralphie, wanting a BB gun for Christmas. As the humorous events unfold, Ralphie’s desire for the gift grows. Ralphie goes through a few unfortunate events, but he gets the rifle he wants, just with a different ending. With Ralphie’s signature phrase, “You’ll shoot your eye out,” this movie instantly became a classic.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: A holiday twist on the classic “Charlie Brown” was presented in 1965 and has grown to become a staple for today’s holiday season. Charlie Brown decides to direct his school’s Christmas pageant. Through attempts and struggles, Charlie Brown, with help from his friend Linus, learns the true meaning of Christmas. Not only does A Charlie Brown Christmas focus on traditional scenes, with snow and sleigh bells as well Christmas music, but the film also focuses on the true meaning of the holiday, ultimately delivering a heartwarming message to audiences.
Nightmare Before Christmas: The animated production by Tim Burton and Henry Selick, The Nightmare Before Christmas, is a perfect movie to put families in the holiday mood. Originally premiering in 1993, the movie features Jack Skeleton’s trip between holidays. The transition from Halloween to Christmas is a time for everyone, Jack’s experience throws in a suspenseful aspect. The movie uses fantasy worlds, Halloween Town and a Christmas Town which work viewers’ imagination.