10 Classic Holiday Films
/It’s officially December which means it’s perfectly acceptable to start blasting Eartha Kitt and decorating the tree. (We’d say start checking off those Xmas lists, but let’s be real. Black Friday was three weeks ago.) As finishing the work year off can get a tad bit stressful, it’s still important to unwind and indulge in the upcoming festivities! Hey, it only comes around once a year! We couldn’t think of anything more perfect to get you in the festive spirit than a complete guide to our favorite holiday movies that will be sure to turn any Scrooge into an elf.
1. CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (1965)
In this cartoon classic, Charlie Brown takes the advice of Lucy and directs the Christmas play to combat his Yuletide blues. But everyone makes fun of the raggedy Christmas tree Charlie brings back, that is until the meaning of Christmas works it’s magic.
Favorite quote:“I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love.” - Linus Van Pelt
2. LOVE ACTUALLY (2003)
This film follows the intertwined stories of eight different couples dealing with their love lives all set in the frantic month of Christmas in London, England.
Favorite quote: “Let’s go get the sh** kicked out of us by love.” - Sam
3. HOME ALONE (1990)
After bratty 8-year old Kevin McCallister acts out the night before a family trip to Paris, his mother makes him sleep alone in the attic. When he wakes up to find out the McCallisters have mistakenly left without him, he’s overjoyed to have the house to himself; this is until he finds out two con men have planned to rob his house and Kevin must protect it all alone.
Favorite quote: “This is extremely important. Will you please tell Santa that instead of presents this year, I just want my family back. No toys. Nothing but Peter, Kate, Buzz, Megan, Linnie and Jeff. And my aunt and cousins. And if he has time, my Uncle Frank. Okay?” - Kevin McCallister
4. ELF (2003)
Buddy, who was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a baby, has returned to Earth, NYC to be exact, to reconnect with his real dad. After a DNA test confirms they’re related, his father reluctantly develops a relationship with his childlike son.
Favorite quote: “I passed through seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then I walked through Lincoln Tunnel.” - Buddy
5. WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954)
This ultimate Christmas classic centers around two famous singers and a sister act who perform a Christmas show in rural Vermont. When there, they run into the boy’s commander in WWII who they come to learn is suffering from financial struggles. The foursome then plan a Christmas musical to put Waverly and his business back in action!
Favorite quote: (Singing) “And may all your Christmases be white.” - Phil, Bob, Betty and Judy
7. THE SANTA CLAUS (1994)
When divorced dad Scott has his son for Christmas eve, he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit. They are then magically transported to the North Pole where they learn Scott must take Santa’s place before the next Christmas arrives.
Favorite quote: “Seeing isn’t believing. Believing is seeing.” - Elf Judy
8. RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (1964)
This stop and go animation classic from the 60’s is one of our absolute favorites! It follows the infamous fables of Rudolph, a misfit reindeer looking for a place where people will accept him.
Favorite quote:
“From what I see now, that will cut through the murkiest storm they can dish up. What I’m trying to say is, Rudolph, with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?” Santa
“It would be an honor, sir.” - Rudolph
9. SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE (1993)
This might not be a “Christmas classic” for most, but to us we love this movie so much that we had to include it. I mean, it does takes place over Christmas? After the death of his wife, Sam moves to Seattle with his son Jonah. When Jonah calls into a talk-radio program looking for a new wife for his father, Sam begrudgingly gets on the phone to talk about his feelings. When Annie hears Sam speak, she instantly falls for him even though she is engaged. Unsure how it will pan out, Annie writes to Sam asking to meet her at the top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day.
Favorite quote: “Destiny is something we’ve invented because we can’t stand the fact that everything that happens is accidental.” - Annie
10. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)
After George wishes he was never born, an angel is sent down to make sure George’s wish comes true. Through this, George realizes how many lives he has impacted and touched and how different other’s lives would be if wasn’t there.
Favorite quote: “Remember George: no man is a failure who has friends.” - Clarence
And if that’s not enough for ya, don’t stop there! Below, we’ve included some fabulous lists to continue the Christmas party! ...
Good House Keeping, ‘55 Best Christmas Movies’
Elle, ‘27 Best Christmas Movies for When It’s Cold Outisde’
Harper’s Bazaar, ‘9 Films to Watch On Netflix This Christmas’
PopSugar, ‘17 Holiday Films You Have to Watch at Least Once’
ThoughtCo, ‘9 Classic Christmas Movies to Put You in the Spirit’
Complex, ‘20 Best Christmas Movies on Netflix’
