Sometimes there’s nothing better during the holiday season than grabbing a hot drink, settling in with family, and watching a Christmas movie while snow falls (or rain pours!) outside the windows.
The Christmas movie has been a cinematic staple for decades — some of the greatest movies of all time derive inspiration from the holidays. Whether they’re family affairs (like “A Christmas Story”) or more alternative adult content steeped in the themes of Christmas (like “Die Hard”), a wide variety of pictures can help deliver the right holiday spirit this weekend and beyond.
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Here’s a look at five easy-to-find films appropriate for the whole family that will share Christmas cheer.
1.) “White Christmas” (1954). There’s nothing like hearing Bing Crosby’s voice during the holidays. “White Christmas” has aged like fine wine. Highlighted by impressive dance and song numbers, it’s a film everyone should be introduced to during the holiday season.
Following a successful song and dance team as they band together with another group to save a Vermont inn, “White Christmas” is both joyous and dramatically beautiful. Just like the song on which it’s based, it dives deep into the bliss of the holiday season along with the melancholy that can be there for some.
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It’s a truly beautiful film to both absorb and enjoy.
Where to watch: Netflix Instant.
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2.) “The Santa Clause” (1994). Tim Allen stars as Scott Calvin, a man who accidentally kills Santa and is forced to take his place. It may sound a bit dark merely by its description, but “The Santa Clause” is about as family-friendly and Christmas-loving as a holiday film can get.
Allen is pitch-perfect in what has become one of his most iconic roles — and there’s enough Christmas imagery and story beats here to make even the biggest Christmas lovers blush.
The film inspired two sequels, and for good reason. It’s a solid holiday-themed popcorn film that holds up. It’s got plenty of laughs, plenty of heart, and a love of the holidays that’s clear throughout.
Where to watch: Netflix Instant.
Related: The Gospel According to ‘Peanuts’ Creator Charles Schulz
3.) “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993). This film has become one of the most beloved Christmas pictures, thanks to its still jaw-dropping, beautiful-to-watch stop-motion animation and its wonderfully unique story. Jack Skellington, the King of Halloweentown, does his best to introduce Christmas to his fellow creatures — who have no inkling what the holiday is or why they’d be interested in it.
The beautifully made film should force even the grinchiest of grinches to fall in love with Christmas all over again.
Where to watch: Netflix Instant.
4.) “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000). Jim Carrey may be a little kooky these days, but his wacky sense of physical comedy fit perfectly into Dr. Seuss’ famous story back in 2000.
Directed by Ron Howard, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is impressive thanks to the makeup and costuming work on display. Dr. Seuss is not the easiest imagination to confine to live action, but it doesn’t take long for Carrey and everyone else to disappear into this world.
Following the Grinch as he sets out to destroy Christmas for the citizens of Whoville, this is a goofy but heartfelt adventure that provides a perfect message for the holidays thanks to Seuss’ original and simply brilliant text.
While some may feel it doesn’t quite live up to the 1966 animated special, it’s still an impressive endeavor that pays respect to Seuss’ original work while also adding unique flavors to the story, thanks to Carrey’s all-in lead performance.
Where to watch: Netflix Instant.
Related: Nine Useful Christmas Gifts for Loved Ones
5.) “Christmas with the Kranks” (2004). Tim Allen loves his Christmas films. Aside from this film and three “Santa Clause” pictures, he also stars in the newly released Netflix-holiday themed movie, “El Camino Christmas.”
Based on the novel (surprisingly penned by courtroom thriller writer John Grisham), “Christmas with the Kranks” follows Luther (Allen) and Nora Krank (Jamie Lee Curtis) as they decide to skip Christmas altogether one year when they find out their daughter will not be coming home for the holidays.
Much to the dismay of their straight-laced neighbors, the Kranks settle in for their first stress-free Christmas. When they find out at the last minute that their daughter actually is headed home, the Kranks have to deal with even more stress than usual as they fight to put together a perfect Christmas in record time. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll regain some of that old Christmas spirit along the way …
“Christmas with the Kranks” is a fun Christmas movie that plays off the positives and negatives the holiday season can bring. Centered around two great performances by Allen and Curtis, it’s the rare family picture that can make adults and kids smile.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime.
PopZette editor Zachary Leeman can be reached at [email protected].
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