By Rachel Bardon '25
Photo Courtesy of Joshua Herrera via Unsplash
1. A Christmas Story
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This movie is an absolute classic to watch during the Christmas season because it combines all the Christmas elements (family, a character development story, and plenty of Christmas joy) while still being comedic and not sappy. If you’re looking for a movie to get you in the Christmas mood and get a laugh out of it, this is the best movie to watch. I mean who wouldn’t want to watch a movie with sexy leg lamps, a bunny costume, and a ruthless mall Santa?
IMDb Synopsis: In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie attempts to convince his parents, his teacher and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift.
2. How The Grinch Stole Christmas
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Filled with Who-Hash, a cute little dog named Max, and a lovable story that is hard to take your eyes off of, this is a perfect movie to watch on repeat. This is an absolute iconic film (whether the cartoon or the live action) that everyone knows and loves. If you are looking for a character to relate to this finals season (the Grinch) or a movie that is heartwarming and ends with an absolute banger ending, How The Grinch Stole Christmas is for you.
IMDb Synopsis: On the outskirts of Whoville lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans to ruin Christmas for all of the citizens of the town.
3. It’s a Wonderful Life
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This is by far the oldest Christmas film that I have ever watched, but it’s hold on my heart is just as strong as the modern films. It’s a Wonderful Life will have you emotional, especially with the infamous ending quote by Zuzu, “Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings." Despite being a black and white film, the movie has such a compelling plot line that the interest level is not dampened by its lack of color.
IMDb Synopsis: An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.
4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
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A classic story that everyone knows. A cute little reindeer was born with a red nose, and despite being made fun of at first, Santa then realizes that he needs Rudolph’s bright nose to see in the snowstorm. This is a nostalgic film, and it always brings me back to the good days of drinking hot chocolate and sitting in my living room with this playing on the TV. A definite must watch for every winter season.
IMDb Synopsis: A misfit reindeer and his friends look for a place that will accept them.
5. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Surrounding the Griswold family in yet another dysfunctional vacation, this time Christmas themed. This is a perfect movie to watch if you’re down in the dumps because you’ll thank the heavens that your life is not as hectic as the characters in this movie. A definite pick me up and a definite recommendation.
IMDb Synopsis: The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.
6. A Christmas Carol
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Whether you are watching the cartoon version or the live action, both are absolutely amazing following the story of grumpy Scrooge and how he transforms into a man filled with Christmas spirit. Personally, I enjoy the Disney cartoon better because it transports you into a crazy, colorful world with ghosts that teach the true meaning of Christmas.
IMDb Synopsis: An animated retelling of Charles Dickens' classic novel about a Victorian-era miser taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions.
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas
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This movie is truly when Halloween and Christmas fans unite. A beautifully crafted story about Jack Skellington that follows him being spooky spirited to joyful spirited. This movie is very versatile, and I always catch myself watching it year round because it truly is that good!
IMDb Synopsis: Jack Skellington, king of Halloweentown, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion.
8. A Charlie Brown Christmas
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Short, sweet, classic, and heartwarming. A perfect mix that will always put anyone in a better mood. This film shows that Christmas does not have to be big and flashy to be special, what really matters is the people that you surround yourself with, which is a lesson that everyone needs to remember every holiday season.
IMDb Synopsis: Depressed at the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find a deeper meaning to Christmas.
9. The Polar Express
This is my go-to movie for remembering the feeling of watching this on the last day of classes in primary school. This movie has the perfect combination of trains, snow, magic, and Santa. It ends with the perfect message that being a believer of magic, makes the world magical.
IMDB Synopsis: On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.
10. Elf
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A fan favorite and a personal favorite as well. Something about Buddy the Elf’s joy and cheer really grows on you, so much so that you will see yourself watching this on repeat. I guarantee this movie will have you screaming, “SANTAAAA” when you see Santa after watching this hilarious and happy film.
IMDb Synopsis: Raised as an over-sized elf, a human travels from the North Pole to NYC to meet his biological father who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.