As the winter break looms just around the corner, I’ve been starting to think about all the movies I’m going to watch on rapid fire the second my last exam is done. Growing up, I would always watch tons of holiday movies with friends and family, usually Christmas movies, since that’s what we celebrate. These movies have always been a fun, cozy, and magical way for me to spend the time off and the days spent indoors avoiding the rain, so I wanted to share some of my own personal favorites with you this holiday season. That being said, I know that there are countless amazing movies out there, holiday themed or otherwise, and if you’ve got any that you love and wouldn’t mind sharing, please do so in the comment section below!
Frostbitten Fantasy Extravaganza:
These are my movies that are not exactly holiday movies, but they ARE. It just feels right to be watching them when you’re all cozy in bed and it’s snowing outside.
- The entirety of the Harry Potter octalogy: These are a classic for me; an absolute must watch every holiday season, it will make you so happy and nostalgic. There’s nothing quite like Christmas at Hogwarts.
- Frozen: Outside is frozen, this is Frozen, it just makes sense.
- The Lord of the Rings trilogy (extended versions only): Ready to take on a big adventure this break? I know I am, from the comfort of my bed. Also, who has the time to watch these during the term?
Chaos and Comedy Overload:
Worried about how your mom will react to all the family shenanigans this holiday season? Laugh the pain away with one of these comedy jackpots.
- Any Adam Sandler movie: duh. Notable mentions include Just Go With It, 50 First Dates, and Jack and Jill.
- Adam Sandler’s The Chanukah Song: This should possibly fall into the “Any Adam Sandler movie” category, but I think it deserved its own recognition.
- SNL Holiday Sketches: If you haven’t watched Saturday Night Live before, I’m sorry about your Saturday nights. Seasonally appropriate holiday sketches are a great place to start!
Elf-tastic Hilarity:
These are still comedic gold, but more pointed ears and tiny stature.
- Elf: It’s not the holidays without Will Ferrel and secondhand embarrassment.
- Shrek the Halls: Maybe ogres don’t typically celebrate Christmas, but that doesn’t mean they can’t.
- The Santa Clause: If anyone knows Elf Judy’s hot chocolate recipe, I’m dying to know. In the meantime, you can try this recipe by Oishi, a Chapman Learning Commons Assistant: Cooking for Comfort: Recipes to Soothe Your Soul.
Love in a Snowstorm:
Epic, tragic, gut-wrenching, heart-bursting, devastating – just a few ways to describe what these movies will put you through.
- Happiest Season: Personally, if I was dating Kristen Stewart, I would know how lucky I was (I’d get to hang out with Dan Levy, for one), but we can’t all have that figured out I suppose.
- Love Actually: Come ON Alan Rickman, don’t do us like that! (If you know, you know).
- The Holiday: If you need a reason to watch another holiday rom com, I’ll give you two: Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz.
- When Harry met Sally: Looking for a reason to cry? To be honest, I’m not even totally sure why I’m crying, but I am (Oh, and you’ll laugh too).
- Sleepless in Seattle: In case you watched When Harry Met Sally and thought “Man, I could go for more Meg Ryan” (Who couldn’t?!).
- Goblin: A K-drama classic without any love triangles? I thought it was impossible, but lo and behold!
Festive Nostalgia:
Last but not least, my personal classics that I rewatch every single year, without fail. Haven’t seen them all? Your time is now!
- The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper: If you are going to watch anything from this list, let it be this. Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private are the timeless penguin quad squad you need. Watch them overcome adversity and the challenges of penguin pandemonium in this heartwarming testament to friendship and family.
- The Grinch (with Jim Carrey): it’s giving *maniacal laughter*
- Barbie: A Christmas Carol: Don’t sleep on Barbie (Greta Gerwig knows that); now it’s time for you to know it too.
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: Cat enthusiasts, avert your eyes! (TW: cat + Christmas tree + electrical cords = you do the math).
- Charlie Brown Christmas: Makes me feel better about whatever sad crippled little Christmas tree I bring home each year.
- The Muppet Christmas Carol: Chaos & delight, brought to us by our beloved green frog friend Kermit.
- Reply 1988: My mom’s personal favorite, this K-drama will make you fall in love with all (and I mean ALL) of the characters.
- Fiddler on the Roof: it’s time for TRADITION! (Yes, this is a pun. Yes, you’ll have to watch the movie to find out).
Now you’ve seen my list, I’d love to see yours! If you have any movies or other activities or traditions that are special to you this time of year please share them below – I would love to expand my repertoire!
Hi! Love your list! I think you have a typo by duplicating the comedy sentences in the drama category: “Love in a Snowstorm:
Epic, tragic, gut-wrenching, heart-bursting, devastating – just a few ways to describe what these movies will put you through. Worried about how your mom will react to all the family shenanigans this holiday season? Laugh the pain away with one of these comedy jackpots.”
Thanks Michelle!