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During this time of year, all we want to do is snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa and be with loved ones. What better way to spend this time than watching a holiday movie? Our team at Hollywood.com shares our favorite Hollywood movies, as we determine what exactly makes a film a holiday movie.
What is a holiday movie?
When we think of the term “holiday movie,” we might think of films that center around this special time of year. The Santa Clause, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Elf, The Grinch, there’s too many to count. These movies evoke a kind of spirit that’s special, starting from Thanksgiving until Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and other holiday celebrations. Usually this time of year, we are with our loved ones, wrapping presents or lighting the menorah with a heartwarming movie playing in the background.
The older I get the more relatable the grinch becomes. pic.twitter.com/kaLZcaOAQ9
— ~ciara. (@Renegade_Ciara) December 15, 2022
For Alexandra H. and myself, the film playing in the background of our TV screens would be the live-action How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In my opinion, The Grinch is a staple Christmas movie, and a tradition every year for my family and I to watch it the day before Christmas Eve. With the comedic acting from Carrey and amazing soundtrack, we can’t imagine a year without watching it. For Alexandra, she not only enjoys watching The Grinch but also the Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz rom-com The Holiday. “They make me feel like I’m in the holiday season,” she says, “because sometimes in sunny Florida it doesn’t feel warm and cozy.”
Favorite holiday movies don’t have to be specifically about Christmas
There’s no rule or guidebook for what makes a holiday movie. Sure, people might be more inclined to watch something like The Santa Clause series now vs. the summer months. That doesn’t mean other movies that aren’t about snow or a mysterious magical man going down your chimney with presents, don’t apply. I mean, there’s been discussion for years on whether Bruce Willis’ Die Hard can be a Christmas movie because it takes place during the holidays.
Some movie-watchers may like a less than typical approach to holiday movies. Umut S. and Ali Unsal A. both enjoy watching The Lord of the Rings series during the festive season. When you think about it, The Lord of the Rings does take place on Christmas day, so it’s probably one of the most fitting films.
I’ll always consider the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy as Christmas movies, thanks to fond memories of not just the December theatrical releases but spending the whole Christmas break with the Extended Editions. Great times. pic.twitter.com/SUqKSgmgBc
— Tyler Copeland (@thri11ho) December 13, 2020
Ugurkan O.’s choice would either be the Tom Hanks’ lesson in historical events in Forrest Gump or the raunchy buddy comedy The Hangover. Both share the message of bonding and relationships, a perfect theme for the holidays.
Other choices can be a little more outside the box, like Fatih T.’s favorite action film 96 Hours. All in all, a “holiday movie” can just be a movie that evokes emotions of happiness for you. It doesn’t matter the subject matter.
Holiday movies let us bond with our loved ones
Life can be hectic, but even more so during the holidays. That’s why watching a movie with friends, family, or anyone you love can be the most important thing you do this season. David S. says that National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation “elicits an emotion of being with my family during the holidays.”
Danielle H. and Hillary M. love watching Ralphie’s chaotic adventures in A Christmas Story. “It’s a classic that I watch every year with my family as part of out Christmas tradition!,” Danielle shares.
These movie-watching traditions can bring up nostalgic cozy memories. For Maddie H., It’s A Wonderful Life reminds her of her dad watching it every year while wrapping presents.
There’s tons of conversations around love on the holidays. Whether it be kissing under the mistletoe or bringing a stranger home for Christmas, the holidays bring a lot of romance. William L.’s favorite film to watch with his family around this time is the Hallmark movie Christmas In My Heart. “It tells the story of Country star Sean Grant and violinist Beth Hendricks and how they are able to find love and meaning in Christmas following the loss of their wife and mother,” William says. “Christmas has a powerful way of bringing people together no matter their circumstances.”
Some other favorite holiday movies
The Nightmare Before Christmas has been a big topic discussion for years on whether it is a Christmas movie or Halloween movie.
Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie?
— hale! (@okhalchen) December 17, 2022
But then some wonder, couldn’t it be both?
Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie?
Me: pic.twitter.com/z8sao79QZi
— 🎄Alex Kringle🎄 (@AlexanderKlepp) December 17, 2022
Kimberly E. likes watching the film during the holidays because “it’s spooky and fun for kids and adults.” She also loves the Macaulay Culkin staple, Home Alone, and watches it with her daughter.
There’s nothing like a little comedy to get you laughing for the holidays. Kaity N.’s favorite is Scrooged. Bill Murray plays a modern Scrooge, named Frank Cross, who is visited by 3 ghosts on Christmas Eve. “Its nostalgic, hysterical, clever, heart warming,” says Kaity.
Whichever holiday movie is your favorite during the holidays, The Grinch or The Lord of the Rings, Hollywood.com wishes you a very merry holiday season and happy new year!
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