Christmas Movies: What To Watch, With Who, and Where?
By Isabella Bagnaro
Whether you're a Christmas fanatic like I am, or if you are just trying to make it through various get-togethers, holiday movies are seen as a staple in many events from hosting a full house, to alone cuddled up next to a cozy fire, with flannel blankets and hot cocoa. While Elf, The Grinch (animated or otherwise), and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation are all great options here are some other movies to watch in different situations.
With family:
It’s getting dark outside, towards the end of a long day or family gathering. Someone hands you the remote… panic floods. What Christmas movie is fit to please the whole family? Below are two films sure to bring the family together by the fire.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer:
The simplest way I can describe this film is a timeless, heartwarming classic. Short enough to tend to younger children's attention spans, and nostalgic for older family members. A warm and meaningful message, with retro-yet-enjoyable animation. Fit to bring joy to the whole family with no parental guidance concerns.
Where You Can Watch:
Amazon Prime Video - $6.99
Arthur Christmas:
While there is an array of Christmas cartoons available for younger audiences. Witty, endearing, and charming this film introduces a different take on “Santa-Lore” by introducing three generations of Santa’s all with their own personalities and values on the Holiday. I enjoyed this movie as a child and now revisiting it was a warm holiday treat.
Where To Watch:
Max - Subscription Youtube - $9.99
Apple TV - $3.99 Amazon Prime Video - Subscription
Google Play Movies - $9.99 Vudu - $3.99
Hulu - Premium subscription YouTube TV - Subscription
With Friends:
Hosting a holiday party? Here’s a film to entertain a varying audience of your closest confidants.
Home Alone:
A Christmas classic, a humorous take on large families over chaotic holidays and every young child's fear of being left home alone… with intruders. Nostalgic, funny, easy to have on in the background or foreground, and easily enjoyed by most who watch it. While this classic has arguably been seen by many, it is a film I’ve found is frequently and happily re-watched.
Where To Watch:
Disney + - Subscription Youtube - Primetime subscription
Apple TV - $3.99 Amazon Prime Video - Premium subscription
Google Play Movies - $3.99 Vudu - $3.99
YouTube TV - Subscription Hulu - Premium subscription
In one's own company:
Looking for a film to watch from the comfort of your bed (or couch)? Here are two movies, depending on your mood…
The Holiday (For my romance lovers):
Not Christmas-focused, The Holiday is not your traditional “holiday hallmark” rom-com. Two strangers from different countries switch homes over the holidays to get away from their lives and disappointing romantic situations. Amanda: L.A. hotshot and workaholic switches with delicate journalist Iris. Coastal mansion to English cottage. The beginning monologue led into the story well. Heartwarming, fun, and full of well-shown depictions of the different sides of love--and being single-- for the holidays. Very sweet dynamics between many of the characters allowed for many heartwarming moments. This film not only explores romantic love but all kinds of love: platonic, family, romantic, paternal, and unrequited. The film did an excellent job at playing complicated relationship dynamics in a lighthearted manner… will it work? Do we risk it? What if we fail? The monologues in this movie had me crying, internally (and externally) screaming, and rolling on the floor. This movie dives into the more raw feelings of long distance, unfinished relationships, single parenthood, and heartbreak repercussions. I was elated, this movie makes you feel something, enough that you don’t need anyone with you to delve into the richness of it. Enjoying it alone, it feels easier to enjoy what this film offers.
Where To Watch:
Sling TV - Premium Subscription Youtube - $3.99
Apple TV - $3.99 Amazon Prime Video - $3.59
Google Play Movies - $3.99 Vudu - $3.99
Die Hard (For my action lovers):
Rough, aggressive, and adrenaline-inducing. While this film is not purely Christmas-focused, its packed punch one-liners and memorable moments are perfect if you are looking for a semi-holiday film to make your blood run cold and fast.
Where To Watch:
Vudu - $3.99 Youtube - $3.99
Apple TV - $3.99 Amazon Prime Video - $3.79
Google Play Movies - $3.99
I hope these movies bring you that warm Christmas fuzzy feeling as much as they did me. Merry Christmas and merry movie marathon!
