Everyone knows Christmas is all about cookies, gifts, and being with the people you love, but another thing that makes up a big part of the holiday season is movies! From sweet sappy movies, to daring danger films, holiday cheer is front and center in it all. Here are some of the best Christmas movies to put on your watchlist this year.
“Die Hard,” 1988 thriller/action
A fan favorite, “Die Hard,” was released in 1988 and stars Bruce Willis as John McClane and Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber. Featuring an action packed story line of terrorists and an unexpected hero, this film is very different from your average Christmas movie.
John McClane, a New York City policeman, is visiting his wife (played by Bonnie Bedelia) and kids (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jai Courtney) on Christmas Eve. He joins his wife at her work holiday party, but the festivities are interrupted when a group of terrorists take over the building. McClaine realizes that there is no one left to save them but him. If you’re the type of person who isn’t big on cheesy holiday movies but still wants to participate in the Christmas cheer, this movie is for you.
“Home Alone,” 1990 comedy
Featuring a bratty but clever 8-year old boy who is constantly getting into trouble, “Home Alone” is an iconic 1990 Christmas comedy. Starring Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, the young boy who is always causing trouble in his family.
The night before the McCallister family leaves on their Christmas trip to Paris, Kevin acts out and is sent to the attic to sleep, out of sight from his family, Kevin is left behind. Kevin awakes to an empty house and assumes his family has disappeared due to his wishes. While the McCallister’s are trying to find a way back home to Kevin for Christmas, Kevin is navigating his own problems: robbers. Kevin has to become the man of the house and protect himself and his home from robbers (played by Joe Pesci (Harry) and Daniel Stern (Marv)). This Christmas comedy will leave you and your family with feelings of suspense, humor and a little holiday spirit.
“The Holiday,” 2006 romantic comedy
“The Holiday,” a 2006 romcom, is for those who need a sappy Christmas movie to lighten their spirits. Feeling down, dumped and depressed, English woman Iris Simpkins (played by Kate Winslet), decides she needs to get away for Christmas. Iris decides to swap houses with similarly unlucky in love Amanda Woods (played by Cameron Diaz), who lives in California.
Both ladies navigate the holidays in their new houses and eventually each bump into a local man to spend their Christmas with. Along with a new holiday man, Woods and Simpkins make new friends and begin to learn how to become a better version of themselves. But what will happen when they have to go back to their own homes? This meetcute romcom is a perfect film for the hopeless romantics.
“White Christmas,” 1954 Musical/Comedy
An original classic, “White Christmas” is for those who enjoy a musical twist to their holiday films. Bob Wallace (Played by Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (played by Danny Kaye) become musical broadway stars after leaving the army following the end of the war. While on the road to Florida, the stars run into two other aspiring singers, Betty Haynes (Played by Rosemary Clooney) and Judy Haynes (Played by Vera-Ellen). The two girls run a sister musical act and are also striving for stardom.
When the girls convince Wallace and Davis to come with them to Vermont, they find out the inn they are staying at belongs to their old General Henry Waverly (played by Dean Jagger). Determined to make this inn into a hit the group comes together to form a big musical act to draw in customers. The movie also includes romantic complications between the four singers and is where the popular Christmas song, “White Christmas”, by Bing Crosby is from. If you love singing, dancing, and snow, this holiday film is intended for you!
Here we have it, a thriller, a comedy, a romcom, and a musical. Each filled with their own version of Christmas. Which holiday film fits you? Watch them all and find your favorite! Have a Happy Holiday Titans!
