Festive Flicks: Your go-to guide for Christmas movie magic
The DAILY TRIBUNE Online Team compiled their favorite holiday movies, perfect for spending the night watching and welcoming Christmas Day with!
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Daily TribuneThe DAILY TRIBUNE Online Team compiled their favorite holiday movies, perfect for spending the night watching and welcoming Christmas Day with!
Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures
Photo courtesy of Everett Collection
Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox
Photo courtesy of IMDb
Photo courtesy of IMDb
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Photo courtesy of IMDb
Still looking for the perfect Christmas movies to binge-watch this holiday season? We've got you covered!
From timeless classics to contemporary hits, and romance to animated films, these movies are sure to make your holidays even more festive!
Groundhog Day (1993)
Groundhog Day follows Phil Connors, a cynical TV weatherman stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Initially, he uses the situation for selfish gain, but over time, he becomes frustrated and despondent.
Eventually, Phil begins to use his predicament to improve himself, learning new skills, helping the townspeople, and becoming a kinder, more selfless person. His transformation ultimately breaks the time loop, allowing him to move forward with his life and find love with his producer, Rita.
The touching thing about this story for me is how it epitomizes what Christmas is all about: the realization that joy doesn't come from what we get, but rather from what we give to others. Just as Phil learned to use his unique situation to extend acts of kindness and make a difference in people's lives, Christmas reminds us that we, too, have daily opportunities to do the same.Anna Price, Online Editor
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas tells the story of the Grinch, a grouchy creature who hates Christmas and the joy it brings to Whoville. Living in isolation on Mount Crumpit, he decides to ruin Christmas by stealing the Whos' decorations, gifts, and food.
However, on Christmas morning, he's surprised to find the Whos still celebrating with joy despite the loss of their material possessions. This revelation helps the Grinch understand that Christmas is about love and community, not just gifts. His heart grows three sizes, and he returns everything, joining the Whos in their celebration and learning the true spirit of Christmas.
It’s a wonderful adaptation of the 1957 book by Dr. Seuss with a modern twist. My family watches it every year and Jim Carrey’s performance has me crying with laughter every time.Nick Price, Chief Online Editor
3. Home Alone (1990)
Home Alone is a classic holiday comedy about Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy accidentally left behind when his family flies to Paris for Christmas. Initially delighted by his newfound freedom, Kevin soon finds himself defending his home from two bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv, who have targeted his house.
Using his wit and creativity, Kevin sets up an array of clever and hilarious booby traps to thwart the burglars' attempts to break in.
In the end, Kevin successfully outsmarts the burglars, who are arrested, and his family returns just in time for Christmas, learning valuable lessons about love, family, and togetherness.
I love this movie because I have a big family and sometimes, I just want a quiet Christmas.Patricia Ramirez, Social Media Head
4. Mixed Nuts (1994)
Mixed Nuts is a holiday comedy about the quirky staff of a crisis hotline, Lifesavers, on Christmas Eve. The office is facing financial troubles and the threat of eviction. The night is filled with misunderstandings, romantic entanglements, and farcical events, including a mix-up with a Christmas tree and encounters with a serial killer, the Seaside Strangler.
Amid the chaos, the characters form unexpected connections, find forgiveness, and discover the holiday spirit, realizing that even a dysfunctional group can come together like family.
The storyline is packed with overlapping subplots, yet somehow it all works. The film balances its Scrooge-like cynicism with a heartwarming, Christmas-y conclusion that delivers all the feel-good vibes associated with the season.Aliyya, Online Editor
5. Frozen in Time (2014)
Frozen in Time may appear to be a typical animated children's movie, but its heartfelt story, set against a backdrop of Christmas chaos, makes it much more.
Released in 2014, the film follows the Purtle family as they navigate a magical time loop that captures the essence of the holiday season. Its creative use of time travel, paired with a snowy, festive setting, immerses viewers in a tale of adventure, forgiveness, and second chances.
The movie highlights the importance of family and the need to treasure every moment with loved ones, delivering a poignant message that aligns beautifully with the reflective and joyful nature of Christmas.
Its imaginative touches and holiday spirit make it a memorable watch, and it’s no surprise I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve revisited this charming story.Pamela Pascual, Multimedia Reporter
6. Klaus (2019)
In the animated film Klaus, spoiled Jesper Johansen is sent to the remote town of Smeerensburg to establish a postal service. The town is divided by feuding families, but Jesper teams up with Klaus, a reclusive toymaker, to deliver toys to children and encourage them to write letters.
Their efforts spark kindness and transform the hostile town into a harmonious community. Jesper’s initial selfish motives are exposed but redeemed as he embraces selflessness. Klaus becomes a legendary figure, and the story reimagines the origins of Santa Claus, highlighting the power of generosity and goodwill.
I think this was the very first animated movie that made me cry as an adult. It’s both fun and heartwarming, making me emotional in a way no other animated movie has.AJ Gomez, Multimedia Reporter
7. Gremlins (1984)
In the comedy-horror film Gremlins, Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan) receives a Mogwai named Gizmo as a Christmas gift, with three strict rules: avoid bright light, don’t get it wet, and never feed it after midnight.
Despite Billy’s efforts to follow the rules, Gizmo accidentally gets wet, causing him to spawn mischievous offspring. These new Mogwai quickly eat after midnight, transforming into monstrous, green-skinned Gremlins. The Gremlins wreak havoc on the small town of Kingston Falls, causing chaos and destruction with their wild antics and violent pranks.
Billy, with the help of his girlfriend Kate (Phoebe Cates) and the loyal Gizmo, fights to stop the Gremlins and save the town.
I like that this movie combines horror and comedy. It’s also chaotic, adventurous, and fun all at once.Christian Baracena, Graphic Designer
8. Home Alone 2 (1992)
In Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Kevin McCallister is once again separated from his family during the holiday season. This time, while en route to Florida for Christmas, Kevin mistakenly boards a flight to New York City. Armed with his father’s credit card, Kevin checks into the luxurious Plaza Hotel and enjoys the freedom of the city.
However, trouble arises when he encounters his old nemeses, Harry and Marv, who have escaped from prison and are plotting to rob a toy store, Duncan's Toy Chest, on Christmas Eve. Kevin overhears their plan and takes it upon himself to stop them.
Using a relative's vacant brownstone and his signature booby traps, Kevin thwarts Harry and Marv's scheme in a series of comedic and chaotic confrontations. Along the way, he befriends a kind-hearted pigeon lady in Central Park and learns the value of compassion and family.
Home Alone 2 has always made my childhood days alive, especially during Christmas. Its mix of humor, heartwarming moments, and the importance of family and friendship makes it a perfect holiday classic.Michael Pingol, Online Staff
