As the weather gets colder and the holiday season approaches, there is no better way to get into the festive spirit than with a movie marathon. From timeless classics to modern hits, we’ve rounded up the top five holiday movies to make your December extra cozy.
“Home Alone” is a fan favorite of students here at RM. Released on November 16, 1990, the movie has been a massive hit around the holiday season ever since. For those who haven’t seen it yet, “Home Alone is a humorous American comedy that stars a mischievous 8-year-old, Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally forgotten at home when his family leaves for their Christmas vacation. The movie pulls you in with Kevin’s hilarious adventures at home, alone and without adult supervision. But the main premise of the movie includes the pair of notorious burglars he must defend his house from. “It’s funny seeing Kevin absolutely crush the burglars with his creative ideas and funny lines,” sophomore Sophia Sikander said. At the start of the film, Kevin expresses frustration and resentment towards his family, but during their time apart, he realizes how much he misses them. This makes the ending, where he is joyfully reunited with his family, even more heartwarming. During the holiday season, a standout movie to watch is “definitely Home Alone,” junior Gaby Escobar said.
“Elf” is a humorous and beloved Christmas classic enjoyed by audiences of all ages. Released on November 7, 2003, the movie has a score of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. It stars beloved American actor Will Ferrell as a human character named Buddy who was mistakenly raised as one of Santa’s elves after unknowingly crawling into Santa’s present sack as a baby. Buddy grew up in the North Pole unaware of his origin, but Buddy eventually discovers his true identity. This leads him on a journey to New York City in search of his biological family. The film follows Buddy’s coming-of-age story as he navigates new experiences and learns to adapt to a completely new reality in the human world.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” tells the classic story of the Grinch, a miserable and pessimistic creature who sets out on a mission to steal Christmas to settle his deep hatred with the holiday season. Originally created by Dr. Seuss as a popular children’s book, the story has since been adapted into three iconic films: the 1966 animated classic, the 2000 live-action comedy, and the 2018 modern remake. “The Grinch” isn’t just about stealing Christmas, it’s a story about something that can never be stolen; the true joy in connection and community. Each version of the tale has its own unique and beautiful take. Whichever edition you choose, the heartwarming, timeless message of Christmas remains the same.
“Eight Crazy Nights” is a unique holiday film blending humor, music, and heartfelt redemption all in one. Starring Adam Sandler, the movie follows Davey Stone, a troublemaker who must serve community service under the guidance of Whitey, a quirky elderly referee. The film also incorporates Hanukkah traditions, adding diversity to the myriad of holiday storytelling out there. While some jokes may not have aged well, the underlying message about second chances and the importance of community still resonates. Overall, it’s a silly yet heartwarming addition to holiday cinema. “It’s cool to see a theme different from the traditional holiday movie,” sophomore Rafaella Castro said.
“The Princess Switch” is a charming Netflix rom-com that follows the lives of twin sisters who swap places and discover unexpected love. Vanessa Hudgens plays Stacy DeNovo, a talented baker from Chicago who travels to the fictional kingdom of Belgravia for a prestigious baking competition. There she meets Lady Margaret Delacourt, a duchess who longs for a normal life and is engaged to the crown prince. The two sisters discover each other’s existence and agree to switch lives for two days. “It’s like the Parent Trap, but make it Christmas. It’s one of my favorite movies that never disappoints,” freshman Reese Sandor said. The movie combines festive traditions with the trope of forbidden love, and both Stacy and Margaret find themselves questioning the paths they’ve taken after experiencing each other’s lives.
Although there are a variety of other great holiday movies, each of the films above has something unique to offer. All of them capture the spirit of the season in different ways, from funny punchlines to heartfelt messages, there is something for everyone. Take your pick.
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