It’s November, which basically means that it’s the holidays, right? As a self-admitted Christmas fanatic, November marks the month when I can let my festive freak flag fly and I wouldn’t be able to do that without binge-watching my favorite holiday movies. So grab your cocoa, snuggie and some popcorn, because these are the 12 holiday movies that you must watch this year.
1. Home Alone
Home Alone is a movie that has a special place in my heart. From the time I was eight years old plopped in front of the TV to now, I never stop laughing for the duration of this movie! What else could you expect when you take two bumbling criminals and a too smart for his own good mini-Macaulay Culkin? Sit back, laugh and enjoy this classic.
2. Elf
No holiday movie list would be complete without Elf. Even the scroogiest person can’t help but find Buddy’s naivety and festive excitement endearing! Plus who can forget Zooey Deschanel and Will Ferrell’s rendition of “Baby It’s Cold Outside”? Elf is arguably the most quotable holiday movie out there and it would be wrong to forget about this amazing comedy. For those of you who, for whatever reason, have not seen Elf, stop what you’re doing and open Netflix ASAP!
3. The Polar Express
Okay, this one is a bit controversial, but while there are people who think it is boring, I have a sweet spot for The Polar Express. Based off the book of the same name, there is no movie that quite recaptures the childlike wonder of and nostalgia for Christmas quite like the The Polar Express. Don’t have fond memories of this movie? Give it another chance and you might be surprised by how sentimental you feel!
4. A Christmas Carol
While my personal favorite is the animated Disney version, I will watch any version of this Dickens classic. Especially for those who prefer the spooky and eerie, even at the most joyful time of the year, A Christmas Carol is the OG holiday ghost story.
5. Scrooged
Okay, this is the same story of A Christmas Carol, but with a (slightly more) modern take. Scrooged is the perfect holiday movie for those who appreciate something a little bit different… or for anyone who just loves Bill Murray – but who doesn’t?
6. The Year Without a Santa Claus
If you grew up watching the classic holiday claymation films like I did, this movie won’t be foreign to you! Heat Miser and Snow Miser gave us two extremely iconic songs and this movie will make you feel good. Warning: might bring on dangerous amounts of nostalgia.
7. Jingle All the Way
If Arnold Schwartzenneger and Christmas movie are two things that you never thought to put in the same sentence, be sure to check out Jingle All the Way! This movie, which pokes fun at the commercialism of the holiday season, is truly hilarious.
8. The Holiday
I love Love Actually, I really do. But for you rom-com fans out there looking for something different, you might want to also check out The Holiday. Is it cheesy? Yes, but it is absolutely heartwarming. Sometimes there’s nothing like a little melodramedy a la Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack black to get you feeling festive.
9. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Just like The Polar Express, this movie will also have you questioning your belief in Santa Claus all over again. Miracle on 34th Street is heartfelt, charming and sure to have you thinking about what the holidays are really about.
10. The Night Before
This is definitely not a holiday for the whole family; however, if you need a good laugh and some crass humor, look no further than The Night Before! As always where there is Seth Rogen there is sure to be hilarity. The Night Before delivers something that other holiday movies can’t: the raunchy side of festive.
11. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
There was no author quite like Dr. Seuss, just like there is no holiday tale quite like How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Based on the beloved children’s book, both the animated movie (1966) and the Jim Carey adaptation bring this wonderful story to life. I personally love the Jim Carey version for its wit and outlandishness. What other movie
12. It’s a Wonderful Life
Generally acknowledged to be the greatest holiday movie of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life truly reminds us of what’s really important in life. Whether you’re more of a Buddy or a scrooge when it comes to the holidays, this is one Christmas film that is a must-watch no matter the time of year. Seriously, I dare you not to shed a tear.
There are so many great, unique and festive films out there, it was almost impossible to limit this list to just 12! Since there are so many holiday movies you might as well get started watching and be sure these 12 make the cut. What movies get you into the holiday spirit?