Ho ho ho! The time for hot chocolate, cozy blankets and family time has finally arrived. What’s Christmas Eve without a list of movies to binge with friends and family on the long awaited night? There are the typical Christmas favorites like “Home Alone” and “The Grinch” that come to mind when people think of Christmas movies. However, as wholesome and magical those movies may be, there are some hidden gems only a few know about. Here are a few must-watch movies that will have you laughing and feeling good this Christmas season.
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
This chaotic but heartwarming comedy embraces holiday traditions and spirits of community and togetherness. “Christmas with the Kranks” is a narration of Luther and Nora Krank, who decide to miss Christmas when their daughter travels abroad for a year, and they go on a Caribbean cruise instead. Their decisions stuns their festive-driven neighbors and they face judgement and rebellion from Vic Frohmeye, who is a Christmas fanatic. The Kranks then scramble to put together a perfect “last-minute” holiday celebration, which leads to hilarious mishaps and awkwardness. The movie relies heavily on its humour, but clearly enforces the importance of community and kindness during Christmas, which are the true meaning of the holiday. This comedy is perfect for fans of festive family chaos, as its humour and story make it a perfect choice for a cheerful and laughter-filled entertainment night.
12 Dates of Christmas (2011)
Light-hearted and romantic, “12 Dates of Christmas” tells a story of a woman, Kate Stanton, who was stuck in a loop, repeating Christmas Eve for 12 times. In the movie, Kate is initially focused on mending her relationship with her ex-boyfriend; she repeatedly relives their first date and sees each reset as a chance to “win him back,” but as time progresses, her priorities begin to shift. Kate’s attention shifts to charming Miles Dufine and she begins to reevaluate her approach to relationships and life as well. Kate begins to reflect on her actions, connecting more with people around her, and instead of trying to control every situation, she embraces the imperfection of life instead. In doing so, she rediscovers the joy of Christmas— that it’s not just about romance but the authenticity and selflessness of connections. In the end the journey isn’t really about Kate escaping her loop but rather growing as a person. This movie embraces cheerful holiday spirits with the perfect wintry visuals, with snowy streets and Christmas decorations lining the setting, making it perfect for a movie to watch during Christmas time. It is regarded as a sweet romantic-comedy which reminds viewers to embrace love and kindness during this time of the year. The movie takes viewers on Kate’s journey to find out what truly matters during the season of giving.
Arthur Christmas (2013)
This family-friendly, feel-good cartoon movie is perfect for families with kids as it is both imaginative and uplifting for children and entertaining for adults. The whimsical animation answers the frequently asked question of “how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?” The film shows Arthur Claus, Santa’s son, embarking on a clumsy but successful mission to save Christmas and make sure no child is forgotten on Christmas Eve. When Arthur mistakenly missed the delivery of a present, he and his Grandsanta created a high-tech delivery operation to deliver the gift the old-fashioned “Santa on his sleigh” manner before sunrise. “Arthur Christmas” emphasises the importance of kindness and unwavering beliefs in the spirit of Christmas humorously and poignantly, affirming the idea that Christmas is a time for family and friends to spend together.
The Holdovers (2023)
When an irritable and cranky boarding school teacher is forced to watch over students during the holiday break, he is left with Agnus, who is intelligent but troubled and Mary, who is an excellent cook grieving her son’s death. While the three spend time together in the cold, empty school, they form a connection amongst each other; they start sharing moments of pain, laughter and joy. This movie dives into themes of loss, human connection and nostalgia in a touching way. “The Holdovers” is an uplifting story about forming unexpected bonds during the most unexpected times. This beautifully crafted film is not just a story about a boring holiday, but one of celebrating human connection in its most imperfect form. It’s a film whose bittersweet taste stays long after the credits roll!
This holiday season, there are many underrated movies that teach the value of family, kindness and connection. From watching movies about being stuck in school for the holidays to watching comedies about last-minute holiday celebrations, this Christmas season is abundant with movies that enhance the festive spirit.
