13 Must-Watch Holiday Classics In Anticipation Of Christmas
The holidays can be a stressful and hard time for many, but movies are a great way to unwind and take your mind off of things. There are so many silly, heartfelt, and funny holiday movies to watch — it can be hard to choose! Pop Culture Planet contributor Jordan Bohan breaks down 13 holiday movies you’ll want to watch the week leading up to Christmas.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas is the ultimate classic holiday cartoon. When Charlie Brown becomes depressed by the commercialized holiday season, Lucy cheers him up by asking him to direct the holiday pageant. But bossy Lucy doesn’t allow Charlie Brown to do much directing and sends him off to buy an aluminum Christmas tree.
Streaming on Apple TV+.
A Christmas Story
Ralphie spends most of his time dodging the actions of his bully and daydreaming of his ideal Christmas gift. The film premiered a sequel just last year, almost forty years after the original. It follows Ralphie navigating the holidays as a father. A Christmas Story is a fun and nostalgic holiday watch for everyone.
Streaming on Max.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
In need of some comic relief? Have a dysfunctional family? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation has got you covered. Definitely more on the adult side, Christmas Vacation depicts the real life struggles and frustrations adults face during the holidays. Not everything is smooth sailing, but in the end it’s always worth it.
Streaming on Max and Hulu.
Christmas with the Kranks
Coming out in 2004, this hilarious family friendly comedy is exactly what you need when you might not be feeling the holiday spirit. The Krank family decides that since their daughter moved away, they aren’t going to participate in the holiday festivities. Instead they save their money to go on a cruise starting on Christmas Eve. But when their daughter decides to come home, their festive neighborhood antics attempt to get the family to join in on the fun.
Streaming on Prime Video and The Roku Channel.
A Diva’s Christmas Carol
A Diva’s Christmas Carol is a glitzy and glamorous take on the classic Christmas Carol tale. An egotistical superstar loses her holiday spirit and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future visit her.
Elf
One of the most popular holiday movies of all time, Elf is a must re-watch each and every December. The movie is fun, playful, and in all senses of the word, hilarious. It’s great for a family watch or solo movie night in. The film celebrates its 20th anniversary this year as it continues to be a fan favorite year after year.
Watch on Hulu and Max.
Fred Claus
When Santa Claus experiences some health problems, he enlists the help of his brother Fred to deliver gifts on Christmas. But Fred’s criminal past and current poor behavior put Santa’s entire operation at risk. Fred Claus is full of laughs, gasps, and cries as Fred finds his new place in the Claus family.
Watch on Hulu and Max.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
There’s a reason this story has been redone time after time — and that’s because it’s great! How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a family watch worth revisiting every single year. The Grinch tries to steal Christmas from Whoville, while Cindy Lou Who attempts to stop him from ruining the holiday. Whether you’re a fan of the old school animation, live action, or new animation, there’s a way to watch for everyone.
Streaming on Peacock and Hulu.
Home Alone
Kevin McCallister lives every child’s dream of having the house to themself, up until a pair of burglars attempt to break in and steal from his home. The boy creates all kinds of traps and tricks to disarm the criminals all while trying to reconnect with his family for the holidays. Home Alone is a classic for a reason and never gets old.
Watch on Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, or The Roku Channel.
Jingle All The Way
When workaholic Howard wants to make things up to his family, he promises to get his son the hottest toy of the season in Jingle All The Way. As he hunts down the elusive gift on Christmas Eve, he runs into another father on the same quest. Fulfilling a child’s holiday wish is all a parent aims to do and this movie encapsulates the lengths in which people will go to in order to have the perfect holiday.
Watch on Disney+.
Last Holiday
An introverted saleswoman finds out that she has a terminal illness and forces her to reflect on the overly cautious life she’s led in Last Holiday. She takes out her life savings and goes to Europe where she lives lavishly. This movie isn’t your typical Christmas tale, but shows another side of the holiday that forces you to reflect on your own decisions and life path.
Streaming on Paramount+ and The Roku Channel.
The Polar Express
The Polar Express is the perfect Christmas Eve watch. Cuddle up with some cocoa in your pajamas and fall asleep to this holiday classic. A young boy takes an extraordinary trip to the North Pole on Christmas Eve that reinvigorates his belief in Santa. Tom Hanks shines in seven different roles.
Streaming on Prime Video, Hulu, Max, or The Roku Channel.
The Santa Clause
If a movie has had multiple sequels and a spinoff series, you know it’s good. The Santa Clause follows a man who accidentally causes a man in a Santa suit to fall off his roof. When he puts the suit on, he is magically transported to the North Pole. An elf explains to him that he now has to take Santa’s place in order to save the holiday. This movie is as family friendly as it gets and depicts the real troubles behind divorced families when it comes to the holidays.
Watch on Disney+, along with the new series The Santa Clauses.
