Even though the holiday season has come and gone, the cold weather is just starting to blast its way through Southeast Texas. With those blustery days and frigid nights, come winter comfort foods and movies. So why not stretch out the holiday season a little longer and wait to take down the tree so you can cozy up on the couch and take in a seasonal movie you may have missed.
When it comes to Christmas movies, the classics are the way to go. The story-telling and atmosphere of a good Christmas movie can transport the viewer into a winter wonderland.
Among the fluff of films that come from seasonal releases, a few classic Christmas movies slipped through the cracks of mediocrity and became iconic. The humor and family aspect of these is definitely the key to their success, as well as the fact that they can be watched year after year and still remain enjoyable.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)
Discovering the true meaning of Christmas while grappling with the materialistic nature of the holiday is what Charlie Brown is partaking in throughout “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Charlie and his friends put on a holiday show that doesn’t stir Brown’s heart. His friend Lucy runs a paid help desk, his sister Sally asks for “10s and 20s” as a gift, and his wholesome tree is seen as inadequate. His best buddy Linus seems to be the only voice of reason for Charlie’s debacle.
This can be watched on Apple TV and Amazon Prime. It is only 25 minutes long and is rated G so the whole family can enjoy this masterpiece. It is a very interesting take on the genre, providing some introspection and a real point of view on the state of Christmas. This subject matter is extremely ahead of its time and is still prevalent today. The cast of characters is unique and interesting with each having their own traits and gimmicks. It is a short and charming slice-of-life that is deeper than the viewer might think. In short, it is an enjoyable and insightful piece of work that can certainly be enjoyed by everyone.
“Home Alone” (1990)
Discovering independence and the importance of family while navigating the chaos of being left behind is what Kevin McCallister experiences throughout “Home Alone.” Kevin, an eight-year-old boy, is accidentally left home alone when his family leaves for Christmas vacation. At first, he relishes the freedom, having the time of his life doing anything he wants. But the situation takes a dramatic turn when two rowdy robbers, Harry and Marv, target his house. Kevin must then use tricky traps and sneaky surprises to thwart their scheme.
This can be watched on Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. It runs for 1 hour and 43 minutes and is rated PG, making it suitable for a family movie night. “Home Alone” blends humor, heart, and holiday spirit into a timeless narrative that appeals to all ages. The slapstick comedy, Kevin’s clever antics, and the warmth of the underlying family message create an unforgettable film. It also delves into themes of loneliness and redemption, giving the audience depth among the pure enjoyability. With its memorable cast of characters and iconic scenes, “Home Alone” remains a staple of holiday entertainment.
“Elf” (2003)
Discovering self-identity and the true meaning of Christmas while spreading joy is what Buddy the Elf embarks on throughout “Elf.” Raised by Santa’s elves at the North Pole, Buddy learns he is actually a human and sets out to New York City to find his biological father. His voyage is full of comical moments regarding his inexperience when talking to others. He gets in tons of wacky situations and resembles a baby taking in life for the first time. Will Ferrell absolutely delivers on his performance of Buddy and carries the film with his humorous actions.
This can be streamed on Max and Amazon Prime. It has a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes and is rated PG, making it perfect for the whole family. The film is a timeless fish out of water story that highlights the difference between Buddy’s childish nature and the noisy city life. The whimsical cast of characters, from the disturbed New Yorkers to the odd residents of the North Pole, make “Elf” endlessly entertaining. With its charming humor and heartfelt message, this modern Christmas classic has something for everyone, leaving viewers with immense joy.
“Polar Express” (2004)
Discovering the power of belief and the magic of Christmas is what “The Polar Express” does best. The story follows a young boy who begins to doubt the existence of Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, he boards a magical train ride to the North Pole, meeting an erratic cast of characters along the way. Through thrilling adventures, heartwarming moments, and a touch of mystery, the boy learns that the spirit of Christmas is more than meets the eye.
This can be streamed on Max and Amazon Prime. It runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes and is rated G, making it another perfect choice for family movie night. “The Polar Express” is a visually stunning adaptation of the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, with unique animation that brings the story to life. Its heartfelt narrative, paired with a memorable musical score, creates a timeless film that remains enjoyable 20 years later.
“A Christmas Story” (1983)
Discovering the humor and nostalgia of your parents’ childhood Christmases is what “A Christmas Story” delivers. Set in the 1940s, the film follows Ralphie Parker, whose greatest wish is to receive a BB gun for Christmas. Leading up to the big day, Ralphie faces many difficulties and shenanigans as he attempts to make his dream gift real. The story is narrated with a warm reflection of childhood innocence and holiday excitement.
This timeless classic can be streamed on Max and Amazon Prime. It has a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes and is rated PG, making it another family-friendly holiday staple. “A Christmas Story” perfectly captures the charm, humor, and chaos of the season, with many iconic moments that have stood the test of time. With its relatable characters, memorable lines, and nostalgic look at Christmas traditions, “A Christmas Story” has cemented itself as a holiday favorite. It’s a film that resonates with all ages, reminding us of the joy, chaos, and magic of Christmas, making it a must-watch year after year.
No matter which classic you choose, these family friendly favorites run year-round on different streaming services. So, if you need your “Elf” fix in the summer, just go ahead and celebrate Christmas in July.
