Every holiday season brings about a perfect time for family bonding. Whether it’s baking, singing, or playing games, the holidays always make for everlasting memories. Those everlasting memories even come down to the family movies we all watch and enjoy. Here are 5 must-watch holiday movies this season.
“Die Hard”
Okay, let’s get this out of the way — “Die Hard” is a quintessential holiday movie. Since 1988, the question of “Die Hard” being a holiday film has overtaken many tabletime discussions, but we are here to settle it.
While it’s awesome to see Bruce Willis as John McClane take on some baddies, there are several reasons why this is an important holiday film. The surrounding themes of Christmastime (I mean, the film revolves around McClane getting back to his family for Christmas and it taking place on Christmas Eve) are all throughout the movie. Furthermore, there’s plenty of Christmas tunes in there — from Run DMC’s “Christmas in Hollis” to Frank Sinatra’s “Let It Snow.” Thus, “Die Hard” is one of those must-watch holiday movies to see this season!
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
The 1946 classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” is another one of those must-watch holiday movies for this season. Following the life of George Bailey, the main character sees life in his small town as it was if he wasn’t there. Giving up on his dreams, Bailey ponders what life would be like if he were no longer around, though he is ultimately stopped by his guardian angel in Clarence Odbody.
The film was especially important given the fact that it came out at the end of World War II. Tapping into the emotions of loss and grief, it was a film that ultimately inspired hope and continues to hit airwaves every holiday season.
Must-Watch Holiday Movies Include “Home Alone” / “Home Alone 2”
Of course, you can’t escape any list of must-watch holiday movies without talking about “Home Alone.” The timeless trio of Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McAllister foiling the exploits of Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern is forever enshrined in cinema history. Nothing more needs to be said there — Culkin’s face on the movie poster says it all.
If that wasn’t enough, don’t forget the sequel!
“The Nightmare Before Christmas”
Take a walk on the weird side with Tim Burton’s “Nightmare Before Christmas!” A cinematic classic, Burton’s unique take on Christmas completely flipped the family dynamic upside down in 1993. With the iconic Jack Skellington attempting to bring Christmas back to Halloween Town, this classic is one of those must-watch holiday movies that rings supreme all year round!
“Elf”
And lastly, we must talk about the 2003 film, “Elf!” Who doesn’t love Will Ferrell? Raised by Santa’s elves, Buddy (played by Ferrell) ventures to New York City to find his biological father. It’s a film that truly embodies the spirit of the holiday season along with wholesome family values between father and son.
Widely acclaimed for its themes and performances, “Elf” continues to remain a mainstay on TV as the holidays roll around — and it should be for your family as well!
