There’s nothing like a good holiday movie to get you feeling ready for the season. Holiday movies have very different criteria, in my opinion, for what qualifies as a good movie. From Christmas classics to Hallmark movies, there are plenty of choices to get you into the spirit. After putting my list together, I came to the realization that the holiday move genre peaked in the late 90s and early 2000s. Note that the movies are listed in no particular order.

1.    It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
It’s a Wonderful Life has remained a relevant holiday movie for all these years for a reason; it’s the best! If you’re a fan of older classic Christmas movies, I definitely encourage you to give this one a try. It gets at central themes explored in movies and life that are relatable to a wide audience, like love and kindness, without feeling cliché. Overall, one of my personal favorites.
2.    Elf (2003)
This movie is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a slightly more adult movie with a childlike feel. At some points it feels like a bit much as we see Will Ferrell, an adult, roaming the streets of New York dressed as an elf.  Overall, it is a fun watch and stays true to Will Ferrell’s outrageous humor. All of the quirky elements of the movie, like Will Ferrell eating spaghetti with pop tarts and every other sweet treat you can think of define the style of comedy being conveyed. Given the movie’s overwhelming fan base, it’s safe to say Buddy the elf is a quintessential holiday character.

3.    A Christmas Story (1983)
This movie is another Christmas classic that you can’t go wrong with, no matter how many times you’ve seen it. It is, of course, one of the most iconic and commonly referenced holiday films, especially the iconic leg lamp. What’s admirable about the movie is its comedic nature and the more realistic approach to what the holiday season looks like in real life.
4.    Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Centered around the feeling of Christmas magic and believing in Santa, this classic is sure to leave you feeling excited for the holiday season. Like many other holiday movies, the charming story manages to incorporate some romance into the plotline. The scenery and nostalgic holiday events, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, help make this movie stand out among other similar films. Overall, I think it’s endearing how the movie suggests that adults can have a childlike view at times and how we should choose to see the best in people.
5.    The Santa Clause Series (1994-2006)
Have you ever pictured Tim Allen as Santa Claus? Now you don’t have to. This classic Christmas movie focuses on Santa Claus and believing in Christmas magic. After the first movie in the series came out in 1994, showing Tim Allen taking on the role of Santa Claus (delivering gifts and the whole nine yards), two more movies came out featuring more fictional childhood characters, from the Tooth Fairy to Santa’s helper elves, the most iconic one being Bernard.
6.    The Polar Express (2004)
The Polar Express is a childhood staple holiday movie full of Christmas spirit. In this movie, a group of children embark on the journey of a lifetime to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus, ultimately facing some challenges along the way. Regardless of the strange (and slightly creepy) style of animation, this movie is fun to revisit for the nostalgia; bonus points if you watch it while drinking hot chocolate.
7.    Holiday in Handcuffs (2007)
This holiday Rom-com is essentially the blueprint for all of the Hallmark movies that followed it. For some reason, holiday movies tend to create a narrative including an outcast family member who has been shamed about their lackluster love life. So, naturally, Melissa Joan Hart’s character resorts to kidnapping Mario Lopez. Because who would be better to bring home to mom and dad?
8.    Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Yet another movie starring Tim Allen has somehow made it on the list. Despite this movie’s 5% Rotten Tomatoes rating (which I found to be somewhat fair), this movie has the perfect amount of cringe that will leave you laughing and feeling the holiday spirit.
9.    The Grinch (2000)
While this move has been remade several times since the 2000 release starring Jim Carrey, this version stands out the most in my holiday movie memories. Although the makeup used on the actors is unsettling at times, the movie’s whimsical nature redeems it and has cemented it as a Christmas staple. It’s hard to not enjoy the sweet story of someone who is bitter and feels isolated, but ultimately sees the good in people.
10.    Snowglobe (2007)
It’s hard to deny that this movie is slightly awful, but something about it makes it the perfect cringe holiday move to watch and re-watch every holiday season. The whole movie centers around a fake village in a snow globe that Christina Milan’s character periodically transports to. Here she is able to experience Christmas every day. While visiting the Snowglobe village, Angela (Christina Milan) manages to make some friends and face issues in her love life. Cheesy? Definitely. Festive? Also, yes.

Honorable mention goes to Vanessa Hudgens for her delightfully awful performance in The Princess Switch. If you’re looking to relive some childhood holiday memories through The Polar Express, keep an eye on the ASLC’s upcoming events this December. Happy watching!

Written & Art by: Isabella Harrison