Favorite Holiday Movies

Alexander Wiley - 16 December 2020

As the holiday season approaches, I thought reminiscing about my favorite holiday films seemed appropriate. Although these films are ranked, my appreciation of them changes from year to year. Some of them I’ve only seen once, but they stamped a lasting impression on me. There are some “classics” which are not on this list. I do acknowledge they are “classics”, but are not meaningful to me.

I can’t wait to dive into re-watching these gems.

Format: Title (Year) Director.

15. Carol (2015) Todd Haynes: Visual treats, Blanchett, and Mara = stunning film.

14. Bad Santa (2003) Terry Zwigoff: A crude black comedy about the holidays? I’m down for it.

13. Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) Larry Roemer: We’re all misfits and it’s totally cool.

12. The Best Man Holiday (2013) Malcolm D. Lee: A cool depiction of drama around the holidays full of heart and honesty.

11. Joyeux Noel (2005) Christian Carion: A gripping drama about common humanity during a dark time in world history. Can it be more inspirational?

10. Klaus (2019) Sergio Pablos: Almost every frame of this film could be a visually stunning painting.

9. A Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Henry Selick: Clever and slick film from the fantastic mind of Selick and Burton. It’s a classic – enough said.

8. Little Women (1933) George Cukor: I fell in love with this film as a child. I still love it.

7. Home Alone (1990) Chris Columbus: Good ol’ family and childhood fun.

6. Elf (2003) Jon Favreau: Farrell’s enjoyment is too infectious not to savor each moment.

5. White Christmas (1954) Michael Curtiz: It’s too cheerful to resist, the songs are catchy, and the choreography is spectacular.

4. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) Frank Capra: The wonderful message never gets old or worn.

3. A Christmas Carol (1951) Edwin L. Marin: This touching Dickens rendition will always withstand the test of time.

2. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) Jeremiah S. Chechik: Each scene is a visual comedic treat.

1. Die Hard (1988) John McTiernan: Ho. Ho. Ho. Remember – at the heart of this film is a family reconnecting at Nakatomi Plaza during the holiday season.