Christmas is nearly here, which means it’s time to bust out the best holiday movies. I rewatch them every year, and they always spark my excitement for the holidays. These are my top 5 Christmas movies that I recommend watching this season.
5. Holiday in handcuffs (2007)
This movie is a comedic masterpiece. In this movie, Gertrude “Trudie” Chandler (Melissa Joan Hart) is dumped before Christmas and is expected to bring someone over for the holidays. Because of this little setback, she kidnaps David Martin (Mario Lopez) from a diner and takes him to her family’s house under the guise that he is her boyfriend. This movie has so many exciting twists and turns, for example, David ends up falling in love with her even though she kidnapped him and took him to her family gathering against his will. He also didn’t call the cops when he had the opportunity because he wanted to protect her family. The funniest part is when she handcuffs him with furry handcuffs to her car and the store person who saw it thought it was a completely different situation. David ends up messing with Trudie by playing along with her little scheme as the great boyfriend which has her upset and confused. I would 100 percent recommend this movie. It is so good and the chemistry between the two characters will have you antsy, wondering how it will end. You can watch it on Amazon Prime, Hulu and Youtube.
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
This movie is a childhood favorite, I grew up associating the Grinch with Christmas. In this movie, the Grinch vows to ruin Christmas because he’s been outcast from the town since childhood, but Cindy Lou makes him more compassionate and gives him the love he desperately wished for. How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a really good movie that is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. I especially loved when the Grinch wrapped Cindy Lou in wrapping paper instead of hurting her, proving he really isn’t a bad person at all because he could have done much worse. The moral of this movie is not everyone is how they seem. The Christmas music was splendid. I love“ You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch,” it is cute and funny. The entire movie made a point to show that everyone should be accepted. His movie is live action, starring Jim Carrey as Mr. Grinch. I mainly love this version the most because he portrayed the way the Grinch felt perfectly, it’s like he made the movie exactly as it was written. Jim Carry is truly the representation of Christmas. Tune in to HBO Max, Amazon Prime and Hulu to watch.
3. Elf (2003)
Buddy, a human taken in by elves as a baby, goes to NYC to reconnect with his skeptical father while spreading his Christmas cheer. This movie was great to watch with my family. I loved the part when he’s in elf class and everyone else is super tiny. It made me laugh so hard. The message is to be yourself even when you don’t know who exactly you are. My favorite character is Buddy because he is played by Will Ferrell, who is probably the funniest actor I have ever seen on TV. Even if the scenes are improv or scripted he makes the movie flow along amazingly. The way comedy is infused throughout the whole movie just makes it so much better. I recommend that you watch this movie at least once before Christmas, especially if you are feeling down, because it will brighten your mood. You can watch this movie on HBO Max, Amazon Prime and Hulu.
2. Friday After Next (2002)
I love this movie, it makes me laugh everytime I watch it. It’s not a family movie, but it is just as good to watch by yourself. This movie revolves around Christmas and Santa as he breaks into Craig Jones’ house and steals money that Craig and his roommate “Day Day” need to pay the rent, as well as a baby picture. They end up having a party to accumulate their rent money that was stolen while tracking the thief down. My favorite part of the movie is when they attack Santa in a diner thinking it is the thief.It is hands down the best scene of the movie. Their friendship is so refreshing, they care for each other and no matter what they always back each other up. If you want to watch this movie, it is available on HBO Max and Amazon Prime.
1. /Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Luther Krank is happy he can finally go on vacation for Christmas, but his daughter is coming back so they are in a time crunch to throw their annual Christmas party. They come to learn what the true meaning of Christmas is when their entire neighborhood comes together and helps them throw the party of the year. This is my all time favorite movie, it’s a comedy and they come to appreciate what they have. They have moments of misfortune but they work through it to put their feelings aside and make everyone else happy. My favorite scene is when Luther and Nora get caught in a tanning salon by people they normally invite to their party; The Kranks end up admitting that they are avoiding the party, which leaves everyone upset. I also loved when he sent a memo about no Christmas to all of his friends and co-workers, shocking them all which was super hilarious because it is baffling for them. This movie can be found on Amazon Prime.
Whether you’re in for a long winter night or on a holiday movie countdown, sit back, sip your hot chocolate and enjoy the five best Christmas movies of all time.