The Best Christmas Movies to Get You In The Festive Spirit
Whether you are a fan of the schmaltzy, saccharine Christmas movie genre or not, this is 2020. There are no boozy Christmas parties to drown the sorrows away. We've got stricter lockdowns and more stressful news going about. Perhaps the best (and safest) way to get into the festive spirit this season is binge-watching Christmas films from our childhood to the ones recently released by Netflix. A bottle of wine or two by our side.
It's the year of staying in, and what better way to end it than with films that bring escape and entertainment. We'll cover some classics that we should all watch every year, and we're also listing some of Netflix's timely releases. So get comfy, wrap yourself in some warmth, and keep the snacks within reach.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
The moment the songs burst into the movie, you just know this is going to be a Christmas classic. Jingle Jangle is a musical with songs by John Legend, and it takes you on a festive adventure that kids of all ages will love. How Forest Whittaker and Ricky Martin are in the same movie is a holiday treat in itself.
The Family Stone
Remember when movies didn't have to be so flashy to get attention? Vogue calls this the "most middle-class Christmas film ever made", but it rightfully deserves to be on this list. Sarah Jessica Parker is the anal girlfriend who just can't get the approval of Dermot Mulroney's mother, Diane Keaton. You get the gist. It's sweet, simple, and a joy to watch.
Christmas On The Square
There are many ways to describe this movie. It's a scrooge-like flick that will make you want to be generous. It's set in a little town with singing people. Or we'll call it what it is and why we're definitely watching this: Two Queens in a camp-extravaganza. Dolly Parton atop a cloud as the guardian angel of Christine Baranski. Yes, and yes!
Love Actually
Since its release in 2003, this glorious mishmash of who's who of British rom-com has been a festive telly staple. It won't be Christmas this year without rewatching this classic.
Princess Switch: Switched Again
We can't remember what the premise was of the first instalment. But we're pretty sure it was an escapist joy. So this movie, where there are three Vanessa Hudgens juggling accents and wigs should be a delight!
It's A Wonderful Life
There is not a year where I don't bawl out crying to this movie. And if the measure of a good Christmas film is how much it makes you warm and fuzzy inside, then this is best one of all. Bring lots of tissues.
The Holiday
If there ever was a Chick Flick for Christmas awards, this movie would remain the winner every year. No other film has covered the bases the way the saccharine The Holiday has. Snowy English villages included.
Klaus
It's criminal that this movie hasn't gotten the recognition it deserves. Yes, it got nominated for an Academy Award. It's the highest-rated Christmas movie on IMDB. But with your viewing, it could get into record-breaking stream numbers. Klaus is the story of a postman who goes to the north pole. Adventures and friendships unfold.
Miracle on 34th Street
Finally, we wrap this list with the 1994 classic starring the doe-eyed Mara Wilson. Here she's a young six-year-old who only wants a simple thing for Christmas: A dad, a house, and a baby brother. Okay, not so simple. But she might have asked this wish to someone who might be the real deal.
